Nov-Dec 2011 AMERICAN www.bikeleague.org

League of American Bicyclists Working for a Bicycle-Friendly America RIDERIDE GUIDEGUIDE && TOURTOUR FINDERFINDER p.p. 2020

10 WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE ROAD

BIKE MONTH12 ABCs

BICYCLING IN14 THE NETHERLANDS Lessons for the USA?

contentNOV-DEC 2011

IN EVERY ISSUE Viewpoint...... 2 InBox...... 3 Cogs & Gears...... 4 QuickStop...... 28

20 Think Bike photo by Cycle Oregon 9 Tucson is Serious About Federal Bicycling Funding: Hosts First Action 2020 Workshop

Pedal Progress 10 We Have the Right to the Road 10 Bike Month 12 Bike Month ABCs From the Saddle 14 Bicycling in the Netherlands: Lessons for the USA?

BFA Workstand 19 Bicycle Friendly America Slideshow

Ride Guide & Tour Finder 20 Ride Guide 25 Tour Finder ON THE COVER!

Cover: 2011 Bike Virginia ride. Photo by spsquared.com

14 AmericanBicyclist 1 viewpoint [Andy Clarke, president] ONE MISSION MANY VOICES

I’VE JUST FINISHED WRITING an on anything related to bicycling. In article for a running magazine about 2011, that figure rose to close to $750 the current threats in Congress to the million. Unfortunately, that’s what we core funding programs for trails and are at risk of losing, unless we speak moving again, literally and figura- other bicycling projects and pro- up. tively. grams. We need all the voices we can The money isn’t everything. We can’t afford to take a giant muster in support of the Transpor- There’s real momentum at the local step back in the quest to build more tation Enhancements (TE), Recre- level to get more people riding — livable, sustainable communities that ational (Rec) Trails and Safe Routes everything from bike education in offer transportation choices — its not to Schools prorgrams — and runners the schools to community bike rides just about the bike. However, the job have certainly benefited from this and Ciclovia’s or Open Streets events of protecting and preserving these Iinfrastructure! are giving people the chance to enjoy critical funding programs does fall Looking back 20 years to the riding. Losing the Federal support for to bicyclists, and I know we are up creation of the TE and Rec Trails this work sends a really bad signal. to the task! That’s something else I’ve programs — the Intermodal Surface Seeing state Departments of Trans- learned over the last 20 years. Transportation Efficiency Act was portation turn their back on bicycling signed into law by President George (and running and walking) again H. Bush in December 1991 — is in- — as most will do without dedicated spiring. We’ve come a long way from funding programs — stands in stark the days when just a few million contrast to what is clearly necessary Andy Clarke, President dollars a year was spent nationwide to get our country and communities

2 AmericanBicyclist [letters to the editor] inbox Bike sharing is a great way to get citizens and visitors around without putting more cars on the road.

Bike Share Takes America for a Ride I just saw the latest issue of the American Bicyclist and the photos and article look great. Thanks for TWEETED including the photos of Madison Draft fed transportation B-cycle! bill is bad news for - Brian Conger, Manager, #Detroit greenways. Less to B-cycle Madison no funding. Going backwards. - DetroitGreenway November 8 Great new magazine on the latest citywide bike sharing programs. I’ll Photo by Madison B-Cycle have to admit, I was quite taken back by the picture on page 10 showing FACEBOOK MESSAGE two “suits” riding these bike share FACEBOOK MESSAGE bicycles without any helmets! Guess In response to Proposed law In response to Bike ped safety they should consider a helmet share would force cyclists off roads is crucial! The vote is tomor- program, too :-) on federal land and onto paths: I’ve row. Contact your senator now. - Mike Honnold, invited my senators to join me on a Thank you for making it so easy to Illinois Valley Wheelm’n bike “ride” on DC’s Rock Creek “Trail.” send an e-mail to my Senators — - Darren Buck, November 9 awesome Web form! - Dave McClintock, October 31 FACEBOOK MESSAGE TWEETED In response to Have a great Just got my confirmation weekend! It’s been so nice in for @BikeLeague’s #nbs12. Boston. Definitely want to get out Thanks for your letters I’m number 27! even though I bike commute every- We eagerly await all of your - Bike Arlington, November 3 day! Must enjoy it while it lasts! comments — good and bad - Christine M. Casalini, November 4 — on cycling, the League, our publications, and just about FACEBOOK MESSAGE anything else you want to tell In response to Senator Paul’s us about. E-mail meghan@ Anti-Bike Amendment Fails — bikeleague.org or mail it to 60 Senators voted against it us at 1612 K Street NW, Suite Shameful. All 38 Yays were from 510, Washington, D.C. 20006. Republicans, including my two KS Comment on facebook.com/ senators. One of them is even on the leagueamericanbicyclists or national bike caucus! twitter.com/bikeleague. Letters - Roger Barr, November 1 may be edited for style and length. Advocacy Alerts Thank you for sending the Advocacy Alert — Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment to divert Transportation Enhancement funds to bridge repairs. TWEETED Thank you! Without your vigilance If bicycle infrastructure is something that matters to you, you should sign the League’s Right to Road petition. and dedication we’d be none the wiser. - SingletrackM1nd, November 15 - David Cavanaugh

AmericanBicyclist 3 cogs&gears [League News]

staffsnapshot Matt Wempe, State and Local Advocacy Coordinator

I couldn’t ride a bike until I was about 10 years old. My friend Sean taught me because I was always the one walking next to the group of kids on bikes. My first bike was a teal Mongoose BMX bike; and though I’ve never done a day of BMX riding in my life, my last memory was comparable. I flipped over the handlebars going downhill and earned the road rash to prove it. I didn’t start riding regularly until I grabbed an old Schwin road bike from my brother about half-way through graduate school at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. For some reason it took a while for me to realize that bike commuting would be a whole lot faster than walking all over campus – averag- ing upwards of six miles per day. Once I graduated and started working for a local city, I kept on riding the few miles to work. Being a relatively new com- muter, I made a lot of poor choices – riding an undersized bike with no helmet, MAKE no lights, and no skills. When I moved to Fort Collins, Colo. for my job as the transportation plan- [LEAGUE] ner and Safe Routes to School Coordinator for the city, I finally got into cy- cling. Fort Collins is too bike friendly to not buy bicycles and ride. In the three HISTORY years I lived there, I ditched the old Schwinn and purchased an old Windsor single-speed, a Specialized road bike, and a newer but modified 10-speed COME ALIVE Schwinn. I loved the ability to ride five minutes and be out in the county, riding 50-miles on excellent paved shoulders, and riding the mountains. The History Committee is I moved to D.C. in September for the League’s State and Advocacy Coor- looking for volunteers to collect, dinator position, and one of my new favorite things to do is ride to the monu- organize, and strategize on the ments at night on bike. D.C. is a unique place to cycle, and it’s refreshing to see best way to maintain the League’s cyclists in business clothes on my morning ride. I’ve been incredibly lost during historical archives, which are not rush hour on one-way streets and am learning how to navigate through the currently in one place. The com- city’s TRAFFIC; but generally, I’ve found that I need to be a much more consci- mittee will gather the materials, entious rider. sort through them, prioritize Also, cycling is a great way for me to feel healthy. I feel “blah” when I don’t them, and find a place to store ride to work, which isn’t often. Mostly though, I like that bikes give people a them safely. The committee chair choice in how they move around town, just is Gail Spann, and the committee as good urban planning gives you choices will meet via phone quarterly. To on how you live. express interest, e-mail Elizabeth Kiker at the League at [email protected].

