Sept-Oct 2010 AMERICAN www.bikeleague.org

League of American Bicyclists Working for a -Friendly America

RIDEOF PASSAGE p. 18

10 THE NEW AAA: Bringing Bicycling into the Mix 16 CLIMATE CHANGE & BICYCLING How Bicycling Advocates Can Help Craft Climate Action Plans 24 BICYCLE FRIENDLY UNIVERSITIES

contentSEPT-OCT 2010

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

Pedal Progress The Future of the League 9 National Bike Summit

10 Bringing Bicycling into the MIx: 18 the New AAA Think Bike Bicycle Advocacy 10 16 Climate Change & Bicycling From the Saddle 18 Ride of Passage ON THE COVER! Bicycle Friendly 24 America Workstand Working Toward a More Bicycle-friendly Nation 24 Bicycle Friendly Universities Smart 27 By the Book

cover photo courtesy of Matt Biers-Ariel 16

AmericanBicyclist 1 viewpoint [Andy Clarke, president] Wishes & Wands I got to fulfill a lifelong dream in I figure as long as we keep the July — five days of riding in the Pyre- League firmly between these two ex- nees, culminating in a fantastic climb tremes and continue to focus on our up the legendary Col de Tourmalet. mission — to serve all cyclists, even Spectacular scenery, great roads, con- those that want to cycle but currently siderate drivers, and the organizing don’t feel safe or comfortable — we’ll wouldn’t be comfortable riding on talents of Trek Travel made for a truly be doing our jobs. I believe we have the same kind of roads in the United memorable experience. a good balance in our programs; and States — rural and small-town moun- I was brought straight back down based on our member surveys, the tain roads with few shoulders or bike to earth upon my return by the mail. overwhelming majority of you agree. facilities. By the end of the first day, Two messages in particular caught We offer a strong education program that anxiety was largely gone as they my attention. The first came from teaching responsible, respectful rid- encountered competent, respectful Bob Boyce; you can read it in the ing techniques; we enable effective drivers on well-maintained roads with Inbox on page 4 of this issue. Boyce advocacy for better conditions in our information and services along the believes that I am unfit to lead this states, communities, and businesses; way that made cyclists welcome. organization because I like bike lanes we speak up for cyclists ever-more Changing U.S. culture to the point and trails and think they have a place powerfully each year through the Na- where cyclists are welcome partici- in our communities. tional Bike Summit; and our network pants in traffic won’t come by banning At the other end of the spectrum, of 750 affiliated local clubs and advo- cyclists or by squabbling internally a young woman from Blacksburg, cacy organizations provide a dazzling about bike lanes, and I don’t have a Va., wrote a long letter (yes, an actual array of events and opportunities to magic wand. That means we’ve got our letter!) explaining why she believes ride. work cut out to make our programs “that for the safety of both bicyclists Now, if I could wave a magic even more effective, and we appreciate and motorists alike, bicyclists should wand and change one thing, my your support in making that possible. be banned from, or avoid, any road inspiration would come from the that is hazardous,” and she had a long roadways of southern . Several list of area roads she and her fiancé riders on my Pyrenean adventure would put in that category. were initially nervous, saying they Andy Clarke President

2 AmericanBicyclist chair’smessage [Hans van Naerssen]

2020: A Long-term Vision for the League

In October 2010 League Board and staff will start a longer term vision- ing and planning process. We will be drafting 10-year measurable outcomes in support of our mission and the priority areas of advocacy and rights to the road, education, and promotion.

What are your thoughts? What are the top three or four things you feel the League should have ac- complished 10 years from now? How will we measure success? Let us know your top three or four goals by visiting www.bikeleague.org and sharing your thoughts. Once we have drafted a measurable 10-year vision, there will be several reviews. Teams will ensure it is achievable while setting shorter-term goals. Stakeholders will be invited to give us their thoughts. We will share it with you to get your opinion and suggestions. Why are we doing this? The 10-year vision will give us direction for the next decade. It will determine how much, where and how to allocate our scarce resources. It will help us prepare for and shape the decade ahead.

Hans van Naerssen Board Chair

AmericanBicyclist 3 inbox [letters to the editor]

Tell Us ... Why do you belong to the League?

In addition to our regular letters to the editor, we also want to know how you feel about specific topics. We’ll post a question in every new In Box. Share your answer by mail or e-mail. Please include your name and address and title your Qletter “In Box Q.” Send answers to [email protected]. We may edit letters for length and clarity.

ship. Someone with a mindset like FACEBOOK MESSAGE TWEETED this should not be running America’s In response to the Bike Reading Villarai- leading cycling organization. League’s Blog “Protect Vital gosa’s bike summit - Robert Boyce, Lincoln, Neb. Bicycle Funding – Demand Pro- report, and thinking how portionality in Rescissions!” What he uses the web, makes Editors Note: was John McCain thinking with his me think he might be- Please read Andy Clarke’s response to amendment? The amount of money come the Ray LaHood of this letter in his Viewpoint on page 2. “saved” with this amendment is tiny mayors. — and its impact on bicyclists who Bicycle Friendly States BikePortland, August 18 also use airplanes will be huge. Reaffirmed Ben Lyman, August 18 We recently returned from eight weeks of traveling by train and bike. FACEBOOK MESSAGE Bike Lanes As we sifted through the stack of mail In response to the Bike League’s Blog “A Boom in Andy Clarke in his “Viewpoint” and cycling magazines awaiting us at Bicycle-Friendly” I’d love to see the in the May-June issue, focused, as home, I noted that the League’s top twin cities here get on the stick and he typically does, on “bicycle facili- five Bicycle Friendly States are Wash- consider more bicycle-friendly road ties” — bike lanes, paths, trails — as if ington, Wisconsin, Maine, Minnesota options! cycling cannot be done without these. and Oregon. We had just visited all Ralph Muccilli, July 20 He proudly proclaimed “Pennsylva- five and did indeed find them bicy- nia Avenue *has* bike lanes. We’ve cle-friendly. We were happy to have arrived.” I found his piece enormous- spent cycling time and tourist dollars ly disturbing. in all five. Pennsylvania Avenue, like every - Cynthia Snow other street in America, has always had bike lanes. They just happen to be shared with motor vehicles, and are, in most cases, safer than those Thanks for your letters where cyclists are restricted to a small We eagerly await all of your comments — good and bad — on part of the roadway or prohibited cycling, the League, our publications, and just about anything else from the roadway at all. Andy’s fail- you want to tell us about. E-mail [email protected] or mail ure to understand or recognize this it to us at 1612 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20006. simple fact leads him to promote pol- Comment on facebook.com/leagueamericanbicyclists or twitter. icies that are harmful to competent com/bikeleague. Letters may be edited for style and length. cyclists — the League’s core member-

