May-June 2012 AMERICAN www.bikeleague.org

League of American Bicyclists Working for a -Friendly America WOMEN A FEMALEROLL CYCLISTS ARE TAKING THE LEAD IN THE BICYCLE MOVEMENT p.8

16 CYCLING IN 20 RIDE AMERICA FOR SAFE ROUTES Pedaling across the country for bicycle safety

contentMAY-JUNE 2012 8 IN EVERY ISSUE Viewpoint...... 2 Inbox...... 3 Cogs & Gears...... 5 QuickStop...... 28

ON THE Pedal Progress COVER! 8 Women on a Roll Female cyclists are taking the lead in the bicycle movement 16 From the Saddle 16 Cycling in Japan The ideal combination of spectacular terrain, delicious food and friendly people

20 Ride America for Safe Routes Pedaling cross-country for bicycle safety

Bicycle Friendly America Workstand 22 Moving Up BFA program helps bicycle-friendly 20 participants improve their performance Think Bike 24 24 Who Benefits from Bicycling in Your City? Community Cycling Center advances collaborative advocacy

26 Getting and Leveraging Public Funds Five lessons from Delaware

Cover: Kim Cross, founder of Magic City Cycle Chix, re-imag- ined the iconic Rosie the Riveter poster for women in bicycling viewpoint [Andy Clarke, president]

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

The League has a proud tradi- the impact of every individual League tion of leadership. From the glory member through more focused and days of the Good Roads Movement in effective education, advocacy and the 1890s to the National Bike Sum- training programs at the national, state mit today, we have championed smart and local level – while respecting and national transportation policy. celebrating the rich history and tradi- In the 1970s and 1980s the League tion of the League. (Read more at secured the legal status of bicyclists, www.bikefuture.org.) state by state, and established an educa- What is particularly exciting to me tion program for cyclists – then known about this opportunity is that all three as “effective cycling” – with principles organizations come to the table with League President Andy Clarke (center) upon which every state and local educa- a shared vision, strong programs, and with Tim Blumenthal from Bikes Belong tion program is still based to this day. financial good health. We aren’t talking (right) and Jeff Miller from the AllianceT The Bicycle Friendly Community because one of us is going under, or for Biking & Walking program – which has spawned not only need to consolidate programs or save our own Business, University and State money by cutting staff. The emphasis programs but also derivatives such as is solely on expanding the reach and Walk Friendly and Age Friendly Com- value of what we do at a time when in- munities – is spearheading the creation terest in bicycling is at an all-time high of a more bicycle-friendly America. in communities across the nation. And, for the past 50 years, National There is a lot of work still to be Bike Month and Bike to Work Day done before we can start writing this have given people the perfect excuse to next chapter in the history of the get back on a bike and ride. League, and we’ll be presenting more Today, the League is playing a details in the months ahead. For now, leadership role in taking our movement we welcome your input into this pro- to another level of effectiveness and cess; we ask for your continued support influence. through your membership and con- Our board and staff leaders are tributions; and we need you to be the deep into negotiations with the Al- ultimate bike advocate ... by getting on liance for Biking & Walking and the your bike and riding! Bikes Belong Coalition to unify our three organizations into one powerful voice for cyclists. The new organiza- tion will combine the financial clout of Andy Clarke the bike industry with the grassroots President, League of American Bicyclists passion and reach of hundreds of local advocacy groups and clubs. If we are successful, the collaborative relation- ship we already enjoy with the Alli- ance and Bikes Belong will magnify

2 AmericanBicyclist inbox [letters to the editor] Rear-view mirrors can help prevent “struck-from-behind” accidents. The Value of Hindsight TWEETED The Jan-Feb issue of American Bicyclist Took off my lobbying contains an excellent article on educa- dress and cherry blossom tion for bicyclists. There is, however, petals fell out. #NBS12 [National a significant omission from this and Bike Summit] + cherry blossom most other articles I have seen on the season? Heaven! subject of reducing injuries and fatali- - Rhonda Smythe ties among road-riding bicyclists. This omission is the lack of discussion, or even a mention, of the role of rear-view Spending vs. Cycling? mirrors in preventing “struck-from- behind” accidents involving bicyclists. I read your article in the Jan-Feb issue The helmet, a much-touted piece of of American Bicyclist bemoaning the safety equipment (which I person- fact that funding for bike-friendly ally would never ride without), really programs is being cut from the federal doesn’t do much for the rider until budget. Where is the money going to their strikes the ground. A mirror, come from? We are borrowing 40 cents in contrast, is something that may be out of every dollar the government used literally every few seconds. spends. We will be Greece if this trend - Steve Weeks, Mundelein, Ill. isn’t reversed. I love cycling, and rec- Corrections ognize the value of the programs you Goshen Gets Bike-Friendly Several errors appeared in the are discussing, but we simply have to March-April issue of American Just got my March-April American stop spending money on non-essential Bicyclist. We apologize for the Bicyclist magazine and it is among the programs and get the national debt and oversight and invite you to download best and most informative ones yet. deficit under control. the corrected version on our website: Goshen, Indiana, made the Bronze list - Joe Rohner, Dallas, Texas www.bikeleague.org/members/ for the first time. They are continuing magazine.php Stopping Trouble to improve safe cycling in a big way — and one little-known way is the Before it Begins Bicycle Friendly Communities: Chain Reaction Bike Project (CRBP. My hat is off to the wonderful “First Line Minneapolis, Minn.: Gold org). The nonprofit shop provides bikes of Defense” article by Karen Jenkins and New York, N.Y.: Silver for people who otherwise couldn’t af- Jim Nicholson in the Jan-Feb issue of Chicago, Ill.: Silver ford one and keeps discarded bikes out American Bicyclist. That’s exactly the Philadelphia, Pa.: Bronze of the scrap yards. They also run a re- message we need to publicize. The mo- San Antonio, Texas: Bronze cycle pick-up service by bike. I’ve been ment you start to ride in or near traffic, volunteering there for the past seven the first principle of bicycle safety Bicycle Friendly Businesses: months and it’s great to see the smiles becomes preventing collisions. We can Alta Planning + Design: Platinum on the faces of kids when they leave on teach you to identify trouble and danger RPM Transportation Consultants: Gold a bike they worked to earn. when it begins, and prevent it with ad- Mad Dog Cycles: Gold - Stephen Riffe, Leesburg, Ind. vanced arm-signaling, lane-positioning, Urban Adventours: Gold merging, and emergency skills. Ciclismo Classico: Silver - Lauren Cooper, Carlsbad, Calif. Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District: Silver Erik’s Bike Shop: Silver Thanks for your letters We eagerly await all of your comments — Spin Doctor Cyclewerks: Silver good and bad — on cycling, the League, our publications, and just about Washington Bike Law/Anderton anything else you want to tell us about. E-mail [email protected] Law: Silver or mail it to us at 1612 K Street NW, Suite 510, Washington, D.C. 20006. Comment on facebook.com/leagueamericanbicyclists or twitter.com/bikeleague. Letters may be edited for style and length.

