AMERICAN BICYCLIST WHOse STREETS? MANY FACES OF CYCLOFEMME OUR STREETS! BIKE MONTH UNITES WOMEN Jason Roberts and From advocacy Hundreds of Team Better Block groups to bike rides worldwide, empower communities shops, May is an one mission: to reimagine their opportunity for advancing women public spaces p. 10 bikes to unite p. 16 in cycling p. 26

May — June 2013 www.bikeleague.org WHERE WILL THE RIDE TAKE YOU? BIKE MONTH 2013

AMERICAN BICYCLIST CONTENT May — June 2013 THINK BIKE 10 WHOSE STREETS? OUr STREETS! Jason Roberts and Team Better Block empower communities to reimagine their public spaces pedal progress 14 the growth of bike commuting From coast to coast, cycling to work is on the rise the many faces of bike month From advocacy groups to bike shops, 16 May is an opportunity for bikes to unite bike month gallery A look at Bike Month posters, past 22 and present women bike 24 cyclofemme unites women worldwide Hundreds of rides, one mission: advancing IN EVERY ISSUE women in cycling 02 Viewpoint from the saddle 26 03 InBox A coast-to-coast summer vacation The ‘Seattle Cycleteens’ went on a West 04 Cogs&Gears Coast journey by bike in 1973 — and now 28 QuickStop they’re planning to reunite

American Bicyclist is printed with soy ink on 30% post-consumer recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. on the cover Photo by Liz Clayman / www.lizclayman.com Pictured: Laura Solis and Ayesha McGowan of WE Bike NYC Viewpoint

celebrating biking in all its forms I cut my bicycle advocacy teeth on “bike month.” Well, technically National Bike Week, and the nation in question was the UK, but the idea is the same. National Bike Week was the time to celebrate bicycling in all its glorious, and sometimes bike month wacky, forms. I’ll never forget the sight of four very apprehensive, be-suited Members of Parliament – three from the House of Commons, scrupulously tri-partisan of course, and one Lord – lying prone at the end of a ramp, ready to be bunny- hopped by a BMX champion rider as part of the kick-off press event one year. They survived intact! Back in the 1980s, we would start the week urging folks to get to their local bike shop for a tune-up – or for bike shops to set up “Dr. Bike” stands where they could provide quick-fixes for riders in a prominent location. From there, we encouraged local groups to stage a huge variety of gatherings, from bike to work events, commuter challenge races (with other modes) and family rides, to more politically motivated events and meetings. The bottom line was always the same: an excuse to celebrate bicycling. And that’s exactly what National Bike Month is in the United States. There are a few signature events – Bike to School Day, May 8; Bike to Work Day, May 17; and the National Bike Challenge starting May 1 – and there’s the opportunity, the platform if you will, to highlight the simple joys of bicycling in whatever form suits you. One poignant event that’s become a fixture in National Bike Month is the bike to school day Ride of Silence on May 15. Not every community or group wants to (or thank- fully needs to) honor the lives of cyclists killed on our roadways, but I’ve always believed it’s entirely appropriate to pay respect to crash victims and highlight the risks associated with cycling – that are there, whether we like it or not – for just MAY 8 one day of the year. We do that not to scare people away from riding, but to say clearly we can, and must, do more to make cycling safer for everyone. bike to WORK day Speaking of safety, we are very pleased to report that because of our pressure – and the National Bike Summit attendees – the U.S. Department of Transporta- tion has just hosted two bike safety summits; 69 members of Congress signed on to a letter urging USDOT to adopt a bike-specific safety performance measure; MAY 17 and the building blocks are coming together of a campaign to dramatically re- NATIONAL BIKE CHALLENGE duce the number of bicyclists killed in traffic crashes. Thanks to you, we are making a difference, and we’re enabling many more people to en- MAYSTARTS 1 joy the benefits of biking year round, not just in National Bike Month. Andy Clarke, League President

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Letters to the editor Best Bike Summit Yet ible, and perfect! Thanks to all who I’ve participated in the National Bike planned it. The “Pop Up Shop” for me Summit in the past, but this year was was just the icing on the cake. Shop- the most interesting of the four I’ve at- ping between sessions? I died and went tended. The hiring of the consultant to to heaven! conduct candid interviews with con- Paula Bedard, Goffstown, gressional staff was a great idea, yielded New Hampshire observations that we needed to hear and was a highlight of an excellent Summit.” All Geared up for James Wilson, New Castle, DE the Bike Challenge I can’t tell you how excited I am to Plenty of smiling faces at the National Women’s EDITOR’S NOTE: Read more about participate in the National Bike Chal- Bicycling Forum photo booth, including a diverse Meyer’s findings at bit.ly/ZskPDb lenge! The website and App are so well- contingent from New York City! thought-out and it’s precisely what’s Women’s Forum = Heaven needed for a successful event. I’m really Thanks for all your work! I thought the National Women’s Bicy- looking forward to promoting it here Mandi McKay, Sierra Nevada cling Forum was just awesome, incred- at work and within the community. Brewing Co., Chico, Calif.

From Facebook From Twitter From the blog In response to: How do we keep the Bike Sonoma @BikeSonoma In response to: League Welcomes momentum around women & biking? @Bikeleague just wanted to say New Equity Advisory Council Accessories, gear, and tools aimed THANK YOU to you guys for host- Continuously impressed by your towards women’s specific needs and ing a great Summit last week. You all work and proud to be a dues-paying preferences. -Rebecca Outland were working hard and we appreciate member. Thanks for making social it. Oh, and the new logo and brand- justice a priority within the bike Encourage all sorts of governments ing is divine! movement. - Nelle to prepare places and roads for bikes – no gender associated, just show that it is faster, cheaper, safe and fun! - Elizabeth Bautista Rodriguez send us your letters Email your comments to [email protected]; send a letter to 1612 K St NW, Ste 510, Washington, DC 2006; or chime in on Facebook (facebook.com/leagueofamericabicyclists) or Twitter (@bikeleague).