4 AmericanBicyclist Bikesharing stations are popping up all over the country. Capital Bikeshare, coming soon to the Washington DC metro area, puts 1,100 bikes at your fingertips. Pick up a bike at one of the stations, use it, and then return it to a station near your destination.

to create the same effect as gouges in FACEBOOK MESSAGE the pavement. For a bicycle rider, this In response to the Bike was usable. League’s Blog “Bike Sharing - Frank Schipper, Santa Barbara, Calif. 2.0” If there is a plot to take over America by using , where do A Bright Plan for the Future I sign-up? I just finished reading the new Crisologo Chuck Gregorio, August 13 American Bicyclist and am moved to say how impressed I am with the FACEBOOK MESSAGE comprehensiveness of the League’s In response to the Bike League’s plan illuminated in “The League In Blog “L.A. Mayor Leads Bicy- 2010 and Beyond” (July-August page cling Effort after Bike 16). I am happy to see that protecting Accident” This is surprising, amaz- American Bicyclist rights and a legal defense fund are ing, and could be the start of some- Made My Day in the works. When people advo- thing big! I more than enjoyed Ben Sollee’s cate not just for what would benefit Dobrila Stancevic, August 16 article “Beautiful Limitations” in cyclists now, but also for the role of American Bicyclist (July-August the bicycle 20 to 40 years from now, FACEBOOK MESSAGE page 12). What a breath of fresh air! everything changes. The League’s In response to the Bike I didn’t know there were any people plan has that kind of vision behind it. League’s Blog “Cyched to left in the world like him and his - Chris Quint, Long Beach, Calif. Cycle in San Antonio” Share the friends. The article made my day. Road, indeed. Make sure you keep - Dave Coolidge, Berkeley, Calif. Tweets are Not Neat that message front and center, Life Member #2054238 We find that American Bicyclist’s please. new is more of a distraction Richard Wharton, July 21 Right On Rumbles than an enticement for reading your Your article “Ready to Rumble” articles. People who are into is so spot on. Riding the Trans-Am tweeting and Facebook trail for 4,300 miles last year, I really will use technology to got to hate rumble strips. Even now I get their information. do not understand how a or a We’re not interested in two-wheel trailer can get away from reading articles with them. However, riding in Texas hill tweets and excerpts country, I noticed that some of their from Facebook. rumble strips where made within the - Marilynn & Bill Weedon white painted shoulder line, and the line thickened about every two feet

AmericanBicyclist 5 cogs&gears [League News] staffsnapshot Katie Omberg, Membership and Events Assistant

My first bike memory is of me trying to sit on my dad’s bike and pedal around the basement, which didn’t work out too well. After that, I stuck with my tricycle, complete with big bird bell, until I was big enough for a bike. My adolescence was filled with bike adventures and misadventures, like biking on a path and falling chin-first into the asphalt, but I learned to ride despite the embarrassment. Looking back, I wish I had biked to school and used my bicycle while I attended Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. Now, though, I use my bike to get around. I am a native to D.C. and know the lay of the land pretty well. I bike to work; I bike to Eastern Market, to the gym and everywhere in between. I love having little spurts of exercise built into my day! It is a real no-brainer in terms of exercise, money and the environment. It takes me less time to get to work in the morning than on a bus or metro, and I come in ready Looking to go. My favorite thing about bicycling for a Way is passing by drivers stuck in traffic and feeling the burn. So much better than to Help the the sore butt from sitting in a car all morning! League? As a bike commuter, I wanted to The League is a benefi- get more involved with bicycling. Since ciary of the 2010 El Tour de working at the League, I now think Tucson ride. Sign up online about bikes more often: checking out to ride for the League, and other people’s bikes, silently judging raise money for our new people who are not biking safely, etc. Cyclist Legal Defense Fund. It’s also been pretty inspiring to see Find out more about riding how far other people in the office for the League and the bike in to work each day. It makes El Tour de Tucson at my 2.5-mile commute seem like bikeleague.org. nothing, but it does makes it easier to say to myself, “Yeah, wherever I’m going may be four miles away, but that’s not too far.”

The League helped lead a national effort to have the Federal Highway Admin- istration (FHWA) re-issue their own rumble strips policies. The initiative was in What has response to a push by state transportation agencies around the country this past the League summer to rumble strip state highways as a matter of course and without regard done for you lately? to accepted national and state policies. Through our online advocacy center, more than 1,200 member and advocate e-mails were generated to all 50 state transportation agencies reminding them where and how rumble strips are to be implemented on roadway shoulders. Visit our Advocacy Center at www.bikeleague.org for more info.