AmericanBicyclist 3 cogs&gears [League News] The Personal is Political at the National Bike Summit The lasting impact of one woman’s story By Katie Omberg

The record-breaking crowd was impressive, but the funding, which also didn’t instill much confidence. But to numbers are just the tip of the iceberg in revealing the be a good advocate, all you need is a story that sticks, a true power of the 2012 National Bike Summit. On March fact we stress to everyone at the Summit. And Aly told her 20-22, more than 800 advocates from 49 states (we want Representative a story that cut right to the heart of the to see you in 2013, Alaska!) and Canada traveled to Wash- issue. ington, D.C., to learn about the federal transportation “My daughter, Mandy, was diagnosed with a mood bill and take our “Save Cycling” message to Capitol Hill. disorder when she was young,” Aly said. She would sud- Here at the League, we spend countless hours lining up denly erupt into tantrums that were impossible to quell break-out sessions, preparing fact sheets, and answering and, one particular day, Mandy broke down in the middle registrant questions. After all that hard work, the Summit of the living room. “Something’s wrong with me,” she said, finally comes, and that’s when the fun really begins. crying in her mother’s arms. I’ll never forget what Aly [who asked that her last “My heart was broken,” Aly said. “I wasn’t sure what to name not be used], a first-time Summit attendee from do, so I took her outside. We went to the path behind our Little Rock, Ark., shared with me at the Congressional house, and just walked. And you know what? That path Reception. She had never done anything remotely like was paid for with federal funds.” lobbying — and she was nervous. She knew her Congress As we continued talking, she showed me a picture she member, Rep. Tim Griffin, wasn’t a of cycling brought to her meeting with Rep. Griffin: Mandy wearing a watermelon-colored helmet and sticking her tongue out at the camera, riding her bike through the park. Even the funny face couldn’t hide her huge grin. “Mandy is in 8th grade now,” Aly said. “And whenever she’s feeling stressed out or is having a hard time, she tells me, ‘I need to go outside and ride my bike.’ And she does. And when she comes home, she’s a whole new person. I told this story to my Rep, and later this spring we’re going to try to go for a ride together when Congress is out.” After that meeting, Rep. Griffin joined the Congres- sional Bike Caucus. And Mandy decided she wants to be a bike/ped coordinator when she grows up. It was wonderful getting to know the attendees at the National Bike Summit and hearing their success stories was truly moving. And I can’t tell you how many first-timers were filled with that same sense of possibility and empowerment Aly’s story conveyed. In fact, many attend- ees gave the Summit the best review I can Mandy on her bike think of: “I can’t wait to come next year!”

4 AmericanBicyclist RIDE OF PASSAGE ... THE BOOK!

If you read the Sept-Oct 2010 issue of American Bicyclist, you remember the epic adventure of Yonah Biers-Ariel, who biked across the country with his family in lieu of a traditional Bar Mitzvah. Now, the tale is captured in the new book “The Bar Mitzvah and the Beast: One Family’s Cross-Country Passage by Bike.” Author Joe Kurmaskie, himself a master of bicycle writing and narrative humor, gives the book high praise: “Like any good party, it’s populated by colorful characters, whistles, bells, hopes, anticipation, laughs and stuff breaking all over the place.” Get your copy at mountaineersbooks.org.

DAN HENRY: 1913-2012

Dan Henry, a longtime bicycle advocacy leader, passed away in March, just a few days shy of his 99th birthday. Henry was the inventor of direc- tional pavement markings commonly used to guide participants along the route of organized bicycling events, and the 1992 recipient of the League’s 1992 Paul Dudley White Medal.

AmericanBicyclist 5 cogs&gears [League News]

12,000 riders in 500 cities. More than 1 million miles traveled and nearly 30 million calories burned. And that was just the warm-up! On May 1, the 2012 National Bike Challenge, a new online competition, officially kicked off, aim- ing to unite 50,000 bicyclists to ride 10 million miles this summer. The Challenge is an opportunity to ride more often, encourage new cyclists, and demonstrate the incredible, collective power of bicyclists across the nation to build healthy communities and a healthy planet. We know you don’t need an incentive, but here are the League’s top five reasons to get up and ride!

Connect with other cyclists: When you sign up for the Challenge, you join a social network of thousands 1 of bicyclists from coast to coast. With the click of your mouse, you can meet and share stories with 50,000 new bike-loving friends!

Track your progress: The hi-tech site from Endomondo allows you to see all sorts of inspiring stats, from 2 the number of calories you’ve burns to the amount of money you’ve saved by pedaling instead of paying at the pump.

3 Shine up your civic pride: Your community has tremendous pedal power and the Challenge gives you the chance to show the nation — and the world — how you important biking is to your city or town.

Bragging rights for your business: Who doesn’t like a little friendly competition? Create a workplace team 4 and join major corporations like Facebook, Verizon and Harley Davidson. Use the Challenge to boost the bike commute numbers at your company and encourage your business peers to keep pace!

Prizes, prizes, prizes!!!: After just three days on your bike, you become eligible for prize drawings every 5 month. The grand prize: a Trek Travel trip through Napa Wine Country in California!

Are you ready for the Challenge? Visit www.nationalbikechallenge.org and sign up today! Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/nationalbikechallenge and follow us on Twitter @bikechallenge12.

When the U.S. Senate unveiled its version more uses for fewer dollars. Responding What has of the next federal transportation bill immediately, the League not only the League in late 2011, we were stunned. All the alerted and mobilized thousands of done for you lately? important dedicated programs for bike- bicyclists nationwide but worked with ped projects were thrown into a single pot our partners at America Bikes to set where they would have to compete with up meetings with key Senate staffers

6 AmericanBicyclist GIVING Thank you to the following organizations and individuals who have contributed at least $100, above and beyond membership dues, from January 1 – March 31, 2012.

$25,000+ Individuals Susan Kremer Roanne Sones Gail & Jim Spann Diane Albert Dana Kromer Adena Staben John Allen Jonathan Kurohara Susan Stillman Jeffrey Bannink David Lavelle Peter Stone $1,000 - $4,999 Brant Strickland Organizations Tony Barrett Lee Family Sharron Sussman Bikehouston Adrienne Brandriss Jack Lerner Pierre Swick Chehalis Bicycle, Inc. Randall Brodersen Joshua Levy Wayne & Joyce Thompson Gainesville Cycling Club Jeffrey Call Steven Lindell Michael Throop Louisville Bicycle Club Nancy Carter William Logan Lawrence Tjeltveit Wheeling Wheelmen Robert Cieslak J. Lopez Betsy & Kevin Watson Bicycle Club Brian Cox Donald Lorenzo Wendy Crisafulli Harry Manko & Family Jerry Webb Irwin Weisbrot Individuals Andy Dannenberg Albert Mantell Richard Whiteford Harry Brull Joanne Davis Charles Marx Jay Williams Robert Dickinson Jill Davis & Family R. Hunter McCleary Royce Williams Jennifer Fox Garry Devol Miernik-Andriulli Family Michael Wolfe Scot Hartle Wendell Dilling George & Karen Momany Richard Wood Thomas Ritter Gregory Dudley Elizabeth Moorehead Barbara Wood Corinne Winter Edward Eckerly & Family William Woods Bernard Galiley Guy Muzio Gefvert Minick Family Jay Newman Jack Zanini $100-$999 Seth Gernot Jeff & Margo Olson John Zban Organizations Pamela Gifford & Family Michael Pagano Arkansas Bicycle Club Daniel Goldschmidt Roberto & Dalia Perelman Bicycle Coalition of Maine Mike Goodman Dale Perkins & Family Central Jersey Bicycle Club Michael Gray Claudia Perry Clinton River Riders Stephen Greenberg & Doris Phinney Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club Family Lynn Pickard Saving the planet Delaware Valley Bicycle Club Stewart Gross Papaw & Nanny Preston one page at a time Frederick Pedalers Bicycle Club Elaine Haight & Family Michael Price American Bicyclist is printed Hanover Cyclers Michael Hastings Christopher Quinn Huntington Bicycle Club Ronald & Carolyn Carol Richards & Family with soy ink on 30% Lake Erie Wheelers Henrikson David Ristom post-consumer recycled Los Angeles County Gene Holmerud Lisa Roberts paper certified by the Forest Bicycle Coalition Anita Hopkins Helen Robertson Stewardship Council. Massapequa Park Bike Club Carol Horner Michael Scavezze Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club Kerry Irons Jim Scherer Pittsburgh Major Taylor Mark Jauquet Patrick Schnell Cycling Club Don Jeske James Sebastian Riverbend Bicycle Club Edwin Jones & Family Sam Shine & Family Toledo Area Bicyclists James Joyce John Siemiatkoski Westerville Bicycle Club Paul Kadin George Skarmeas & Family Kristal Kagy Henry Slack Alan Kailer Miles Smith John King Frank Smith