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Member snapshot: Pasqualina Azarrello

Since its founding in New York City in Coalition’s City of Lights) and Antho- 1998, Recycle-A-Bicycle has been a lead- ny Taylor (Major Taylor Cycling). ing model in using bicycles to engage and I was so happy that these smart and empower youth. As the organization’s thoughtful leaders were there to share executive director for the past four years, their stories. At that moment, I had a Pasqualina Azzarello played a central realization: The potential that RAB role in the development of this innova- could play on a national scale for youth tive organization and its role in expand- and community bike shops was greater ing the national conversation about than I had understood. inclusivity, youth engagement and the We were so inspired and so ener- critical importance of bike collectives. gized from the 2010 Summit that we Pasqualina Azarrello was the Executive This March, as she stepped down to pur- asked ourselves a question: What can Director of Recycle-A-Bicycle for four years. sue other goals, we asked her to reflect we do to grow this movement and to on how bike advocacy has changed dur- ensure that all cyclists can participate This intergenerational exchange is so ing her tenure at RAB. We’re honored in such a dynamic national dialogue? meaningful to me. to count Azzarello as a member — and The Youth Bike Summit was literally At last year’s 2012 National Bike Sum- excited to see what comes next for her! conceived on the bus ride home from mit, I attended the first ever Women’s D.C. Bicycling Forum — what a different au- I started as the Executive Director At first we thought the Youth Bike dience in terms of gender, ethnicity, and of Recycle-A-Bicycle (RAB) in 2009. Summit would be a local or regional age. It was fun to share personal stories Since then, I have seen some significant event, but we quickly learned that the with other women and, for the first time shifts in the national bike advocacy need and desire for youth, educators, at a bike conference, I heard laughter in movement. Going to my first National and advocates to come together and the room. That transformation contin- Bike Summit in 2010 with two interns, exchange ideas and learn from one an- ued with the Forum and full Summit we reflected that there were many miss- other was bigger than our imaginations in 2013. I couldn’t help but notice a new ing cyclists from across the U.S. who at the time. and more reflective tone from president were not there to take part in this en- This past February, Recycle-A-Bi- Andy Clarke, members of the League ergized, dynamic ex- cycle hosted the 3rd Board and a number of National Bike change of ideas, and to Annual Youth Bike Summit speakers. lobby on Capitol Hill. “The Youth Bike Summit was Summit. Nearly 370 Looking back now, I view the 2010 There was one ses- literally conceived on the youth and adult lead- Summit workshop, Broadening the sion at the 2010 Sum- ers from 23 states and Movement, as a seed of transformation. mit that had a tremen- bus ride home from D.C.” four countries attend- Changing our movement will never hap- dous impact on me. It ed — clear evidence pen if it is not prioritized. I commend was called Broaden- of the incredible work that in such a short time, there has been ing the Movement moderated by Jay taking place at a local grassroots level. so much development and I look for- Ferm (Planet Bike) with Alison Graves Over the past few years, industry and ward to finding new ways to be involved (Community Cycling Center), Allison national advocates have come to learn in this movement after I step down as Ex- Mannos (Los Angeles County Bicycle from the next generation of bicyclists. ecutive Director of Recycle-A-Bicycle.

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Club Austin Pickett, a high school senior, practices the finer points of bike maintenance as part of the Major Taylor Snapshot: earn-a-bike program. Cascade Bicycle Club

Based in Seattle, the Cascade Bicycle Challenge bring about 15,000 partici- mission by showing our mission touches Club is among the largest in the nation, pants from local workplaces and schools everyone. with strong advocacy programs paired together to compete on bike commute with high-profile rides. We asked M.J. teams. Bike to Work and School Days What’s one secret to your success that might help other Kelly, Cascade’s Director of Communi- draw in the neighborhood of 20,000 bike clubs? Cascade’s founders had the cations and Marketing, to give us some riders annually. The increased visibility forethought to establish an organiza- insight on what’s made the Club such a on the streets of people of all ages and tion that combines pursuit of social success. lifestyles bicycling for transportation is riding with the power of advocacy. It’s powerful for the movement. a virtuous cycle that builds momentum Cascade is one of the biggest bicycle clubs in the country; with each turn. More people riding what do you think has propelled the group to such incred- Cascade has a strong Major Taylor component; how has that bikes means more people are seeking ible success and growth? Cascade Bicycle Club’s changed the organization? It’s been so rewarding pro-bike leaders. As we amplify those strong mix of programs is one of our big- voices, we gain political strength and gest assets. People are invited to engage to see the positive impact bicycling can have in a young person’s life – especially can influence for better policies. In with Cascade on their terms, through a turn, this gets our constituents better variety of open pathways: big events, rec- for kids from diverse neighborhoods who might not otherwise be included in infrastructure, expanded routes and saf- reational rides, advocacy and community er streets. Having a better bicycling net- activism, summer camps, maintenance the bike community. Major Taylor has been an exciting way for Cascade to nur- work makes it more inviting for people classes, riding classes and more. Having to ride bikes. No deep relationships and a long history – ture community transformation. matter which way 43 years – also gives us strength through we approach it, recognition and trust. We crested 15,000 After complet- “Cascade Bicycle Club’s strong mix ing the program, this virtuous cycle members this spring and those wonder- of programs is one of our biggest builds momentum ful people keep us going strong! Major Taylor club members assets. We crested 15,000 members and power for the What’s your most popular ride or most visible event of have gone on movement. the year? How is it special? In terms of palpable to advocate for this spring and those wonderful What’s the coolest thing excitement, the 10,000-person Group better bicycling people keep us going strong!” Cascade has planned for Health “Seattle to Portland Bicycle in their commu- Bike Month? We have Classic” is top on the list. Now in its nities, many of so many cool 34th year, the STP has become a bucket which lack bike things planned, list event. Every year without fail, I am lanes and sidewalks. but our Street Party tops the list. Last humbled and inspired by the ways peo- The program has also given Cascade year we had music, games, a “Strut your ple are changing their lives and connect- an opportunity to engage with some own bike style” fashion show, and bike- ing to bicycling because of the STP. tremendous partners — community or- friendly vendors—to celebrate both the Bike Month, however, draws more ganizations, schools and volunteers — end of Bike Month and bike/walk- participants through the Commute really strengthening our effectiveness. friendly public spaces. It was crowded, Challenge (presented by Adobe) and F5 It has deepened our commitment to loud, fun and full of bikes — just like Bike to Work Day and Bike to School growing diversity in the bike movement. a party should be! Learn more about Cascade at Day. The Commute and Bike to School And, we are engaging new people in our www.cascade.org