6 AmericanBicyclist 2010 Corporate Members

We need strong corporations to help build the League of American Bicyclists. Joining at the Corporate Level signifies a serious commitment on your part to a bicycle-friendly America. When a firm joins as a League Corporate Member, they gain direct exposure to our extensive network of tens of thousands of individual and family members in addition to members of the more than 700 League affiliated clubs and advocacy organizations. Corporate support helps sustain our tremendous growth and success of the past few years. Rates of cycling continue to trend upwards, and the League continues to be at the front of that growth. To find out more about League Corporate Membership and its benefits contact Scott Williams at [email protected] for further information.

OVERHEARD

I’m going to propose this week that we use “the League’s evaluation of Florida as a Bicycle Friendly State as the basis for developing a plan for improving our overall performance related to cyclists and pedestrians. It’s the only in-depth evaluation by an advocacy organization where we were actively engaged to document and review our performance. - Mary Anne Koos, Roadway” Design, Florida DOT

AmericanBicyclist 7 cogs&gears [League News]

BIKEBETTER! Giving... Congratulations to Erik Hougland of Orlando, Fla. He is the lucky winner in Thanks to the following people the League sponsored Bike Better Contest and is now the proud owner of a who have contributed at least new Trek Allant commuter bicycle. The summer contest was held in an effort $100 to the League in June-July to create more awareness for our cause and for bicycling. The League makes 2010. These contributions are bicycling better for all through advocacy and education, and now we made above and beyond any dues bicycling better for Hougland. Enjoy the ride! payments. $1,000+ Erik Hougland is now Organizations the proud owner of a Gainesville Cycling Club new Trek Allant Northwest Cycling Club commuter bicycle. Santa Rosa Cycling Club $100 - $999 Individuals Christiana Aguiar Paul Bartlett Michael Bass Anne Becker Mitchel & Robin Evans William Garrett Hughes Family James & Carolyn Hunt Alan Kailer Thanks to Trek Bikes for Janet Luesing providing the Allant bicycle. Barry & Beth Matthews Raburn Family Glenn Rennels Rogers Family Ken St. John Organizations CLUB LEADERSHIP WEBINARS Bikehouston Pequot Cyclists The League is piloting free Club Leadership webinars this fall to offer training to a broader audience. The next webinar will cover budgeting and will be November 3 at 8 p.m. Ron Puett of the Kansas City Bicycle Club will lead the discussion. We will cover cash flow, preparing financial information records for your board, money American Bicyclist is printed with soy ink on management, and planning and paying for big expenditures. 30% post-consumer recycled paper certified Money is important for a club — especially managing it. For more by the Forest Stewardship Council. information, visit the Club Corner on bikeleauge.org, or e-mail [email protected].

Thank you to SRAM for sponsoring the League’s Club Webinars.

8 AmericanBicyclist PEDAL PROGRESS National Bike Summit

Acting on a Simple Solution

THE LEAGUE IS EMBARKING ON Now is the time to act on the mo- to national leaders in the bicycling the second decade of the National mentum we created in the last decade movement. Please contact Walter Bike Summit, and more people are of Bike Summits. Now is the time to Finch at [email protected] or bicycling than ever. Yet, half of all ask Congress to make strategic trans- visit bikeleague.org for further spon- trips in the United States are three portation investments that foster sorship details. miles or less, and more than 90 healthy people and healthy commu- percent are still made by car. The nities. Together we can promote new National Bike Summit has improved bold ideas for transportation reform. bicycle-friendliness and livability Act on a simple solution and join us of many communities, but the need this March 8-11 in Washington, D.C. and opportunity to improve physi- cal activity, safety and livability in Invest in the Future of Tthe U.S., while reducing congestion, Bicycling: Sponsor Today greenhouse gas emissions and our Consider sponsoring the Na- dependence on oil — remains greater tional Bike Summit. Your organiza- today than a decade ago. tion will be making a significant These issues seem difficult to contribution to the overall success solve but the answer is simple: the of the 2011 National Bike Summit answer is the bicycle. and will receive maximum exposure

AmericanBicyclist 9 PEDAL PROGRESS

10 AmericanBicyclist BRINGING BICYCLING INTO THE MIX: THE NEW AAA AAA is more than an automobile club. The organization has worked to improve the safety and mobility of its members – now 51 million strong – and the general public since its inception in 1902.

THE LEAGUE INTERVIEWED Rhonda L. Markos, Traf- fic Safety Specialist, Traffic Safety Programs at the AAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. to learn how AAA is working to protect cyclists. Markos is responsible for sup- porting AAA’s efforts related to school-based traffic safety programs, pedestrian safety and senior mobility. As a traffic safety professional, she has extensive knowledge in the areas of bicycle and pedestrian safety, child passenger safety (CPS) and senior driver safety. Markos is a certified child passenger safety technician and is currently working Rhonda L. Markos, towards obtaining certification as a CarFit instructor. Traffic Safety T Specialist, AAA Q&A with AAA: AB: If you could share some key things AAA is doing for the cyclists, what would they be?

AAA: It may surprise your readers that AAA has a history of advocating for the safety of all road users — including bicyclists and pedestrians. We support the installation and maintenance of adequate sidewalks and areas on roads that are frequently traveled by pedestrians and bicyclists. We continue to meet with policymakers to advocate for a national transportation bill that will result in safer road- way infrastructure for all road users.

AmericanBicyclist 11 PEDAL PROGRESS BIKE SAFETY AB: What is AAA doing to promote NATIONWIDE bike safety nationally and locally?