4 AmericanBicyclist What has WE GOT ANGRY GIVING the League Thanks to the following who ABOUT GENERAL Pacesetters done for you MOTOR’S ANTI- have contributed at least The League would also $100 to the League from lately? CYCLING CAMPAIGN like to thank these donors, October 1-31, 2011. These TARGETING COLLEGE who have given monthly contributions are above and STUDENTS. By now you have probably heard about beyond any dues payments. gifts to the League through our Paceset- General Motor’s ignorant “Reality Sucks” campaign. ter program. To set your The advertisement alluded to bicyclists taking the $1,000 - $4,999 own automated monthly back seat in popularity and not getting ahead in Organizations contribution, visit bikelea- life. The ad pictured a bicyclist ducking his head as Granite State Wheelmen gue.org/pace or call the he passed a beautiful young woman in a car look- membership department ing down at him. The tagline “Reality Sucks” was Individuals at 202.621.5453. plastered right above the “lowly” bicyclist with the Alison Graves blurb to the right, “Luckily the college GM discount Eric Swanson and Devon Cindy Albert doesn’t.” Two of their cars were featured next to the Hodges David Anderson sad cyclist – including a pickup truck big enough to Steven Buchtel haul the whole football team. We were pretty fired up $100-$999 Sandy Chapman Organizations about the ridiculousness of this advertisement so we Peter Coles Beth Shalom Congregation, blogged, tweeted and shared our anger with social Thomas Coon in memory of Nathan Tim Costello media world. Interestingly, the Leauge’s “GM Blunders Krasnopoler Lee Cryer onto Campus” post is our seventh most viewed web Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Amanda Eichstaedt page on bikeleague.org for 2011 – wow! Furthermore, St. Louis Boeing Employees Gwendolyn Fuehring our readers shared our message and clogged GM’s Bicycle Club Jacob Grigsby inboxes and Twitter feeds so much so that GM can- Houston Bicycle Club Phil Hallmark celled the “Reality Sucks” advertising campaign and Valley Spokesmen Doug Hauser are still apologizing to bicyclists’ tweets and Facebook Individuals William Herz messages. Dino Angelici David E. Jones David Bowie Sergio Kapfer Michael Cohen Joe Lachoff M.P. Lee Thanks to your Burton Griffith tweets, e-mails Alan Kailer David Madson and blogs, GM Kathryn L. Lane David Majkowski cancelled their Joe Morgan “Reality Sucks” Mike & Claudia Nix campaign. Jerry Norquist Tim Ontko Eric Olsen A Scott Overfield Michael Pagano Jesse Pelton Michael Scavezze Roger Pierce John Siemiatkoski Bruce Piggott Richard Slaymaker Marilyn Pollow Ken Stahl Chris Quint H. Steiger Bob & Gail Regan American Bicyclist is printed with soy ink on 30% post-consumer Gail Spann recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Phyllis Wagner Howard Williams Cindy Winter

AmericanBicyclist 5 League News All current election cogs&gears [ ] info can be found at bikeleague.org/elections 2012 BOARD ELECTION

THE LEAGUES’ NATIONAL BOARD in philosophy and history from St. OF directors election is a critical Olaf College. I was a law clerk at the Candidate Qualifications responsibility for every League Minnesota Court of Appeals and the • Commitment to cycling. member. This time-honored tradi- U.S. District Court in Minnesota and • Knowledge of Bicyclists’ tion dates back to 1880, when the was in a private practice. I now serve concerns and ability to craft League first emerged as the nation- on the Board of the Bicycle Products solutions. al organization of bicyclists, and we Supplier’s Association (BPSA) and am • Service experience as a leader encourage you to help shape the Chair of the Legislative Committee, in a nonprofit or business future of the League by reviewing where I have worked to reform both organization. the strong slate of candidates and the CPSIA and U.S. bicycle regula- • Membership and Participa- casting your vote. This year’s can- tions. I am President of Minneapolis tion in League activities and didates have diverse cycling and Off-Road Cycling Advocates (MOCA), programs. leadership backgrounds and meet a volunteer group that developed the • Professional-level skills in a T field of use to the Board and eight basic qualifications. We thank first urban mountain bike trail in the all those who applied. The next United States. I am also a Director of League. step is yours, so please vote in the Nice Ride Minnesota, the Twin Cities’ • Personal and professional upcoming election for those you bike sharing system. My family and I character. think will best lead the League in have lived and biked in Minneapolis • An ability and willingness to achieving its mission – to promote for more than 25 years. bring substantial resources to and protect the rights of bicy- the League. clists; advocate for the interests of Rob • Willing to sign a statement of bicyclists; support bicycling skills Sadowsky* support for the League’s Code education; and promote bicycling I am running for of Ethics. for fun, fitness and transportation. re-election to the The following four candidates League’s board to will be up for election when voting continue the prog- opens on January 3, 2012. [Incum- ress we have made tions. I also serve on the boards of the bents are indicated by a *] in building a stronger organization Alliance for Biking and Walking, the that is responsive to its broad mem- Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Matt Moore bership and is proactive in formu- Innovation, and the Oregon Transpor- I am excited lating a successful national bicycle tation Research Education Consor- about the opportu- advocacy campaign. I see the next tium. These connections have been nity to use my tal- steps in this evolution to develop valuable assets to the League’s board ents and experience an effective campaign that works as we grow our partnerships. to assist the League. closely with state and local groups to On a personal note, I like to My love of biking be- leverage resources and strengthen bike with family to local restaurants, gan by sneaking rides on my brother’s local’s ability to gain greater access to farmers markets and through our AMF. In 1973 I blew my life savings transportation funding and to build neighborhood streets during Sunday on a 10-speed Mercier, headed for their own funding pots through local Parkways. I write a regular column for the Sparta-Elroy trail, and have been initiatives. Portland’s homeless newspaper Street- rolling ever since. I currently serve as I have more than 20 years non- Roots on transportation. Follow me General Counsel at Quality Bicycle profit management experience, on twitter at rsadowsky or learn more Products. I received my law degree including seven as the director of about my work at the Bicycle Transpor- with honors from Hamline Univer- two large bicycle advocacy organiza- tation Alliance at btaoregon.org. sity in St. Paul and also hold degrees

6 AmericanBicyclist John Siemiatkoski* How Voting Works I am running for • The League uses a preferential voting system for the board election re-election to the -- giving members the ability to rank election choices. League of American • The size of the Board is 15, and members are voting on four Bicyclists’ Board of candidates to fill three seats. Directors. During • The voting will take place on bikeleague.org. There will be links on my first term, I helped the League im- the homepage and in American Bicyclist Update. prove its fundraising, spoke at several • League members, as of October 2, 2011, are eligible to vote. If you state bike summits, and handed out have any problems voting or need your membership ID, contact several Bicycle Friendly Community Scott Williams at [email protected] awards. As a League Cycling Instruc- • Organizational members (if your club is a League member and you tor (LCI), I have taught more than 500 are not an individual member) can not vote. students and have assisted with five LCI Seminars. Never before has the bicycling believe bringing forth my experience movement been more exciting and The board should represent all running a similar organization at relevant. Since members are vital to bicyclists across America – I am the the local level will be helpful to the what we do, I recently agreed to chair only candidate from the Northeast. League. our new Membership Committee. If I look forward to the opportunity to I am passionate about bicycle ad- re-elected, here’s what I plan to help continue my service. vocacy and other transportation, land the League achieve: use and environmental issues. I think • Increase membership - reach Corrine it’s critical that we mainstream cycling would-be bicyclists through en- Winter and create facilities that are appro- couragement and education. As a League priate for all ages and user types. I • Enhance the Bicycle Friendly board member, I believe the League has huge poten- America program so more com- hope to be a vital tial to continue to effectively push the munities can promote bicycling. player in integrating bicycling agenda at the national level. • Unify the array of bicycling advo- bicycling into our This is a critical time, considering cur- cacy organizations so we speak nation’s transportation legislation by rent threats to bicycle and pedestrian for the entire bicycling movement. sharing the knowledge that I have funding. • Engage our members to evange- gained from working in my own local I have a degree in Environmental lize our mission, as state ambas- community with government agen- Studies and Physics from the Univer- sadors, bicycling skills instructors, cies and business leaders. As Execu- sity of California, Santa Cruz and was or trained and effective local tive Director of Silicon Valley Bicycle recently honored as advocates. Coalition, I oversee the organization’s one of 100 Women of • Work with Bikes Belong and fundraising, membership, market- Influence by the Silicon NBDA, so bicycle retailers can ing and board development, as well Valley/San José Business share our mission with their as supervise our educational offer- Journal. customers. ings, programs and advocacy work. I

BOARD ELECTION CALENDAR DECEMBER JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY MARCH 22 03 31 31 05 Deadline for petitions to be Elections open Online ballots New board Annual Meeting submitted (no less than 10 online closed members starts new board days days prior to election) announced terms

AmericanBicyclist 7 cogs&gears [League News]

2012 NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT WE CAN SAVE CYCLING Washington, D.C. | March 20-22 | bikeleauge.org/summit12

Some members of Congress want education programs, maps and com- to put an end to Federal funding for muter programs that we all use that bicycling projects and programs. are at stake. We’ve successfully fended off several The attacks this year were just attempts to eliminate the primary a taste of what’s to come in 2012. funding programs – most notably By March 30, Congress has to either the transportation enhancements re-write or extend (again) the current program – thanks to your prompt and law: the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, vociferous responses to our action Equitable Transportation Efficiency alerts throughout the year. Act – a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA- After 20 years of growth in these LU). Our opponents want to write us programs, we’re now talking about out of a new bill altogether, and have significant amounts of money. In singled out bicycling programs for the last (2011) fiscal year, more than elimination in any further extensions $750 million of Federal transportation of the current law, should they fail to funds were invested in bicycling and agree on a new bill. walking projects and programs – only That makes the 2012 National staff to make that possible – and we 1.5 percent of the overall Federal Bike Summit, March 20-22 absolutely want to see you there. If you can’t be transportation program. critical. The Summit brings the leaders there yourself, please encourage your Still, that’s a lot of miles of the bicycling movement to Wash- club, advocacy group, or local shop of trail, shoulder, and bike ington to make the case for contin- to send someone to the Summit. We lane. That’s a lot of bike ued investment in better bicycling. need your voice. parking spaces, bus racks, We organize hundreds of meetings Register now at bikeleague.org/ with members of Congress and their summit12 to secure the early bird rate.