— even if it meant sitting down to the we were successful: In March, the Cardin- negotiating table at 11 p.m. Over the Cochran amendment restored dedicated course of several critical months, we funding — and the bill passed. helped make the case for a better bill on Capitol Hill, while advocates worked the Mississippi advocates with message from the grassroots. Together, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS)

AmericanBicyclist 7 PEDAL PROGRESS

WOMEN ROLLON A

Rolling Rosie Kim Cross, founder of Magic City Cycle Chix, re-imagined the iconic Rosie the Riveter I poster for women in bicycling

8 AmericanAmericanBicyclistBicyclist FEMALE CYCLISTS ARE TAKING THE LEAD

IN THE BICYCLE MOVEMENT BY CAROLYN SZCZEPANSKI

Veronica Davis was just biking to portation, men outnumber women Biking & Walking and the Association meet some friends for a movie when a by more than three to one. But that’s of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. little girl’s glee opened a new avenue of changing — and advocates like Davis The event brought together a group of bicycle advocacy in Washington, D.C. are driving the transformation. high-powered women in various as- Davis, a local planner and engi- That little girl inspired Davis to pects of bicycling and crystallized some neer, was riding through a predomi- start Black Women Bike. In less than a of the key issues female cyclists face in nantly African-American housing year, the group grew from three people the U.S. complex when she heard a shout: on Twitter to an organized, engaged It was a powerful discussion. But “Mommy, at the black lady on a group of 450 women who ride together, it was just the start and symbol of a bike!” a young girl exclaimed. For a support each other and are taking their conversation happening in communi- Vmoment Davis was taken aback. “This seat at the table to make their commu- ties across the nation. is an area with bike lanes, so I know nities more bicycle friendly. there are bicyclists,” she says. “But I had As more women have started Advocacy the realization that, I looked like her, riding and rising in the ranks of the Just as women are seeing more of and she was very excited to see some- bicycle movement at all levels, the their peers out on the streets, female one who looked like her riding a bike.” interest and energy to close the cycling riders are seeing themselves better Across the country, bicycling can gender gap has become more pro- represented in their local advocacy often look like a mostly male activity. nounced. At the 2012 National Bike organizations’ staff and programming. In 2009, women accounted for just Summit, Davis was one of the panelists “I’m still often the only woman 24 percent of bicycle trips in the U.S. for the first-ever National Women Cy- in the room — or on the ride — but When it comes to cycling for trans- cling Forum, hosted by the Alliance for I’ve seen that change somewhat since I started in this role,” says Rebecca Serna, executive director of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, a League member organization. “I’ve worked to overcome the perception that only men are ‘brave enough’ to bike in Atlanta, which is not known for being very bike-friendly.”

In less than a year, Black Women Bike grew from three people on Twitter to an organized, engaged group of 450 women who ride together, support each other and are taking their seat at the table to make their communities more bicycle friendly. (Photo by Black Women Bike)

AmericanBicyclist 9 PEDAL PROGRESS

For Serna, overcoming that per- man says. “If my only option is to ride ception starts with the DNA of her own on a six-lane roadway with 40-mph organization. “As a female executive traffic, there’s no way I’m going to do it, director, I’m developing strong women even as an enthusiastic bicyclist.” as board members, volunteers, staff, Women across the U.S. agree. Of bike class instructors, and interns,” she the 13,000 respondents to APBP’s 2010 says. That inclusive mindset extends to Women Cycling Survey, better infra- ABC’s outreach too, with membership structure ranked second (just slightly campaigns that focus specifically on behind “convenience”) in a long list of women. And, they’re on the rolls, factors that would encourage them to 1. the organization has programming ride more. “I think women need to feel that appeals specifically to women, like safe and I think we won’t achieve that the monthly Heels on Wheels ride and until there are a lot more parkways and classes in Basic Bike Maintenance for places that are truly separated [from Women. traffic],” Elysa Walk, general manager The ABC is far from alone in ad- for Giant Inc, said at the Na- dressing what women want. Last year, tional Women Cycling Forum. “I think in the nation’s capital, the Washington women want to ride but they don’t have Area Bicyclist Association brought on the paradigm that they can do this. We an intern who’s sole mission was to have to help them get over that para- meet with women in the community digm by making it as easy and friendly and investigate how WABA could help as possible.” close the gender gap. The initial effort led to a Women’s Bicycling Forum Policy that drew more than 80 attendees and Advocates can’t do that alone. In kicked off a full-fledged Women on the , where 55 percent Bikes initiative. of bicycle trips are taken by women, “At the Forum, we discussed how policymakers have played a huge role. uncomfortable biking can be for wom- According to Cornelia Neal, from the en in many ways, whether it’s in bike Royal Netherlands Embassy, it took po- shops, on our bikes, on the streets, or litical will and government investment. finding the ways to make biking fit into our busy schedules,” says Nelle Pierson, WABA’s Events Coordinator. “So we created a campaign to bring women together who have already developed personal solutions to these issues — women we call ‘Bike SpokesWomen’ — to help grow bicycling through encour- agement and skill-sharing.” As Emily Yetman, founder and president of Living Streets Alliance in Tucson, Ariz., points out, advocacy organizations do more than provide encouragement. They partner with lo- cal officials to advance one of the most critical components to engaging female 5. riders. “I think women need to have facilities that make them feel safe,” Yet-

10 AmericanBicyclist 1. Family biking (Photo by Russ Roca)

2. Ellen Fletcher (Photo by Richard Masoner)

3. Elysa Walk, General Manager, Giant Bicycles Inc.

4. Heels on Wheels - Atlanta 2. 3. (Photo by Cameron Adams)

5. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Photo by Kristen Smith)

6. Riding Partners (Photo by Nona Varnado)

7. Nelle Pierson, Washington Area Bicyclist Association

8. Tonya, Minneapolis (Photo by Bruce Silcox)

4.

6.

7. 8.

