WABA BOARD
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President Barbara Klieforth
Vice President Martin Moulton
Treasurer Paul d’Eustachio
Secretary Randall Myers
Board Members Casey Anderson Mark Blacknell Kendall Dorman Eric Fingerhut Emily Littleton
Phil Lyon Jim Titus Dana Wolfe Bruce Wright
WABA STAFF
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Executive Director Shane Farthing
Membership & Development Coordinator Jenn Bress
Events Coordinator Nelle Pierson
Outreach Coordinator Greg Billing
Safety Education Program Director Glen Harrison
Safety Education Coordinator Henry Mesias
Education Grants Coordinator Dorcas Adkins
DC Bike Ambassador Program Coordinator Daniel Hoagland
DC & Regional Safe Routes to School Network Organizer Gina Arlotto
Bike Parking Program Coordinator Megan Van de Mark
WABA and Johns Hopkins to begin work on Health Impact Assessment -- A First in DC! WABA is excited to announce a partnership with Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Health Policy and Management to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on a bicycle lane proposal in Ward 8. A Health Impact Assessment focuses on proposed projects, programs, and policies that have not traditionally been thought to impact on individual health. However, we now know that our built environment, especially, can have either a positive or a negative impact on a community’s health and a HIA can determine which. Internationally, the HIA is used to explore the social, economic Health Impact Assessment study along a two mile stretch of Alabama Ave in Southeast DC and political determinants of health, and it is hoped the many more on WABA’s outreach in Ward 7 and 8. The class will jurisdictions all over the US will soon utilize HIAs in much complete what is called a rapid-HIA and their data will the same manner. HIAs are gaining in popularity across be incorporated into a larger grant application to the the country, but this HIA will be DC’s first. Incorporating Pew Trust/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation which has a Health Impact Assessment into our arsenal of advocacy just announced a grant opportunity for up to $150,000 to tools makes sense as we already promote cycling as a conduct a full scale HIA. WABA and JHU will partner on healthy lifestyle activity, but getting the data we need to this application, due in June. empower residents and decision-makers is crucial.
Study Area
The proposed bike lane will be located along a two mile stretch of Alabama Avenue SE from Martin Luther King Ave to the Suitland Parkway, and will link two main off road trails in this community, the Oxon Run Trail and the Suitland Parkway Trail. In addition, this proposed bike lane will connect over 15,000 residents of Ward 8 to three health care facilities, two full service grocery stores, nine schools, multiple recreation centers, the Homeland Security job site at St. Elizabeth’s and the Congress Heights metro station. This community has some of the highest rates of diabetes, heart disease and obesity in the city, but very few on-road bicycle facilities. Dr. Keshia Pollack and her graduate assistant, Greg Tung, visited the site in mid-March to prepare for what will become a case study for her graduate class on Health Impact Assessments. Gina Arlotto, WABA’s Safe Routes to School Network Coordinator, visited the class to give background on the subject area and information
This sort of facility–which creates a functional, affordable transportation alternative and can provide access to health care, food, schools, community buildings, and transit–is exactly the sort of facility that helps to build communities by providing car-free access to necessities and amenities, and enabling those without private vehicles to have a reliable connection to the transportation network and jobs. We believe those are good enough reasons to implement such a bicycle facility. But we hope that Dr. Pollock’s analysis will make that case even stronger, and that the District will soon bring this facility to the current and future cyclists of Ward 8. This project is part of WABA’s 2011 East of the Anacostia program. To learn more or to lend your support to the project, visit http://www.waba.org
Accounting Assistant Sandra Arroyo
Office Volunteers John Campanile Bruce Dwyer Jon Fleming
Alison Horton Harvey Ollis John Telesco
» RIDE ON Produced by Greg Billing RIDEON is published quarterly by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, 2599 Ontario Road NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone - (202) 518-0524 Fax - (202) 518-0936 Email - waba@waba.org Website - www.waba.org Send requests, changes of address or general messages to the WABA office. Address submissions to RIDEON, or email: rideon@waba.org.
Vasa Ride 2011 - Rainy...But No Snow! You never know what to expect in the spring in the nation’s capital. One day, it seems like the entire city is outside in shorts and t-shirts, making up for the time they’ve spent indoors all winter. And then the next day, a cold, persistent rain will send everyone back inside to wait out the storm. Although we prayed to the bicycle gods that participants in this year’s Vasa Ride on March 6th would see sun and warmth, the weather had other plans. Seventy cyclists came out to ride distances from 15 to 58 miles, despite a wet and chilly forecast. Aside from being a little damp, it seemed like everyone who participated had a great time!
A wet start to the Vasa Ride at the House of Sweden.
©2011 Washington Area Bicyclist Association.
WABA is a nonprofit advocacy group representing the metropolitan Washington area bicycling community. Coverage of an event not sponsored by WABA does not constitute an endorsement. Reproduction of information in RIDEON for non-profit use is encouraged. Please use with attribution. Printed with Eco-ink - low volatility vegetable oil-based ink on Ecoprint Offset 100 - 100% Post-consumer Recycled, Processed Chlorine Free using 100% Wind Energy in a Carbon Neutral Process.