8 AmericanBicyclist THINK BIKE TUCSON IS SERIOUS ABOUT FEDERAL BICYCLING FUNDING By Darren Flusche, Policy Analyst Tucson hosts first Action 2020 Workshop

IN 1991, CONGRESS PASSED A transportation authorization law that changed the way communities could use federal transportation dollars. Andy Clarke, now president of the League, and Peter Lagerwey, now a planner with Tool Design, were young(er) bicycling advocates that set out to train transportation profes- sionals on all of the new eligibility that bicycling and walking projects Thad in the just-passed transportation bill. Their cross-country workshops, along with the growing transporta- tion funding, laid the foundation for the increase in bicycling and walking projects we’ve seen the past 20 years. Association of Governments, hosted Today, we are awaiting the the first Action 2020 workshop. The next long-term transportation bill, workshop presented an overview of watching the proposed changes, and federal funding sources; gave infor- preparing to make our case to Con- mation on state and local policies gress at the National Bike Summit in and practices; Lagerwey and Clarke March. Once again, we are going on shared best practices; and partici- the road to talk about federal fund- pants mapped out next steps. More Emily Yetman told Tucson Velo. “One ing eligibility with transportation than 60 people attended the first Ac- person will bring up an issue they’re officials and advocates. This time tion 2020 Workshop and participants having in another part of the state, with Action 2020 Workshops – Ad- included: Arizona DOT program and someone from ADOT will stand vocacy Advance’s new training on managers, University of Arizona of- up and say, ‘Hey I’m the guy you need federal funding opportunities. There ficials, local and state advocates, and to talk to.’” To complete the loop, the has been considerable turn-over in Tucson City Council members. Tuc- LSA is also hosting the Alliance for agency staff since 1991, with many of son mayor Bob Walkup and Arizona Biking & Walking’s Winning Cam- the new staffers bringing with them State Representative Steve Farley also paigns Training later this year to mo- more progressive ideas about active spoke on a panel of elected officials. bilize what they learned at the Action transportation modes like bicycling “What has been the most exciting for 2020 workshop. and walking, and many new bicycling me to see is how — just in the course Visit AdvocacyAdvance.org to advocates and advocacy organizations of this morning — people are making learn about upcoming workshops in have emerged during that time. connections and answering ques- Pittsburgh, Penn. (January 20), and The Living Streets Alliance (LSA) tions for each other in the audience.” Atlanta, Ga. (February 10). in Tucson, Ariz., along with the Pima Living Streets Alliance president,

AmericanAmericanBicyclist 9 PEDAL PROGRESS

“The more bikes on the road, the less dependent we are on foreign oil. I ride, I vote.” - Roger Sherman, Old Bridge, N.J.

We have the Right to the Road

THE DRAFT OF THE SENATE’S I bike. I vote. I’m telling the Senate … transportation authorization bill, S. 1813 Moving Ahead for Progress “Restricting bicycles from use on otherwise safe in the 21st Century Act, includes roads is unnecessary and gives the non-bicycling language that would introduce a mandatory sidepath law on roads in motorists the idea that bikes are only for use on our National Parks and other Federal bike paths.” - Lee Nye, Naperville, Ill. lands. The law would require cyclists on Federal lands to use a path or trail, instead of roads, if the speed limit is provided; it disregards the needs of force anyone to use it; they will use it more than 30 mph and a trail exists cyclists to be on the roadway to ac- voluntarily because it works.” within 100 yards – regardless of its cess shops, services etc.; and ignores The sidepath provision sets a ter- Tcondition or utility of the path. “The our fundamental right to the road,” rible precedent, and passing it would problem with the provision is that the says Andy Clarke, League president. send the wrong message to trans- restriction applies regardless of the The sidepath law is also rooted portation agencies that these policies quality, safety and utility of the path in mistaken philosophies. “One such are acceptable. Laws like this have idea is that it’s just not safe for cyclists been taken off the books in states for to share the road with cars going more than 30 years, and the League is “Bicycles are not merely more than 30 mph and thus, for our making sure this sidepath law is not own safety, we should have to use a passed. In doing so, we developed the a plaything for children too path that is provided,” says Clarke. Rights to the Road Petition (bikelea- young to drive cars; they “This paternalistic, at best, approach gue.org/petition) to tell the Senate is guilty of not only blaming the that the mandatory sidepath law is are a serious means of victim but simply doesn’t make sense a bad idea. In less than a month, we transportation ... bikes have unless every higher-speed roadway received more than 11,000 signatures a place on the road and a has a path alongside it.” The second in opposition. Visit bikeleague.org/ principle at play is “the idea that ‘we petition to read the sig- place in the economy.” provided this path for you, you’d natures and comments - Carissa Condor Grihalva, Craig, Colo. darned well better use it.’ To which and to sign the petition our response should be ... if the path yourself. is any good, you shouldn’t have to

10 AmericanBicyclist AmericanBicyclist 11 BIKE MONTH BIKE MONTH ABCs

Assistance – You need specific amount of money or product Kids – Parents and teachers, volunteers to hold a successful Bike to with a plan showing the provider encourage your kids and students to Work event, regardless if it is a small where their contribution will be ride to school. It is a way to get them work function or a citywide weeklong recognized and how it will positively exercising and awaken their brains bike fiesta. Recruit volunteers now assist your efforts. even before they enter a classroom. and be specific what their role is. To find out if your community has a Avoid burnout by asking what their Get Started – If your workplace Safe Routes to School program,k visit acommitment level is and assign tasks or community has never participated saferoutespartnership.org/local. accordingly. in Bike Month, it’s time to start! It just takes one person to suggest the Local leaders – Bike Month Brainstorm – What did you idea, and we guarantee that your boss is the perfect time to involve your do last year that worked? What is or city will think it is a good idea. Get local leaders, especially if they have a your Bike to Work Week dream? All your community riding!g history of not supporting bicycling. of these ideas and more are worthy By inviting your mayor or council for your consideration. Get to work History – For 56 years, Bike member to a Bike Month event or now, research successful events held Month has been the time for new or for a ride, they experience first-hand b returning riders to get back on the why bicycling is beneficial. You might in other cities and office, and start planning! saddle and ride their bike. Originally get some new bike parking or added the Cycle Trade Association called enforcementl efforts by just extending Co-workers=co-riders the month American Bike Month but an invite! Are you the only one who bikes to in 1956 it evolved to National Bike work in your office? Well, encourage Month. Along with the name change, Media – Drum up publicity Bike hMonth became more about for your Bike Month events by a co-worker who lives on your route to work along for a bike commute. promoting cycling and safe bicycling, contacting your local media. A press You never know, you could make not just selling bicycles. release is a good start and a live them a lifetime cyclist. If there is a interview is even better. For tips on network of bike commuters in your Ideas – Need some? How about dealing with media,m visit bikleague. coffice, encourage them to implement energizer stations, a citywide org/bikemonth a buddy system too, and soon you celebration in the town center before could have your whole office riding! and after work, bike-in movies, Next Year – I know; I know. bike to school competitions, free You just started planning your 2012 Do get on your bike! employee breakfasts, open street Bike Month events but remember events, mayor-led rides or a bike to save and file all of your 2012 scavenger hunt. It doesn’t matter s