AAA: Historically, AAA’s involvement Bike safety outreach programs are popular at more than in has targeted predom- half of AAA’s 51 clubs. Following are examples of AAA inantly school-aged children. As the clubs’ unique and innovative bike safety programs. popularity of cycling increases with traffic on our roadways, AAA clubs acknowledged a need to educate AAA Miami Valley police/fire departments, civic motorists and cyclists about shar- AB: What encouraged the AAA groups, boy/girl scouts, etc. free ing the road. We hope to sustain our Miami Valley club to host bike of charge. They must have an momentum through partnerships rodeos? educational component on brain injury prevention, photos from CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 AAA: AAA Miami Valley along with the event and a follow-up survey S.A.F.E., initiated bike rodeos due to participants. to the educational components ongoing in the community and AB: AAA Miami Valley is part of the advancement of bike trails in the Regional Planning Committee the region. The effort increased on bike paths and markings. How their safety mission and reassured have they improved conditions? the public that there is an ongoing commitment to the community AAA: The club participates with and children’s safety. Fed Ex and Safe Kids of Greater Dayton on their Walk this Way AB: Tell me about AAA Miami Val- program. Children’s Medical ley’s bike rodeo kits. Center of Dayton offered a match- ing grant to schools involved with AAA: AAA distributes kits to Police the program. Through policy and Diana Dias (top) and John Paul (bottom) departments, community organi- regional/local initiatives, there has of AAA Southern New England help kids zations and groups, schools and been an increase in signage and during the AAA/Patriots Bike Rodeo Day. churches. The numbers fluctuate markings on roads. This was made between 25 to 50 bike rodeos an- possible through a strong pres- nually. Local police departments ence at the Miami Valley Regional found so much value in the kits Planning Commission (MVRPC) that they created their own cop- meetings. Both AAA Miami Valley ies. The club recently hosted a bike and S.A.F.E. have representatives rodeo in conjunction with the Cen- on MVRPC committees for re- terville Police Department in May gional bike ways, Safe Routes to with more than 120 participants. School and Complete Streets.

AB: Tell me more about the chil- AAA Southern New dren’s hospital and Safe Kids group England (Massachusetts helmet fittings. and Rhode Island) AB: AAA Southern New England AAA: The Children’s Medical Center (SNE) supports youth programs? of Dayton, along with the Junior “AAA teaches children League, funded bike helmets AAA: AAA SNE’s programs are that their bicycle is giveaways. They are available to offered to third through eighth their first vehicle.”

12 AmericanBicyclist grades. They incorporate infor- I know — they often give up their cases, the service provider takes the mation on types of bikes, fit, and weekends to attend bike rodeos bicycle and rider to a destination proper clothing. Discussions focus or spend evening hours attending they choose within 25 miles of their on places for safe riding, sharing community meetings to make roads breakdown. The club met with the the road, hand signals and tips for safer for everyone. AAA SNE sends Bicycle Transportation Alliance to riding. Whenever possible, the out letters to every elementary develop the service. club uses real examples in the city. school in the state and receives a Students are encouraged to bring tremendous response to their free AAA East Central their helmet, and the club provides cycling programs. AB: How is AAA East Central using fittings. a variety of initiatives to promote AB: Tell me about the 13-day bike bicycle safety? AB: How has partnering with orga- safety rodeo at Patriots Training nizations helped to spread the bike Camp, educating more than 1,500 AAA: The Helmet Smart Campaign safety message? children and teens. is a popular summer promotion that rewards children for wearing AAA: Almost every school presenta- AAA: The club approached the helmets and exercising positive tion in 2008-2009 was offered as a Patriots marketing department and cycling habits. The club formed partnership between AAA SNE, the asked to be included in the Patriots partnerships with police depart- US Open Cycling Foundation, and Fan Zone. The Pats gave the club ments that award customized safety East Bay Bike Path Association. The space to create an educational tent citations to safe riders. The bicyclists club also helped fund tents along complete with bike safety color- take their citation certificates to lo- bike paths in Rhode Island to ing books, videos, bike safety story cal businesses to redeem for prizes. distribute water, first-aid and air time, a helmet fitting station and a The recipient is also entered into a pumps. Safe Routes Rhode Island bike fit post. The club incorporated monthly drawing for a bicycle. partners with SNE AAA to provide UMASS Medical’s Mobile Safety AAA safety advisors network helmets for low-income, high risk Street which is a high-tech interac- with local law enforcement, safety students. tive traffic and home safety educa- professionals and community mem- tional program ... very hands-on! bers to construct safety courses, and AB: Tell me about the AAA SNE’s Boy safety rodeos have been extremely Scout Traffic Safety Merit Badge. AAA Oregon/Idaho popular this region. AB: Has their bicycle roadside assis- Students receive prizes for AAA: The Traffic Safety Merit tance program been successful? safely maneuvering their bicycle badge is a national program typi- through the course. Helmets are cally offered by local police depart- AAA: The launch of the roadside as- fitted correctly and/or replaced with ments. The club uses the scouts’ per- sistance for bicycles at AAA Oregon/ a new helmet, compliments of AAA sonal traffic safety stories to keep Idaho has generated interest from Insurance. A partnership with Cleve- current on trends among boys of other AAA clubs. Most of the bicy- land Metroparks offers an adult this age group, both modeling safe clists who call for service have expe- bicycle clinic for returning cyclists. behavior and understanding unsafe rienced tire problems; and in most Many of us forget hand signals, how practices for teachable moments. to interact with traffic and share the road. I’ve taken one myself and was AB: How does this club hold 25 bike AAA Oregon/Idaho also surprised by what I didn’t know or safety programs per year reaching sponsors a number remember. The League’s Traffic Skills more than 6,000 youth? 101 and Traffic Skills 201 are excel- of bicycle events in lent and can assist adult riders in AAA: Our club practitioners are their area, including developing their skills. some of the most passionate people Cycle Oregon.