The Vasa Ride started in 2007 as an idea by the House of Sweden and WABA to create a unique ride around the annual Vasaloppet, a ski tour in Sweden replicating the path Gustav Ericsson Vasa took in 1520 to escape persecution from the tyrant King Christian II. Vasa later became King Vasa I of Sweden, and the country holds a cross-country ski race annually in his honor. Since we rarely have enough snow in the D.C. area in March to hold a cross-country ski tour, bicycles were determined to be the next best thing! Ride participants were treated to a delicious Swedish tradition, warm blueberry soup, after their return to the
beautiful House of Sweden on the Potomac waterfront. Since many registered riders were turned away by the rain, riders (and grateful WABA employees) who did show up were able to enjoy as much blueberry soup as it took to warm them back up. Look out for next year’s Vasa Ride, to be held on the first Sunday in March (March 4, 2012). Registration filled up three weeks before the event this year, so make sure to register early. And of course, prepare yourself for any kind of weather – that’s what makes the Vasa Ride fun and unpredictable!
RIDEON • Summer, 2011 1
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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May 20: Bike to Work Day - Join thousands of area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work! Bike to Work Day is a free event and open to all area commuters, featuring more pit stops around the region than ever before. Information & Registration: www.waba.org/events/btwd May 22: BikeDC - Enjoy 20 miles of car-free biking through Washington and Arlington, including an extended section of biking on the George Washington Parkway. Information & Registration: www.bikedc.net June 11: Spring Bike Fest - WABA is taking a new spin on our annual fundraiser by throwing a bike party! Leave your black tie at home and help support our mission with a night of celebration of biking in our nation’s capital. Food, drinks, music, an auction, and much more are on hand. Information & Registration: www.waba.org/events Check out www.waba.org/events for more information.
« ««««« « « « « « « « «
WABA VOLUNTEERS are the muscle behind the machine!!
» ADVOCACY
Growing Cycling East of the Anacostia Just as spring began, WABA announced that it would undertake an intensive effort during 2011 to expand its outreach to wards 7 and 8 of the District of Columbia. These “East of the Anacostia” wards are underrepresented—both in WABA membership and functional bicycle facilities—and represent a real opportunity to grow the number of cyclists in the District and the region. Last fall, media coverage during the mayoral campaign sometimes attempted to portray areas east of the Anacostia as antagonistic to cycling. Yet we continue to hear from cyclist in those areas asking us to work to improve facilities east of the river, as well as the connections across the river, to improve the ease and safety of using bicycle transportation. By leveraging existing grant funds and maximizing the additional support provided by donors to the program, we will be able to expand our safety education classes— including both Learn to Ride (beginner bicycling class) and Confident City Cycling (introductory class to bicycle commuting)—and our outreach efforts into these communities. Additionally, we are bringing a Mobile Bike Shop to provide basic repairs and maintenance to those who have a bike but need help returning it to working condition. And for those who do not have a bike, we will be giving away ten bikes, plus locks and helmets, to ten adults committed to making a sustained effort to bike
Source: Pucher, J., Buchler, R., Seinen, M. “Bicycling Renaissance in North America?” An Update and Re-Appraisal of Cycling Trends and Policies” Transportation Research A, Vol. 47, 2011 in press.
regularly throughout the season. In sum, we will be providing: several bicycle safety classes, ten mobile bike shops, ten bikes (plus locks and helmets), twenty Capital Bikeshare memberships (plus helmets), several group rides, a health screening, and dedicated staff outreach and support. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this effort so far, as it is your contributions that have enabled us to plan this major push to improve cycling east of the Anacostia.
After Long Delay, Rock Creek Trail Improvements Moving Forward For years, cyclists have been wondering when the National Park Service and the District Department of Transportation would find a way to set aside their disagreements over trail construction and re-start the process that will lead to improving the Rock Creek Trail. It has finally happened.
VOLUNTEER CALL Volunteer nights are a great way to meet other members of the local cycling community and maybe even run into some old friends. Volunteer nights typically occur on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Some volunteer nights are filled with admin tasks while others are trainings and meetings for future events. WABA will often provide food and beverages, and if you attend three volunteer nights in one year, you will receive a one-year WABA membership or membership renewal! Check the volunteer calendar at www.waba.org/get_involved for accurate times and dates. Join the WABA group on facebook.com • Connect with local riders.
facebook.com/wabadc
• Have fun!
On February 23, NPS and DDOT jointly revealed a series of concepts for the future of the trail from Broad Branch Rd., NW to M Street, NW. As in most environmental assessments, the concepts ranged from no-action to a full repaving and widening where possible. At the public meeting, the vast majority of speakers were in favor Rock Creek Parkway and Trail in Washington DC. Source: WABA Archives. of repaving and widening to improve the experience for cyclists. Aside from some proposed by DDOT, NPS, and their consultant team. You minor controversy over the Rose Park Trail can sign up for WABA’s Action Alerts online at waba. connection in Georgetown, the discourse was focused org/get_involved. We will continue to push for a trail almost entirely on trail improvements for cyclists. that is smooth, sufficiently wide to accommodate traffic, and accessible to cyclists for its full length at all times. In the coming weeks, these “concepts” will be fleshed out into full “alternatives” to be considered in the formal After so many years stalled, it is exciting to see this NEPA process, so be prepared for WABA Action Alerts process start moving forward again. and opportunities to comment on the various options
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2 RIDEON • Summer, 2011
• Connect with local riders!
Bruce S. Deming, Esq. Bicycle Accident Specialist
✔ 30 years experience/ competitive road and mountain bike cyclist ✔ 2005 Finisher/ Race across america (Raam)
Call “The Bike Lawyer!” Call (703) 528-4669 for a free consultation
www.thebikelawyer.com
««
ADVOCACY
« The Purple Line Is Good for the Trail
Find out what’s going on in your area and share your concerns! Mark your calendars for the following bicycle advocacy meetings in 2011.