Events d planning, sponsorship n information – Now you have an event, so post them at bikeleague.org/ what you do, just make it fun to get and volunteer contacts. You will want bikemonth_events! Also, promote new riders out there on their bikes! them come 2013! them any way possible to encourage

e i registration and participation. Jam – Get out of a traffic jam and Office participation – How jam on your bike! can you get your office to participate? Fundraising – Sponsorships are Start with an office wide commuter vital to successful Bike Month events. challenge, offer free breakfast for all Prepare a specific funding proposal those that ride during Bike to Work for each potential sponsor. Ask for a Week, host bike meet-ups to happy j hours after work, and find who lives 12 AmericanBicyclist f o near you and show them the way to U.S. Commuter Data – Find bike to work. out who is riding in or near your Promotion community and how many bike – Promotion, lanes are in your area by visiting promotion, and more promotion. bikeleague.org/acs2010. Print out the League’s Bike Month flyers at bikeleague.org/bikemonth_ Video – record your Bike Month promotion and hang them in u events and post them to your social your office, post the banners and networking sites. Let people know buttons on your office, bike club or riding bikes is fun! community’s Web site. Spread the word early! p v Web site – If you have a business, Questions? club, city or group Web site and have If you have the ability to get Bike to Work and questions about anything Bike Bike Month information on there, Month, e-mail the League at do it. A larger audience will receive [email protected] or visit your updates, and people who are bikeleague.org/bikemonth. looking for your Bike Month event Routes and Rides information will have a place to find – New and it. You may be the only source. returning riders will participate if w riding to an event or to work is not X-Factor – What is your confusing. Remember, biking to a one variable that could have the destination is usually not the same most significant impact on your way as walking or biking there. So community or office during Bike please, make it easy for our new Month? Are you social? Coordinate riders and provide clearly marked a ride or an event with city. Are you maps and/or directions onr your Web an educator? Set up a rodeo or bike site and in your office. If you don’t

clinic. Use your special talent x or have a readily available tool, Google quality and get people riding bikes Maps provides directions via bike. this May. Social Media – Facebook, You can do it – Whatever you Twitter and the rest of the social need to do to get riding more, to get media world are an easy and free way your community riding or your co- to promote your Bike Month events. workers riding. You cany do it! An added bonus, many demographics you wouldn’t usually reach are Zip around your community on out there and listening on social s your bike to do your errands and networks. Harness interest across shopping. The more who people see all ages and demographics and start you riding around town, the more tweeting on Twitter and sharing event people who will be encouraged to information on Facebook. Start the ride! conversation now! Bikez Month Ideas Timeline – Timing is everything; Learn more about Bike Month at and if you do not make and stick to bikeleague.org/bikemonth. a timeline, preparation might not get completed for your Bike Month event. Mark up your calendar!t AmericanBicyclist 13 FROM THE SADDLE

BICYCLING LESSONS FOR IN THE NETHERLANDS THE USA? By Hans van Naerssen, League Chair

BICYCLISTS MAKE UP MORE than become the global leader in bicycle was one of several study tours led by 25 percent of all traffic in the Neth- transportation? Are there teachable the Bikes Belong Foundation to bring erlands; Dutch cities have networks lessons for U.S. communities or is the elected officials and transportation of well-marked bike routes that are Netherlands too flat, too European, policy makers and planners from enjoyed by grandmothers, schoolchil- and just too different? To find out, I select U.S. cities together to study, dren, professionals and purple haired joined city officials from Chicago, Ill., experience and capture great ideas punks; and bikes are everywhere. Washington, D.C. and Miami, Fla. on from the best cycling communities in Bikes are mainstream. a Bikes Belong Foundation Transpor- the world. So how did the Netherlands, the tation Leadership Study Tour of the tiny nation of windmills and cheese, Netherlands in early October. This

B14 AmericanBicyclist Bicycling in the tially completed highway project was Netherlands was not cancelled. Officials with a different vision of the city’s future were elected always GREAT to office, and plans were revised to From the 1950s through the restore and preserve neighborhoods. mid 70s, the Netherlands, like many Walking, bicycling and transit be- nations, wanted to become mod- came centerpieces of urban planning ern like the U.S. The Netherlands – not cars. By the late 1970s, this planned large sprawling communities major shift in strategy had spread to and connected them with expansive the national government and most 1970’s: A Street Bisects Amsterdam’s highways and transit. Private cars cities in the Netherlands. Museum Square were the future for the country, and bicycles were not part of the plan. What did we experience between all transportation modes Dutch bicycle transportation declined – walking, bicycling, driving and dramatically. 30 years later? transit – was well thought out and The Netherlands’ march toward Fast forward to October 2011, elegantly engineered, with minimal ‘progress’ continued for more than more than 30 years later, to our five- conflicts and frustration. Bicycling two decades. They razed historic day Dutch bicycling tour. We visited through the hearts of Rotterdam and buildings and splintered communi- seven cities, ranging from mid-sized Amsterdam -- two dense, bustling ties to build highways and make Groningen where bicyclists make cities -- was easy and safe. room for motor vehicles. Red flags up nearly 60 percent of the daily How safe? In 2007 the Nether- began to pop in the new Netherlands: traffic (up from 43 percent fifteen lands had 10 bicycle fatalities per an alarming rise in traffic fatalities – years ago), to much larger and more billion kilometers bicycled (that’s particularly children and bicyclists; U.S.-like Rotterdam where approxi- one per 62 million miles). This is an the Oil Crisis of 1973; and emerging mately one in five trips is made by 80 percent drop from Dutch bicy- global environmental concerns. These bike. In each city, Dutch transporta- cling fatalities some 30 years earlier, new problems came to a boil in 1975 tion officials shared an overview of despite a 25 percent increase in daily when Amsterdam residents took their local bicycling history, policy, miles bicycled per person per day. to the streets to protest the contin- infrastructure and plans, followed by Adjusted for population, bicycling is ued destruction of neighborhoods a guided tour on bike. Dutch riding about five times safer in the Nether- for freeways and metros. After two was always safe, convenient, easy and lands than in the U.S. months of Amsterdam riots, the par- fun – even for those who had not In addition to safety, Dutch bicy- bicycled in decades. The interaction cling touts a pretty high mode share. Approximately 27 percent of the Dutch population bicycles regularly for transportation – half do so at least once a week. Women constitute

Amsterdam bicycle parking at the rail station

AmericanBicyclist 15 FROM THE SADDLE

55 percent of bicyclists. Bikes are so belongs where. Beyond transporta- ingrained in the Dutch lifestyle that tion, cycling is recognized as a social there are more bicycles than residents! activity. Typically, bike lanes are wide Actually, most have two bikes: one to enough for two abreast, enabling con- get from home to the train, the other versation and safe passing. from the train to work. The average The breadth of Dutch bicycling Dutch bike trip is about three miles, networks is also a lesson to take home and transit or cars are usually only to the States. The interconnected bike used when trips are longer than 6 networks reach all parts of a commu- miles – although, electric bikes are be- nity – not just downtown hubs. The coming popular for longer distances. networks are convenient and com- A Bicycle Street in a residential area, The integration of well-honed plete, easy to see and to navigate, in- bikes have right of way traffic tools and an appreciation of clude consistent signage, and work to bikes as a part of life allow Dutch minimize stopping. Traffic signals are engineers to tailor-make solutions timed to maximize mobility, to mini- tunnels and bridges and well-marked that fit the immediate context. For mize bicyclist frustration, and to limit roundabouts. Their dedicated Bike instance, most bicycling routes in the conflicts between bicyclists and turn- (high)ways connect city centers and Netherlands have smooth, red asphalt ing cars. Obvious pavement markings suburban neighborhoods. Bicycling surfaces to differentiate from sur- communicate right of ways. Intersec- on busy streets is facilitated with faces used for pedestrians or motor tions are made safe and comfortable cycle tracks that place car parking to vehicles. This limits confusion of who with open, well-lit and easy-to-bike the left of cyclists. Low speed neigh-

16 AmericanBicyclist BIKES BELONG FOUNDATION In June 2006, Bikes Belong launched the Bikes Belong Foundation to make bicycling safer, to get more kids riding, and to improve the health and quality of life for Americans. It stands as a sepa- rate, complementary organization to the Bikes Belong Coalition and is home to several projects, including: Bicycling Design Best Practices Program, People for Bikes, Safe Routes to School, and Foun- dation Grants.

The mission of the Bicycling Design Best Practices Program is to increase bicycle use in America by adapting and implementing state-of-the art international practices in infrastructure and urban design to make bicycling safer, more comfortable and more appealing. This program is what makes the study tours and workshops possible, like the one in Holland.

There are three key elements of the Bicycling De- sign Best Practices Program: 1. Improve U.S. design manuals and profes- sional guidance 2. Study Tours and Workshops 3. Grants - The Bikes Belong Foundation of- fers competitive grant opportunities to cities whose leaders have participated in the Best Practices Program.