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giving

Thank you to the $10,000+ Narragansett Bay Bicycle Coalition Individuals following organiza- David G. Harrison Wheelman Columbia Bicycle Club Tony Barrett Susi Wunsch Wheeling Wheelmen Hope Christian Edmund Beaudet tions and individuals Bicycle Club Community Foundation Karl Danz who have contributed Illinois Valley Wheelmen Individuals Paul Donohoe $1,000-$4,999 Los Angeles Wheelmen Alan Fishman at least $100 to the Bill Wilson Bicycle Club Pat Flinn Organizations Thomas Ritter League, above and Channel Islands Bicycle Mohawk-Hudson Kerry Irons beyondw membership Club Cycling Club Mark Jauquet dues, in January and Charles River Wheelmen $100-$999 Mosby Lincoln Alan Kailer Couples On Wheels Organizations Foundation Michael Kerr February 2013. Richmond Area Tandem Club Inc. Arkansas Bicycle Club George & Karen Bicycling Association Florida Freewheelers Boeing Employees Momany Silver Wheels Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Bicycle Club Wendy Soucie Cycling Club Granite State Wheelmen Bull Shifters Bicycle Club Karen Sundback Westchester Cycle Club Grizzly Peak Cyclists Cactus Cycling Club of Stephan Vance Westerville Bicycle Club McHenry County Tucson, Inc. Michael Ware White Clay Bicycle Club Bicycle Club College Park Area Jiro Yamamoto

LCI CORNER So you’ve completed the League Cycling Instructor seminar and you’re excited Marketing to share your expertise with your community, but you’re not sure how to get started? Here are a few ideas to get your wheels rolling. Made Easy FIRST, FIND ALLIES IN YOUR COMMUNITY who will help spread the word about the impor- tance of safe cycling and the educational resources available to them. Second, don’t get stuck thinking you have to schedule an eight- to nine-hour Traffic Skills 101 course. You can adapt the materials to offer shorter “teaser” presenta- tions which can interest people in registering for the longer TS 101.

NEXT, REACH OUT TO GROUPS THAT ALREADY EXIST. For example, approach your local senior board, senior clubs and fitness classes to garner interest. If it’s business people you’d like to reach, approach your local Chamber of Commerce or flagship company to offer this benefit to its employees. Then you can approach other companies that will be more inclined to follow the flagship’s lead. Outreach to the general public can be achieved by listing bike education presentations and courses in your local newspaper and recreation guides.

ONCE YOU HAVE A GROUP OF INTERESTED PEOPLE, TAILOR CLASSES TO MEET YOUR SPECIFIC AUDIENCES’ NEEDS. Seniors might be more interested in learning how to choose a bike or safe route rather than how to effectively change multiple lanes of traffic during rush hour. A business person might be more interested in how to commute or ride year-round rather than how to choose a bike.

AT THE END OF YOUR PRESENTATIONS, REMEMBER TO ASK FOR FEEDBACK, including how people heard about the course, so you can hone your marketing approach and the edu- cation you offer. -Molly North LCI #2669

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MAKE EVERY MILE COUNT: The National Bike Challenge is Back! By KATIE OMBERG

The National Bike Challenge began as an idea sketched on a white board in the office of Rob Gusky at Kimberly- Clark Corporation. In just a few short years, it’s evolved into a national event uniting thousands of current bicy- clists — and encouraging countless new riders. In 2012, more than 30,000 riders logged more than 10 million miles in the first year of this friendly online com- petition. Based on that stunning success, we’re upping the ante in 2013 — aiming for 50,000 riders to pedal more than 20 million miles between May 1 and September 30. With the buzz of Bike Month and local bicycling advocacy organizations spon- soring local commuter competitions, the Challenge is a great way to get connected to other bike-friendly — and bike-curious — folks in your community and across the country. Join the challenge solo or form a team. Log your mileage online and get in the running for great raffle prizes! Visit www.nationalbikechallenGE.org to learn more and sign up today!

Why participate in the Challenge? » Fun: Join a team, ride solo, or compete against different cities and workplaces. Challenge yourself to ride more this summer, and it’ll be a challenge to not have fun doing it! » Health: By riding to work, the grocery store, or just around the block, you’ll be burning calories with a smile on your face. » Savings: By leaving the car at home more often, you can reduce maintenance, fuel and parking expenses. Without the pain at the pump, you’ll have extra money to spend on a nice cold (possibly adult) beverage after a summer afternoon ride. » Convenience: Nearly 50 percent of all trips in metropolitan areas are three miles or less and 28 percent are one mile or less — distances easily covered by bicycle! Even if you’re out in the country, biking to school, church, or a friends’ house can be a nice easy trip. » Celebration: Joining the Challenge is a great way to kick off National Bike Month and build relationships within your community. Make a neighborhood team, organize a ride in your town, and log those miles!

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CHANGING THE FACE OF CYCLING By HAMZAT SANI

In 1894, the League of American Wheelmen banned non-whites from joining an organization that advocated for “good roads for all.” In the 119 years since the color line was drawn, bicy- cling is still often regarded as a white 1 2 3 4 5 male endeavor — whether in the sport or advocacy world. Now, 14 years after officially denounc- ing the color bar of 1894, the League has rededicated itself to ensuring that the road ahead is, indeed, “good for all.” The League has formed a new Equity 6 7 8 9 10 Advisory Council to help us change the face of bicycling — in advocacy and on » Brian Drayton [1] is the founder and ex- » Helen Ho [4] is an advocate and thought the streets. Coming from diverse back- ecutive director of Richmond Spokes, a leader in fields ranging from alternative grounds and communities across the non-profit, entrepreneurial youth train- transportation to community empower- country, the council will help guide the ing program located in Richmond, Ca- ment. Helen serves as the Development League’s Equity efforts and ensure our lif., that empowers young entrepreneurs Director for Recycle-A-Bicycle and is work is beneficial to the communities to use cycling and sustainable transpor- Co-Founder of the Youth Bike Summit. that are currently underrepresented in tation to enable physical, personal, and cycling advocacy. professional mobility. » Keith Holt [5] is the Executive Director of The Council gathered for the first Milwaukee Bike Works, which sees bicy- time at the 2013 National Bike Summit, » Anthony Garcia [2] is Principal of The cling as a tool for sustainable change in and met the League Board of Directors. Street Plans Collaborative and is a leader the community. Keith has advocated for Moving forward, the Council will see in the field of pedestrian and bicycle in- trails and bicycling in large urban com- the League through an internal assess- frastructure. A member of the faculty at munities for almost a decade, emphasiz- ment — addressing both operations the University of Miami- School of Ar- ing ridership in communities of color. and programming — and also help us chitecture, Anthony has a strong back- develop tools for other organizations ground in urban planning and design. » Adonia E. Lugo [6] is the co-founder of City seeking to engage underrepresented of Lights/ Ciudad de Luces and CicLA- communities in their work. » Eboni Hawkins [3] is the founder of the via. A doctoral candidate at the University The 10-member Equity Advisory Chicago chapter of Red, Bike and Green, of California, Irvine, Adonia uses ethno- Council includes a diverse group of an organization that promotes biking for graphic research on bicycling to advocate advocates, planners, researchers, educa- improve health, economic vitality, and for social justice in urban sustainability tors, business owners, recreational cy- environmental sustainability in the Afri- through the Bicicultures Research Net- clists and youth: can American community. work and her blog Urban Adonia.