Throughout this planning process, trail opponents have cloaked their opposition with positive spin, naming the antiRendering of the Purple Line and Capital Crescent Trail together. Photo Courtesy: MTA Purple Line advocacy organization Purple Line. “Friends of the Capital Crescent Street, Spring Street, and Colesville Road. The trail Trail” and circulating a “Save will be safely separated from the transit tracks by a the Trail” petition. This has created a great deal of landscaped buffer and fencing, and it will include direct confusion, and we want to clarify—now that some time access to five transit stations, including at the Bethesda has passed—where WABA—as credible, regional cycling and Silver Spring Metro stations. advocates who love the trail and have advocated for it from its inception—stands on this project. Now, will these improvements come without investment? Of course not. But the more recent release of a $65M So let’s set the record straight: The Purple Line is not cost estimate for completing the trail has brought trail going to destroy the trail. While the trail will change, in opponents back into the picture. So let’s put that $65M most ways it will be for the better. The fact is that the in context. Certainly, we could demonstrate that much Purple Line is the best way— in fact, the only realistic of the cost allocated to the trail is actually for access way—to get improvements to the existing segments to the rail stations that would exist, regardless of the of the CCT and to extend the trail into downtown Silver trail’s status. And we could argue that certain costs for Spring. moving the existing trail were computed in a way that is never applied to similar relocations of roadways. But WABA outlined our reasoning for the Montgomery even if we accept the $65M, we can still show that, as a County Park and Planning Commission in 2008: transportation investment, this trail is good buy. WABA has studied the arguments of Purple Line opponents about the impact of a transit line running parallel to—and in the same right-of-way with— the Capital Crescent Trail with great interest. We have considered their claims carefully, and we think they are simply incorrect. The Purple Line build options in the environmental impact statement are fully consistent with preserving the trail . . . . WABA prefers the light rail versions to the bus line options because rail would more effectively integrate the area’s transportation infrastructure, including Metrorail and alternative modes of commuting such as bicycling. WABA also noted that the infrastructure built for light rail will provide the maximum number of opportunities to include trail crossings to avoid several dangerous intersections: The existing trail includes at-grade crossings with limited visibility or heavy automobile traffic at Jones Bridge Road and Connecticut Avenue . . . . Once the trail reaches the western part of Silver Spring, cyclists and walkers are dumped onto the streets, and they are forced to cross wide, busy intersections at 16th Street and at Colesville Road. The heavier investment Purple Line options provide for the trail to cross all of these intersections on bridges or under tunnels, improving safety. Montgomery County and MTA planners have adopted each and every one of the specific recommendations we made in 2008. At a briefing for the board of the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail, MTA showed how the trail will be extended by an additional 1.4 miles into downtown Silver Spring as part of the Purple Line project. The CCT will connect directly to the future Metropolitan Branch Trail in the new Silver Spring Transit Center, as WABA requested, to complete the missing northern link in the long-planned “bicycle beltway” beginning at Union Station, extending north to Silver Spring, west to Bethesda, and south again through the District of Columbia ending in Georgetown. The rebuilt trail will be more complete, wider, better paved, and better separated from motor vehicle traffic than the interim gravel trail that exists today. As WABA recommended, the trail will be paved and 12’ wide from the Bethesda tunnel to Silver Spring. The trail will have grade separated crossings of all busy highways, including Connecticut Avenue, Jones Mill Road, 16th
2011
ADVOCACY CALENDAR
After more than a decade of debate, you might think that questions about the future Purple Line would be put to rest. But as work has continued, budgets have tightened and cost estimates have been released, some trail opponents are bringing up the same misleading arguments about lack of public input, expense, and harm to the Capital Crescent Trail (CCT).
Yes, $65M is a lot of money. In the context of our own personal or family economies, it is overwhelming—and that is why opponents of the trail are citing it. It is a big number, and that is all they want people to hear, even if that big number represents a good investment in transportation infrastructure. So let’s take that $65M and place it in the cost context of transportation infrastructure. Looking at current projects in Montgomery County, a standard resurfacing of existing roadway is slated to cost $3.5M for a 1.4 mile stretch of roadway—with little to no change in transportation effectiveness. (Resurfacing University Blvd. from Arcola Ave. to Colesville Rd.) And improving a single roadway intersection is budgeted to cost $62.5M—nearly as much as the entire trail, even accepting the $65M figure. (Georgia Ave. at Randolph Rd.) And that’s not even comparing it to the truly expensive projects, such as the $2.5 billion Intercounty Connector, whose affiliated bicycle-related projects to serve east-west traffic already have been undermined. So here is the bottom line: Yes: $65M is a big number when compared to other bicycle infrastructure. But it’s not a big number when compared to the massive costs accepted simply as necessary to move cars around our region. And here, we know that this trail is a better investment in moving people because we already know that the paved portion of the CCT moves over a million people every year from DC to Bethesda, but experiences a significant drop-off in usage when it leaves Bethesda and becomes unpaved. WABA looked at the Purple Line years ago and concluded that the rail option was the best thing for cyclists, and for the region’s mobility. Looking at it again—in the context of regional growth, the progress in Silver Spring, and the ongoing work on the Metropolitan Branch Trail— we are even more convinced of that conclusion today. We know Silver Spring is growing. We know Bethesda is growing. And we know that regionally, Silver Spring is to become a major multi-modal transportation hub. Completing the Purple Line and its accompanying trail continues to be the best and most effective opportunity to contribute significantly to the regional trail network in Montgomery County, and to enable people to travel by bicycle. WABA Staff with contributions from Casey Anderson and Wayne Phyillaier
« Arlington County Bicycle Advisory Committee
First Mondays of the month, 7:00 pm. Arlington County Govt. Center (#1 Courthouse Plaza), 2100 Clarendon Blvd. (Courthouse Metro). For more info: David Goodman, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, at 703-228-3709 or dgoodman@arlingtonva.us.
« Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail Board Meetings
No meetings scheduled at time of printing. See the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail for the latest information at http://www. cctrail.org/
« D.C. Bicycle Advisory Council First Wednesday of odd-numbered months, 6:00pm - 8:00 pm. For more info: DC Bicycle Coordinator, Jim Sebastian at (202) 671-2331 or jim.Sebastian@dc.gov.
« Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling Usually third Wednesday of each month in Vienna. For more info: Bruce Wright at bruce.wright@comcast.net.
« Metropolitan Branch Trail Coalition Second Thursday of each month, 6:30pm 8:30pm. For more info: Paul Meijer at 202-726-7364 or meijer@cua.edu.
« Montgomery Bicycling Conference Saturday, May 14, 2011 – A kick-off for “Bike to Work Week” - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. First Floor Conference Room, Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville.
« Montgomery County Bicycle Action Group (MCBAG)
May 19, 2011, June 16, 2011, July 21, 2011, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, 100 Edison Park Drive, 4th Floor, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
« Prince George’s County Bicycle
& Trails Advisory Group (BTAG) Meets quarterly. Contact Fred Shaffer for details at Fred.Shaffer@ppd.mncppc.org.
« WABA Board Meeting May 16th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the WABA Office. Contact the WABA for agenda at (202)518-0524 or waba@waba.org.
www.waba.org RIDEON • Summer, 2011 3
« SAFETY EDUCATION
Teaching Bicycle and Pedestrian Education in Prince George’s County WABA’s “train the trainer” program continues to train teachers throughout Maryland in Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Harford County, and Prince Georges County. WABA recently held a training in Prince Georges County on February 3, 2011 at Springhill Lake Elementary School. WABA was able to catch up with teacher Stacy Hindalong, who not only attended the training, but organized it. How long have you been teaching and what do you teach at Springhill Lake Elementary? I have been a teacher for five years. I started out teaching fourth and fifth grade science, but now teach physical education from Head Start to fifth grade. How do kids get to school every day? Does Springhill Lake bus the majority of their students to school? Is it easy for kids to walk to school? The majority of our students walk every day and live within a mile of the school in the apartment buildings that surround it. Most of our busing is done through the special education and homeless programs our school offers. Is the neighborhood around your school conducive to biking and walking to school? It’s complicated. Although the neighborhood around Springhill Lake Elementary is fairly safe and walkable for students it also feels isolated by roads like 495, Route 193, and Route 201 that split up the rest of Greenbelt, Maryland. How did you hear about our program? I heard about WABA’s bicycle and pedestrian education program through my co-worker Stephanie Kohout who was trained by WABA last year. Does your school encourage walking and biking?
Since most of our students already walk to school there is not an intentional push to encourage walking or bicycling. Our school does have an active safety patrol that makes it easier for students to arrive to school safely. How did students respond to the bicycle and pedestrian curricula? They loved it! Once the bicycle trailer showed up at the school they couldn’t wait to start. Everyone really enjoyed the obstacle course and the younger kids enjoyed participating Elementary school student participating in a bicycle safety class in Prince George’s County. in the walkabout where they could practice the What is your favorite part of teaching this curriculum? pedestrian skills they learned. The practicum was my favorite part. It was just so much Was there anything that surprised you during the lessons? I was surprised by how many students knew how to ride bicycles. I expected more of my students to be first time riders. Did any of your students learn how to ride a bike during class? We had a few students who were able to pick it up. I used the method demonstrated at the training and had the students push themselves along with the others who were able to ride until they could find their balance. When they finally did it their eyes lit up!
fun taking the kids outside to ride the bicycle skills course. Do you plan on using this resource again at Springhill Lake Elementary? Any final thoughts? I definitely plan on using WABA’s bicycle trailer again at the school. I think it is a very well-thought-out program with a lot of time and attention put into the curriculum that made it easy for me as a teacher to create lesson plans for the various grades.
« COMMUTER SPEAKS RideOn: How long have you been commuting by bike? Vernon: 2 years.
Vernon Barnes RideOn: What is your occupation? Vernon: DCPS Facilities RideOn: Are you a WABA member? Vernon: Not Yet
RideOn: Why did you start commuting by bike? Vernon: [I] went for health check up, diagnosed with high blood pressure and heart issues, doctor prescribed exercise so I starting riding a bike to work and after about six-eight months blood pressure came down and heart improved—found out that biking is so much fun! I used to struggle going up stairs but now they are no problem! RideOn: What do you wear when you bike to work? Vernon: Everyday clothes
RideOn: Where do you commute to/from? Vernon: Ward 7 school to a Ward 3 school.
RideOn: Do you ride in all weather? Vernon: Yes, even in rain
RideOn: What is your route? Vernon: Benning [Road NE], Florida [St NE/NW], U [St NW], Calvert [St NW], 34th [St NW], 36th [St NW]
RideOn: What is the best commute you can remember? Vernon: I enjoy riding on the trails around DC like the Anacostia bike trail and along the national mall. I’ve made a lot of new friends while on the bike.