AmericanBicyclist 11 PEDAL PROGRESS

“If the infrastructure is right, it makes In Tucson (Gold BFC), nearly a big difference,” she said at the Na- 660 miles of on-street bikeways have tional Women Cycling Forum. “We’ve been installed across the region — and designated bike paths or separated bike women now account for 35 percent of paths that make it very, very safe for bike commuters (according to 2010 everyone to go on their bike.” data). Yetman doesn’t think that’s It’s not surprising that many of a coincidence. “The city bike/ped the cities in the U.S. with the highest program is really interested in this,” levels of women cycling are also League she says. “They’re excited to talk about Bicycle Friendly Communities — a women cycling as an indication of how program that gets government and much more bicycle-friendly the Tucson community stakeholders focused on a region is becoming.” Moms bike too (Photo by Leslie Bloom) comprehensive approach to better bi- One way to continue that trend, 9. cycling, including improved infrastruc- though, is getting more women en- ture. Minneapolis (a Gold BFC) leads gaged in the political process. When trend existed across California, so she the nation with more than 45 percent Cathy Deluca, a graduate student at San conducted a statewide survey. Her re- of bike trips by women, and Portland Jose State University learned that her sults: While women represent half the (Platinum BFC) comes in at #2 with county-level bicycle advisory commit- general population, they make up just nearly 40 percent. tee didn’t have a single female member, 19 percent of bicycle advisory commit- she was shocked. She wondered if that tees statewide.

12 AmericanBicyclist Why aren’t more women involved? library also offers bike trailers to carry educations programs that specifically Childcare responsibilities make it chal- kids and cargo. But Cycles for Change fit the needs of mothers. The San Fran- lenging for women to attend evening aims to have a chain reaction — not cisco Bicycle Coalition, for instance, meetings, Deluca found, and some just changing the habits of individual launched a Family Biking Guide, which women, less likely to have engineer- women, but empowering each cycling tackles topics like biking pregnant, this ing backgrounds, felt daunted by the convert to become a bicycle ambas- April. technical issues tackled by the commit- sador and educator herself. “We teach tee. But, Andrea Garland, an engineer bike education skills to women from Promotion with Alta Planning + Design, suggests diverse communities so they can go For years, the League has spon- more women are entering the field and back to their communities and teach sored National Bike Month to promote bringing their planning expertise to the other women how to ride,” Stoscheck and encourage more people to get out table. says. and ride. This year, Sarai Snyder added “If we get all these women who Melissa Balmer, founder of So- a simple women’s event to the calen- have the knowledge to sit in a room full Cal Women on Bikes, is aiming to do dar — and it quickly spread around the of male engineers and be outspoken exactly that in Long Beach, Calif. Part globe. and bring up these issues,” she said at of the local cycling community, she As a bike shop manager in New- the National Women Cycling Forum, realized the area was rich with talented port, Ky., Snyder was distressed by the “things will start changing.” League Cycling Instructors, but virtu- low number of women who patron- ally none of them were women. “It ized the store and participated in rides. Education turned out there are 20 female LCIs in With some small shifts in merchan- Advocacy and infrastructure are all of southern California, and they’re dising, attitude and involvement in important, but there’s another critical grouped in areas of already successful advocacy, Snyder helped transform the component: education. outreach,” she says. “Long Beach sits demographics of the shops’ customers Feeling safe and comfortable goes in the middle of a female LCI desert.” and increased the number of women beyond the streets we ride or company So Balmer kicked off a scholarship on the weekly rides. But she didn’t stop we keep, says Claire Stoscheck, from program to train and certify more than at the local level. Cycles for Change in St. Paul/Minneap- a dozen new women, especially in areas In 2010, Snyder debuted Girl- olis. “It’s not just about making bicy- like East Los Angeles, as LCIs. The first BikeLove.com, a website dedicated to cling more stylish or chic or just adding all-female LCI seminar will make his- women’s cycling nationwide and, in more bike lanes,” she says. “The skills, tory this summer. 2012, she launched Cyclofemme — a knowledge, confidence and leadership Of course, many female educators call for women across the globe to ride of women in the bike movement are so are already targeting their efforts to together on May 13 to “Honor the Past, important, too.” fellow women. Kristin Gavin, founder Celebrate the Present and Empower the Stoscheck runs the Cycles for of Gearing Up in Philadelphia, teaches Future.” Change Bike Library, which loaned out bike skills to women who are currently “My goal with Cyclofemme is to 220 bikes that logged more than 30,000 incarcerated or transitioning out of unify the voice of women in cycling miles in 2011. The majority of the rid- prison. Drawing on the nuts and bolts and bring women together,” she says. ers were women (59%), many able to of the League’s Smart Cycling curri- “It doesn’t matter if you ride a moun- cycle for transportation because the cula, many organizations are creating tain bike or a road bike,

What’s next? Save the Date for the first Women’s Bicycling Summit, sponsored by the League, on September 13, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif. Held at the end of the Pro Walk Pro Bike conference, this half-day event will provide break-out sessions, networking, a keynote dinner and fashion show. Stay tuned to www.bikeleague.org to learn more and email [email protected] with questions or ideas. In the meantime, visit www.womencyclingproject.info to see a recording of the National Women Cy- cling Forum, watch past women cycling webinars and read the results of the APBP Women Cycling Survey.

AmericanBicyclist 13 PEDAL PROGRESS

if you commute to work or ride to the The simple presence of women Retail / Product store — it’s about starting that con- riding on the streets of their commu- As the general manager for Giant versation that we need to be working nity is perhaps the best promotion but Bicycles Inc., Elysa Walk is among together.” Within just a few weeks, improved outreach campaigns from the highest ranked women in the U.S. Cyclofemme had more than 80 rides advocates and the industry could speed . But her status in the registered in 10 countries, from Cleve- the momentum. “Media campaigns bike world alone wasn’t enough to land, Ohio, to Caracas, Venezuela. need to appeal to women and make get her mom riding. With safe streets In March, Specialized organized a bicycling look attractive, civilized and in her neighborhood, it wasn’t infra- Women’s Ride Day that drew participa- liberating,” Yetman suggests. structure either. For Walk, getting her tion from dealers across the country. Just as important: Those campaigns mom to ride was as simple as finding Trek Bikes has also taken a leadership need to present a more authentic, her a comfortable, stylish pink bike. role in bringing women together by inclusive face of cycling. “We need to “What changed for her was having bike sponsoring an entire Ride Guide full of make sure women see themselves in the she loved,” Walk said at the National women-centric events and hosting Trek images we use — not just super-fit ath- Women Cycling Forum. Women Cycling Experience clinics in letic types, but moms and grandmoth- In the Netherlands, Neal points mountain and street cycling. Plenty of ers, women who are not model-thin, out, women have easy access to a social rides have sprung up organically, and women of color,” Serna, from the variety of female-specific bikes, already as well, from Latina women in Los Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, emphasizes. outfitted with skirt guards and racks Angeles uniting to form the Ovar- As Veronica Davis learned so for shopping bags. In the U.S. though, ian Psychos to Black Women Bike in clearly: “People connect to someone the range of bicycles is far more limited Washington, D.C. who looks like them.”