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League welcomes three new board members By ELIZABETH MURPHY

The League is delighted to welcome three new members to our Board of Di- rectors — and extend our gratitude and thanks to three outgoing members. Gary Brustin, of California, finished his maximum three three-year terms, and we’ll miss his legal expertise. Mike Nix, of North Carolina, is returning to the board of the National Bicycle Dealers Association, while Tim Young is now focusing on establishing a statewide advocacy group in Wyoming. We wish all three the best of luck in their future endeavors. Our newest members include: » Anthony Taylor [7] is a founding mem- ber of the Major Taylor Bicycling Club Jay Ferm of Minnesota, which promotes cycling Director of Advocacy, Planet Bike geared toward the African-American Jay is an active bicycle advocate at the local and communities of Minneapolis and St. national levels, having served on the Bicycle Fed- Paul. He is the Vice President of the eration of Wisconsin Board of Directors and as co- National Brotherhood of Cyclists, a chair of the Mayor of Madison’s Platinum Bicycle national coalition of grassroots Afri- Planning Committee from 2006 to 2008. He is a can American cycling club. year-round bicycle commuter in Madison, Wisc.

» Neil Walker [8] is a leading League Cycling Instructor Coach, a youth Tania Lo program coordinator for Metro At- Co-owner/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Momentum Mag lanta Cycling Club, and a founder of Tania Lo is the co-owner, publisher and editor- Women Bike Atlanta and Cycles and in-chief of Momentum Mag, which celebrates Change, which aims to advance equity the growing transportation cycling movement in in the cycling community. North America. Tania is also the producer of the award-winning documentary “Long Road North - » Elizabeth Williams [9] is a bike advocate From Patagonia to the Arctic,” a story of discovery, and League Cycling Instructor (LCI) cultural identities and family trials and tribulations focused on empowering underserved from behind the handlebars. She is a dedicated bi- communities to live healthy, active cycle commuter in Vancouver, British Columbia. and green lifestyles through cycling. Elizabeth is the Founder & President Nicole Preston of Cali Bike Tours based in Long Managing Director, Tour de Cure Beach, Calif. Nicole is the Managing Director of Tour de Cure, a fundraising campaign with 90 cycling » Devlynn Chen [10] is a senior at the events nationwide that has grown from 26,000 Bronx High School of Science in riders to more than 62,000. Through the Tour New York City. She has interned at de Cure, Nicole promotes cycling to new audi- Recycle-A-Bicycle, worked with Lo- ences as a means to improve health and reduce cal Spokes as a Youth Mentor and was the incidence of diabetes. Nicole rides regularly the youth keynote speaker at the 2013 with family on the paths around the Washing- Youth Bike Summit. Stay tuned to the League ton, D.C. area, and in various cycling events around the country. blog for updates on the Council’s work and how you can get involved. blog.bikeleague.org/blog

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 9 WHOSE STREETS? OUR STREETS!

Jason Roberts and Team Better Block empower communities to reimagine their public spaces

By Carolyn Szczepanski

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ason Roberts fully expected to get ingenuity to their own struggling streets. “Ninety-percent of the community wants arrested. “We decided we would Just three years since that first event, Bet- action. They want to pick up a hammer, break every law that we possibly ter Blocks has jumpstarted transforma- paintbrushes and brooms and start doing J could,” the Dallas resident recalls. tion in Memphis, Wichita, San Antonio something.” The day was September 11, 2010, the and other major cities. “It’s so much more powerful to allow place was a nearly abandoned Tyler Street So what are the components of a Bet- people to experience an improved en- in the heart of the Oak Cliff neighbor- ter Block and why have these strategies vironment as opposed to just showing hood — and the 36-year-old IT consul- proven successful? them pictures and renderings,” he adds. tant was the unlikely leader of a local For Roberts, there are four critical at- “By physically putting change on the revolution. tributes of a Better Block project. First, ground, many people who were opposed Inspired by a trip to Europe, where pe- it has to be safe — while volunteers paint or maybe didn’t understand the project, destrian plazas and bike facilities created the bike lanes, there’s always an engineer can become our advocates once they see vibrant public spaces, Roberts had start- in the background making sure the facili- that the changes are positive and don’t ed to look around his own neighborhood ties are safe. It has to be inviting and en- have a detrimental impact on traffic.” and had a realization: Wow, we’re going gaging for people no matter their mode Ultimately, all those efforts lead back about this all wrong. of travel and accessible for folks aged 8 to city hall. “Once we’ve been able to rally In so many places, abandoned build- to 80. And, perhaps most importantly, it ings disintegrated next to wide, life- has to have staying power. The beauty of less streets, where absent sidewalks and a Better Block is that it’s a temporary in- FOUR TRAITS OF A cracked pavement made pedestrians and stallation, soothing concerns from poli- bicyclists unwelcome. Meanwhile, an- cymakers or powerbrokers who may be BETTER BLOCK: tiquated zoning laws hobbled entrepre- wary of the transformation. But, at the neurship and street improvement were same time, it has the potential to spur » SAFE in the hands of engineering experts hud- permanent changes to the street when it » INVITINIG dling over maps making abstract calcula- proves to be a success. tions about traffic flow. The key to that success? Changing » ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE Roberts decided to challenge the status the advocacy paradigm. “Get out of city quo by showing folks the alternative — in hall and onto the street,” Roberts says. » HAS STAYING POWER real time. Working with Andrew Howard, his partner in what would become known as Team Better Block, Roberts radically re-imagined Tyler Street with the help of a small army of eager volunteers. They painted their own bike lanes and cross- walks. They turned an old car garage into a space for children’s art classes and cre- ated café seating outside previously aban- doned buildings. Cognizant of their rebellion, they printed out and posted in the windows every single law they broke in bringing Tyler Street back from the dead. But Team Better Block wasn’t led away in handcuffs. Quite the opposite: City offi- cials started questioning the status quo, too. Clearly the Team had come up with a winning strategy. Roberts’ innovative, do-it-yourself model proved effective in other areas of Dallas — and soon advocates and offi- cials in other cities were calling, asking Roberts paints a crosswalk at a Better Block installation. Roberts’ team to bring that energy and