AmericanBicyclist 13 PEDAL PROGRESS

of the road and helmet safety. AAA’s education efforts also target parents, neighbors and motorists in the com- munity to remind them to yield to cyclists and pedestrians, drive with caution and take all necessary precau- tions. Parents play an important role in teaching children bicycle safety, so we encourage them to get involved and set good examples.

AB: Do you have a share the road campaign?

AAA: We’ve always incorporate a share the road message into our bike safety outreach, and the message has become a primary focus. During National Bike Month and through- out the year, we promote sharing the road through community events and driver training classes. We also get the word out via club publications and social media.

AB: What programming do you have with organizations like the National tion. What bike events are typically in place to promote year-round bike Highway Traffic Safety Administra- supported? safety? tion (NHTSA). In 2009, AAA partnered with NHTSA to promote AAA: Involvement varies from club AAA: AAA promotes bike safety on a Share the Road nationally. AAA also to club. Many are active in bike ro- year-round basis because the message distributes bike safety information deos, helmet fittings and community aligns with many of our school based at community events and at traffic outreach – frequently partnering with programs – such as the AAA School safety conferences, like the Lifesavers law enforcement, safety professionals, Safety Patrol™ program and our an- conference. hospitals and government officials. nual School’s Open – Drive Care- Also, AAA’s National Office Some clubs participate in community fully campaign. Driver distraction is started a bike racing team last year. bike planning sessions to ensure safe receiving a lot of attention, so we also They serve as bike safety ambassadors roads and paths are available. remind motorists that their vehicle is for AAA and have raised thousands meant for driving, not multi-tasking. of dollars for the National Bike MS AB: What do you do at the beginning Our goal, much like the League’s goal, event. Several folks in our office – children’s level, and how do you en- is to keep all road users safe and help including myself – travel to local sure they will remain safe and smart prevent senseless tragedies. schools to teach bike safety lessons, bicyclists and/or motorist? to distribute free helmets and to AB: How do you reach beyond your teach riders how to properly fit their AAA: AAA teaches children that members to educate all road-users helmets. their bicycle is their first vehicle. and potential and current drivers to It gives them a sense of pride and share the road safely? AB: Half of the AAA’s clubs are active ownership and helps instill a sense in some form of bike safety/educa- of responsibility. We talk to children AAA: Even though AAA is more than about bike maintenance, the rules a century old, we’re always look-

14 AmericanBicyclist ing for new ways to reach audiences Idaho is a great example of how one beyond our members. Recent efforts club responded to the needs of its include outreach through Facebook members. They launched a roadside and Twitter, as well as working with assistance program for bicycles. It’s partners in the safety community. Re- a huge success, and members are cently, we teamed up with NHTSA to pleased to see bike racks on our distribute more than 1,000 copies of a emergency road service vehicles. four-part video series on bike safety. For more information on AAA AB: How does AAA plan for bicy- programs in your area, visit cling, especially since bike mode- www.aaa.com. share rates are increasing nationwide?

AAA: AAA clubs respond to the unique needs of their members, which will vary in different parts of the country. The public has become more concerned with health and “Our goal, much like the League’s goal, is fitness, the economic implications of owning and maintaining a vehicle, to keep all road users safe and help prevent and the environment. AAA Oregon/ senseless tragedies.”

AmericanBicyclist 15 THINK BIKE

HOW BICYCLING ADVOCATES CAN HELP CRAFT COMPREHENSIVE CLIMATE ACTION PLANS By Darren Flusche Policy Analist, League of American Bicyclcists

FOR YEARS, “THINK GLOBALLY, and freedom, has become a symbol of act locally” has been a mantra of the local action for the globally-minded. environmentally-minded. Perhaps Policy makers are now discovering no activity embodies this spirit better that bicycling, if properly promoted than bicycling. Bicycling is great for and incorporated into planning, can short trips and produces no carbon also be a simple solution to complex emissions. In fact, most trips in the problems. Increasingly, promoting United States are local — half of all bicycling is being embraced as an im- trips are three miles or less and 40 portant tool to combat Greenhouse percent are two miles or less. None- Gas (GHG) emissions. Ftheless, currently 90 percent of these While the world’s governments short trips are taken by car. The bi- have been thinking about what to do cycle, which has long been associated about Climate Change, local govern- with individualism, independence ments, institutions and individuals

