Sept/Oct 2009 www.bikeleague.org
League of American Bicyclists
ALSO: 2008 Financial Report New Age Cowgirl Duzer Does America
Working for a Bicycle-Friendly America
The PATH to Better Bicycling in the Aloha State
CONTENTS
10
FEATURES
THE PATH TO BETTER BICYCLING IN THE ALOHA STATE
The PATH Bike Ed program is proving to be a favorite among students, parents and teachers.
16
20
NEW AGE COWGIRL
DUZER DOES AMERICA
Caroline Cahill is like an amateur cowgirl getting back on the horse and re-learning the rules of the road.
A lot of people told Ryan Van Duzer not to do it, but when he gets an idea he goes for it 100 percent.
DEPARTMENTS
28
FOR aLL yOU dO ... tHIS mAP’S FOR YOU
Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) is recognized for his 20-year commitment to cyclists and cyclists’ rights.
2........................... VIEWPOINT 3........................... CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE 4........................... LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES 8........................... THINK BIKE 25.......................... BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA WORKSTAND 26.......................... GIVING Cover shot: Waimea Elementary students enjoying Bike Ed.
American Bicyclist 1
VIEWPOINT Honoring a Friend Visiting Davis, Calif. is always a pleasure for a bicyclist. The city of 63,000 people is just a few miles from Sacramento and is the League’s first platinum-designated Bicycle Friendly Community. Davis, since the early 1960s, has built cycling into its infrastructure, institutions and psyche; bicycle use is as high there as anywhere in the United States. Even the city’s logo is a bike! Davis is also, appropriately enough, the new home of the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, and on November 7, one of the League’s own is being inducted. I am delighted to report that Phyllis Harmon is being recognized for her lifetime of contributions to the bicycling movement, and she has honored me with the task of introducing her at the ceremony. I need your help! League old timers will need little introduction to Phyllis. She first joined the League as a youngster before World War II and has seen the organization through thick and thin since then. She has served the League as its executive director, magazine editor, chief volunteer and board member — and she has always been a cheerleader for, and fierce protector of, the League’s mission and purpose. She still sends us regular clippings about bicycling from the local papers in Florida (where she now lives) and from wherever she travels, which is quite an extensive list of places. She also sends articles, photos and brochures from her 70 years of involvement in cycling that are just priceless. And she will doubtless let me know if I got any of these details wrong! I figure that to truly do justice to the impact she has had on all of us — even if we don’t fully know or appreciate it — I need your help, your stories and your recollections about Phyllis that I can share in November. For example, shining through everything she has sent me and all that I remember from my first stint on the League staff in the late 1980s is the importance to Phyllis of creating a community among cyclists. That remains one of the key roles of the League and is something we strive to build into all of our programs — and we can always use reminders of how that has been achieved over the years. So please send me your memories of Phyllis, and I will pass them along on my visit to one of the great cycling communities in the United States.
2 American Bicyclist
THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as the League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling for fun, THE LEAGUE OF AMERICANand BICYCLISTS fitness and transportation, works through advocacy and The League of American Bicyclists, foundedThe in 1880 as the education for a bicycle-friendly America. League represents League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicyclingWith for fun, the interests of the nation’s 57 million bicyclists. a current fitness and transportation, works through and25,000 membership of 300,000 and affiliated cyclists, advocacy including education for bicycle-friendly America. League represents individuals anda 700 organizations, theThe League works to bring the interests of the nation’s 57 million bicyclists. With a current better bicycling to your community. Contact League officers, membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists,Bicyclists, including 1612 40,000 directors or staff at League of American K Street, individuals and Washington, 600 organizations, League works to bring NW, Suite 800, DC the 20006-2850, 202-822-1333; better bicycling to your community. Contact League officers, bikeleague@bikeleague.org, fax: 202-822-1334. directors or staff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006-2850. Phone: BOARD OF DIRECTORS 202-822-1333; e-mail: bikeleague@bikeleague.org, fax: Harry Brull, harrybrull@bikeleague.org 202-822-1334. Secretary, Region 5 (AR, AZ, CO, IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI, WY) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Brustin, garybrustin@bikeleague.org, At Large John Allen, johnallen@bikeleague.org, Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, Amanda Eichstaedt, amandaeichstaedt@bikeleague.org, NH, NY, RI, VT) Chair, Region 6 (AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA) Harry Brull, harrybrull@bikeleague.org, Region 5 (AR, AZ, CO, Lisa Falvy, lisafalvy@bikeleague.org, At Large IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI, WY) Bill Hoffman, billhoffman@bikeleague.org, Region 2 Gary Brustin, garybrustin@bikeleague.org, At Large (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, WV) Amanda amandaeichstaedt@bikeleague.org, ReMike Nix,Eichstaedt, mikenix@bikeleague.org, At Large gion 6 (AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA) Rob Sadowsky, robsadowsky@bikeleague.org, Region 4 (IL, IN, MI, OH) Lisa Falvy, lisafalvy@bikeleague.org, At Large John Siemiatkoski, johnsiemiatkoski@bikeleague.org, Mike Greehan, mikegreehan@bikeleague.org, At Large Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT) Eric Swanson, ericswanson@bikeleague.org, Ellen Jones, ellenjones@bikeleague.org, Region 2 (DC, DE, MD, AtNJ,Large PA, WV) Hans Van Naerssen, hansvannaerssen@bikeleague.org, AtMartha LargeRoskowski, martharoskowski@bikeleague.org, At Large Tim Young, timyoung@bikeleague.org, Large Jim Sheehan, jimsheehan@bikeleague.org, RegionAt 4 (IL, IN, MI, OH) Phyllis Harmon, phyllis5377@cs.com, Director Don Sparks, donsparks@bikeleague.org, Region 3 (AL, Emeritus FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VA) STAFF W. Preston prestontyree@bikeleague.org, At Large Andy Clarke Tyree, – President Elizabeth Kiker – Vice President Paul Wessel, paulwessel@bikeleague.org, At Large Meghan Cahill – Director of Communications Alison Dewey – BFC Program Specialist Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, phyllis5377@cs.com Walter Finch – Advocacy Director Darren STAFFFlusche – Policy Analyst Lorna Director of Operations Andy Green Clarke –– Executive Director Anna DanaKelso Dudley– –Policy Staff Analyst Accountant Michelle Membership Director Lou Elin Moody Dwyer ––Advocacy Coordinator Bill Nesper – Director, Bicycle Friendly Community Program Walter Finch – Advocacy Director Jeff Peel – BFC Program Specialist Lora Golann – Membership Assistant Lisa Reitz – Membership Events Assistant Todd McDonald – Programand Coordinator Sharon Thorne – Administrative Bill Nesper – Program Manager Assistant Preston Tyree – Education Elizabeth Preston – DirectorDirector of Communications Marthea Wilson – Deputy Executive Director AMERICAN BICYCLIST MAGAZINE Editor: Meghan Cahill BICYCLISTS MAGAZINE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN Art Director: Studio D Design Editor: Elizabeth Preston Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W. Harmon 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. © 2009 League of American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371) is published six times American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission yearly by the League of American Bicyclists, Inc. © 2007 League of is prohibited. Article queries should be addressed to meghan@bikeleague. American Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or in part without permisorg. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your sion is prohibited. Article queries should be addressed to the editor at warranty that the material in no way infringes on the rights of others elizabeth@bikeleague.org. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, and that the material may be published without additional approval. or artwork, is your warranty that the material in no way infringes on Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the rights of others and that the material may be published without adthe policies of the League. ditional approval. Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the League.
CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE Amanda Eichstaedt
Chair, League of American Bicyclists
My Life on the Board
I
was awoken last night at around 1 a.m. by the forecasted thunderstorms and the sound of rain – which we don’t experience in California sometimes for five months at a time. It was a bit early this year, but it is definitely fall. My second batch of raspberries is ripening, and I’m starting to give tomatoes away rather than hoarding the one or two that ripened at first. Where does the time go? I have served on the League board for seven-and-a-half years. At nine years I will be termed out. Nine years seemed like an eternity when I first joined the board. But I’m still here and unless I get kicked off the board by my peers or I perish, I’ll be on the board for another year-and-a-half. So what will I have to show for it when I retire from the League board? Having had the privilege to serve with so many interesting and talented people over these past years has been most valuable to me. There is a quality about folks who give of their time and share the expertise that they have with
an organization. It is heartening to know that a myriad of organizations around the country are in existence due to these types of people. The League Board shares their passion for cycling with the staff and the overall membership. I am reminiscing about the excitement of presenting a Bicycle Friendly Community award to a city council and mayor, attending rally events around the country and the really rewarding times where I am invited to visit with a cycling club, talk with riders on a tour or watch students in a Smart Cycling class learn new skills or hone the ones they already have. There are an awful lot of administrative things that the board and committees do to help lay a foundation for the exciting public work that the League does. Having a sensible and solid set of bylaws that are up to date is important and by year end we should have accomplished this monumental task by committee (stay tuned to American Bicyclist and the e-news for updates on this process). Budgets, evaluations, strategic planning and the adoption of such documents as the Equity
Statement are some of the things that the board attends to. I’m still reeling from the sudden loss of fellow board member Bruce Rosar in a cycling crash. Losing Bruce and hearing about other losses of cyclists around the country makes me realize how important our work is protecting the rights of cyclists. In March, I will attend my tenth National Bike Summit hosted by the League. I hope that you will consider attending this event if you are involved or are interested in helping forward cycling as a form of transportation, a way for America to stay fit and as fulfilling leisure activity. Ten years have flown by and the seven-and-a-half that I have spent working specifically on League issues at the national level has been a good experience. Here are a few short-term goals for the League on my wish list: 1. Make the 2010 National Bike Summit the best attended yet! 2. Continue to work to grow the membership. 3. All cyclists should know what the League is doing for them at the national level. You can help with this — spread the word!
Help make the 2010 National Bike Summit the best attended yet! National Bike Summit 2010 March 9-11, 2010 Washington D.C.
American AmericanBicyclist Bicyclist 33
LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES
letters to the EDITOR The bike industry — not just the cycling community — needs to pay attention to this grassroots movement and to what other industries are doing in taking responsibility for their product at the end of its economically useful life. Encouraging a bike’s extended life in developing countries is one means of doing this. Keith Oberg, Arlington, Va.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE DEAR EDITOR, I enjoyed the League’s May/ June issue of American Bicyclist, especially the article on Pedals for Progress and the reuse of old bikes. Cyclists, and the cycling industry, have an obligation to lower their carbon footprint and recycle — and reuse — wherever possible. Pedals for Progress is certainly a leader in this effort; however, its geographic footprint is limited and there are half a dozen similar groups, including Boston’s Bikes Not Bombs, Chicago’s Working Bikes Cooperative, Seattle Bike Works, the Canadian-based Bicycles for Humanity network, and our own Washington, D.C. based Bikes for the World.
MYSTERY WRITER DEAR EDITOR, I just received my very first issue of American Bicyclist, the July/ August 2009 issue. However, within the first few seconds of opening and reading the issue, I immediately noticed a few rather intriguing and perplexing things. The “Viewpoint” was apparently authored by a mystery writer. Auden Grumet, Atlanta, Ga. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Viewpoint is written by League President Andy Clarke. His byline was inadvertantly left off in the last issue.
Encouraging DEAR EDITOR, Thanks for the fine article, “State Update: GetAbout Co-
thanks for your letters We eagerly await all of your comments — good and bad — on cycling, the League, our publications, and just about anything else you want to tell us about. E-mail meghan@bikeleague.org, fax your letter to 202-8221334 or mail it to us at 1612 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006. Letters may be edited for style and length.
4 American Bicyclist
lumbia” in the May/June issue. I thought it did a great job of encouraging action! Anne Fuller, Juneau, Alaska
the Real New York DEAR EDITOR, “Your copy of the July American Bicyclist is here,” my wife announced. I glanced over at the mail pile to see a photo of a cyclist properly positioned in a traffic lane, riding in the rain with his lights on, accompanied by the caption “Commute Fearlessly.” Could it be? On the cover of American Bicyclist? I suddenly realized that I was looking at the advertisement on the back page, and not on the front cover, where it was indeed another sunny day and all the cyclists were riding in a dedicated bike lane. Maybe someday there will be a cover photo for the rest of us. Mark Karnowski, LCI #1943, Hazelwood, Mo.
club happenings by Lisa Reitz
NIFTY NEWSLETTERS EDITOR’S NOTE: The photo on the front cover of the July/August issue is not staged and is a real life shot of a bike rush hour commute in New York City. If you have any photos of your bike commute, we would love to see them. DEAR EDITOR, It was with some trepidation that I visited New York City with my bike for a three-day trip earlier this year. However, I was very impressed with the number of bicyclists on NYC’s streets and the increased number of on-street bicycle facilities. More bicyclists on the streets not only have a positive correlation with safety, as author Noah Budnick points out in the July/August issue article “Biking Rules NYC”; but also with my feeling of comfort riding in Manhattan and Brooklyn. There seemed to always be fellow bicyclists riding with me — on bike lanes towards a night crossing of the Brooklyn Bridge or through a maze of one-way streets and alleys across Chinatown. Tony Barrett, Harpswell, Maine
With two upcoming club competitions and a Club Leadership Training, the League is doing all we can to work with and encourage our affiliated clubs. To start, we’re throwing a Newsletter of the Year competition. Barbara Doremire of the Wabash River Cycling Club is so proud of her club newsletter that she suggested the League do this — and we thought it was an excellent idea! Please send us two of the most recent issues of your newsletter by January 31, 2010. Our team of bicycle advocates and newsletter experts will pick a winner and two runners-up. All three will receive a seal to put on their newsletter for the year, denoting the honor, and the winner will receive a visit from League President Andy Clarke. He’d love to join your next stuffing party, help send out the newsletter, or speak at a club meeting — your choice — and he’ll probably buy pizza. We’ll announce the winners in the first magazine issue of 2010.
CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARDS We’re streamlining and improving our annual Club of the Year awards. This year, to be considered in the competition, just e-mail Bikeleague@bikeleague.org by January 31, 2010. The e-mail needs to say three things (in addition to who you are and which club you are nominating): 1.What does your club excel at? (50 words or less) 2. What has your club recently implemented that is innovative and successful? (100 words or less) 3. Why should your club be League Club of the Year? (100 words or less) We’ll send these submissions to our board of directors, and they’ll choose a winner by mid-February. Clubs will be recognized at the National Bike Summit, in our next Cue Sheet, and with a banner they can use on their Web sites and newsletters, proclaiming their status to all.
CAN’T MISS SEMINAR CORRECTION Apologies from the League for not including Caroline Samponaro, Director of Bicycle Advocacy, Transportation Alternatives in the “Biking Rules NYC” byline. Samponaro was co-author of the piece.
If your club is running well but could use some guidance, please join us for a Club Leadership Training. The League is excited to announce a new seminar series that will address club issues such as transitioning between officers, budgeting, reaching new members, organizing rides and other local concerns. The Club Leadership Training will kick off on January 22-24, 2010 in Boca Raton, Fla. If you’re interested in attending, or would like more information, e-mail Lisa Reitz at lisa@bikeleague.org.