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 11 think bike

Better Block projects use cafe seating, landscaping, bike infrastructure and more to enliven the street. Creating a new experience for riders like these in Wichita, Ks.

a community, the political support be- comes much easier,” Roberts says. And, “Get out of city hall and onto the street. Ninety-percent of as advocates mobilize, in communities across the country the buzz is creating what the community wants action. They want to pick up a hammer, Roberts calls FOMO: Fear of missing out. “I think we’re reaching a tipping point paintbrushes and brooms and start doing something.” with so many cities putting improve- ments on the ground that others don’t As you’re organizing, don’t be afraid to aren’t about simply creating bike infra- want to be left behind,” he says. “At this challenge the rules — pushing against structure, but creating more livable com- point, they’re just trying to figure out the status quo is the catalyst for lasting munities,” he says. “When I became ill, so how to get started.” change. Finally, blackmail yourself — many people in my community came out How do you get started, as an individu- set a date and publish it to hold yourself and helped me. It ended up justifying a al advocate or organization? Roberts has accountable. lot of my work, and made me realize that a few key tips. For Roberts, creating Team Better people who live in disconnected neigh- First of all, show up — if you’re not Block has been personal, as well as pro- borhoods have a much harder time es- in the room or out on the streets, who fessional. In June 2012, Robert was diag- tablishing meaningful relationships with will speak for a Better Block? Once nosed with cancer and, for months, he others around them who could help them you decide to host a street installation, had to put down the hammer — and rely in times of need.” give your project a name — this builds on his neighbors. Turns out, Better Blocks can even beat community buy-in and commitment. “It really illustrated why my efforts cancer. Learn more at www. betterblock.org.

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AMERICAN BICYCLIST 13 or cyclists of all stripes, there’s nothing like Bike to Work Day — our annual celebration of active transportation. Caravans the growth of of excited new riders enjoying their commute like never before. Veteran bicyclists seeing and connecting with old friends over free breakfast and live entertainment. Thanks, bike commuting in part, to encouragement efforts like BTWD, the number Fof bike commuters is on the rise — especially in Bicycle Friendly Communities. Since 2000, bicycle commuting rates in large BFCs increased 80 percent — far above the national average of 47 percent 6.3% and more than double the rate in non-BFCs (32 percent). Here are just a few key cities where bike commuting is growing by leaps and bounds.

3.4%

1.9% 1.6%

1.8%

1.2% 2.4% minneapolis, mn 3.4% 108% portland, or % 1% 443 .9% 2% denver, CO % 2.3% 1% 183

1.9% 1.2% san francisco, ca .9% 258% .9% new orleans, la .8% 154% austin, texas 142%

14 AMERICAN BICYCLIST 1990 BICYCLE COMMUTER SHARE

2000 BICYCLE COMMUTER SHARE OVERALL GROWTH OF 2011 BICYCLE COMMUTER SHARE BIKE COMMUTING TOTAL PERCENTAGE INCREASE FROM 1990-2011 (2000-2011)

32% NON-BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES

% 1.7% 47 all of UNITED STATES

1.8% .9% 1.% 80% .9% boston, ma BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES .6% 98% philadelphia, PA 210%

1.8% 3.2%

.6% 1.2% .3% .5% .5% lexington-fayette county, ky 1.2% anchorage, ak % .8% 435 157% washington, d.c. 315%

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 15 pedal progress

Photo courtesy of City of Fort Collins

16 AMERICAN BICYCLIST pedal progress the MANY FACES OF BIKE MONTH From advocacy groups to bike shops, May is an opportunity for bikes to unite

While commuter caravans and free bagels eye? Why not show people that a great pedal-powered community members. are still a hallmark of National Bike bike doesn’t have to be expensive or The Boise Bicycle Project is a nonprofit Month, pedaling to work isn’t the only pretty, it just has to get you from point Community Bicycle Cooperative. Visit us celebration of bicycles in May anymore. A to point B? Just like that, the Bike online at www.boisebicycleproject.org In its 57 years, Bike Month has grown Builder’s Gallery was born. up and branched out, expanding and Each May hundreds of commuters line evolving to be so much more than Bike to up their bicycles on one of Boise’s main Work Day. From big cities to small bike streets and allow the public to vote on Revolution Cycles: clubs, there are countless ways to inspire their favorite and least favorite bicycles. Random Acts of more people to ride. Here are just a few There are lots of laughs, a beer garden, examples of diverse Bike Month activities music, and all sorts of beautiful — and Bike-ness from different types of organizations. beautifully ugly — bicycles. In the end, By Stacy Moses, Buyer and Marketing manager it’s a great tool to show newcomers and would-be cyclists that cycling can be easy, At Revolution Cycles, our mission is Boise Bicycle Project: fun, and doesn’t have to break the bank. to get more butts on bikes, so we look Bike Builder’s Gallery It’s also a great way to meet your fellow forward to Bike Month every year. By Juta Geurtsen, BBP Development Director

When Boise Bicycle Project hit the scene in 2007, there were a lot of cycling events in Boise, but few that celebrated the “average” bicyclist. While there were many gatherings that featured Lycra-clad athletes on $1,000 bikes, we wanted to engage potential cyclists who couldn’t buy their way into the sport. Our goal was the start breaking down these barriers and take bicycling back to it roots, spreading the message that “anyone can be a bicyclist.” So each Bike Month we kick off the festivities with one of our favorite events: The Bike Builder’s Gallery. Throughout the year people come into our cooperative bike shop and learn how to fix or build up their own bicycles. We noticed how much pride people take in their “beater” bicycles and thought, why not showcase these bicycles in the public Boise Bicycle Project