16 AmericanBicyclist CLIMATE CHANGE & BICYCLING

have been forced to act. While global The advice from a host of expe- where cities and universities are climate talks in Copenhagen, Den- rienced bicycling advocates, policy providing the leadership. As Profes- mark last December failed to produce experts, student activists, and officials sor Boswell explains, “The story of results and federal legislation repeat- can be simplified and generalized CAPs is that it’s been a bottom-up edly stalls, states have taken their into five broad points. process.” Professor Stephen Wheeler, first steps to craft statewide climate • The process – Know the public an expert in state and local Climate policies, cities have seized the initia- input process and offer your Action Plans writes, “In interviews, tive to plan for the future and other advice as an expert. officials repeatedly lamented the lack entities, like colleges and universities, • The people –Know who is writ- of federal action on this topic but have joined the fight to reduce carbon ing the plan, build relationships expressed the belief that in lieu of emissions. Collectively, the strategic with the officials directing the federal leadership it was imperative documents that guide these efforts process and get a friend on the for states and cities to take action.” are known as Climate Action Plans inside. Because much of the serious climate (CAPs). • The plan – Contribute ideas, planning is happening at the local CAPs put official objectives down especially existing and well level, and bicycling is often viewed on paper that advocates can use thought-out ones with quantifi- as the domain of localities, there are to keep governments accountable. able results. good opportunities for bicycling When bicycling is included, they • The public – Conduct outreach advocates to get involved. Advocates show that bicycling is officially part and build support for the plan. who cut their teeth on local plans will of the solution. “The emergence of • The product – Use the plan to be well-positioned to guide the direc- Climate Action Planning represents make things happen; campaign tion of regional or state plans when a genuine opportunity for action on for the transportation agency to the opportunity arises. bicycling initiatives,” says Michael integrate the plan into the operat- Learn more about climate action Boswell, a professor of City Planning ing culture. plans and read case studies of bicy- at California Polytechnic State Uni- cling advocacy groups working to versity and a bicycling advocate, “Cli- Most of the action in climate shape the plans at www.bikeleague. mate planning is yet another place planning has been at the local level, org/resources/reports. that we can get in the right message about bicycling.”

AmericanBicyclist 17 FROM THE SADDLE

RIDEOF PASSAGE

EACH SUMMER, A RELATIVELY SMALL number of intrepid bicy- clists test their mettle as they traverse the United States. The 4,000- mile ride crosses deserts, plains and mountain ranges, with torrential rain, triple-digit heat, and 90 percent humidity thrown into the mix. It is not for the faint of heart. So why did my 13-year-old son attempt it? Yonah is an atheist and refused to have a Bar Mitzvah. His mother and I insisted he undergo an alternative rite of passage. In lieu of memorizing a dozen lines of Torah and dancing with his grandmoth- er at the Bar Mitzvah party, Yonah pedaled a bicycle from the Golden Gate Bridge to Washington, D.C. with his parents and brother in tow. EA rite of passage is a physical and emotional challenge that moves the child to adulthood.

A rite of passage is a physical and emotional challenge that moves the child to adulthood. Riding 60 miles per day over a 10-week period with 20 pounds of gear strapped to one’s bike will stress the body of an adult, so clearly it is pushing the boundaries of a young teen’s capabilities. On the first training ride, Yonah lasted six miles along a flat road before calling for a rest that included a Clif Bar, a fruit leather, an entire water bottle and 15 minutes of recovery. At this pace, I calculated our arrival in D.C. to be sometime near the end of Obama’s second administration. Yet Yonah grew stronger and by the time we hit the 14 percent grades of Utah, he left me behind. One day in Kansas, he not only rode a century, but did it with three broken spokes, as if riding on brakes lightly tapped. By Matt Biers-Ariel

18 AmericanBicyclist FROM HERE TO THERE In lieu of memorizing a dozen lines of Torah and dancing with his grandmother at the Bar Mitzvah party, 13-year- old Yonah pedaled a bicycle from the Golden Gate Bridge to Washington, D.C. with his parents and brother in tow. Here, Yonah and his father Matt dip their rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean at the start of the ride. All photos provided by Matt Biers-Ariel

AmericanBicyclist 19 FROM THE SADDLE

“Didn’t you notice anything?” I asked. “Uh, no.” A FRESH START Yonah began the trip as a child of Pictured from left to right: tentative nature asking questions like, Yonah, Matt, Djina (she’s a “How do I wash my socks?”, “How Bulgarian princess), will I know when they’re clean?” Solomon, Ken Giles. and “Should I dry them in the sun?” Three weeks after the sock tutorial, I was having a meltdown at the end of a particularly rough day. The map which indicated the final 10 miles be- ing downhill was wrong both on dis- tance and topography. At this point, our roles reversed. Yonah, assuming the mantel of father, calmly assured the crabby, impatient boy (me) that everything was going to be all right, and we would soon arrive. We did. The cross-country custom is to dip one’s rear tire in the ocean where the ride begins and front tire in the body of water where it ends. A boy dipped his rear tire in the Pacific Ocean; a young adult anointed the front tire in the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool. The ride was truly a rite of passage. Yet, it was also a rite of passage for the entire family. While not a Club Med vacation or a retreat Prior to the trip, the majority of friends and to a summer cabin on a lake, the ride was the strongest bonding our family colleagues thought it delusional for a family has ever experienced (and compared with relatively young children to cycle across to Club Med or a European adven- ture, the summer was cheap). Cycling America. They were somewhat right. through the mountainous west was sublime and made us realize our luck to live in America, while the Prior to the trip, the majority kill me makes me stronger,” and the Midwest’s humidity built character. of friends and colleagues thought it trip strengthened the family. If Solomon, Yonah’s younger brother, delusional for a family with relatively Both a child and a family can joins the army, this basic training young children to cycle across Amer- mature through a rite of passage. conversation might take place: ica. They were somewhat right. We What about a country? In terms “A hundred push-ups! 500 knew it would be hard but knew it in of energy use, the United States is crunches! Run around the base! the oh-it’ll-be-hard-but-we’ll-make- a wanton child. While Americans Twice! Go! What are you smirking at it sort of way. It was much more might not know the specific statistics, Private Solomon?” difficult than anything we imagined. we are all clear that our country is the “Sir! Comparing this to biking Had we known, we would have tried world’s carbon hog. Our nation needs across eastern Missouri, Sir!” something more manageable. Yet as an energy rite of passage in order the adage goes, “Whatever doesn’t to mature into a responsible energy user.