Questions? Let us know at bikeleague@bikeleague.org.
American Bicyclist
5
LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES
2008 financial report A full audit of the League’s finances for calendar year 2008 has been completed. We are pleased to report that 88 percent of our income was applied to our critical advocacy and education programs, up from 82 percent the year before. This is the 12th straight year we have exceeded 80 percent. Despite the struggling national economy, we posted a surplus of more than $17,000 for the year.
Strong support from Trek, SRAM and the Bikes Belong Coalition boosted our advocacy programs, and the National Bicycle Dealers Association provided welcome support for our Smart Cycling program. The greatest change we saw as a result of the economic turmoil in the second half of the year was a decline in membership dues and contributions — to less than half of
SOURCES OF 2008 REVENUE*
* The discrepancy between income and expenses is due to losses in the 2008 stock market by the Life Trust fund.
6 American Bicyclist
our overall income. This trend has continued in 2009 and is something we want to reverse. Thank you for sticking with us — and we urge you to share the League’s important work with your fellow cyclists so we can return that figure to more than 50 percent.
2008 EXPENSES*
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES (For the year ended December 31, 2008)
Unrestricted
Temporarily Restricted
2008 Total
2007 Total
REVENUE AND SUPPORT
Net assets released from restriction: Satisfaction of program restrictions Total Revenue and Support
EXPENSES Program Services: • Advocacy • Membership Activities • Promotion • Education • Rallies Total Program Services Supporting Services: • Management and general • Fundraising Total Supporting Services Total Expense
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
576,508 431,458 227,578 124,640) 30,923 2,010 17,137 0 119,121)
— — — $ 720,918 — — — — — —
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ ($ $
576,508 431,458 227,578 596,278 30,923 2,010 17,137 0 119,121) 0
$ 817,914 $ 1,859,767
($ 817,914) ($ 96,996)
$ $
0 1,762,771
0 $ $ 1,614,813
841,479 $ 257,014 $ 204,919 $ 310,723 $ — $ 1,614,135
538,364 $ 293,737 $ 214,777 $ 237,259 $ — $ 1,284,137
$ $ $ ($ $ $ $ $ ($ —
Membership dues Program and rallies Contributions Grants Publications Donated services Interest and dividends Other Unrealized gain on investment Realized gains on investment
646,313 296,319 263,351 340,097 29,526 1,950 17,936 2,653 16,369 299
$ 841,479 $ 257,014 $ 204,919 $ 310,723 — $ 1,614,135
— — — — — $
128,743 99,636 228,379
— — $
0
$
0
0
$ $ $
$ $ $
128,743 99,636 228,379
$
1,842,514
($
79,743)
$
59,803
$ $ $
137,005 133,868 270,873
$ 1,842,514
$ 1,555,010
$
17,253
($
96,996)
NET ASSETS,
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
$
260,261
$
334,913
$
595,174
$
535,371
$
277,514
$
237,917
$
515,431
$
595,174
BEGINNING OF YEAR
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR
American Bicyclist 7
THINK BIKE
Riding Over
RED TAPE Accessing Federal Funds for Bike Advocacy by Anna Kelso and Darren Flusche
A
s we patiently await the reauthorization of the transportation bill, many bike advocacy groups are beginning to ask some important questions about accessing federal funds. For bike advocates, navigating the labyrinth of government websites for guidance on accessing funds from federal programs can be an arduous task, resulting in millions of dollars left untapped for the purposes of bike infrastructure and bike safety programs. Many changes are happening on Capitol Hill, requiring immediate action in order to secure continued access to these funds. In an effort to assist bike advocates in this process we have been working on a simplified guidance, outlining several federal programs that fund bicycle infrastructure and safety. For the purposes of this month’s Think Bike article, we will provide a brief overview of three programs often
8 American Bicyclist
overlooked by bike advocates as a good source of funding. These programs include the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Act (CMAQ), the Highway Safety and Improvement Program (HSIP), and Section 402. CMAQ The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program funds transportation projects designed to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion, especially in regions that do not meet national air quality standards (non-attainment areas) or have recently become compliant (maintenance areas). CMAQ funds have been used on a wide variety of capital projects including bicycle facilities, racks and lockers, and for marketing materials and operating costs for bicycle sharing projects. To be considered for CMAQ funding, a project must be included on a State or MPO Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). For recom-
mendations on how to get projects on the TIP and funded through CMAQ, read our report at www. bikeleague.org/resources/reports/. HSIP The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core program of the federal transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU) and its primary purpose is to significantly reduce the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries through infrastructure-related improvements. The allocation of HSIP funding for projects is a data driven process based on three, equally weighted, criteria: Number of Fatalities, Miles of Federal Highway, and Vehicle Miles Traveled. Some states are now also looking at risk assessments instead of fatalities alone. This is especially helpful when trying to justify funding for bike and pedestrian safety projects. Over $5 billion in federal funds have been apportioned to HSIP over the past four years.
Unfortunately, only 60 percent of these funds have been spent (or obligated) and less than 1 percent have been spent on bicycling safety. These funds will no longer be available if they are not obligated before they become inactive. HSIP funds can be used in the fiscal year they were apportioned plus three additional years. This means that funds that were allocated to the HSIP program in 2006 must be obligated before fiscal year 2010. Examples of infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects funded under HSIP: a) Construct improvements that enhance pedestrian or bicyclist safety or safety of the disabled. b) Construct a traffic calming feature. c) Install and maintain signs (including fluorescent, yellowgreen signs) at pedestrianbicycle crossings and in school zones. d) Each state has developed a Strategic Highway Safety Plan
to determine how these funds are to be spent: it is critical for cyclists to be involved in updates of this plan. Contact your state Bicycle Coordinator for details. Section 402 The primary purpose of Section 402, also referred to as the State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program, is to create highway safety programs aimed at reducing traffic crashes, deaths, injuries and property damage. Safety programs may include data analyses, education, and community safety campaigns; funds may also be used for limited safety-related engineering projects. Section 402 has been used to fund several bike and pedestrian safety programs and is a good resource for bike advocacy groups looking for federal funding. Once Section 402 funds have been administered to the states, it is then the responsibility of the
designated State Highway Safety Offices (SHSO) to manage the program. States are allocated Section 402 funds using a formula which bases 75 percent of funding on the state’s population and 25 percent on total public road miles; however, all states are entitled to no less than one-half of 1 percent of total Section 402 funds. Furthermore, a minimum of 40 percent of 402 funds must be used for the benefit of local governments. Section 402 funds may be obligated for up to three years after the year in which they were allocated. Continue to check our website for further information and updates regarding these issues.
American Bicyclist
9
PATH
the to better bicycling in the aloha state by Laura Dierenfield & Bob Borns, Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii
t
he Callahan twins, two brighteyed boys in Mrs. Loney’s and Mrs. Catan’s fourth-grade class at Waimea Elementary School, were not in their seats after morning recess. A quick check revealed the boys had ditched class for something they thought was much more fun: the PATH Bike Ed program — a
three-day bicycle education course that brings 30 bicycles, helmets and instructors to elementary schools on the island of Hawaii. Koa and Kai Callahan had so much fun at their own Bike Ed sessions earlier that day, they just had to have more time on the bike! The twins are among the 500 plus children who have benefitted from the
PATH Education program since its re-launch in January of 2009. While ditching class to be a part of Bike Ed is not encouraged (and is thankfully rare), the PATH Bike Ed program is proving to be a favorite among students, parents and teachers and is a great way to grow the bicycling movement in Hawaii — one kid, one
Waimea Elementary students enjoying Bike Ed.