RideOn: What kind of bike do you have? Vernon: Mountain bike
Commuter Speaks appears in RideOn and highlights bicycle commuters in the Washington region. If you would like to be interviewed or know someone who should be interviewed, please contact Glen at glen@ waba.org.
RideOn: What kinds of gear do you use? Vernon: Just regular, everyday clothes, jacket in rainy/ winter weather.
ser i a r d n and Fauncing
t s e F e k i B
usic M n io
petit m o C uild rinks D Bike B d o s - Fo e m a G
-D
June 11th, 2011
Crystal City - Arlington, VA
Info & Tickets at waba.org/events
4 RIDEON • Summer, 2011
« SAFETY EDUCATION
Confident City Cycling Classes in DC & VA In keeping with its mission to promote safe bicycling throughout the Washington region, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is pleased to announce that it has scheduled a series of Confident City Cycling (CCC) and Learn to Ride (L2R) classes. A non-refundable $10 registration fee, plus additional fees may apply. These classes are designed to provide cyclists with the skills they need to incorporate bicycling into their daily routines, on city streets for errands, commuting, and fun. Several classes, with bikes provided by Capital Bikeshare, are offered free for DC’s Ward 7 and 8 residents as part of WABA’s new outreach initiative (see page 2).
WABA’s Director of Safety Education Glen Harrison teaching a Confident City Cycling class
WABA offers several types of CCC classes: CCC1 is a 2 hour basic skills class and CCC2 is a 4 hour vehicular cycling and avoidance maneuver class. Both types of class involve an on-line course and on-bike drills. In addition to these, WABA also offers a 3 hour L2R class for non-riding adults who want to learn how. CCC1 (2 hr.) covers basic bicycling information and on-bike skills such as: bicycle selection, fit, inspection, gearing, cadence, clothing, accessories, and bike handling basics like starting and stopping, riding straight, scanning and signaling. Half of this class will be an on-line course and half will be on-bike practicing bike handling skills. Participants must bring their own bikes, helmets, and water. Participants will be required to sign liability waivers. This class is a great way to get reacquainted with your bike after a long winter. CCC2 (4 hr.) covers more advanced cycling techniques such as: vehicular cycling principles, roadway positioning, lane changes, turns and parking lot drills to learn avoidance maneuvers. Half of this class will be an on-line course and half will be on-bike practicing avoidance maneuvers and finally a supervised group
ride on open streets with motorized traffic. CCC1 is a prerequisite for new or beginning riders. Participants must bring their own bikes, helmets, and water. Clipless/SPD shoes/pedals are not recommended for this class. Participants will be required to sign liability waivers. Even veteran commuters learn some new tricks in this comprehensive class.
* Annual Percentage Rate. Offer expires July 31, 2011. Other restrictions may apply.
L2R (3 hr.) is the entry class to bicycling. This class is designed for adults who have never learned to ride a bicycle. We will employ a special technique for teaching balance, steering, starting, stopping and pedaling. We use a technique that is very successful and use friendly and encouraging trained instructors. Bikes and helmets provided. “As casual cyclists contemplate taking the next step to using their bikes on city streets alongside motorized traffic, this class can provide much-needed help. We hope you will enjoy getting to class by bike and transit, and discovering the city’s diverse system of Libraries and Recreation Centers at the same time” says Glen Harrison, WABA’s Director of the Safety Education Programs.
Spring Adult Education Calendar Class
Date
Start Time End Time
Location
Fee
L2R
4/30/11
2:00 PM
6:00 PM
Dorothy I. Height/Benning PL, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. Bikes provided by Capital Bikeshare
For Ward 7 & 8 residents only
L2R
5/7/11
1:00pm
4:00pm
Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Road, SE; Bikes provided by Capital Bikeshare
For Ward 7 & 8 residents only
CCC 2
5/14/11
1:00pm
5:00pm
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE
$65 non-members $55 members
L2R
5/21/11
1:00pm
4:00pm
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
$75 non-members $65 members
CCC 1
4/28/11
6:00 PM
8:00 pm
Jefferson-Houston Elementary, 1501 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA
$10 registration
CCC 1
5/26/11
6:30 PM
8:30 PM
Mt. Vernon Recreation Center (Nicholas A. Colasanto Center), 2704 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA
$10 registration
Register online at waba.org/education or call (202) 518-0524 ext. 212
Challenge Yourself. Change a Life. Join the only five star event in Washington, D.C.! Challenge yourself on a 100k or 20 mile bike ride or join our 5k run/ walk and celebrate at our gourmet banquet on the National Mall! Cycle, run, or walk to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we’ll change lives.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
October 22, 2011
Support Bicycling Today! Register Today.
800.718.3536 | BESTBUDDIESCHALLENGE.ORG Scan the above QR tag with a smartphone reader or visit the following website: http://www.waba.org/a/rideon-spring-2011
RIDEON • Summer, 2011 5
« BIKE TO WORK DAY & EVENTS
Bike to Work Day is May 20th! 2011 Pit Stops Take to the streets on the Friday, May 20, 2011, for the DC region’s largest bicycling event! Thousands of area cyclists will pedal to work to celebrate bicycling as a clean, healthy and fun mode of transportation. Participants will have their choice of 49 regional “pit stops” during their morning bicycle commute where organizers will have snacks and drinks, entertainment, raffles for bikes and accessories and more. Bike to Work Day is a FREE event and all are welcome. The first 8,500 people to register at waba.org will receive a free Bike to Work Day T-Shirt at the pit stop they register to attend.