14 AmericanBicyclist 10. Monthly Ride (Photo by Black Women Bike) 11. Riding in Chattanooga (Photo by Russ Roca)

school, the library, the store with your York City to Pedal Chic in Greenville, 10. kids — with all their stuff — on your S.C. And leaders within the largest bike bike? We have a cargo bike and it’s brands are working to improve female such a simple solution. The cargo bike representation within the industry, as is the reason we’re 90 percent car-free well. “The women who come to work with two little kids. We need to educate for us, I don’t want them to feel like more people about those options.” they’re getting run over,” Walk said at But making the right product won’t the Forum. “I don’t want them to feel matter if bike shops aren’t more wel- like they have to be one of the guys. We 11. coming for women. Many women feel won’t win that way. I want them to have awkward or disparaged in the male- their own voice and succeed with their dominated retail sector. “In many cases, own talents.” — and that can quickly deter women. bike shops are women’s first experience Whether it’s in advocacy or edu- Marla Streb, a former professional with biking,” Davis says. “They need cation, social rides or bicycle retail, mountain bike racer, is just one of to help them through the process, not women are finding their voices. And countless mothers for whom a standard patronize them, otherwise they’ll turn their talents are the future of the commuter just won’t cut it. women off of biking.” movement. “Kids are an equipment sport,” Female-owned and women-orient- Streb said at the National Women ed bike shops are popping up across the Cycling Forum. “So how do you go to country, from Adeline Adeline in New

AmericanBicyclist 15 FROM THE SADDLE

CYCLING IN JAPAN THE IDEAL COMBINATION OF SPECTACULAR TERRAIN, DELICIOUS FOOD AND FRIENDLY PEOPLE By Alan Cannon

When I was in middle school, my father took me on a cycling tour down the C&O Canal towpath. But it wasn’t until I moved to Tokyo in 1998 that I became an ardent cyclist. As a junior lawyer I spent long hours in the office and cycling presented the opportunity to be outside and avoid crowded trains. Then, a German friend introduced me to the joys of weekend trips to the mountains. Wherever you live, cycling has great benefits, but the combination of wonderful food, spectacular terrain and friendly people make cycling in Japan incredibly rewarding.

16 AmericanAmericanBicyclistBicyclist Commuting and were clogged with cars and a stream of A nice ryokan (inn) will always cruising in Tokyo pedestrians spilled over from the side- provide yukata (summer kimono) to Since it was the only shop I knew, walks. My prior meanderings proved wear and basic toiletries so you also do the first bike I bought in Japan was beneficial that night, as we left the not need to bring any luggage. If there from a sporting goods store near our crowds and took small river paths out are things you can’t do without, Japan’s temporary apartment. I blithely set off as far as the scenic Inokashira Park. density makes overnight delivery ser- to ride it back to our new house. I have Sailing along under the moonlight vices a comparative bargain and very never been so lost in my life. through the park was uniquely liberat- reliable, so you can send a small bag Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis of ing after being trapped in a high-rise ahead. If you’re willing to take off your more than 30 million people that has building earlier in the day. wheels and bag the bike, you can utilize grown in a strangely organic manner. Japan’s excellent train and shinkansen There’s no grid here, just a bewildering Weekends in the network at one or both ends. In virtu- amalgamation of distinct neighbor- mountains ally any part of the country, you can hoods and towns. But getting purpose- To enjoy cycling in Japan, you quickly design a weekend itinerary fully lost is always fascinating. Whether have to buy in for a serious amount of with a mindbending combination of tucked-away shrines, strikingly mod- climbing. It’s hard to be more than a pleasure and pain. ern buildings or the shockingly good short ride from a road climbing 1,500 One memorable trip for me in- hole-in-the-wall restaurants, it’s hard to feet — or even 3,000 feet — into the volved cycling from home to the Fuji imagine a place with more intrigue. mountains. My wife is from a small is- five lakes region, descending to the Fuji Once you gain your bearings, land in the Sea of Japan and even it has river valley and crossing a 4,500-foot however, it quickly becomes clear that peaks higher than 2,000 feet. But if the ridge to bomb downhill to the Pacific biking is by far the quickest and easiest ultimate destination features a steam- coast. way to get around. Japan has witnessed ing outdoor bath followed by a huge On day one, I rode straight out a cycling boom in recent years, but meal of local delicacies, it’s not difficult from Shinjuku for seven miles to get there’s also been a surge in commuting to muster up the motivation. to the Tama River cycling path. After following the March 11, 2011 earth- quake. While the quake itself was terrify- ing, Tokyo didn’t suffer much physical damage. The main issue was how to get a large portion of those 30 million people home on a Friday evening when the train lines had all stopped. Some overnighted at their offices. Many walked several hours to the suburbs. But bike commuters were essentially unaffected. In fact, any shops in central Tokyo with bikes in stock sold out quickly. A member of our office staff made it to our house but was very eager to get home to the suburbs to collect her two young children. At 8:30 p.m., we set off for the 30-kilometer journey on Organized rides in Japan tend to fall under two categories: timed hill climb events the family tandem. The main arteries and long rides. Here is Cannon with a friend at the end of the Norikura Hill Climb.

AmericanBicyclist 17 FROM THE SADDLE

following the path steadily upriver, I headed into the mountains. At 30 miles from central Tokyo, I was already deep in the hills following quiet country roads that eventually led into a water catchment area with nary a building in sight for many kilometers in every direction. On this road, I’ve seen more wild boar and deer than cars. Ener- gized, I eventually emerged at the top of a 4,000-foot ridge with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. After a hard day, it was pleasant to overnight at a minshuku (pension) in the Oshino area. Oshino is famous for tofu made from the natural springs there, while Yamanashi Prefecture is famous for delicious fruit, such as Bike parking at Yoyogi Hachiman Station. peaches and grapes. If the weather is chilly, the local specialty of houtou, doughy noodles in a hearty miso stew scenic forest road to a 4,000-foot ridge rides in Japan. They tend to fall into with meat and vegetables, is just the with views back across to Mt. Fuji. two main categories: timed hill climb ticket. Finally, we rode downhill another 25 events and long rides. The former tend On day two, we enjoyed a spec- miles to Shizuoka Station, where we to be held in hot springs resorts in the tacular ride with views of Mt. Fuji and bagged our bikes and hopped a shink- mountains, while the latter tend to be the southern Alps of Japan around to ansen back to Tokyo. With a delicious in scenic coastal areas or islands. Both Lake Motosu. From there, we enjoyed a bento of local specialties, it was a treat aim to boost tourism. Those most ac- breathtaking downhill run to Shimobe to be whisked home in style. cessible to Tokyo, such as the 16-mile Onsen and then a gentle ride along the hill climb to the fifth stage of Mt. Fuji, Fuji River to the entrance to the Mt. One-day events attract several thousand participants Minobe temple complex (the center of Various organizations, including and sell out quickly. Nichiren Buddhism and a destination the Japan Cycling Association and local The most recent, and most exotic, in its own right). Next, we climbed a tourism authorities, put on organized I’ve attended was the 150-mile loop

Bicycle-Friendly Offices My firm recently looked for new office space and securing adequate bike parking was one concern. Newer mixed- use complexes have considerable dedicated bike parking. In the more traditional downtown around Tokyo Station, landlords are looking to retrofit and some companies have started a relatively deluxe bike parking/changing facility with commensurate fees. Our current building has a convenient indoor bike parking area and, fortunately, I have a private office with a wardrobe to store my suits and dress shoes, limiting my daily baggage to a dress shirt, underthings and a small towel for freshening up.