To learn more about the Bikes Belong Foundation and the Bicycling Design Best Practices Program, visit bikesbelong.org/bikes-belong-foundation.

AmericanBicyclist 17 FROM THE SADDLE

borhood streets are designated as bi- every Dutch citizens cycle streets where there is mixed car knows to look both and bicycle traffic. Bicyclists have the ways before they step right of way in both directions and off a curb into a cycle motor vehicles are restricted to one track! In fact, bicycling way use behind bicyclists. We even in the Netherlands is so experienced a more recent trend in prevalent that bicycle Dutch traffic planning – a completely parking has become a shared space with no markings, no problem. You would signs, and complete integration of all think that 243,000 A cycle track with parking on the left modes – and the traffic still flowed bicycle-parking places slowly and smoothly. in Amsterdam alone There is also a social element at would be more than enough – not so. population is the same as Florida but work in the Netherlands. Bicycling Their advice – plan for bike parking. is only twice the size of New Jer- is fun, and almost 70 percent of the sey. The country enjoys year round Dutch population associate joy with What does this moderate, occasionally wet and windy, bicycling. Social interaction is en- temperatures. And the Dutch tend to couraged with bicycling zones wide mean for the U.S.? be open, liberal, and international. enough for two abreast. Children The Netherlands is different The U.S. has a tremendous amount receive traffic education and have to than the U.S. It’s compact, flat, and of land, variety of terrain, climates, pass both a written and an on-the- has the highest population density city types, and residents. However, road bicycling test at age 11, and of any other nation. Holland’s total lessons from the Dutch can apply to our country. Like the Netherlands, we share the basic metropolitan structure of large and small city centers with surrounding suburbs, plus the basic desire and need to get from point A to B safely, conveniently and quickly. The elected and senior transportation of- ficials from Miami, Chicago, and D.C. agreed that planning and engineering principles from the Netherlands could be applied to their cities. Each city is already working on implementing concepts. Work to make your city a Bicycle Friendly Community by visiting bike- leauge.org/community, and schedule a trip to the Netherlands so you, too, can be inspired. We have a long way to go before we can even be considered on the same level as Holland. Hoi!

18 AmericanBicyclist BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND

BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA By Bill Nesper Director, Bicycle Friendly SLIDESHOW America Program

THE LEAGUE PROMOTES AND Davis, Calif. was, again, awarded Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) in celebrates the great work of the com- the highest honor – a platinum-level Nevada this September at the 2011 munities, businesses, universities BFC designation in October. Board Interbike Expo in Las Vegas, Nev. and states that have been designated member David Madson was on hand League President Andy Clarke pre- though the League’s Bicycle Friendly to present the award. Davis was the sented RTC General Manager Jacob America (BFA) program. In doing so, first community to receive a Plati- Snow with the Silver-level BFB award. the staff and board have traveled to num-level BFC award in 2005. RTC and Interbike also announced bicycle-friendly locations across the The Bicycle Friendly University the 2012 Viva Bike Vegas Grand Fon- country to meet the people behind (BFU) program, in its innaugural do ride, which will now coincide with the bicycle-friendly work. We love year, awarded 26 colleges and univer- the closing day of Interbike 2012. visiting these places and formally sities BFU designations. League BFA If you are a recent BFA award recognizing winners at local award Program Specialist Nicole Wynands recipient or if you win a designation Tceremonies. Here are a few highlights presented Chatham’s Bronze- in the future, we want to visit you! from recent award ceremonies: level BFU award to Mary Whitney, For more information on the BFA The Woodlands Township, Chatham University Sustainability program, please visit bikeleauge.org/ Texas received its brand new bronze Coordinator and Michael Boyd, bfa or e-mail us at bfa@bikeleague. Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Chatham’s Bike Coordinator and org. award in October. League Board Professor of Music. member Gail Spann was there to The Regional Transportation present the township board with Commission of Southern Nevada the award alongside our statewide (RTC) was recognized as the first partner Robin Stallings, the executive director of Bike Texas.

(From R to L) Nicole Wynands; Scott Bricker, League President Andy Executive Director of Bike League Board Member Clarke (right) presents Pittsburgh; Mary Whitney, Gail Spann (left) presents David Madson presents Regional Transportation Chatham University a BFC award to Woodlands Davis mayor Joe Krovoza Commission of Southern Sustainability Coordinator; Township Board of with the award at the U.S. Nevada General Manager Michael Boyd, Chatham’s Directors Chairman Bruce Bicycling Hall of Fame Jacob Snow with the Silver- Bike Coordinator and Tough (center) and Robin 2011 Induction Ceremony level BFB award. Professor of Music. Stallings (right). Dinner.

AmericanAmericanBicyclistBicyclist 1919 RIDE GUIDE

RIDE GUIDE The League has 700 affiliated local bike clubs and another 250 advocacy groups. We invited them to choose one of their rides to highlight in this listing — you can find out more about the clubs and all their rides by using the Find It! feature on www.bikeleague.org. In addition, the National Bicycle Tour Directors Association has an ex- tensive list of multi-day rides at www.nbtda.org. 2011 American Bicyclist advertisers are highlighted in yellow.

ALABAMA CALIFORNIA Grizzly Peak Century CONNECTICUT Alabama’s Magnificent Bicycling America by Bicycle’s Cross Grizzly Peak Cyclists AngelRide Adventure (AMBA) Country Challenge 5/5/12 AngelRide - Angel Charitable Trust AlaBike 6/2/12-7/24/12 grizz.org/century 5/16-5/27/12 5/19-5/16/12 americabybicycle.com/CCC/ Terrain: Hilly Terrain: Rolling to Hilly amba1.com Terrain: Varied 70 and 110 mile rides; Details in angelcharitabletrust.org/ride or Terrain: Rolling San Francisco Calif. to Portsmouth early 2012. www.angelride.org AMBA is a seven day ride sited in N.H. in 52 days, 3,872 miles and AngelRide is a one or two-day bike one location with out-and-back six stages. Fully Supported with Sierra to the Sea trek across Connecticut benefiting loops each day. NO CAMPING! registration@ Almaden Cycle Touring Club The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp americabybicycle.com. 6/16-6/23/12 founded by Paul Newman. Riders Johnny Ray Century sierratothesea.org raise a minimum of $1,000. East Alabama Cycling Club Bike the Bay Terrain: Hills, rural rollers to flat 9/22/12 San Diego County Bicycle Coalition Scenic and challenging 400-plus- FLORIDA auburn.edu/~lakwean/ 8/26/12 mile tour from Bear Valley to San 4th Annual Bike Brunch registrationform.html sdcbc.org/ Francisco. Camping, meals, and SAG Naples Pathways Coalition, Inc. Terrain: Rolling Terrain: Flat $655. Registration opens 1/19/10. 1/29/12 Choose from 100, 63, 34, or 20 A non-competitive, community bike Terrain: Visit Website mile routes through the gorgeous ride around San Diego Bay via the Sunday Morning ROAD Ride bikebrunch.org countryside of the Alabama Bayshore Bikeway for riders of all Delta Pedalers Breakfast, bag, rest stops and piedmont. abilities. Every Sunday at 8 a.m. SAG vehicle support, and brunch Terrain: Easy Hills included with registration - a shirt ARIZONA Gold Lake Highway Loop deltaped.org too if received by deadline. Santa Fe Century Plumas-Sierra Bicycle Club Ride through Byron to Los Vaqueros Santa Fe Century & Trail Committee Ongoing Club Ride in Summer and Reservoir and return to Brentwood Tour of Boca 5/20/12 Fall for coffee. Boca Raton Bicycle Club Santfecentury.com psbicycleclub.org 1/8/12, 2/19/12 and 3/11/12 Terrain: Rolling Terrain: Hilly Terrain: Road to Gently Rolling Hills The century’s 26th Year. 3,000 Riders. Prettiest ride in the High Sierras - BocaRatonBicycleClub.com Fully supported Century & Half- three climbs, alpine meadows and Five- mile, easy-paced, police Century Rides. many lakes, cascading river, and the escorted bicycle ride beginning at spectacular Sierra Buttes. Patch Reef Park on Yamato Road (just west of Military trail).