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 17 pedal progress

Revolution Cycles

In Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland, we provide free tech support “If you ask us, every month City of Fort Collins: on Bike to Work Day at many of our Silly for Cycling area’s busiest pit stops. We get our should be Bike Month!” best mechanics out of bed before the By Molly North, Fort Collins Bikes sun comes up, pump them full of coffee Interim Coordinator and bagels, and set them loose to help mobile workstation and blast out our the thousands of commuters who ride location via social media. Pinkey, our lead Whether two wheels transport our through the local stops. mechanic and the most interesting man residents to work or to recreate, bikes Following the Bike to Work Day in the world, tunes derailleurs, pumps are part of our local culture and we love morning festivities, we organized the up tires, and tightens brake cables for to celebrate them in serious and silly second annual Department of State everyone who is lucky enough to roll by. ways. Our cyclists make biking fun and ride in 2012. We loaded up the Rev van We’ve also produced a series of funny — and we can’t get enough of the (affectionately known as Big Red) with “Revolutionize National Bike Month” camaraderie that happens when they Allant bikes and led State Department blog posts to educate cyclists on safety bring their simple machines together. staff on a bicycle tour of DC. There’s and comfort, and we give out boatloads Bike to Work Day has become a no better way to spend a lunch break in of neon bike pins. If you ask us, every community-wide celebration of cycling May! month should be Bike Month! culture and a holiday to which people

Throughout the month, we also look forward. Our bicycle friendly With four locations in Washington, D.C., plan wonderful little surprises in our businesses, bicycle friendly university Maryland and Virginia, Revolution Cycles communities, such as our famous Pinkey and bicycle advocates sponsor breakfast specializes in bicycle sales, service, rentals Surprise Tune-Ups. We select random and afternoon stations. Breakfast and sharing. www.revolutioncycles.com weekdays during rush hour, set up a stations offer free food, bike repairs, and

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In Philadelphia, May Means Derby Time By Erin DeCou, Executive Director, Neighborhood Bike Works

Fort Collins At Neighborhood Bike Works, we aim to turn our kids’ creativity into transportation creation. And Bike Month means putting that artistry on “Here in Fort Collins, Bike display during the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby. Month is successful because Each February, when after-school riding opportunities are minimal, we of the people who make open up a unique class that gets our kids’ artistic gears turning. The local biking a priority.” artists-in-residency program (40th Street AIR) lead youth on a journey to create entertainment, while afternoon stations a bicycle sculpture for the Derby. From offer free adult beverages, fashion shows, a pirate ship to a prehistoric shark to an live music and a drawing for a commuter alien space craft, their ideas never fail to bike. With approximately 10,000 total awe and inspire. station visits in a single month, these fun On Derby day in May, our sculptures stops are a way to give kudos to people are mounted to our four-person chassis who ride regularly and encouragement to and Neighborhood Bike Works youth people who try bike commuting for the from many parts of the city don costumes first time. for the 13-mile journey. We gather in But BTWD is just one of the many Kensington at the eastern edge of the ways we celebrate. Fort Collins also hosts city and parade through the streets — 30 an annual Bike Week that spotlights or 40 strong — with several dozen bike facilities like bike lanes and multi-use sculptures. trails, while emphasizing a place for The Derby is not a race, but there everyone in our cycling community. are perils along the way. Many crafts Some of our favorite events include: Bike break down; indeed there is even a Best ‘n Jazz (an evening of music at a local Breakdown category in the final judging. park), our Bike Prom (which encourages In the homestretch lies the biggest silly, bike-themed costumes), our Bicycle Fashion Show (which highlights the many clothing options for cycling) and the Bike Pedal vs. Gas Pedal Challenge (a friendly competition to show that, in many instances, running errands by bike is just as fast or faster than by car). Here in Fort Collins, Bike Month is successful because of the people who make biking a priority. And, as a Bicycle Friendly Community, we take pride in making biking better every day of the year.

Fort Collins, Colo., is a Gold level Bicycle Friendly Community. Neighborhood Bike Works

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hazard, and our youth anticipate it all day: the mud pit. We hunker in, downshifting gears and spreading out, and plow through, mud flying, to the finish line. Last year, our spaceship followed by dozens of Cyclenauts on bike, rose from the mud and won the Judge’s Choice award. This year, I have no doubt that our newest creation will rise to meet the challenge, too.

Neighborhood Bike Works is a nonprofit educational organization in Philadelphia that seeks to increase opportunities for urban youth in underserved neighborhoods in greater Philadelphia by offering educational, recreational, and career- building opportunities through bicycling. www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org Local Motion:

The Hub for Bike Local Motion Month Fun By Jason Van Driesche, Director of Advocacy and Education — much more than we could possibly outreach efforts. Mayisbikemonth.com organize on our own! allows users to log all of their bicycle With support from the City of Burlington miles, contains a mobile version, and Local Motion is a non-profit organization and the Chittenden County Regional integrates e-badges that users can earn that promotes active transportation and Planning Commission, Local Motion for participating. Participants loved recreation for healthy, sustainable Vermont organizes a series of events for Bike-Walk the friendly competitions, positive communities. www.localmotion.org Month. reinforcement from the e-badges, and Our headliner event for this year is an social media integration and activities. advocacy party, with food carts, a beer Sacramento Region: After several years of near flat growth, truck, national speakers, and all kinds of 2012 had 30 percent more participants fun stuff. We’ll also be organizing laid- Sharing the Love on (8,900) who logged 26 percent more back rides and commuter bike upfits, Social Media miles for a record total of 1.75 million blanketing the sidewalks with stenciled miles logged. Facebook likes and user walk-bike safety messages, getting kids By Victoria S. Cacciatore, Transportation interaction also increased 60 percent. and parents out on the street with signs Planner, Sacramento Area Council of The 2012 campaign had participants asking cars to slow down, handing out Governments from 1,300 employers, 400 teams/clubs chocolates to bike riders on National and 130 schools with countless others Bike to Work Day, and a whole lot more. The Sacramento region’s May is Bike aware of the program due to extensive We also serve as a clearinghouse for Month campaign celebrates regular media coverage throughout the month bike-related events put on by other riders of all skill levels and and exposure through social organizations. We created a simple urges them to encourage media. We look forward to Google form to gather events from all their friends, family and growing participation in 2013. kinds of partner organizations, from colleagues to ride, which the YMCA to AARP Vermont to the serves as a catalyst to get new The Sacramento Area Council Humane Society. Because we reach out riders on a bike. of Governments (SACOG) is an to other organizations and publicize In 2012 we launched a association of local governments in their events, we put Local Motion at the new website, hosted new the six-county Sacramento Region hub of a whole lot of fun and excitement events and redoubled our of California. www.sacog.org 20 AMERICAN BICYCLIST pedal progress