18 AmericanBicyclist around Amami Oshima Island in March 2012. Situated between Kyushu and Okinawa, Amami Oshima is a low- key and friendly place, best known for scuba diving and snorkeling. It’s also the source of Japanese black sugar, or kuro sato, an unrefined cane sugar. The hunks of sugar and miso- and sugar- encrusted peanuts proved to be good cycling fuel. The event was very professionally organized — unfortunately, the chosen weekend brought shifting weather patterns that unreleased downright intimidating, howling winds. The spectacle we made struggling around the course was met with a great deal of “One benefit of life in Tokyo is that my kids feel it is perfectly natural to undertake enthusiasm and encouragement from both mundane and ambitious trips by bicycle. I know bicycling will be imprinted local residents. It was a dilemma trying on the memories of my children.” Pictured: Yamanaka-ko and Mt. Fuji. to make a dashing exit from the village hosting the last aid station as several women drummed and cheered as I was blasted by a headwind that meant I could barely progress an inch. Hope- fully, I was suitably in earnest. But, even by Japanese standards, the scenery was spectacular, the food delicious and the people kind and approachable. I hope to join again in calmer weather. Just like I remember that ride on the C&O Canal with my father, I know bicycling will be imprinted in the memories of my children. One benefit of life in Tokyo is that my kids feel it is perfectly natural to undertake both mundane and ambitious trips by bicycle. I use a tandem to ferry my son to the school bus stop each morn- ing. We also venture further afield on the weekends to shop or visit galler- ies. There is rarely a single day that we don’t cycle somewhere together. For them, bicycling is taken for granted as the natural state of things!

AmericanBicyclist 19 FROM THE SADDLE

ride america for safe routes Pedaling cross-country for bicycle safety By Carolyn Szczepanski

Their progress was marked by in Ironman triathlons and completing Day in the riders’ honor and, up the miles traveled (5,000), jars of peanut multiple century rides. road in Tennessee, the women dis- butter consumed (23), turtles saved Last year, Ward-Waller felt the call cussed the importance of becoming a (6), flats (51) and falls (12). But those of advocacy — and the open road. The League Bicycle Friendly Community metrics couldn’t begin to capture the life-long cyclist decided to take a very with the mayor of Memphis himself. In humor, spirit and determination of the long ride to raise awareness about the Columbia, S.C, they presented to 450 Ride for Safe Routes: a three-month, benefits of bicycling and funding for eager students at Leaphart Elementary four-woman journey that kicked off in the League and Safe Routes to School Key West, Florida, ended in San Fran- National Partnership. Equally passion- cisco, California and raised awareness ate about encouraging more Americans about bicycle safety every mile along to bike, Ward-Waller’s sister, mother the way. and close friend were quick to join her T The seed for the ride was planted cross-country campaign. decades ago. As a kid, Jeanie Ward- For three months, their days were Waller, a 29-year-old civil engineer in marked with long stretches of bliss- Washington, D.C., took active trans- ful solitude on scenic rural routes and portation for granted. “My parents bursts of local activities when they always made it a priority to live in cruised into each town, meeting with places where my sisters and I could elected officials, riding with advocates walk or bike safely to school,” she says. and inspiring students with school “Those were very influential memories presentations. In Jacksonville, Fl., the for me.” As an adult, she continued to mayor wrote a proclamation designat- Crossing the Continental Divide bike: commuting to work, competing ing a Regional Walk/Bike to School outside of Pinos Altos, NM

20 AmericanBicyclist and, in the Lone Star State, they were the stars of the annual meeting for BikeHouston. Of course, riding 5,000 miles wasn’t all smooth sailing. They gritted their teeth through bumper-to-bumper, rush-hour traffic on pot-holed pave- ment without so much as a shoulder to ride on. They rode in the shadow of big trucks, battled blustering winds and busted their quads on impressive climbs. Their stay in each town may have been brief but they saw the good, the bad and the ugly bicycle conditions in dozens of cities — and they’ll be posting their bike-friendly rankings on their blog. But, even in the torrential down- pours, their motivation never dimmed. Bluebonnets in East Texas “On a hard climb or into a strong head- wind or cold rain, I think of a whole lot of people — many who are total strang- ers and would love to bike and be more active but are too afraid that roads are unsafe for bicycling,” Ward-Waller says. “I’m motivated to reach all of the goals of our trip, especially to promote bicycle safety, for all of those people — children, retired folks and everyone in between.” While it wasn’t intentional, the all-woman team gave the ride an added element of empowerment. “It’s certainly been fun and interesting to see the positive response we’ve gotten from women who are inspired by our trip, everywhere we’ve stopped,” Ward- Waller says. “And we’re absolutely Above: Giving a schoolwide reaching the little girls, as well. We’ve presentation to Leaphart Elementary presented at more than a dozen schools School in Columbia, SC about Safe Routes to School and our trip, and we get many more questions Right: Crossing the Mississippi State from girls than boys. In fact, in El Paso Line. “We make Maori warrior faces at we had to actively recruit questions each state border, this was a tradition from boys because the first 10 ques- from our very first day to get tions came only from girls!” ourselves psyched up!” Read all about their journey at www.rideforsaferoutes.com. Opposite Page (large photo): White Sands National Monument

AmericanBicyclist 21 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND moving BFA PROGRAM HELPS BIKE-FRIENDLY PARTICIPANTS IMPROVE THEIR RANK By Bill Nesper

plied and was awarded a bronze Bicycle Business program for providing that Friendly Business award. roadmap for progress. “I want PayPal But the story doesn’t end there. to be a work destination, a model com- This spring, PayPal stepped up to a pany for talented people who want the Silver BFB designation. How did they option to bicycle,” he says. “Getting the do it? They dug into the feedback pro- BFB award helps get the word out and Four years ago, Dave Dusatko was vided by the League and worked with make bicycle-friendly improvements.” among the few who commuted by bike BFA staff to make strategic, impactful UPto the PayPal offices in La Vista, Neb., improvements. Bicycle Friendly University a suburb of Omaha. Now, thanks to The company installed lockers Brian Williams, Duke University’s assistance and guidance of the League’s and showers for riders and instituted Transportation Demand Management Bicycle Friendly America program, a $20-per-month incentive for bike Coordinator, knows the benefits of the PayPal has risen to a Silver Bicycle commuters. They organized events BFA program, too. While Duke earned Friendly Business — and Dave has and an internal bike commuter chal- an Honorable Mention in the Bicycle plenty of company pedaling into the lenge between workers at their two Friendly University program in 2011, office each morning. campus buildings, delivering trophies the recognition wasn’t as valuable as Back in 2008, Dusatko, a 15-year directly to desks of the “Commuters the resources it unlocked. “Applying bike commuter and manager at PayPal, of the Week” and overall champions. for the BFU award helped us see what was approached by a colleague. “She “It’s nice to get the exercise and save we were already doing and get expert Fnoticed that I was riding everyday and some gas, but the real reason I’ve been advice on how to make improvements wanted to find out why and how I did commuting is that I have a friend that and set priorities,” Williams says. it,” Dusatko remembers. Her interest also rides to work here at PayPal,” said was perfectly timed: The Bike Omaha one employee. “Every time we ride, it’s Commuter Challenge was kicking off a time trial against each other!” PayPal bike soon and looking for companies to Since 2008, PayPal has not only maintenance day participate. seen a 60 percent growth in the num- Dusatko was just the champion ber of riders and a 500 percent increase PayPal needed to compete. The com- in miles ridden during the challenge. muter challenge, with opportunities They’ve also secured a financial com- for competition and incentives for mitment from the company to run the riders, was a springboard for bicycling bike program and the $20 monthly bik- at PayPal and throughout the larger ing incentive as part of the company’s metro area. Dusatko was the spark that national employee benefits plan. And got many more people riding — and Dusatko credits the Bicycle Friendly his work paid off. In 2010, PayPal ap-