20 AmericanBicyclist GEORGIA TOMRV - Tour of the Mississippi 10th Annual AIDS Vaccine 200 River Valley Action Cycling Atlanta Quad Cities Bicycle Club 5/19-5/20/12 6/9-6/10/12 Terrain: Varied http://qcbc.org actioncycling.org Terrain: rolling hills Two-day, 200-mile ride through Midwest cycling tradition in its 34th Georgia countryside, benefiting the year. 1,500 bicycling enthusiasts Emory Vaccine Center. come to ride the challenging ride on scenic roads, through Midwest Bicycle Ride Across Georgia farmland, and along the Mississippi (BRAG) River. Bicycle Ride Across Georgia 6/2-6/9/12 INDIANA Terrain: Visit Website Amishland and Lakes brag.org Michiana Bicycling Association Discover Georgia by bicycle. BRAG is 8/3-8/5/12 a family-oriented tour. It is not a race. mbabike.com Terrain: Flat to Rolling IDAHO Friday night & Saturday Amish Devil’s Slide country 23-100 miles. Sunday Twin Rivers Cyclists Rolling hills of Michigan-around the Early March 2012 lakes 23-64 miles. twinriverscyclists.org/Events/ Devil%27s%20Slide/Devil.htm Hilly Hundred Weekend Terrain: Rolling with one significant Central Indiana Bicycling descent Association USACycling sanctioned mountain 10/19-10/21/12 bike race over rolling terain with the hillyhundred.org Devil’s Slide descent as the central Terrain: Rolling Hills feature. Experts do three laps. A classic bicycling event designed for the touring cyclists that include ILLINOIS food, entertainment and fellowship Blackhawk Country Roads with more than 5,000 cyclists. Blackhawk Bicycle & Ski Club 5/26-5/27/12 Orchard Country Bike Tour blackhawkbicycleclub.org Maple City Bicycling Club Terrain: Rolling to hilly 5/20/12 Rolling countryside, quaint towns, Maplecitybicyclingclub.org unspoiled views along the Sugar Terrain: flat to some moderate River and challenging Wisconsin rolling hills. Family and friends get-it-in gear, warm-up ride, scenic routes, and Bob Galloway Memorial Amish 16,30 and 55 miles. Country Bicycle Tour Decatur Bicycle Club Ride Across Indiana (RAIN Ride) 9/12/12 Bloomington Bicycle Club decaturbicycleclub.org 7/21/12 Terrain: Flat & Family Friendly rainride.org A bicycle tour through the Amish Terrain: Flat to Gently Rolling country side around Arthur, Illinois. RAIN is a one way, one day, 160-mile ride from the Illinois/Indiana state Folks on Spokes Easter Ride line to Richmond, Ind. Folks on Spokes Bicycle Club 4/29/12 Three Rivers Festival Tour folksonspokes.com Three Rivers Velo Sport Terrain: Flat to gently rolling 7/15/12 First invitational of the Chicagoland 3RVS.com cycling season. Five routes from Terrain: Flat to rollling. 18-65 miles. Beautiful gently rolling countryside, well-stocked centralized SAG, and Sweet Corn Century ice cream to bring you home. Illinois Valley Cycling Association 8/11/12 KANSAS bikeiv.org Buffalo Bill Century Terrain: Rural, flat to rolling hills Leavenworth Bicycle Club A rolling rural ride past wind farms 9/15/12 and fields during the Mendota leavenworthbicycleclub.com Sweet Corn Festival. Terrain: Rolling countryside 30th Annual BBC Weekend in bucolic Leavenworth County. Good roads, great commercial SAGs, and fun!

AmericanBicyclist 21 RIDE GUIDE MARYLAND 24th Annual Shoreline West MONTANA Cumberland Valley Century Bicycle Tour 42nd Annual TOSRV West 2012 Cumberland Valley Cycling Club League of Michigan Bicyclists Missoulians on Bicycles 8/11/12 8/5-8/11/12 5/19-5/20/12 bikecvcc.com LMB.org missoulabike.org/tosrvwest/ Terrain: Paved roads bordering MAINE Terrain: Rolling to hilly Terrain: Flat to Rolling to Climbs Cycle on 25, 63 and 103 mile mountains 22nd Annual Maine Bike Rally Explore the beautiful coastline routes on the low-traffic roads of TOSRV West is a supported, two-day, Bicycle Coalition of Maine of Lake Michigan as you ride by Washington County. challenging double century tour 7/6-7/8/12 beaches, sand dunes, cherry farms and lighthouses. through western Montana’s most mainebikerally.org/ MASSACHUSETTS spectacular scenery. Terrain: Moderate 40th Annual Eastern Tandem Rally More than 35 rides featur area Gran Fondo di Thumb Eastern Tandem Rally organization Tour of the Swan River Valley covered bridges, off-road trails, 5/27/12 9/3-9/5/12 Missoulians on Bicycles lakes, historic sites, challenging tourdefrankenmuth.com/drupal/ easterntandemrally.org 5/19-5/20/12 mountain climbs and special gran-fondo Terrain: Rolling hills missoulabike.org/tosrvwest/ gardens. Terrain: Flat Come join 100+ tandem teams in Up to 130 mostly flat miles through Terrain: Moderate a diverse and enjoyable weekend A two day epic ride in the Swan The Maine Lobster Ride and Roll Michigan’s thumb, wind farms and outing for twicers! River Valley. Bicycle Coalition of Maine Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth. 7/21/12 Great River Ride Century NEBRASKA bikemaine.org/events/lobster-ride MINNESOTA Northeast Sport Cyclists Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour Terrain: Coastal Bicycling Around Minnesota-BAM 10/7/12 Hastings Unique Bicyclists Four great rides to choose from (16, Bicycling Around Minnesota – BAM greatriverride.com 8/11/12 30, 50, 100). Inc. Terrain: Hilly 8/23-8/26/12 incolor.inetnebr.com/drewarc/ 2012 will be the 25th Anniversary kaclassic 11th Annual Maine Women’s Ride bambiketour.org of the GRR, New England’s most Terrain: Gently Rolling Hills Bicycle Coalition of Maine Terrain: Varied challenging century. 20-, 40- and 65-mile routes on scenic 6/03/12 Bicycle in beautiful NE Minnesota and experience Lake Superior, roads surrounding the birthplace of bikemaine.org/events/ MICHIGAN Kool-Aid. womensrideindex the Iron Range, lakes, forests and One Helluva Ride (OHR) Terrain: Moderate northern prairies. Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society Heatstroke 100 A heart disease awareness event, 7/14/12 Great Plains Bicycling Club registration includes 5, 10 or 25 aabts.org/ohr/ 9/26/12 mile ride. Terrain: Flat to gently rolling, rural greatplainsbikeclub.org Mostly low traffic, rural roads thru Terrain: Rolling hills Southeast Michigan, great lunch Well sagged, well run, fun ride. 25, and rest stops. 35, 50, or 100 miles. More than 300 cyclists in 2011.