WABA will be organizing the Freedom Plaza Pit Stop with a crowd of over 1,500 cyclists expected to attend, maybe more if the sun is shining! A full schedule of local and national leaders will be speaking on stage from 8am to 9am. There will also be representatives on site from Whole Foods, GoDCGo, Capital Bikeshare, BikeDC, Downtown BID and more. If your organization or business is interested in exhibiting at or sponsoring the Freedom Plaza Pit Stop, please contact WABA at events@ waba.org. Are you thinking 2011 might be the year to start riding your bike to work but you’re unsure how to start? WABA has organized almost 30 “commuter convoys” throughout the region. Experienced bicycle commuting volunteers will lead commuters from predetermined routes, most ending in downtown DC. The convoy leaders will be able to assist participant with basic safe riding and routing tips for commuting. We are still in need of a few more convoy leaders, if you feel experienced enough to lead a convoy route, please contact Greg at greg@ waba.org. If you are not feeling quite ready for bicycling in traffic, WABA has a fantastic set of Confident City Cycling classes to prepare you for safe and efficient bicycling commuting. Sign up online at www.waba.org/ education. As Bike to Work Day approaches, check the WABA website for the latest information and news about this exciting event. WABA also invites you to share your Bike to Work Day experiences with other riders on our
Federal Transit Administration’s Administrator Peter Rogoff speaks at Bike to Work Day 2011.
Facebook via the WABA Page (facebook.com/wabadc) or on Twitter with WABA (twitter.com/WABADC) or Bike to Work Day (twitter.com/biketoworkday). Hope to see you out there! If your bike has been lonely lately, you may want to spend some time together in preparation for Bike to Work Day. Below are a few tips for getting yourself and your bike ready: • Prepare your bike – check tire pressure and brakes. If your bike needs a tune up, do it now before the bike shops are too busy. Remember, WABA members get discounts at most area bike shops. • Prepare your equipment – Find your helmet or get a new one. Though it’s not legally required, it’s always a smart idea! Pack a water bottle and maybe a rain jacket and pants (just in case). • Prepare your route – Google Maps now has bicycling directions. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the best route from home to work or check out the convoy routes. • Prepare yourself - Go for a short ride after work or on the weekend as a warm up.
« Register Online at waba.org!
Spring Bike Fest & Fundraiser - June 11th! Each spring, WABA traditionally hosts its Annual Gala & Benefit Auction. The Gala has been great in years past, but... In 2011, we’ve decided to change things up a bit. Instead of a formal affair held at an embassy, we’re throwing a Bike Fest celebration! We’re taking over a unique space in Crystal City and putting in some live music and a DJ, food and drinks, games, and more to create a festive atmosphere to celebrate all things cycling. The highlight of the evening will be a showcase of our Bike Build Contest. Three regional bike shops (City Bikes, Oasis Bike Works, and Papillon Cycles) are building
• Bicycling Accident Attorney • Avid Commuter & Cyclist
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tom@witkopjustice.com (301) 294-3434
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ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW 2300 CLARENDON BLVD, SUITE 700 ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22201 TEL: (703) 528-8000 • (703) 276-6800 FAX: (703 ) 522-4570 Representing Injured Cyclists Since 1972
6 RIDEON • Summer, 2011
custom bikes with only 3 rules – they can use $250 or less, use recycled parts, and be as creative as you can! The audience will crown the DC-area’s Best Bike Builder of 2011 with a combination of their votes and a live auction, which means three lucky attendees will take home these great bikes. We’ll have other items for auction and to raffle off, including a brand new Trek Allant bike from Revolution Cycles, two weekend stays at hotels, and more. All proceeds from the evening will benefit WABA’s programs. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Nelle at events@waba.org. Go to the WABA Event webpage for more information and to register now at waba.org/events.
Washington DC • Freedom Plaza • Adams Morgan • Anacostia • Buzzard Point - U.S. Coast Guard HQ • Capitol Hill • Capitol Riverfront • Columbia Heights (Afternoon) • Farragut Square • Mt. Vernon Triangle • NoMa Maryland • Bethesda - Downtown • Bethesda - NIH-Building One • Bethesda - NIH-Executive Blvd. • Bethesda - Naval Medical Center • Bowie Town Center • Bowie Old Town • College Park - City Hall • Frederick • Hyattsville - Magruder Park • Hyattsville - Library • Indian Head • North Bethesda - White Flint Mall • Oxon Hill • Rock Springs Business Park • Rockville - Rockville Town Center • Rockville - Falls Grove Transportation Ctr. • Silver Spring - One Discovery Place • Silver Spring - FDA White Oak Virginia • Alexandria • Arlington - Ballston • Arlington - Rosslyn • Arlington - Crystal City • Burke • Fairfax Corner • Fairfax City Downtown • Haymarket • Herndon • Leesburg • Manassas - George Mason University • Manassas - Kelly Leadership Center • Manassas - VRE Station • Merrifield • Reston • Springfield/Metro Park at Walker Lane • Sterling • Tysons Corner • Vienna • Woodbridge - Chinn Center • Woodbridge - Rippon Landing VRE Station
$5 Off Registration for WABA Members & Family!
Sunday - May 22nd, 2011 Join us for 20 miles of car-free biking through Washington and Arlington, including an extended section of biking on the George Washington Parkway.
Register at www.BikeDC.net (202) 558-7401
WABA Discount Code: BIKE405 BikeDC benefits the Washington Area Bicyclist Association
« MEMBERSHIP
2010
With heartfelt thanks from WABA Board and Staff for your support and generosity.