22 AmericanBicyclist Bike Commute Day, Duke University

Based on the League’s guidance, commuting by bike one or two the university conducted an assess- days a week, but the inherent ment of every road on campus and benefits combined with the ease gave each a bicycle-friendly facelift. of biking in Durham and at Duke Today, every road at Duke has a bike quickly increased my bike com- lane, shoulder or “sharrow” (shared muting.” use lane marking). Duke also fol- Williams emphasized the lowed a strong recommendation of usefulness of the BFU program in the League — adding a bicycle coor- prioritizing a long list of possibili- dinator on staff — which was crucial ties for bicycle-friendly improve- in implementing new bike projects, ments. The advice and roadmap like public awareness campaigns, pro- helped staff show a real return on motions in student and staff publica- investment and make the case to tions, more bike parking and a fleet of decision makers. “Understanding loaner bikes. what a car parking space costs is Not surprisingly, Duke moved an essential first step in showing up to a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Uni- the benefit of promoting bicycling versity this spring. to decision makers,” Williams says. The improvements haven’t gone “Being able to say to the univer- unnoticed by students, either. “I’ve sity, ‘For less than the cost of one appreciated the increased number of deck-parking space, we were able bike lanes on campus,” says Randy to make all of the roads on campus Best, a Duke employee and the more bicycle friendly’ was huge.” university’s representative on the Getting more people bicycling Durham Bike and Pedestrian Advi- is a great way to save money and sory Committee. “I feel safer on the make a more livable campus. The streets and I’m no longer tempted to BFU program is a resource to help use the sidewalks.” get you there. Learn more at www. “Biking is now part of my daily bikeleague.org/university. routine,” says Greg Hardy, a Duke graduate student and creator of BikeDuke.com. “I originally started

AmericanBicyclist 23 THINK BIKE

FROMWHO BICYCLING BENEFITS IN YOUR CITY? Community Cycling Center Advances Collaborative Advocacy By Alison Hill Graves

In Portland, Ore., downtown conducted a community-based needs has developed 400 units in the Portland commuters are the primary beneficia- assessment — Understanding Barriers area. Eighty-five percent of Hacienda’s ries of 20 years of investments in the to Bicycling — and the results funda- tenants are Latino, 10 percent are So- bicycle network. Those well-developed mentally shifted the Center’s work. mali and half are children. facilities have produced an astounding Our mission is “to broaden access In 2009, when we completed focus result: more than 12,000 daily bicycle to bicycling and its benefits” and our groups at Hacienda, secure bike storage trips over key bridges that feed into the strategy has centered on earn-a-bike was the primary barrier to bicycling. heart of Portland. programs for children and adults. Over In 2010 we formed a bike committee But, while the bicycle network is the past 17 years, more than 10,000 comprised of residents who named strong into downtown, it is underdevel- people have bicycles because of our themselves Andando en Bicicletas en oped in other parts of the city. Dur- programs. But we don’t know whether Cully (ABC), which translates to “Rid- Iing the update of the Bicycle Plan for or how those people are using their ing Bikes in Cully.” The group complet- 2030, an equity gap analysis revealed bicycles today. ed a photo documentation project, or that the bicycle network is weakest in Now we focus programs with PhotoVoice, that illustrated the barriers areas where the highest percentage of strategic partners and work in col- to physical activity, including a lack of underserved populations reside. In laboration with residents to develop storage for bikes, particularly children’s Portland that means youth, the elderly, community-based initiatives that over- bikes. low-income people and communities come the barriers to bicycling. We call In March, ABC organized a bike of color. our approach “collaborative advocacy,” census to document the number of So, in 2008, the Community Cy- because it’s based on the priorities bicycles in Hacienda housing – to dem- cling Center, a community bike shop defined by multi-partner collaborations onstrate the need for bike storage in based in northeast Portland, began to — and the needs of the community. their neighborhood. Of the 120 house- seek ways to engage partner communi- One partner, Hacienda Commu- holds, there were a total of 183 bikes. In ties to influence future bicycle invest- nity Development Corporation, builds the past two years, 85 bikes have been ments to benefit all Portlanders. We dignified, affordable housing for im- stolen. Next steps are to present the migrant families. Since 1992, Hacienda findings of the census to the property’s

24 AmericanBicyclist asset manager to begin the process of developing adequate bike storage. In addition to the bike census, 12 members of ABC are being trained as Community Bike Educators. The group is participating in six trainings taught in Spanish, including bike fitting, flat tire repair, all weather riding, and route plan- ning. After completing the course, the Community Bike Educators will receive stipends to teach up to three workshops. These community-based projects represent first steps in building out a bicycle network that meets the needs of the whole community. These projects also represent the promise that the best solution to barriers to bicycling are cre- ated by those experiencing the barriers, particularly when there are cultural, income, or age differences. By cultivating grassroots capacity and leadership, we are growing and broadening the move- ment. And, as we move forward together, we’ll have new perspectives on how to build the bicycle network to the benefit of all Portlanders.

Alison Hill Graves is the Executive Director of the Community Cycling Center and a member of the League Board of Directors.

Residents from Hacienda CDC receive flat tire repair training The Community Cycling Center partnered with Hacienda at the Community Cycling Center in Portland, Ore. (Photo by CDC to bring refurbished bicycles, new helmets and bike Cristina Mihaescu) safety education to resident children. (Photo by Joel Schneier.)

AmericanBicyclist 25 THINK BIKE GETTING LEVERAGING PUBLIC FUNDS: FIVE LESSONS FROM DELAWARE By Darren Flusche

Delaware is a tiny state with less than 1 million people, but there have been these investments. To serve Delaware’s some big victories for biking and walking &there during the past year. While primarily suburban population, it also each state has its own set of challenges and opportunities, there are some specifically directed the DOT to build important lessons learned by Bike Delaware that can provide insight and “multi-use paths for pedestrian and guidance for advocates across the country. bicycle user travel within and between cities and towns in Delaware.” LESSON 1 Don’t make lazy as- LESSON 3 Be flexible! Nemours With critical leadership from an sumptions about state government. brought new relationships, tremendous “bikepartisan” legislator in the Dela- Find out for yourself. In August and depth of governmental expertise and ware Senate – Senator Robert Venables September of 2010, Bike Delaware con- enormous credibility when it came to – “Walkable, Bikeable Delaware” passed ducted a survey of all the candidates the critical public health importance of in May of 2011. Just a few weeks later, running for election to the Delaware walking and bicycling for controlling the state’s bike-friendly Governor, Jack DGeneral Assembly to gauge support weight and decreasing the epidemic Markell, seized the political opportu- for walking and bicycling. Nearly half of chronic diseases associated with nity presented by Walkable, Bikeable the candidates running responded obesity. Bike Delaware and Nemours Delaware to propose an unprecedented to the survey and the results showed had an interesting early 2011, and $5 million for state bike routes. widespread support for dedicated and their original bill ran into opposition. Too often, bicycling advocates strategic investment in walking and While the bill had to be scrapped, the spend too much time talking to bu- bicycling. two groups also made new allies and reaucrats. Bureaucrats are important. showed flexibility in regrouping around They are the ones who actually get LESSON 2 Focus on elected of- a new resolution. things done. But they don’t – they can’t ficials. Armed with the encouraging – make the big funding decisions. That results of the candidate survey, Bike LESSON 4 Focus on strategic is the privilege – jealously guarded – Delaware created a draft bill that would investments in bikeway networks. of politicians. That’s how democracy dedicate funds for bicycling infrastruc- The new resolution called on the state works. So advocates in other states ture in late 2010 and began looking for to invest strategically in walkway and should remember Bike Delaware’s Les- allies. Seeing the results of Bike Dela- bikeway networks and to find new son #2. ware’s candidate survey, a major public sources of money. In addition, the health organization — Nemours Health legislation specifically called on the LESSON 5 Think beyond Trans- and Prevention Services — expressed state Department of Transportation portation Enhancements and tap into interest in the draft legislation and of- to identify sources of funding beyond other federal funding programs. fered to partner in finding sponsors. just Transportation Enhancements for