10 American American Bicyclist Bicyclist
Left: PATH Education Director Bob Borns shows the kids Coco the Coconut, a happy coconut who wears her helmet. Far left: Borns demonstrates what happens to Loco the Coconut who does’t wear his helmet.
family at a time. Bike Ed is one of the principal projects of PATH, or Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii, a 23-year-old bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization headquartered in Kona, Hawaii. In addition to Bike Ed, the PATH Education program teaches Ped Ed, pedestrian safety, to first-graders and oversees a statewide Share the Road with Aloha safety campaign. The Education program is one of the four main PATH programmatic focus areas that seek to accelerate the completion of safe and enjoyable places to walk and bike in Hawaii. The other three focus areas are policy change, events and outreach, and facilities. The PATH Bike Ed program originally began in 1994, modeled after the pioneering program of the same name created by the Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) in the late 1980s that continues today on the island of O’ahu. PATH’s program was suspended for several years due to lack of funding but has revived in 2009 with new training, funding, staff and a revamped threeday curriculum. PATH and HBL continue to work together, along with other bicycle advocacy groups on the islands of Kauai and Maui, to advance the bicycling movement in Hawaii through education and advocacy. In January of 2009, PATH welcomed League Education Director Preston Tyree for a League Cycling Instructor training that resulted in 11 new LCIs throughout the state. That training was the spark that ignited a renewed commitment to bicycle education. PATH hired an Education
Director, part-time instructors, revised and updated the curriculum to consist of three class periods (45 to 60 minute periods depending on the school), one period per day for three consecutive days. PATH then purchased a fleet of 30 bicycles, helmets, support equipment and a cargo trailer to haul the bicycles. Currently, grant support has allowed PATH to offer the program free of charge to schools. The Bike Ed program is targeted to students in the fourth grade. Fourth-graders usually have basic riding skills but lack critical safety and handling skills. Although even at the fourth-grade level, there are often a few students who have never ridden a two-wheeled bicycle without training wheels. This requires the Bike Ed Team to have enough instructors to allow for special instruction of the children who are unable to ride.
The commitment to including everyone, regardless of ability, has made Bike Ed standout as a model program and resulted in many profoundly moving experiences for everyone involved. Teachers will often comment that introverted students, especially those who are non English-speaking, have become more active and expressive learners as a result of Bike Ed. In one very memorable moment, a blind child was able to ride with the help of his aides and Bike Ed instructors. The smile on his face said it all. Bike Ed has proven to be exceptionally fun and empowering, not only for the students, but the instructors, teachers, parents and school administrators. In two class periods the students are riding bikes confidently and having fun. There is a palpable sense of pride and accomplishment among the entire class. Fellow students offer
Enthusiastic fourth-grade Bike Ed students, teacher and instructors. American Bicyclist 11
Bike Ed
goals The overall goals of the Hawaii Bike Education Program are to:
• Develop safe biking skills in our children.
• Encourage a fun way to ex• • • • • • • •
ercise and develop a lifelong healthy skill. Teach basic bike equipment safety checks. Teach basic handling skills and avoidance maneuvers. Show the importance of being visible when riding. Demonstrate the importance of always wearing a helmet. Teach the importance of being predictable and obeying traffic laws. Reduce the number of bicycle crashes and child related injuries. Promote an awareness of bicycles as vehicles. Promote an active transportation mode that has a positive effect on the environment.
12 American Bicyclist
Cyclists line up for the Hawaii Race to Read.
encouragement and often applaud when their fellow students succeed at a particular drill. It is especially satisfying for the Bike Ed Instructors to watch a child experience that thrilling moment when they first ride on their own. Bike Ed is part of PATH’s broader effort to advance the rights of bicyclists and encourage more people to join the bicycling movement in Hawaii. The joy and confidence instilled in each child that goes through the three-day Bike Ed program is shared with that child’s family. Children are given information to take home that explains the Bike Ed and PATH programs and encourages the family to get involved in bicycling and walking advocacy efforts. When our students’ parents pass bicyclists on the road,
Students get fitted with their helmets on day one of Bike Ed.
hopefully they will be aware of their rights. Through Bike Ed, we open minds to the benefits of bicycling. The Bike Ed program has also helped to forge new partnerships, notably with the Hawaii Department of Transportation. “Our highway users are ever changing and we must be able to provide a safe means of travel for continued on page 15
PATH Bike Ed
curriculum “Every school that has had Bike Ed has insisted that PATH comes back the next year.� Bike Ed is a three-day, in-school bicycle education program for fourth-grade students on the island of Hawaii. The curriculum is designed to promote bike safety though classroom teaching and its on-bike parking lot drills and is based on the League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling concepts, drills and bike rodeo skill/fun stations. PATH League Certified Instructors bring a fleet of 30 bicycles in a cargo trailer to the school campus and teach students critical safety and handling skills. Over the three-day program, kids are able to get outside and on a bicycle, some for the first time in their lives. Classes are comprised of 18 to 28 students; are coordinated with the school administration, class teacher, and sometimes a PTA parent or P.E. teacher; and require a parent signed permission slip and close toed shoes for the on-bike portion. Lesson one focuses on helmet fit and bicycle parts and maintenance. Lessons two and three are conducted outside in a school parking lot or paved playground area on campus and is set up with several skill building stations. The second day of Bike Ed starts in the parking lot. Instructors use an instruction manual with 16 different safety
parking lot skill drills. Students then fit their helmets, do the ABC Handcheck, and the instructors size the bikes to the students. Both 20- and 24-inch bikes are used due to a wide height variation in fourth-graders, and quick releases on the seat post for fast adjustments are helpful. Students are divided into groups of six to eight students per instructor, and the lead instructor coordinates timing and assists with equipment problems, first aid and special needs students. The third day of Bike Ed is advanced bike drills. Skills learned from the previous day such as scan back, signaling, quick stop and turn control are combined into drills that simulate intersections, lane changes and obstacle avoidance. If time and space permit, a bonus race track is set up to let the kids show off their bike handling and have a little race fun. A one page letter is sent home with each student explaining PATH, the bike education program, and tips for encouraging safe bike riding as a family activity. Each student receives a PATH Bike Education Program certificate. Every school that has had Bike Ed has insisted that PATH comes back the next year.
A student executes a right-turn signal on day two of Bike Ed.
A student completes the look-back drill on day two of Bike Ed.
American Bicyclist 13
North Carolina
children’s safety program by Claudia Nix
N
orth Carolina is rated 16th in the country for having citizens who are overweight or obese. I belong to a community health coalition called Healthy Buncombe, in Buncombe County, Western N.C., and we are working to make policy changes that will help folks eat healthier and schedule more physical activity into their daily lives. Healthy Buncombe has received a number of grants over the years and has been able to put in place a number of great programs with these funds. I live in the mountains, and although my community has a lot of hard-core adult bicyclists, very few children use bicycles as transportation. We are way behind many others in the area of bicycle facilities and sidewalks. Many children are driven to school because of the lack of infrastructure and because we have a magnet school system, which means kids often, live many miles from their school. Last year the League of American Bicyclist, with a grant from the National Bicycle Dealer’s Association, developed Bicycling Skills 123, a program where bicycle dealers could partner with League Certified Bicycle Education Instructors to teach bicycle safety courses through their stores. My business, Liberty Bicycles, Inc. in Asheville, N.C. was a pilot member of this program. We brought in a League Certified Instructor (LCI) and invited several shop staff and coalition members to take part in a one day training session to become community educators. It was difficult to choose from the great programs that we were offered but we decided to concentrate on the children’s bicycle education course.