Donations & Memberships ($100+) Keith Allen Celia Arnaud Larry Atkins Don Baker Douglas Barker Andrew Barnes Brett Battjer Tom Bayer Meredith Begin Maurice Belanger Jim and Angela Benton Sally and Sanders Berk David Berning Emily Best David Bivans Mark Blacknell Ilona Blanchard Jeff Boswell A. Maitland Bottoms Richard Bradley and Ellen McCarthy Jim Branscome Nancy Breen Tyson Brown Michael Bucher Esther Buchser Joseph Burns Matt Butcher and Elizabeth Pennisi Lisa Byington Robert Cannon Ken Cantor Ralph Cantral Catherine Catlett James Cavanaugh Malcolm Childress Martin Chrisney John Cibinic Bonnie Cohen Neil Cohen Caryn Cohen Joseph Compofelice, Jr. Jerome Conlon Sherry and David Cook William Crocker Stephen Daniels Hywel Davies Judith Davis Robert Davis Dorian Deane Uwe Deichmann Loren Denton Morris Deutsch John Dever Marilyn Drucker Evelyn Egizi Jonathan Elkind Erika Elvander Craig Emden Mitch Family Dave Feinstein Andrea Ferster Charles Figgins John Fiske Michael Folkman Daniel Foster and Melissa Kramer Susan Frederick Linda Freimark Thomas Fulcher David Gardiner Lane Giardina Raymond Glennon Rufus Eugene Godwin Daniel Goelzer John Goodman David Gossett Daniel Graifer Sherry Gray Allen Greenberg Margaret Greene Jeffrey Grotte Roberta Gutman Bill Haggerty Thomas and Ruth Hamilton William Harris Chris Hartenau Susan Hauan Peter Hauser Philip Heinrich Lonnie Henley Rob Hermstein Todd Hettenbach
Victoria Hill Steve Hill & Jonathan Herz Roger Hillas, Jr. Randy Hodgson Walter Holemans William Horne Richard Hunt Spencer Iscove Barry Jacobs Judith Jacobs Jeremy Jacobsohn David James Nina Janopaul Scott Jordan Auden Kaehler Paul Kerr Walt Knight John Koczela Michelle Koopman Neal Krucoff David La Mar James Lamiell Carl Landwehr Jeremy Lavine Rebecca Lawrence Debbie Leavens Allen LeBlanc Richard Lindstrom Mark Linton David Lipsetz Tracy Loh Nancy Lucas Michael Lynch Cliff Majersik Thomas Marciniak Andrew Marshall Cam Marshall Amanda Marvin Keith McConnell Patricia McMican Curtis Menyuk Tom Metcalf Thomas Miller William Miller Breck Milroy Cedric Mingat Brian Moore Stephen Morris John and Veronica Morrison Patrick Murphy Randall Myers John Northrop Michael Novak Daniel Ogg Dan Olson Jeanie Osburn John Payne and Linda Melgren Charles and Shari Lawrence Pfleeger Susan Pitman Rosa Pitts Planet Bike Barbara Power Richard Reis Anne Reynolds Philip Rizzi Claudia Rizzo Janet Rogozinski Alex Roth Andrew Rude Wendy Rueda Charles Russell Cindy Connelly Ryan Harvey Sachs David Schon Frank Schubert Richard and Rosemary Schwartzbard Charles Schwieters Ralph Seeley Diana Sherblom Elisabeth Sherwood Robert Siegel Neal Sigmon John Simpson Vera Sisolak Matthew Slater Tina Slater David Smith Barbara Solan Regina Spallone Robert Spier William Spinazzola
Robert Spivey Ted Staib Carrie Stokes William Strang John Strohecker Debi Strong Andy Sullivan Richmond Sweet James Swigert Mary Szpanka Marian Taliaferro Craig and Chris Taylor Charles Taylor Lana Taylor John Taylor And Takako Nagata John & Barbara Tesner The Bicycle Escape Jane Thompson Jim Titus David Todd Rick Tucker Mary Jo Veverka Michael Vladimer Suzanne Walck Eric Wassermann Scott and Carrie Weinfeld Richard Weisman Randy Weiss Jill Weissenberger Steve Wellner Paul Wengert John Whitty David Wilcox Bill Wilkinson John Wilson Dana Wolfe Robert and Sheryl Yourshaw Donations & Memberships ($200+) Leslie Arminski Lucy Barber Richard Beahm Daniel Beckman Michael Beriss Fred Blott Josie Briggs Charitable Fund Wilbur Chase Joe Clark William Clarke Kari Cohen Donald Cuming Frank Dunn Paul Forman Charles Garrett Chris Gilson Jonathon Glass Carol Goodloe Bob Hacala Catherine G Haight Peter Harkness Michael Harris Monica Irmler Peter Janssens Patrick Johnston Casey Kane Linda Knutsen Renee Laughlin Alex Levin Michael Mann Geoffrey Mayer Edward Mikesell Rick Monk Michael Morency Susan Orlins J. Michael Payne Margaret Poethig Steve Richardson Mark Robinson Susan Rogers Karen Holmes & Howard Sargent Joan Scaffer and Edward H. Comer Paul Segel Dan Sheesley Martha Stracener Thomas Suarez Joe and Mikel Witte Suzanne Yager Bill Zlotnick Donations & Memberships ($300+) Kyle & Robbin Ahrold McCann Bloomfield Family John Chesson Dee Clarkin Harriet Crosby
Dennis Deloria Mary Evans Jay Fisette Ralph Garboushian David Garlock Bucky Green Peter Harnik & Carol Parker Michael Huerta Michael Jackson Margaret Jones Brandon Lumm Keith Oberg Sara Rasmussen
Donations to WABA
In Honor of Sandy Rubin in Honor of Claudia & Doug Trapp Jessica Culpepper in Honor of Justin M Martin
Donations & Memberships ($400+) Casey Anderson Diane Bolton Michael Brown Jane Harman William Luecke Elissa Parker Mary Rollefson
Sariane Leigh in Honor of Anacostia Yogi Jessica Hall in Honor of Maria Miller Nick Kahl in Honor of Stacey Gathers