more info Read more from Bike Delaware and other organizations in the new Advocacy Advance Report: Improving the Process: How Statewide Organizations Are Winning Federal Dollars for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects. Find the report and others like it at www.AdvocacyAdvance.org/resources.

26 AmericanBicyclist AMERICAN

THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of the nation’s 57 GETTING LEVERAGING PUBLIC FUNDS: million bicyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals and 700 organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling FIVE LESSONS FROM DELAWARE to your community. Contact League officers, directors or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, By Darren Flusche Suite 510, Washington, DC 20006-2850, 202-822-1333; [email protected], fax: 202-822-1334.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Diane Albert, [email protected] Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected] Gary Brustin, [email protected] Steve Durrant, [email protected] Jennifer Grey Fox, [email protected] Alison Hill Graves, [email protected] David Madson, [email protected] Matt Moore, [email protected] Mike Nix, [email protected] John Siemiatkoski, [email protected] Governor Jack Markell hopes to make Delaware Gail Spann, [email protected] “one of the most walkable states in America.” Eric Swanson, [email protected], Treasurer Hans van Naerssen, Chair, [email protected] Corinne Winter, [email protected] So far, all of this has to do with ing funds. Voila! Delaware’s first-ever Tim Young, Vice-chair, [email protected] state funding. But Bike Delaware CMAQ-funded bicycle project! Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, [email protected] realized they could maximize the Since then the state has kept the momentum. In October, Governor STAFF new funding by using it as a match Andy Clarke - President for federal dollars. The only problem: Markell announced his proposed First Alison Dewey - BFA Program Specialist That investment was unprecedented State Trails and Pathways Plan. In his Walter Finch - Vice President, Advocacy in the state. Delaware had never used January 2012 State of the State speech, Darren Flusche - Policy Director Lorna Green - Director of Operations one of the most promising sources, the Governor Markell said: “I am propos- Bill Nesper - Vice President, Programs Congestion Mitigation and Air Qual- ing that we dedicate $13 million to Elizabeth Kiker - Executive Vice President ity (CMAQ) improvement program build miles of new and enhanced trails Katie Omberg - Membership and Events Associate Alissa Simcox - Education Director for a bicycling project. Bike Delaware throughout our state for every Dela- Carolyn Szczepanski - Communications Director proposed programming $480,000 in warean to enjoy. Building on the strong Sharon Thorne - Administrative Assistant CMAQ funds for the final phase of the foundation of existing trails and green- Matt Wempe - State and Local Advocacy Coordinator ways already in place, we can make Scott Williams - Membership Director Wilmington/New Castle Industrial Nicole Wynands - BFA Program Specialist Track, a six-mile greenway connect- Delaware one of the most walkable and ing the cities of Wilmington and New bikeable states in America.” AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE Castle. In past years, the required local Delaware’s story shows the impor- Editor: Carolyn Szczepanski Art Director: Studio D Design match would not have been available. tance of relationships with elected of- Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon This year, however, the state official ficials, partnerships with health groups, knowledge of both state and federal American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six who had been given authority over the times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2011 state bike route money enthusiastically funding processes, perseverance and League of American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in agreed to put up the required local thinking big. Bike Delaware and their part without permission is prohibited. Article queries should be addressed to [email protected]. Your submission of match $120,000. With this local match partners are setting a great example of manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your warranty that the available, the Wilmington-area MPO propelling bicycling at the state level. material in no way infringes on the rights of others and that the material may be published without additional approval. Opinions agreed to program the federal match- expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League.

AmericanBicyclist 27 quickstop

the fittest couple on the planet By Carolyn Szczepanski

What’s your most memorable This past summer in Noosa, Aus- moment on a bike? tralia we enjoyed more long rides that Being a professional triathlete for allowed us to explore much further the past 21 years I’ve been fortunate to than the past 12 years here. It’s been ride in some of the world’s most beauti- great riding up to 120 miles and actu- ful landscapes. I’ve loved riding the ally seeing new landscapes and great Alps of France and Switzerland, and little towns. Greg and Laura Bennett are often the French Pyrenees. Boulder, Colo., is called “the fittest couple on the planet” our home now and we’re so fortunate You frequently train on the and they’ve certainly earned the dis- with the amazing rides right outside roads; do you consider yourself tinction. Succeeding as a professional our back door: great climbs that fol- a bicycle advocate? triathlete — mastering long-distance low the fast moving creeks up to more I hadn’t really thought of myself running, and biking — de- than 10,000 feet. I love the big climbs as an advocate until now. I guess I am. mands intense stamina and dedication. around the world and I love riding I am all for drivers learning more pa- And, between the two of them, the along the Australian coastline, check- tience and for people enjoying the great Bennetts have taken just about every ing out the amazing surf spots. activity of cycling. major triathlon title, from California to Tokyo. What’s your daily routine? Do Do you think triathlons/ G racing are a gateway to people Hailing from Australia, Greg has you and Laura train together? using their bicycles for day-to- won six World Cup titles, a pair of U.S. Most days we’re up between 4 and day travel and transportation? Championships, and a fourth place 5 a.m. We start with an hour of coffee, Triathlon requires a lot of time finish at the 2004 Olympic Games — to e-mail and stretching. Then, we’re usu- management. It’s not easy to get all the name a few. A Florida native, Laura ally training from 6 to 11a.m. Three or training in for all three sports. Using took the 2010 U.S. Championship, a four times each week, we get a massage the bike as transportation is an easy fourth place finish at the 2008 Olym- in the early afternoon and will usually way to get the miles in without over- pic Games and medals in four World do another one to two hours of training thinking it. Championships. But even after more later in the day. We eat dinner at 6 p.m. than two decades of competition, the and are in bed between 7:30 and 9 p.m. What motivates you to keep Bennetts are still competing with the We design a yearly schedule that training, keep racing? world’s best. has both of us peaking and resting at I love to test myself. When I go 110 Lucky for League members, Greg similar times. Our weekly routines are percent with no fear of failure; when I took some time away from the saddle also very similar. We train together go way beyond where I’ve been before; to chat with us about beautiful rides, probably 80 percent of the time. If that’s when I feel like I’m truly living. intense training regimes and whether nothing else, we always warm up and The sport of triathlon is an amazing he considers himself a bicycle advocate cool down together. tool for experiencing life and going be- (yes!). yond where I thought my limits were.

28 AmericanBicyclist