bicycle enthusiasts celebrating a common East Bay Bicycle vision for a bike-friendly East Bay. The East Bay Bicycle Coalition works for Coalition: safe, convenient and enjoyable bicycling for Showing that all people in the East Bay. www.ebbc.org Everybody Bikes By Cynthia Amour, Bike to Work Day Project City of Phoenix and Manager Maricopa County: Since our first celebration at Oakland Getting Fit with City City Hall in 1994, Bike to Work Day has grown in size and scope. This Leaders year’s theme — Everybody Bikes — by carolyn Szczepanski illustrates the goals of inclusivity and diversity that we strive for. We work In Phoenix and Maricopa County, hard through partnerships with local Ariz., Bike Month is an opportunity to schools, businesses, bike shops, and promote cycling for fun, transportation nonprofits, to make sure everyone has — and fitness, too. Giving folks an the opportunity to get out and ride. added incentive to ride, local celebrities On Bike to Work Day, we do more than — including the Mayor of Phoenix, the rush hour — we host a Bike Happy Hour County Manager and former Olympian Party, too. This free, multi-block street Misty Hyman — saddle up for a three- celebration is the biggest of its kind in mile ride on Bike to Work Day. And riders the Bay Area. Last year, 2,000 happy are given the star treatment, too: Cheering cyclists played bicycle bingo, four-square, crowds greet the pedaling caravan as foosball and other fun games; enjoyed a they gather at City Hall. But more than beer garden and food trucks; and danced breakfast burritos and coffee await at the in the street. The event brought us 350 end of the line. In Phoenix, BTWD is new members, but more importantly, paired with a BFIT Expo, where fitness brought our diverse and dynamic biking experts provide exercise tips and health community together. The entire event is evaluations. a bright example of what we work for: a Learn more and find bikemonth events at multicultural, open-to-all, gathering of bikeleague.org/bikemonth

East Bay Bicycle Coalition

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BIKE MONTH GALLERY n the bulletin board at your favorite coffee shop or on the light post next to the bike rack — there’s nothing like seeing posters encouraging folks to ride. Whether it’s Bike to Work Day, the annual Bike Fest or Commuter Challenge, we love the creative and diverse ways organizations put their efforts on display. Excited to debut our 2013 National Bike Month poster, we dug into the League archives for some vintage gems — and got in touch Owith Dani Simons in New York City, who’s working on compiling great examples of bike advocacy design and marketing. Check out this gallery from events past — and download your posters for 2013 National Bike Month and the National Bike Chal- 2006 NYC BIKE MONTH lenge at www.bikeleague.org/bikemonth.

2006 LEAGUE BIKE TO WORK DAY 2007 CHICAGO BICYCLE FEDERATION

2003 BIKE FEDERATION OF WISCONSIN

2010 NEW YORK CITY BIKE MONTH

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2010 PITTSBURGH BIKEFEST 2011 BIKE MONTH, COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

2011 BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE 2013 NATIONAL BIKE CHALLENGE

DOWNLOAD YOUR POSTERS for 2013 National Bike Month and National 2013 NATIONAL BIKE Bike Challenge at www.bikeleague.org/bikemonth MONTH POSTER SERIES

» AMERICAN BICYCLIST 23 women bike

CYCLOFEMME UNITES WOMEN WORLDWIDE Hundreds of rides, one mission: advancing women in cycling By sarai snyder Sarai Snyder (grey shirt) started Cyclofemme to unite women cyclists worldwide.

he morning of May 12, 2012, be- the chill and threat of rain. For 24 hours, evolved into CycloFemme — a single day gan like many other spring morn- the rides and stories and pictures poured that would unify our voices and showcase ings in Boulder, Colorado. Clear in, across international borders, across all the diverse power of women who ride. blue sky. Sun shining through my time zones — all in the name of Cyclo- The mission of Cyclofemme is simple window. A beautiful day to get Femme, celebrating women in cycling. and universal: Toutside and ride my bike. In just a few months, a simple idea had Through my morning haze, I fum- turned into a global movement with 164 To honor the past >> celebrate the role of the bled with my phone to check the time. rides in 14 countries. bicycle in the emancipation of our grand- And, like a jolt of coffee, my eyes flew A few years ago, out of desire for a true mothers and great-grandmothers. open — I could barely believe the women’s cycling community, I started stream of social media updates pour- Girl Bike Love. Despite the website’s To celebrate the present >> showcase the riders ing in. Then it hit me: CycloFemme success as an online forum for news who are bringing women’s racing to the had officially begun. and reviews, I often felt we were miss- forefront, pushing the limits, breaking It started in Australia with seven rides ing something bigger — a deeper, richer down barriers and sharing the love of spread across the continent. Next was connection for women who ride bikes. I the bike with everyone along the way. Afghanistan, where a woman named Je- couldn’t help but feel we needed the ca- rusa would ride with friends, later joined maraderie of shared experiences to bring To empower the future >> recognize the poten- by her sister-in-law, riding in Pennsylva- us all together. tial for women, as teachers, mentors, nia. Soon, ladies in the UK bundled for The desire for that shared experience mothers, community builders, change 1+1= A REVOLUTION