20 AmericanBicyclist BLOWN AWAY Kansas winds nearly blew the Biers-Ariels to Nebraska.

What might a national energy While Americans might not know the specific rite of passage look like? Observa- tions from the ride might be useful. statistics, we are all clear that our country First of all, Americans understand the is the world’s carbon hog. Our nation needs necessity of global warming and are an energy rite of passage in order to mature prepared to do something about it. We brought along a petition on global into a responsible energy user. warming, and with the exception of a handful of troglodytes, everyone enthusiastically signed. The will to go

The carbon footprint of the average American is 20 tons, as opposed to the 20 tons 4 ton average for the rest of the world (U.S. included) source: www.sciencedaily.com

AmericanBicyclist 21 FROM THE SADDLE

TOP OF THE WORLD Monarch Pass, elevation 11,312 feet

through an energy rite of passage is However, day after day as we cycled, their children to school for fear that there. people marveled at this ordinary riding was too hard and danger- Crossing America revealed many family propelling themselves across ous, commanded their kids to get potential sources to a non-carbon the country under pedal power. They on their bikes. As we all know, the future. The Great Basin with its were often dumbstruck but more more cyclists on the road, the more thousands of square miles and 362 than that, they viewed us as models new cyclists will join them. When days of yearly sunshine could become to emulate. People who followed a significant mass of people bicycle the Saudi Arabia of solar power. The our blog began using bicycles for as their form of transportation, the Midwest, whose winds forced us to transportation. One of the premier national energy rite of passage will be ride downhill in our lowest gears, bird watchers of Northern California on its way. could be the Iraq of wind energy. decided to bird-watch by bicycle for By biking America, we learned Conservation may have the potential an entire year. Families who drove that ordinary people can accomplish to deliver more kilowatts than solar and wind combined. The amount of energy to power the American air- Fixing a flat in the middle conditioners that keep people wear- of the Nevada desert ing down jackets and heavy sweaters during the sweltering American sum- mer is probably equal to the amount of oil imported from a certain Middle-East country that a few years back needed a regime change. Finally, our national energy rite of passage needs the bicycle. This is not news to anyone reading American Bicyclist. It’s preaching to the choir.

22 AmericanBicyclist the extraordinary. By breaking the seemingly impossible into doable segments, we learned the great lesson – if you will it, it is no dream. With global climate change threatening the future of civilization and the natural world, our country and her citizenry need to dream big and accomplish the extraordinary. We need a national energy rite of passage. The bicycle will be a critical element if we are Matt and Solomon to mature into a non-carbon energy future. This is something even an atheist can enthusiastically support.

STRONG FINISH If you will it, Matt Biers-Ariel is an author and high it is no dream. The Biers-Ariels school English teacher. He commutes celebrate as they reach the Potomac. 5,000 miles a year between Davis and Winters, Calif. where he teaches. The memoir from his trip, 99 Gallons of Gatorade is serialized on the blog, 99gallonsofgatorade.blogspot.com.

Day after day as we cycled, people marveled at this ordinary family propelling themselves across the country under pedal power. They were often dumbstruck but more than that, they viewed us as models to emulate.

AmericanBicyclist 23 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND BicycleBFU Friendly Universities The challenge to transform America through bicycling is being answered on college and university campuses.

By Carly Sieff, Bicycle Friendly America Program Assistant

THE STREETS IN MY neigh- rides and races. As the shock of bike share program on campus that offers borhood growing up didn’t have lanes and organized rides wore off, I bikes to students and faculty to bor- sidewalks, let alone bike lanes. In realized this should not be a utopia row. Working with the administration hindsight, this strangely didn’t seem but a standard. This is how it was sup- to launch this program revealed the to faze anyone, as it was typical for posed to be. natural fit bicycling was for reaching an auto-centric community that My college campus became an institutional sustainability, health and prized air conditioned buildings and environment I thrived in, seen not livability goals. parking lots. Arriving on my college through the windows of a car, but my A college campus is an urban campus for the first time was like an own human-powered vehicle. In an planner’s dream — defined bound- image of utopia – ubiquitous bike effort to spread this new joy to more aries, high density population and racks, students and faculty riding students and make my college more prevalent green space. These defin- Teverywhere, and flyers abound for bike friendly, I co-founded a bike ing characteristics make it an ideal

24 AmericanBicyclist Bicycle Friendly Universities place for bicycling. Many colleges applaud the League’s vision for and universities have built upon these ideal conditions and embraced the bicycle friendly designations for enthusiasm for more bicycle-friendly campuses by incorporating bike share colleges and universities. The programs, bike co-ops, clubs, bicy- program will demonstrate the cling education classes and policies to promote bicycling as a preferred “benefits of achieving aspirational levels of means of transportation. With the I goal to build on this momentum and bicycle safety and infrastructure, while also inspire more action to build healthy, providing campus communities with a sustainable and livable institutions of higher education, the League recently roadmap to get there. The designations launched the Bicycle Friendly Uni- versity program. could be a catalyst for educational WHAT is the Bicycle institutions to champion increased bicycling Friendly University while promoting safety, environmental Program? The Bicycle Friendly University awareness and health.” program is a great way to promote a healthier, more sustainable, and Ariadne Delon Scott, Bicycle Program Coordinator, livable campus community. The BFU Stanford University program recognizes colleges and uni- versities for promoting and providing a more bicycle-friendly campus for students and staff. It also provides a roadmap for improvement and a forum for institutions to share best practices to create great campuses for

Above: Bikes parked at University of North Carolina Photo courtesy of The State Journal Left: Students at Stanford University