14 American Bicyclist
For years, bicycle enthusiasts and local safety personnel have put on bicycle rodeos to teach kids bike safety. Bicycling Skills 123 youth program is much more thorough and well organized. The skills portion has eight stations and each station is manned with at least two volunteers. As kids move from station to station, they are taught one or two bike handling skills. The final
A volunteer explains the course at the Black Mountain Rodeo.
An instructor teaches children how to signal at the Healthy Kids Rodeo in Ashville, N.C.
station is a simulated streetscape where they have the opportunity to practice all the skills. The program has been developed so it can be held in a school setting or community event. Our Healthy Buncombe Coalition embraced my business’ Bicycling Skills 123 program for children. Additionally, Healthy Buncombe applied for an Eat Smart Move More Community Grant and received funding to purchase a fleet of bicycles, helmets and supplies for the youth program, as well as a storage building. This purchase allowed my organization to support, including provide bicycles, for a middle school bike club. The middle school students were given training as instructor assistants so they can help with the younger children’s training. As a reward for learning and using healthy eating habits, the club earned points toward going on an overnight bike ride and camping trip on a rail trail two hours away. The club is an example of how youth can use the bicycle for fun, fitness and transportation. With Healthy Buncombe’s additional grant, bikes and helmets and Bicycling 123’s 25 trained instructors and 25 volunteers, together we were ready to partner and begin holding classes. In a two month time period, we held six programs. It was a terrific experience for the volunteers, and every child who participated improved their skills as they progressed through the program. Many found it to be so much fun that they wanted to continue practicing long after the classes finished. The program has been highly effective and we plan to continue Bicycling Skills 123 this fall and again next year.
everyone on our roadways, including those who choose to ride their bikes or walk,” said HDOT Director Brennon Morioka, PhD. “Partnering with stakeholders and active advocates like PATH and HBL who provide unique and holistic perspectives towards transportation solutions is the only way to achieve our goals.” PATH benefits from the support of many local foundations and businesses, including the Bill Healy Foundation, whose primary focus is on children and the environment. PATH received a grant for a new Bike Ed van from World Triathlon Corporation, producers of the Ironman World Championship triathlon in KailuaKona, Hawaii. The van will be used to double the Bike Ed Team and expand the program to East Hawaii. Additionally, PATH received a full sized storage unit for bicycles and maintenance equipment. Toward that end, PATH is working with partners Hawaii Pedal Power,
a statewide coalition of bicycle advocacy groups including HBL, Kauai Path and the Maui Bicycle Alliance, to secure sustainable funding sources to expand Bike Ed statewide through the Bike Ed Hawaii Initiative. The goal of the Bike Ed Hawaii Initiative is to create a statewide, standardsbased Bike Ed program that will reach every fourth grader in the state of Hawaii. The secondary goal is to provide a case study and guidebook for other states to use in implementing similar state statutes and educational programs. The long term desired impact is to teach an entire generation of children in Hawaii the values of sustainability, responsibility, health and independence through the joys of bicycling that will help them develop into responsible Hawaii citizens. For more information on the PATH Bike Education Program, visit the PATH website, www.pathhawaii. org, or contact Bob Borns, Education Director, at bob@pathhawaii.org.
Bike Ed instructor Karen Wood helps a student of Waimea Elementary ride for the first time.
American Bicyclist 15
A NEW AGE
I
was never one for riding my bike to class as an undergrad at the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. I lived a few blocks from campus and I figured I would get hit by a car on the narrow cobblestone roads downtown, not because of inconsiderate motorists but because I have a propensity to be in random accidents. Once, I was distracted by my sister who was on rollerblades and inadvertently rode 16 American Bicyclist
COWGIRL
my bike off our patio and into a tree, which caused me to bounce off my bike and cut my head open on the corner of the cement patio. I was not wearing a helmet and had to go to the emergency room to get the back of my head stapled shut. Lesson learned. Becoming a Cowgirl I have changed my mind about bicycles as my shins cannot take the force of power walking, and I need
cost-effective transportation. Most of all, I want to immerse myself in the surrounding world: cycle and observe. I attempted to walk to class my first week at Virginia Commonwealth University, I’m pursuing an MFA in poetry, but I gave up walking when I saw cyclists zooming past me towards campus. I scoped out the bikes in the bike rack, did a little research and decided to invest in a road bike. I adorned it
by Caroline Cahill
with a miniature purple milk crate to hold my poetry books. I was like an amateur cowgirl trying to get back on the horse. I had to relearn the rules of the road quickly, as well as regain my bicycling common sense. Apparently, cyclists roll up one pant leg for a reason, which I didn’t realize until I snagged a hole in my favorite slacks on my way to class. Then, I learned that cops in Richmond can ticket cyclists who do not have proper lights for night cycling. Thankfully, my bicycle salesman warned me of this so I did not have to learn from experience. However, the most difficult part of becoming an urban cowgirl has been learning how to get my bicycle up the skinny stairwell into my second story apartment. If the pitch of the stairs wasn’t grandfathered in, it’d probably be illegal — imagine the stairwell from “The Exorcist.” Several times when I made it to the top of the staircase with my bike, I lost my balance, arched my back, and leaned back on my heels before catching my fall.
So I searched the Internet for space effective bike racks, but nothing stood out. As a temporary remedy, I got a large screw-in bike hook and installed it in the ceiling, just inside the entranceway to my apartment stairwell. I like to think I have a reasonably strong bicep for a smaller woman, but I could not screw in the hook. So I took a hammer and gave it a few taps to get it started. I felt like I was twisting into the earth’s core, known in some circles as drywall. Eventually, I gave up, but decided the bike hook would suffice for the time being. I took the risk and hung my bike. When I did, a little bit of ceiling sprinkled on my head, but the hook held the bike. To walk up and down the stairwell, I had to turn sideways and slightly bend at the knees so as not to disturb the bike or the hook. It was quite a precarious arrangement. I started to feel a slight pain in my lower back from the awkward maneuvering. One night when I came home from my poetry workshop, I flipped
my bike up and hung it on the hook. My backpack was stuffed with papers and a laptop so when I tried to squeeze by the bike, I jostled it. The hook dropped out of the ceiling and my bike fell down on me. I could have been hurt if I didn’t have reflexes like a bull rider in a rodeo; my hands went towards the seat and handlebars, grasping them before they could tumble me down. I knew there had to be something better out there to store my bike. I wasn’t about to surrender it to a nightly locking to the no parking sign in the street outside my door. I refined my Internet researching skills and discovered the bike pulley. It is an The bike pulley — an invention so ingenious it could have been crafted by Da Vinci himself.
Left: Cahill lassos her bike from its lofty perch. Far left: Cahill raises and lowers her bike before and after each ride. Photos in this story by Denise Dicks, VCU Graduate Student
AmericanBicyclist Bicyclist 17 17 American
invention for bicyclists that could have been crafted by Da Vinci because of its ingenious design and storage capabilities. I looked around and found a bike pulley for sale in a Lowe’s a few blocks from my apartment. It cost around $30, and I needed this bike pulley. I didn’t have a means to install it — no ladder, tools or personal height — but knew that the pulley was the answer. I tried to convince customer service to install the bike pulley for me but my item did not qualify. I tried offering cash to have it installed but unfortunately, Abraham Lincoln is not as influential as he used to be. I bought the pulley anyways because I knew I could figure out some way to get it installed. It definitely looked too complicated for me but thankfully, a neighbor offered to help and installed it in one afternoon! I can’t even draw a straight line, but he seemed to rig this contraption to the ceiling with ease.