24 AMERICAN BICYCLIST women bike AMERICAN BICYCLIST THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 makers, and as cyclists to as the League of American Wheelmen, promotes have a profound influence bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a on the future of cycling and bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the the number of people riding interests of the nation’s 57 million bicyclists. With bikes. a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, Clearly, that call to action including 25,000 individuals and 700 organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to your resonated. community. Contact League officers, directors The beauty of the day was or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K the diversity of riders who Street, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20006-2850, joined us. We became a tribe of 202-822-1333; [email protected], fax: 202-822-1334. friends old and new. We rode as casual riders, road racers, cof- BOARD OF DIRECTORS fee sippers, beer drinkers, cake Diane Albert, Secretary, [email protected] Harry Brull, [email protected] eaters, gritty mountain bikers, Cyclofemme tattoos are in high demand. Steve Durrant, [email protected] mothers, daughters, fathers, Jay Ferm, [email protected] sons and professional athletes. Jennifer Grey Fox, [email protected] We saw beautiful images of women on strength and passion to inspire one more Alison Hill Graves, [email protected] Tania Lo, [email protected] bikes stream onto social media, with Ins- woman to ride a bike.” Ready to sign? David Madson, [email protected] tagram and Twitter feeds populating the Visit cyclofemme.com/pledge! Matt Moore, [email protected] CycloFemme site — and immediately For me, watching the movement grow Nicole Preston, [email protected] felt an amazing camaraderie with strang- has been both inspirational and em- John Siemiatkoski, Vice Chair, [email protected] ers. With images of women showing off powering. I’m continually humbled by Gail Spann, Chair, [email protected] their Cyclofemme tattoos on biceps and the courageous stories of women riding Eric Swanson, Treasurer, [email protected] calves, we saw women willing to commit, bikes in Afghanistan, Ghana, and Ethio- Hans van Naerssen, [email protected] at least for a day, to be part of something pia. I’m constantly energized by women Corinne Winter, [email protected] bigger. who are not just riding bikes themselves STAFF One day, while looking through photos but actively working to enable others to Andy Clarke, President and stories of CycloFemme I had a sink- ride with them. Alison Dewey, BFA Program Specialist Darren Flusche, Policy Director ing feeling. I was struck with the realiza- As we approach the second annual Lorna Green, Director of Operations tion that my own sister doesn’t ride a bike. celebration of women in cycling, Cyclo- Ariell Heacox, Membership and Education Assistant Neither does my mother, my neighbor Femme has become more than a ride; it’s Ken McLeod, Legal Specialist and some of my closest friends. Oppor- a movement, a feeling, a spirit, a tie that Elizabeth Murphy, Communications Manager Bill Nesper, Vice President, Programs tunity abounds when we recognize that binds and reminds, that whenever we Katie Omberg, Events and Outreach Manager we have the potential to double our num- ride, we ride together. Hamzat Sani, Equity and Outreach Fellow bers by simply inviting one more person Will you join us as we ride with these Alissa Simcox, Education Director to ride with us. The desire to nurture this women and many more around the Carolyn Szczepanski, Director, Communications and Women Bike momentum led to the creation of the Cy- world on May 12? Learn more and get involved at Caron Whitaker, Vice President, Government Relations cloFemme Pledge to “invest your energy CycloFemme.com. Scott Williams, Membership Director Jakob Wolf-Barnett, Chief Operating Officer Nicole Wynands, BFA Program Specialist AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE Editor: Carolyn Szczepanski Creative Director: Language Dept. Designer: Carey Donnelly, Studio d American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. ©2013 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 manu- scripts, 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.

AMERICAN BICYCLIST 25 from the saddle

a coast-to-coast summer vacation The ‘Seattle Cycle Teens’ went on a West Coast journey by bike during the summer of 1973 — now they’re planning to reunite. By elizabeth murphy

t’s an all-too-familiar story: Anne Sta- the town. News outlets had dubbed them heli dusted off her bike, pulled it out of the “Seattle Cycle Teens.” the garage and pedaled around her Se- On June 21, 1973, the Seattle Cycle attle neighborhood – the first time she’d Teens left home for six weeks of 50-mile hopped on a bicycle in about 20 years. days down the West Coast. In the days I “I didn’t fall off and said, ‘OK, I can do before cell phones and helmets, the Cy- this,’ ” Staheli recalls. cle Teens fashioned large red flags on the But an uncommon feat came next: back of their bikes to help with visibility Staheli took that Peugeot 10-speed 1,800 on the road. They carried everything they miles down the Western coast of the needed for the trip in their pannier bags, United States — with 20 teenagers in tow. and Anne used a AAA map to make sure “What she pulled off is pretty amaz- they stayed on course. They slept in tents Anne Staheli, now, with her grandson ing,” says Linda Staheli, Anne’s daughter. along their route, and, occasionally when It was 1973 and Anne decided she the weather was bad, they would sneak a to San Diego shortly afterward, packed wanted to give her kids a trip that they’d night at a motel. up their bikes and flew home. They be talking about for the rest of their lives. There were surprisingly few mishaps: were met with fanfare: The King County With the help of the League of American a flat tire here, a bent wheel there. One Commissioner proclaimed Aug. 3, 1973, Wheelmen, Staheli charted a route from teen had to see a doctor after the smog “Seattle Cycle Teen Day.” the Blaine Peace Arch in Canada to Ti- in Los Angeles proved to be too much Afterward, the group mostly lost touch. juana, Mexico. She planned to bring her for his lungs (an episode that revealed he A few of the cycle teens spoke here and two daughters (including Linda, then had asthma). But the obstacles weren’t there, but it wasn’t until a few months 13), plus some local “youngsters.” But very memorable, Linda said. ago that they’d spoken since their teen “I remember after years. This summer, they’re planning a In 1973, Anne Staheli took her Peugeot 10-speed 1,800 this trip and later on 40-year reunion in Seattle. Already, 17 miles down the Western coast of the United States — with in my life and writ- of the 20 teens, now adults living in far- ing in my journal say- flung corners of the country, have con- 20 teenagers in tow — and gave them the trip of their lives. ing, ‘Whenever I’m firmed they’ll be making the trip. depressed, I get on For Linda, seeing the other cycle teens Anne’s trip idea took off: Local news my bike,’ ” she says. “It just cheers me will be a reminder. in Seattle picked up her story, and kids up. There is the joy of just being in shape “It taught me that I can do anything I from all over the city asked to join the and feeling good and working hard and want to do,” says Linda, who now works adventure. hitting a hill and going down a hill.” at the U.S. Civilian Research and Devel- For the next six months, those young- Not to mention, it’s the best way to see opment Foundation in Washington, D.C. sters got an education. the country. “You’re going slower than “It gave me a lot of confidence and cour- “I put them through sessions on money when you are in a car, but you are going age to try things that seemed impossible… management, nutrition, bike repair, first faster than walking or hiking,” she says, My life has been series of jumping into aid, how to set up a tent, how to pack a “so in a lot of ways it’s the ultimate way to things I shouldn’t have had any business bag…” Staheli says, adding that the group view the world.” doing.” Interested in learning more about the Seattle took a few much shorter trips to prepare. The group made it to Tijuana in Au- Cycle Teens? Check out their Facebook page at www.facebook. Before they knew it, they were the talk of gust 1973, as planned. They biked back com/SeattleCycleteens.

26 AMERICAN BICYCLIST Anne Staheli, center and right, poses with Linda, second from left, and her other The cycleteens arrive in California. daughter, sister and own mother. VANCOUVER SEATTLE ASTORIA CYCLE TEENS A killer view along the coast. BIKE ROUTE SAN FRANCISCO

MONTEREY

LOS ANGELES SAN DIEGO

The cycleteens take a pit stop at Disneyland. TIJUANA

Anne Staheli, left, and the cycleteens pose as they reach the Mexican border.

All photos courtesy of Anne Linda Staheli, age 13, on the trip. and Linda Staheli.

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