22 AmericanBicyclist NEW Jersey OHIO TENNESEE Bath County Harvest Moon The Revolutionary Ramble Dog Days Wine Tour Bluff City Blues 100 Festival Century Morris Area Freewheelers Silver Wheels Cycling Club Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club Shenandoah Mountain Touring 6/9/12 7/21/12 10/6/12 9/22/12 rambleride.org DogDaysWineTour.com memphishightailers.com www.mountaintouring.com Terrain: rolling to challenging Terrain: Flat to Rolling Terrain: Hilly Terrain: Rolling depending on the tour Rides of 30, 50, 65, 90 and 125 Great riding, blues music, BBQ, beer Rolling paved country roads in miles (The Double Dog Dare). Rest and great route. Do not miss this scenic mountainous terrain with Ride for Autism stops at wineries. All participants great event. two challenging climbs in the Jersey Shore Touring Society get cookout. Cost $25; $30 after 7/1. 100 and 60 mile routes. Enjoyable 6/9/12 Optional t-shirts and wine bags. TEXAS intermediate ride. jsts.us and ride4autism.org 19th Annual Armadillo Hill Terrain: Rolling Hills Dry Run Century Country Classic Bike Virginia Tour One-day charity bicycle tour to raise Westerville Bicycle Club Austin Cycling Association BikeWalk Virginia funds for Autism New Jersey and 9/9/12 5/12/12 6/22-27/12 also to raise community awareness westervillebicycleclub.org/dryrun armadilloclassic.net bikevirginia.org about autism. Terrain: Rolling Terrain: Rolling Terrain: Check Web site Fully-supported tour of 30, 50, 70 Seven different courses that wander Tour Historic Winchester, Va. & NEW MEXICO or 100 rolling miles. through the Texas Hill Country and Harpers Ferry, W. Va., among other Santa Fe Century the National Wildlife Refuge. See areas. Help celebrate our 25th year! Santa Fe Century and Trail Mad Anthony River Rally quaint towns like Bertram, Oatmeal Registration opens December 1, Committee Toledo Area Bicyclists, Inc. & Burnet. Enjoy the beautiful rolling 2011! 5/20/12 8/4/12 scenery. santafecentury.com toledoareabicyclists.org Shenandoah Valley Heritage Ride Terrain: Rolling, with a few climbs Terrain: Flat Easter Hill Country Tour Winchester Wheelmen The 25th Anniversary year and Enjoy watching the corn grow Austin Cycling Association 6/3/12 3,000 riders. while you ride 31-100 mile routes 4/6-4/8/12 bgcride.org on rural roads. ehct.com Terrain: Rolling hills 21st Annual Gila Inner Loop Tour Terrain: Texas hill country Rides of 10, 30, 50, 70 miles over New Mexico Touring Society OREGON Three-day tour and social gathering terrain of rolling hills. Start at 8 am 5/12-5/13/12 Yaquina Lighthouse Rides out of Kerrville over Easter weekend. at the Valley Health Wellness Center NMTS.org Yaquina Wheels Bike Club The geological history of this area in Winchester, Va. Terrain: Varied 8/18/12 produces small, intimate valleys Scenic two-day tour on the Gila yaquinawheels.org with steep hillsides. Thursday Evening Burn Inner Loop. Ride through pine Terrain: Rolling hills; total elevation Queen City Cycling Club forests and green meadows and gain of 2,800 feet River Region Classic & The Every Thursday (March-Oct.) see wide-open vistas in the Gila Description: Three rides of 103, Dragons’ Back Ride queencitycyclingclub.com National Forest and along the 72 and 25 miles. All rides start Hill Country Rivers Terrain: Rolling beautiful Mimbres River valley. and end at the Yaquina Head 10/20/12 The ride is a no-drop ride with two Lighthouse. riverregionclassic.org re-groups, averaging 18 to 20 mph NEW YORK Terrain: Hilly on rolling terrain. More Cowbell PENNSYLVANIA Three challenging courses through TEEN TREKS Round the Valley the Texas Hill Country, Concan, WASHINGTON 7/20/-7/22/12 Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition Uvalde, Utopia, Vanderpool, and Group Health Inland Empire NeedMoreCowbell.org 8/25/12 Media. Dragons’ Back is known for Century Terrain: Challenging roundthevalley.org Texas-size climbs. Your legs and Tri-City Bicycle Club A three-day bicycle ride from Terrain: Rolling lungs will burn. 5/12/12 Boston to New York, the Trek is a A scenic 25-mile, metric and tricitybicycleclub.org fundraiser to end amyotrophic century ride through small towns VERMONT Terrain: Flat to Rolling Climbs lateral sclerosis (ALS). and Amish farmland on lightly VerMontreal Bike Tour Ride through open spaces, rivers, traveled roads in Lebanon County. Local Motion wheat fields and orchards of Gold Coast Tour 5/31-6/03/12 Washington State’s Inland Empire. Huntington Bicycle Club Three Creek Century localmotion.org/vermontreal Ride options are 25, 50, 75, and 100 July 2012 (TBA) Harrisburg Bike Clubs Terrain: Gentle rolling miles. huntingtonbicycleclub.org/ 9/16/12 Cycle gently rolling rural Vermont th goldcoast.html threecreekcentury.com landscapes to bike-friendly Montreal 30 Annual McClinchy Mile Terrain: Varies Terrain: gentle; one route has and the annual Tour de l’Île. Fine B.I.K.E.S. Club of Snohomish County Tours of the beautiful Gold Coast of challenging hills hotels, great food, full baggage/sag 3/17/12 Long Island. Various distances and The best ride to experience support. Easy to moderate (35 – 65 bikesclub.org degrees of difficulty. the beauty of south central miles/day). Terrain: Flat to Hilly Pennsylvania. Great for all levels What’s a McClinchy Mile? Choose a NORTH DAKOTA VIRGINIA 20, 34 or 47-mile loop or combine CANDISC Bicycle Tour SOUTH CAROLINA 30th Annual Shenandoah Valley them for a spring century. CANDISC FestiVELO Century 8/4-8/11/12 Festivelo Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition Ride Around Puget Sound ndtourism.com/whatdo/events/ 11/7-11/12/12 9/9/12 Bicycle Alliance of Washington festival-details.asp?AID=836 festivelo.org svbcoalition.org/events/century/ 8/25-8/26/12 Terrain: Fronteir Terrain: Flat Terrain: Rolling rapsodybikeride.com Cycling Around North Dakota in Visit Website for details. Ride options for 25, 50, and 100 or Terrain: Rolling Hills Sakakawea Country. more miles, the Shenandoah Valley Five bike clubs organize this Ride for Raptors Century is the finest way to tour challenging 170-mile weekend Ride for Raptors the scenic and historic Shenandoah loop known for great food and 1st or 2nd October Saturday Valley. friendliness. Fundraiser for ride4raptors.org statewide bike advocacy. Terrain: Flat 25, 60 and 100 mile routes in rolling hills of Anderson and Pickens counties.

AmericanBicyclist 23 AMERICAN RIDE GUIDE

THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as WISCONSIN WYOMING the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling Mondays Around Monona Tour de Wyoming for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through We Are All Mechanics Cycle Wyoming advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. Mondays in Aug-Sept 2012 7/15-7/20/12 The League represents the interests of the nation’s 57 weareallmechanics.com/Events. cyclewyoming.org html Terrain: Varies million bicyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 Terrain: Flat Event covers 370 miles, with daily affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals and 700 Casual, slow-paced 11-mile ride ranges from 50 to 84 miles. Loop organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling around Lake Monona. We meet starts and ends in Green River and to your community. Contact League officers, directors or up after the ride for dinner and/or explores southwest Wyoming and staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, drinks. includes bits of Utah and Idaho. Suite 510, Washington, DC 20006-2850, 202-822-1333; [email protected], fax: 202-822-1334. Wright Stuff Century Nationwide Bombay Bicycle Club of Bike MS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Madison, Inc. bikems.org September 2012 Terrain: varied Diane Albert, [email protected] bombaybicycle.org For cyclists and all those seeking Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected] Terrain: Rolling Hills a personal challenge and a world Ride is 30, 60, or 100 miles through free of MS, Bike MS is the premier Gary Brustin, [email protected] hills and meadows on lightly fundraising cycling series in the Steve Durrant, [email protected] traveled roads. nation. With a choice of more than 100 extraordinary rides, the Bike MS Amanda Eichstaedt, [email protected] experience is the ride of your life. Jennifer Grey Fox, [email protected] Alison Hill Graves, [email protected] David Madson, [email protected] Mike Nix, [email protected] Rob Sadowsky, [email protected] John Siemiatkoski, [email protected] Gail Spann, [email protected] Eric Swanson, Treasurer, [email protected] Hans van Naerssen, Chair, [email protected] Tim Young, Vice-chair, [email protected] Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, [email protected]

STAFF Andy Clarke – President Elizabeth Kiker – Vice President Meghan Cahill – Director of Communications Alison Dewey – BFC Program Specialist Walter Finch – Advocacy Director Darren Flusche – Policy Analyst Lorna Green – Director of Operations Katie Omberg – Membership and Events Assistant Bill Nesper – Director, BFC Program Alissa Simcox – Director of Education Sharon Thorne – Administrative Assistant Matt Wempe – State and Local Advocacy Coordinator Scott Williams – Membership Director Nicole Wynands – BFA Program Specialist

AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE Editor: Meghan Cahill Art Director: Studio D Design Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon

American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2011 League of American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Article queries should be addressed to [email protected]. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your warranty that the material in no way infringes on the rights of others and that the material may be published without additional approval. Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League.