The boots were made for ... pedaling. Cahill takes her bike (and her boots) everywhere on campus.
If only the bike pulley came with an instructional video ... Lassoing has never come easy to me. I did not grow up on a farm or learn how to tie knots in girl scouts. I just had to try every day before class and wrangle my bike from the ceiling. I did a few test runs operating the pulley, but I was apprehensive. I thought I would pull my whole ceiling down on top of my head rendering my head misshapen for life. It took me several times to figure out the mechanics of the rope that operated the pulley. At times, it can be as annoying as the cord controlling a Venetian blind. The main issue developed pretty suddenly. After lifting the bike to the Cahill secures her trusty bike to the campus “hitching post.”
18 American Bicyclist
ceiling, the rope would be positioned over the handlebars. So, when I wanted to lower the bike, I had to get the rope around and under the handlebars to be able to pull it towards the door to lower it. This probably sounds easy, but it is not. The ceiling is extremely high and I am pushing 5-feet-1.5-inches on a good day. At first, I had no technique. It was just a frantic rope toss so I would not be late for class. Inevitably, this caused more rope tosses than I had time for and more cursing than I would like to admit to my mother. I realized I needed to refine my technique so I could free the bike in one try. I began to coil extra rope in my hand, grabbing a portion of the excess rope, and swinging it so it formed a circular motion in the air. When the moment seemed right, I would fling my lasso towards the handlebars. Sometimes, it hit the handlebars and dropped back down to the ground. Other times, it barely made it on top of the handlebars, and I would have to give it a gentle shake to drop to the other side. Very few times, it would sail successfully over the handlebars and I could lower the bike. Eventually, my skills built, and now I can rope it down in one try more often than not. If I am running late, I tend to let the rope run through the pulley too fast and little black fuzzes fall all over me. I frantically brush them off before I ride because I do not want to be mistaken for a woman with a hair problem.
A New Age Cowgirl Around the time that my lasso and pulley skills peaked, I learned of the Bootique in Mechanicsville, Va. I needed shoes to complement my new urban cowgirl bicycling persona, and if there is a town to buy cowgirl boots from, it is Mechanicsville. I had noticed a lot of women in Virginia wearing stylish cowgirl boots, and it appealed to me and my new mode of transportation. They were not ridiculously girly and could be casual or slightly formal. This may sound ridiculous, but I ride my bike to school and I have to look somewhat put together because I teach an undergraduate English class. Efficiency is everything. I invested in an authentic pair of brown cowgirl boots. I even bought special spray to protect them. They may not sound as serious as cleated bicycle shoes but I would say they’re better than flip-flops or sneakers. I can hop on my bike, hook my boot heels on the pedals like stirrups and start off with great speed. Though it is hard to maintain that speed, and I am usually passed by elderly men on bicycles, the boots do the trick. I may look like a new age cowgirl lassoing my bike and pedaling my boots off down the road, but I like it. Plus, I bought some really cute ranch wear shirts. So if you are a cyclist who is more akin to country living, the bike pulley and boots may be your solution. But I recommend leaving the chaps at home, you could jam a gear.
NEW ZEALAND AUSTRALIA • VIETNAM
Guided and fully supported
VACATIONS FOR CYCLISTS SINCE 1985
www.pedaltours.co.nz info@pedaltours.co.nz Tel 1 888 222 9187
American Bicyclist 19
a c i r e m A s e o D r e z u D r ze
Du n a in V a an ide can t y n R razy one – no e Wh s a c , no ind t d ge hea his m . m his nge mo a s ch n hi e ev
20 Bicyclist 20 American Bicyclist
By
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Ry
V an
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Ryan Van Duzer teamed up with New Belgium Brewing Company and set off to ride a cruiser across America.
A
ot of people told me not to do it; one of my friends even told me that it was the dumbest idea he’d ever heard. Luckily I’m really stubborn and brushed aside their negative comments. When I get a crazy idea in my head I go for it 100 percent; nothing can stop me — not even my mom. I was bound and determined to ride a cruiser across America, and my vehicle of choice would be a New Belgium three-speed. Yes, New Belgium Brewery, a League Platinum Bicycle Friendly Business. I approached them with the idea in September 2008, and they were just as excited as I was, sweet! It was an honor to be teamed up with New Belgium. More important than making great beer, they are all about preserving our beautiful world. So we joined forces, New Belgium and Duzer. It was a match made in heaven. They love bikes, I love bikes (and beer), and I was willing to ride their cruiser 3,000 miles across America to promote and inspire people to get out of their cars. This was a dream many years in the making. I’ve been on a bike crusade ever since I was a kid. I’ve never had a driver’s license and have spent time promoting the benefits of bicycling as City of Boulder, Bicycle Ambassador. So this was the plan, other than just pedal, pedal, sleep, pedal, pedal; I would stop along the way and meet with local bike advocates in different cities. I did this in conjunction with representatives from the League of American Bicyclists and Team Wonderbike (New Belgium’s network of green minded bike folk). Additionally, I decided to raise money for Com-
munity Cycles, a bike co-op in Boulder whose mission is to create a culture of cycling. I had all the pieces for an epic adventure set in place, now all I had to do was get on the bike and ride. This was easier said than done though, especially since I had never ridden the clunker further than five miles. I began my continental crossing with an event called the Race Across
“I DID IT!” Duzer poses for one final photo in front of the Washington Monument at the end of his cross-country journey (facing page). “WEEEEEEEEE!” At the end of day two, Duzer was rewarded with a steep 14-mile downhill into Borrego Springs (above). American Bicyclist 21
Dirty legs and strange tan lines.
Duzer begins his continental crossing in Oceanside, Calif.
Duzer blogged about his journey using his makeshift “office” above.
America. If you don’t know about RAAM, it’s the most intense bike race in the world; these nut jobs barely sleep and finish their 3,000-mile ride in about nine days! I hoped to get across in 59 days, and this seemed like a lofty goal on an untested bike. There I was with my simple $300 bike amongst a sea of $10,000 bikes and armies of support vehicles. I would drag my own support vehicle — a little trailer packed full of clothes, camping gear and beans. I looked out of place for sure but we were united by one common thing, the best invention ever, the bicycle!
Alone
BOOM! The gun went off and the RAAM riders quickly left me in the dust. I tried following their route but quickly got lost. I was on my own, a feeling I would soon get used to. After all the adrenaline and excitement wore off I would soon meet my first 22 American Bicyclist
adversary ... mountains. These giants might as well have been the Himalayas, I wanted to cry. The lowest of my three gears wasn’t as granny as I was hoping, and I slowly made my way up at a whopping three mph. Ouch, what had I gotten myself into? That evening as the sun was getting low on the horizon, I pulled off to the side of the road and collapsed in a strawberry patch. I threw out my tent, wrote a quick blog entry, (I blogged about my journey the whole way), and fell sound asleep by 9 p.m. It was the earliest I had gone to bed since I was seven years old. The next day I began to get the hang of my bike and the trailer. As I made it up a couple more mountain passes I kept chanting to myself, “I think I can, I think I can.” This would become my mantra for the rest of the ride. At the end of day two I was generously rewarded with a steep 14-mile downhill into Borrego Springs, weeee!
The desert was scorching hot but flat, and I was ecstatic to finally be out of the mountains. My new challenge was to make sure to carry enough water to avoid heat stroke. I was drinking three to four gallons of water a day and never went to the bathroom! I was sweating out every bit of fluid I was ingesting. It was kind of gross actually; I had streams of salty, sticky sweat dried to the sides of my face at the end of each day. I rode Interstate 10 through the desert all the way to Scottsdale, Ariz. It was a bit sketchy, a sign clearly said, “No bicycles.” Actually, it said something to the effect of no vehicles without motors ... but I did have a motor, my legs!