AmericanBicyclist 25 AMERICAN

THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS cycling. A free, online application is higher education is eligible to apply The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as available at bikeleague.org/university for the BFU program. University bi- the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling cycle, sustainability, or transportation for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. WHY Should a College or program managers should review the The League represents the interests of the nation’s 57 University Apply for the application and resources at bike- million bicyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 BFU Designation? league.org/university and work with affiliated cyclists, including 25,000 individuals and 700 organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling Every applicant receives detailed campus bicycling groups to complete to your community. Contact League officers, directors or feedback and assistance. Great things the form. The first deadline to submit staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, happen when building a bicycle- a completed application is January 14, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006-2850, 202-822-1333; friendly campus, including: improved 2011. Awards will be presented at the [email protected], fax: 202-822-1334. campus connectivity and quality of National Bike Summit taking place in BOARD OF DIRECTORS life and reduced carbon footprint, Washington, DC March 8-10, 2011. Harry Brull, Secretary, [email protected] traffic congestion, health care and BFU staff members are available Gary Brustin, [email protected] parking costs. Your college can be a to answer questions about eligibil- Amanda Eichstaedt, [email protected] model for the rest of the country. ity and the application process. For Bill Hoffman, [email protected] any further questions and help to get Jeffrey Lynne, [email protected] HOW to Get Started started, contact the League at BFA@ Mike Nix, [email protected] Any university, college, com- bikeleague.org, or 202-822-1333. Rob Sadowsky, [email protected] munity college or other institution of John Siemiatkoski, [email protected] Gail Spann, [email protected] Eric Swanson, [email protected], Treasurer 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 Jeff Peel – State and Local Advocacy Coordinator Carly Sieff – BFA Program Assistant Sharon Thorne – Administrative Assistant Preston Tyree – Education Director Scott Williams – Membership Director

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. ©2010 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 Caroline Cahilll locks her bike at the College of Charleston the policies of the League. in South Carolina.

26 AmericanBicyclist SMART CYCLING

By the Book

HEY LEAGUE MEMBERS! The teach new or returning cyclists the League has revised, added to, and information required to take to the re-done the League Guide to Safe and road safely and confidently: Enjoyable Cycling. The new book, • tips for choosing the bike and Smart Cycling, is being published gear that best fits their needs, by Human Kinetics and will cover whether they’re commuting to everything new and returning cyclists school or work or riding for fun want to know about riding for fun, on the weekends fitness and transportation. The book • an overview of basic cycling skills is also good for teachers who want to that all bikers should know, such teach kids how to ride in traffic. Buy as braking, turning, and shifting Hone as a gift today! gears, which serves as essential instruction for new riders or as About the book a refresher for those returning to Cycling is experiencing a resur- biking gence. Many people are looking to • coverage of the most common important safety skills adult riders cycling as the solution to concerns rules of the road as well as infor- should know. The Cyclist’s Eye View about rising fuel costs, environmental mation on moving appropriately uses video from a bike-mounted cam- issues, and a lack of exercise. Biking through traffic, which will help era to show the proper techniques for to school or work is inexpensive, ac- them ride safely and legally driving a bike confidently in traffic. tive, and “green,” but some children • basic maintenance and quick Kid’s Eye View (included in both have never learned to ride a bike and repairs that will help them keep English and Spanish) covers safety many adults haven’t dusted off their their bikes in road-ready shape skills appropriate for children or par- bikes in years. These new cyclists • information on safety strategies, ents who want to teach their children need help building their skills before avoidance maneuvers, choosing how to ride a bike. they take to the road. If your school a route that fits their skill level, Cycling is an equal opportunity or organization wants to offer , and riding in groups adventure. From adults commuting skill and safety classes in your com- that will help build their confi- to work and kids riding to school to munity, Smart Cycling: Promoting dence as they begin to use their families exploring the trails that cross Safety, Fun, Fitness, and the Environ- new skills their cities, cycling offers everyone ment is the one resource you will a chance to stay active and have fun. need. In the book, the League of The book also includes the Enjoy They just need help getting start- American Bicyclists shares proven Your Ride DVD, which contains four ed. Take the first step towards making instructional strategies that will help videos that can be shown to partici- your community healthier, happier, you teach cyclists of any age the pants to help them better visualize and more bicycle-friendly with Smart basics they should know before hop- the skills being taught. The first video, Cycling. ping on a bike. Essential Bicycling Skills, is a basic Smart Cycling: Promoting Safety, overview of all of the information For more information or to order the Fun, Fitness, and the Environment covered in the book. Bicycle Safety book, visit www.bikeleague.org. provides everything you need to Tips for Adults focuses on the most

AmericanBicyclist 27 quickstop [before you hit the road] who is the BEST CYCLIST of all time? #1

Marshall “Major” Taylor

Gino Bartali

THE LEAGUE IS SWITCHING TO The Contenders The Remaining Cyclists preferential voting for the upcoming Eddy Merckx Bernard Hinault 2. Marshall “Major” Taylor 2011 Board Elections this December. Fausto Coppi 3. Lance Armstrong To test our new system, members Lance Armstrong 4. Jeannie Longo voted on the best cyclist of all time. Jacques Anquetil Graeme Obree 5. Jacques Anquetil The cyclist with the least number of Francesco Moser Jeannie Longo 6. (tie) Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi votes was eliminated first. Votes for that cyclist were then redistributed The Winner Bernard Hinault, Francesco according to voters’ second choices. EDDY MERCKX received 68 of Moser and Graeme Obree received Once again, the cyclist with the least 133 first place votes among all votes no first-place votes, and were not number of votes was eliminated, and cast, giving him a simple majority ranked. those votes were redistributed to without having to have a runoff. Tthe voters’ second choice (or third choice, if their second had al- ready been eliminated).

28 AmericanBicyclist