24 AmericanBicyclist TOURFINDER

TOURFINDER spsquared.com by Photo

Tour groups highlighted in yellow Backroads Bike Florida Carolina Tailwinds are 2011 American Bicyclist (800) GO-ACTIVE (352) 224-8601 (888) 251-3206 advertisers. www.backroads.com bikeflorida.org carolinatailwinds.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Adventure Cycling Trips for all abilities in North and [email protected] Fully supported bicycle tours of the Assocation South America, Europe, Asia and the A fundraising event/organization Carolina coast, North Carolina wine (800) 755-2453 Pacific. to help supplement the Florida country, Shenandoah Valley and adventurecycling.org Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Blue Ridge Mountains, with fine [email protected] Bicycle Southern Vermont Program housed at the University dining and charming inns. Road Events: Montana, Utah (203) 668-0194 of Florida. ,Oregon, Washington. Mountain Bike bicyclesouthernvermont.com Cascade Huts Events: Colorado. Self-contained [email protected] Bike Vermont (971) 322-3638 Expeditions, Introduction to Bicycle Monthly weekend tours offered of 1-800-257-2226 cascadehuts.com Touring tours, and Leadership Southern Vermont in conjunction bikevermont.com [email protected] Training Courses with Stratton Mountain Ski [email protected] Self-guided, multi-day bike trips in Resort. Quaint towns, quiet roads Ride at your own pace from inn to Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest. America by Bicycle and friendly people! inn and enjoy fine food and great Adventurous touring and mountain (888) 797-7057 lodging. biking with fully stocked huts. abbike.com Bicycle Tour of Colorado [email protected] (303) 985-1180 Blue Marble Travel Ciclismo Classico Specialize in long-distance, first bicycletourcolorado.com (215) 923-3788 (800) 866-7314 class, fully supported bicycle tours [email protected] bluemarble.org Ciclismoclassico.com featuring five cross country tours Seven-day, fully supported [email protected] [email protected] with 26 touring options ranging bicycle tour in the Colorado Rocky Small group tours all over Europe. Italian and NE bicycling tour from 5-52 days. Mountains. Provides camping Trips from one to five weeks; prices specialists. Dreamy, authentic, services, baggage transportation, include the bike. native guides, personal, small Arthur the Blue Badge route maps, road markings, aid groups, and rental bikes. Guide stations, bicycle repair, and medical Butterfield & Robinson +44 (0) 1534 853525 support. (866) 551-9090 Classic Adventures arthurthebluebadgeguide.com butterfield.com (800) 777-8090 arthur@arthurthebluebadgeguide. Bike and the Like LLC [email protected] www.classicadventures.com com (410) 356-4644 The world’s #1 ranked active travel [email protected] More than 15 years guiding bikeandthelike.com company, offers the best biking and World-class bicycling and hiking experience; 30-years bike trade Terrain: Flat to Rolling walking trips in 34 countries. vactions since 1979. France, Greece/ experience; and Blue Badge Enjoy the fall foliage season in New Crete, Germany, Quebec, Prince accreditation. Jersey C.I. has a 96- England cycling the nooks and Edward Island, Finger Lakes, Erie mile cycle network with 50 miles of crannies of Cape Cod, Mass. Canal, Lake Placid, and Natchez speed-restricted Green Lanes. Trace.

AmericanBicyclist 25 TOURFINDER

Climate Ride Freewheeling Adventures Ibike RAGBRAI (406) 322 3448 (800) 672-0775 (206) 767-0848 (800) I RIDE IA climateride.org freewheeling.ca ibike.org ragbrai.com [email protected] freewheeling.ca/email.htm [email protected] [email protected] Climate Ride inspires and empowers Guided or self-guided. Canada, RAGBRAI is an annual seven-day citizens to work toward a new Iceland, & Europe. Small groups, Iron Donkey Bicycle bicycle ride across the state. energy future. cozy inns, fabulous food, & attentive Touring RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and van support. 011+44 2890 813200 longest bicycle touring event in the Cycletours Holidays irondonkey.com world. 0031-020-521-8490 Grimes Getaways Bicycle [email protected] cycletours.com Tours Iron Donkey offers a range of Senior Cycling [email protected] (510) 545-7969 biking itineraries in Ireland, Great (540) 668-6307 Discover the Netherlands the way GrimesGetaways.com Britain, Italy and Spain. seniorcycling.com the Dutch do: from the water and [email protected] [email protected] from the saddle of a bicycle! Enjoy the Flathead Valley before New Zealand Pedaltours A tour company for seniors, heading thru Glacier Nat’l Park and (888) 222-9187 believes its not how far or how fast Cycle Oregon more. Loop ride with full support, pedaltours.co.nz but the enjoyment of the journey. 503-287-0405 varied terrain, fantastic views. 5 days [email protected] Leisure tours and great food. [email protected] of riding, averaging 57 miles per Fully supported tours throughout The best ride in America! day. Other rides available. New Zealand, Australia and Sockeye Cycle Co. Vietnam. Fabulous scenery, Alaska Bicycle Tours, Rentals, Sales Duvine Adventures The Great Ohio Bicycle excellent bikes, great guides. & Service (888) 396-5383 Adventure (877) 292-4154 or (907) 766-2869 duvine.com (614) 273-0811 Pedalers Pub & Grille cyclealaska.com Offers unique and personalized goba.com (877) 998-0008 [email protected] cycling journeys throughout the [email protected] pedalerspubandgrille.com Established in 1988, specializes in world. 6/16-23/12 [email protected] guided bicycle tours of Alaska’s Week-long bicycle-camping tour. Pedalers Pub & Grille specializes southeast panhandle, remote Rural Ohio, rolling with some hills, in bicycle tours in Asia and Alaska. areas of Canada’s northwest British average 50 miles/day, and Good rides, good food and good Columbia and the Yukon Territory. 3,000 riders. Registration deadline times. May 16, 2012.

photo courtesy of eMoto

26 AmericanBicyclist Photo by spsquared.com by Photo

Summer Feet Maine Coast Trek Travel LLC Cycling Adventures (866) 464-8735 (866) 857-9544 Trektravel.com www.summerfeet.net [email protected] [email protected] Luxury cycling vacations throughout Portland, Maine based, offering the world including leisure, unique tours featuring the best of performance, weekend, family and Maine and New Zealand. specialty trips. Tour of the Scioto River Urban AdvenTours Valley (TOSRV) (617) 670-0637 (614) 442-7901 UrbanAdvenTours.com www.tosrv.org [email protected] [email protected] A bike shop offering everything from A two-day, 210-mile bicycle environmentally-friendly bicycle tour from Columbus, Ohio to tours and rentals to full service Portsmouth, Ohio and back. repairs and commuter oriented accessories. See Boston the way Tripsite/Pack and Pedal it was meant to be seen - on two 877-965-2064 wheels! www.tripsite.com/ [email protected] Vacation Bicycling Specializes in biking and bike and (800) 490-8034 boat tours, as well as road bike tours www.vacationbicycling.com throughout Europe and the U.S. at Have a wonderful vacation with no truly unbeatable prices. worries. Vacation comes first with Vacation Bicycling. VBT Bicycling Vacations (800) 245-3868 Vbt.com [email protected] Tours of varied difficulty in the US, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Vietnam.

AmericanBicyclist 27 quickstop Joseph Blumenthal ♥ Bicycling for a Good Cause

I am a 76-year-old cardiologist, and I have been riding a bike since the age of 60. I do long distance charity rides on my own, and my SAG lady is my wife. Prior to my love affair with bicycling, I had been active and loved playing squash. At 60 my knee gave, and I couldn’t play squash anymore. I was depressed, and my daughter, a physical therapist, suggested I ride a bike to rehabilitate my knee. My knee Iwas eventually replaced in 1988, and I got back to riding only six weeks after the operation. I have been riding ever since. I always wanted to ride across the country but I never really had time. I was working in a hospital in San Francisco, and one of my lab techs gave me a big contribution. I rode a local group and am just pro-cycle suggested instead of a cross country 1,000 miles for the AHA from British period. I’ve averaged one charity ride ride that I do a ride with a purpose. I Columbia to San Francisco, and I per year for several years, but I am called up the American Heart Asso- raised $24,000. The ride took me 25 getting a little older and am retired. ciation (AHA) in 2006 and pledged days, and I averaged 50 miles a day. Well, not totally retired. I work at the to ride for them. The AHA sent out My rides aren’t formal, and I play local clinic, and the clinic is always brochures for me saying who I was a lot of it by ear. I don’t book anything short of money. I might do a ride for and what the ride was for, and they in advance and typically ride three them next year. I do love riding. asked their donors to pledge towards or four days in a row. I don’t ride like my ride. I also sent it to everyone I hell. Since the first AHA ride, I rode knew — $1 for a mile, 1 cent for a for them a second time and have ride, or whatever they could give. The ridden for a few local organizations. hospital where I was working even For the second AHA ride, I did 450 miles and raised between $6,000 and $7,000. I rode this year for the local community center and the local radio station, and I collected $7,000 for them. I’ve been a member of the League for about 12 years and will do any- thing to promote cycling and raise money for a good cause. I joined my

28 AmericanBicyclist INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF CYCLISTS... Support the work of the League of American Bicyclists with a gift in your will.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Kiker, Vice President, at 202-621-5449 or e-mail [email protected]

AmericanBicyclist III