Friends
My first pause from riding came in Tempe, Ariz., and I was psyched to rest my legs and give my saddle sores a break. While there, I met with
Duzer “nerds out” about bikes with new friends, members of the Tempe Bicycle Action Group.
the Tempe Bicycle Action Group, a super fun group of people dedicated to making their city a better and safer place for bikes. We had a great time together nerding out about bikes. I felt like I was with family. By the way, most of the riders in the RAAM whom I started with had finished at this point ... and it had only been 10 days into my trip! I had some catching up to do. After a couple days of recharging on a diet of amazing Mexican food and ice cream, I was ready to head south. I love doing these rides because I can eat whatever I want. I know I’ll burn it off. On most days I averaged about 12 mph. I was no rocket on the open roads but I managed to move relatively fast, advancing about 80 miles a day. Riding in New Mexico was beautiful, and to most people’s surprise I rode on Interstate 25. I actually like interstates because the shoulders are 15 feet wide, keeping me safe from the big, bad semi trucks.
As an added bonus, my favorite high school teacher Mr. Boyer met me in Albuquerque and joined me for a week of riding. His company was much appreciated; I no longer had to talk to myself to keep from going insane.
Bread Basket
Kansas was very flat and very hot but I had cornfields and cows to distract me. It was a nice change of scenery from the desert scrub. The best part of Kansas was the people; everyone I met was incredibly friendly. Or was the best part of Kansas the swimming pool I found? I loved ending my days with a refreshing dip. It doubled as laundry time when I jumped in with all my clothes on. PRESTO! Clean clothes ... kinda. In Missouri I fell in love, madly in love, with a girl named Katy. We spent three beautiful days together. She took good care of me, kept me safe and
The C&O Canal Trail was the scene of many mechanical challenges including flat tires, a broken chain guard and even a broken crank. Not to mention mud ... that bike trailer used to be yellow!
provided a soft bosom to sleep on. And to go along with the solitude, Katy is in fact a trail, the longest rails to trails project in the U.S.A. that stretches all the way to St. Louis. I said a sad farewell to Katy at the end of the trail. She was good to me but it was time to move on. It wasn’t her, it was me ... I crossed the Mississippi with a huge smile on my face and flew through Illinois and Indiana. By now I was in my rhythm and my heavy little bike felt like a dream, three speeds was all I needed, wahoo!
East Bound
The roads out east, unfortunately, aren’t nearly as good as in the west. I got used to being cozy with traffic for the rest of my ride. The rains drenched me in Kentucky but the beautiful horse farms were a sight to see. Surprisingly, West Virginia became my favorite state. I was supportively American Bicyclist 23
Above: Duzer happily cruises across America. Above left: Duzer hit several bumps and broke his crank in West Virginia.
honked and waved at more times in West Virginia than any other state on the trip. BUT the West Virginian hills were tough, so tough I had nightmares about them. These suckers were huge Colorado-style mountains, and my three-speed did not like steep. I took the C&O Canal trail from Cumberland, Md. to Washington, D.C for the last 184.5 miles. This trail was beautiful, surrounded by lush forests and followed the mighty Potomac River. However, it was rain damaged, full of holes and problematic. I got my first flat tire of the trip on this trail, my left trailer wheel kept loosening and wanted to fall off, I broke off my chain guard, and wait for it ... on my second to last day of the ride my crank actually broke in two pieces! Cranks
24 American Bicyclist
aren’t supposed to snap in two! My little cruiser had had enough. After this catastrophe, I clumsily pedaled one legged for seven miles to the nearest town, Shepardstown, W.Va. and went to their only bike shop — which was closed because it was a Tuesday.
D.C. Baby!
After some late night heroics performed by a new friend I met, I had a new crank ... kind of, and a “new” chain from a 1958 Schwinn Racer. I rolled into D.C. the next day tired and exhausted after more than 3,000 miles of pedaling through mountains, deserts, plains and through every kind of weather but this was the best feeling of my life! I pulled up to the Washington Monument, took one final victori-
ous photo and laid in the grass. It was time to rest. I couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect summer. I met tons of wonderful, warm-hearted people, saw great examples of our nation becoming more bicycle-friendly and gained a new respect for this amazing country. I think I accomplished my mission of inspiring people to get on their bikes. Bicycling is a simple act that has profound, positive effects on the environment and our health. We live in a precious world, and it’s time we start thinking of ways to preserve it so future generations can enjoy its beauty ... and so my kids can someday be dumb enough to ride a cruiser across the country. Learn more about Duzer’s cross-country cruiser adventure at www.ryanvanduzer.com.
BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA
45
WORKSTAND
New Companies Earn Bicycle Friendly Business Status
The League announced 45 new Bicycle Friendly Business award winners on September 24, including two platinum winners Bicycle Sport Shop of Austin, Texas and Quality Bicycle Products of Bloomington, Minn., at the Leadership Industry Breakfast (where IMBA also showcased their leading advocacy partners) during Interbike in Las Vegas, Nev. This was the third time BFB winners have been announced since 2008. “There are a lot of very simple, effective and creative ways that companies are finding to get people back on their bikes,” said League President Andy Clarke. “Companies across the country are recognizing that getting their employees moving is good for business.” The BFB program recognizes businesses that promote healthy, happy, and green workplaces. Platinum-level Bicycle Sport Shop has noticed several benefits from supporting a bicycle friendly workplace, including improved employee health and fewer hours missed due to illness; reduced parking costs; improved lifestyle for employees; and improved morale for all staff. “We are providing life lessons for our employees, which help them improve their health and teach them how important it is to stay healthy,” said Leslie Luciano, Bicycle Sports Shop Advocacy Coordinator. Platinum-level Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) has also benefitted from the BFB program — including increased bike commuting. QBP counts bicycle commuting towards the exercise criteria of the company’s health care plan, and in 2008, 346 different employees combined to register 27,906 one-way trips for more than 327,000 total miles. BFB winners provide amenities such as secure bike parking and shower facilities and motivations such as incentives to commute by bike, company bike rides and clubs. When bicycling is infused in a company’s culture, great things happen. Learn more at www.bikeleague.org/programs/ bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlybusiness.
PLATINUM Bicycle Sport Shop, Austin, Texas Quality Bicycle Products, Bloomington, Minn. GOLD Advanced Sports Inc., Philadelphia , Pa. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska Bicycle Garage Indy, Indianapolis, Ind. King Cycle Group, Portland, Ore. REI St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo. SILVER 212 Market Restaurant, Chattanooga, Tenn. Camden Bicycle Center, Saint Marys, Ga. City of Austin, Austin, Texas Frans Pauwels Memorial Community Bicycle Center, Aloha , Ore. General Mills Albuquerque Plant, Albuquerque, N.M. Meredith Corporation, Des Moines, Iowa Mountain Gear, Spokane Valley, Wash. National Park Service - National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C. Palo Alto Bicycles, Palo Alto, Calif. REI Lincoln Park, Chicago, Ill. Saturno Design, Portland, Ore. The Hawley Company, Lexington, S.C. BRONZE Alling Henning Associates, Vancouver, Wash. Arrow Bicycle, Hyattsville, Md. Bike Tech, Cedar Falls, Iowa Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Eagan, Minn. Capella University, Minneapolis, Minn. Carmichael Lynch, Minneapolis, Minn. Chainwheel, Little Rock, Ark. Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, Urbana, Ill. Dream Ride Projects, Lancaster, Pa. EnviroFriendly Lawn Care, Ft. Collins, Colo. Fehr & Peers, San Francisco, Calif. Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency Hospital, Fort Collins, Colo. Golden Bear Bikes, Broomfield, Colo. Green Star Inc., Anchorage, Alaska Mary Black Foundation, Spartanburg, S.C. Mel Trotter Ministries, Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles, St. Paul, Minn. National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C. Parkersburg Bicycle, Parkersburg, W.V. Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia, Wash. Rings & Things, Spokane, Wash. Rodale, Emmaus, Pa. RPM Transportation Consultants LLC, Brentwood, Tenn. Spin Doctor Cyclewerks, Bartlett, Ill. Travel Portland, Portland, Ore. Velocity Cafe & Cyclery, St. Louis, Mo.