Donations & Memberships ($500+) Cindy Albert Heidi Armonda Russell Baum Joy Baynes David and Cathey Belli William Bortz Jennifer and Francis Burnszynski Kendall Dorman Karl Driessen Michael Evanoff Michael Farrell Jon Fleming Brian Frank Matthew Gamser Marc Genberg Laurel Haak Diane Harris Jeanne Harrison Peter Harrold Tamara Harvey Todd Herwig Christopher Hogan Jerry King Barbara Klieforth Hans Lellelid Alan Levin Cliff Majersik and Anne-Marie Bairstow Jim McCarthy Chris McGibbon Bill Michie Jeffrey Miller Kevin Mills Rick Morgan Jon Morrison David Muhlbaum Erin Mullen George Neighbors, Jr Kevin Parker Caroline Paulsen William Pugh Ruth Reeder Gregory Reiter Reston Bicycle Club Mark Rubin James Sebastian Brandon Sitzman Susan Stillman Harriet Tregoning Adam Watkins Baird Webel Suzanne Wells Christopher Wiedmaier Phil Williams Tom Witkop Victor Zabielski
Erin O’Sullivan in Honor of Richard O’Sullivan
In Memory of Peter Chines in Memory of Carl Henn Adrienne McCray in Memory of David Haywood Williams John Campanile in Memory of Eve DeCoursey Dorcas Adkins in Memory of Eve DeCoursey Pamela Bates in Memory of Gerald Baker Natasha Rubin in Memory of Josh Bennett Rick Holt in Memory of John Palmer Natasha Rubin in Memory of Josh Bennett Memorial or Tribute Gifts Memorial and honor/tribute donations can be made either through our secure online donation website at waba.org/donate or by mailing a check directly to WABA with an explanatory note, including the name and address of the person being honored or memorialized. Your donation will be announced in the next quarterly newsletter.
Dear WABA
Donations & Memberships ($1000+) Candace Bertotti Larry and Linda Black Matthew Donahue Kindy French Thomas Fritz Keith E. Laughlin And Juliet Zucker Emily Littleton Victoria Lynch Alberto Ramos
« Thank You!
You are great and I am proud to be a member. Thanks so much for [becoming a partner] with the MS Society and getting the word out about “Beyond the Beltway”. I have Multiple Sclerosis so I am especially appreciative of your involvement. I did the 100 miler last year and this year I’m doing 150 (because I can!). Thanks again for being such a great organization. Kate M. Olson
Join or Renew Your WABA Membership Now Online at www.waba.org or by Returning this Form with Payment Membership Levels: Individual Levels o $35 (1 year) Family Levels o $45 (1 year) Promotional Level for Seniors (60+) / Students
o $50 (2 year) o $75 (2 year) o $25 (1 year)
Receive a free t-shirt or cycling jersey with a $100 or greater membership o $100+ (1 year) Sustaining Member (includes a free WABA T-Shirt) o $500 Life Member (includes a free WABA Cycling Jersey) T-Shirt Size (S,M,L,XL) ___________ Cycling Jersey Size (S,M,L,XL) ___________
One-Time Donation (does not include membership)
Recurring Gift Program (does not include membership)
I would like to make a one-time donation of $ _______________
o $5/month
Full Name _______________________________________________________________
o Visa
Address _________________________________________________________________
Name on Card ___________________________________________________________
City _________________________________ State _________ ZIP _______________
Card Number ____________________________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________________________
Exp. Date __________________________ 3-Digit Security Code ________________
Second Name ___________________________________________________________
Signature ________________________________________________________________
(Family Membership Only) The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Contributions to WABA are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. WABA participates in the United Way / Combined Federal Campaign #8314. Also featured in the Catalogue for Philanthropy.
o $10/month
o Mastercard
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o $____/month
o Check (payable to Washington Area Bicyclist Association)
I authorize the Washington Area Bicyclist Association to charge my contribution to my credit card. If making a monthly donation, I understand that I may cancel or change my monthly pledge at any time by notifying the Washington Area Bicyclist Association in writing. A record of each payment will appear on my monthly bank or credit card statement.
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Biking to The Movies Temporary On-Street Bike Parking at the April Movie Night in Arlington
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VOLUME 39 | No 2 SUMMER 2011 WWW.WABA.ORG
A PUBLICATION OF THE WASHINGTON AREA BICYCLIST ASSOCIATION
2011 BIKE TO WORK DAY « MAY 20 Rock Creek Trail Improvements Moving Forward Health Impact Assessment -- A First in DC
We’ve printed your membership expiration date for your reference below your address. Make sure to renew your membership before it expires. Go online to waba.org to renew or use the printed form on page 7.
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www.waba.org
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Purple Line is Good for the Trail Bike Fest, Adult Safety Education Classes, BikeDC & More
RIDE ON
Is Your Membership About to Expire? Washington Area Bicyclist Association 2599 Ontario Road NW Washington, DC 20009
Permit 6803 Washington, DC PAID U.S. Postage Non-Profit Org.