American Bicyclist 25
GIVING (JULY-AUGUST 2009)
O
On this page we acknowledge all those individuals who have contributed $100 or more to the League of American Bicyclists between July and August 2009. Your gifts help provide educational tools to national, state and city leaders; law enforcement; motorists and bicyclists; teachers and students; and parents and children. Above all, you inspire us to continue to reach for new and better ways to advocate on behalf of bicyclists and promote our shared passion. We are grateful for your support.
The Millennium Club ($1,000 - $2,499) Mark Makulinski The Century Club ($100 - $999) Bike Clubs Bowling Green League of Bicyclists Hawkeye Bicycle Association Individuals Jason Abber John M. Abowd Pete J. Accorti Amy Adler Ray & Cheryl Aley David Allen John P. Allen Billie Alost James D. Anderson Joe & Barbara Anderson Leslie Arminski Michael Aughenbaugh Megan Auman Hazen Babcock Paul Bailey Dan Baker Omar Barrios Richard Bascomb Anne Becker John Beem Michael Berglund Ron & Ellis Bigelow Bernard Black John Blake Jon Blumhagen Gary Botto Robert Brady Tyler Brannen L. Robin Brody Galen Bullock Donald Burrell David & Mary Bush Barbra Byington James Campen
26 American Bicyclist
Patricia Cantrell Louis Capozzi Richard & Belinda Carlson Robert Cates Robert Chaplin Lance Christensen Michael Christensen Charles M. Coldwell Cyd & Dan Coogan Johnathan Coopersmith Charles Coulter Richard Cuper Robert Daines A. Dalky Edward Davidson Robert Davis Bruce E. Day Rick Diehl Chad Dietterick Hollis Dixon Jean Dixon Patrick A. Donovan Charles Dorato Roger C. Du Bois Jennifer Durham Shirley Dyke Henry Eberhardt James Eve Margaret Fink Jeffrey & Barbara Ford Jim Foreman Sandra Fowler Cary Fox Peggy Frederick Charles Garrett Kurt Gary Elizabeth H. Gemmill Edward Gent Hank & Sandra Gentry Charles Gerhardt Gene Goff Karen Goodwin William R.Goodwin Margaret Graff Patrick J. P. Griffin Robert J. Gubler
Molly Gurney Peter M.Gutierrez Tim Hacecky Diane Haltigan Dan Hammerstrom Greg J. Hansen Mark K. Harder Paul Hardin Laura Hargis Charles Harris Doug Harris Ron Harvill Thomas Hauser Robert Hayter Ed Henkels Michael G. Hering Don Hinkle David Holland Carlyle Hooff Shelley Hoogstraten-Miller Gregory N. Hoole Joe & Carolyn Hoolihan Mark E. Horowitz Erik Hovland Dale Hoxie Keith Hughart Laurie Hulbert James & Carolyn E. Hunt Harold Jackson Greg Jarrett Leslie Johnson Gary Jones Marjorie Rawle Jones Ann Kelton Bob Kik Jennifer Klausner Edward D. Kleinbard William Kleintop David V. S. Knowles Kenneth Kohut Dan Kovarik James M. Kramer Amy Kristoff Gerald Kruse Kerry Kunsman William L. Kyburz
Philip Lambe James T. Lamiell George M. Lane Steve Lebovitz Simon Lewis Michael C. Libby Chester Luby Jeff Luko Scott Lunke Charles MacLaren Jack Malysa Rob May Richard J. McCluskey Paul McDermott Dennis McDonald Ulrich K.Melcher Mary Merritt Lori Meszaros Steve Meyer Larry R. Mickelson Jacob Miller Jeffrey Miller Arthur Morrill Matthew Mosner Michael Mower Judy Murphy Lissa Natkin David L. Nelson John Nixon Franklin Noel Edmund J. Nowicki Thomas Nuckols John Obermeier James L. Oberstar David L. Otzman Ben Parker Gary Parks Pamela Payne David Pearson Michael J. Perry Marilyn A. Pitts Colleen Pomplun Donald Porada Doug Porter Stephen Potts Stanley Powers
Jack Price Michael Prime Christine M. Quallen Dan Raine John Raub Robert K. Redfield Stewart Resnick George R. Richards Bruce Richbourg Wes Ridgeway Henry E. Riggs Jennifer Risch William J. Roberts Lou Rombach Bruce Rosar Ted Rubel Bob Rue Mervel & Judi Runion John Saunders L. L. Sawyer Nick Schulte Leslie J. Scott E. Ray Sinclair Theodore Sitz Leo W. Skinner David Smith Robin Smith David J. Sobczak Roger G. Sorensen Woody Speer Ken St. John David Steen Midge Steuber Ken Sublett John Sweet Jeff Swenson Richard Swent Harry Swinney Thomas C. Talley Alex Tetlak Dennis A. Thalacker Joseph Thanhauser Carol Tremble Michael E. Unsworth Connie Van Der Eb Richard Veenstra Tom Vesely Barbara Wade Gary Wadman Jim Walton Brad Weddell Gary Wesley Ellwood Whitchurch Kenton H. Whitmire Linda Wintner Bill Wolf Dave & Lynn Woods Timothy Yatko John Yuill Dorothy R. Zarbo John S. Zawacki Philip Zitello
Life Members Arthur Berger Paul T. Combs N. V. Fitton Loretta Gase Carl Hill Jonathan A. Krall Kevin Kumanga Brian K. Lewis
D.A. Nanna Chuck Nicewonder Paul Sanford Jim Sheehan John & Jean Teerlink Terence Treppa Kevin Watson P-A WinterSun Lee A. Venteicher
American Bicyclist 27
FOR ALL YOU DO ...
THIS MAP’S FOR YOU
J
ohn Burke, President of Trek, found the perfect stage at Trek World this past August to say thank you to Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) for his 20-year, on-going commitment to championing the cause of bicyclists in Congress. At a reception, Burke presented the Congressman with a map showing the rapidly increasing number of Bicycle Friendly Communities — much of the work in these cities was made possible by the funding and other programs Oberstar has written into law over the years. Some of the most successful bike dealers in the nation were there to simply hang out, talk about bikes and say thank you. Oberstar, surrounded by family, friends and supporters — some who have known him for 20 years, others who were discovering for the first time all that he has done for the movement — balanced 28 American Bicyclist
reminiscences with a rallying cry for his version of the next transportation bill. “Your time has come,” he said, noting it was time to “move from the hydrocarbon economy to the carbohydrate economy.”
Above: Trek President John Burke presents Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) with a map of the U.S. marked with the growing number of Bicycle Friendly Communities.
Presented at Trek World in August 2009, this map is a thank you for Oberstar’s 20-year, on-going commitment to championing the cause of bicyclists in Congress.