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Congressional Briefing Highlights Bike/Ped Agenda
The Senate Bike Caucus and Congressional Bike Caucus hosted a briefing on the bicycling agenda in the Federal transportation bill, Thursday, April 7. Speakers at the event in the Capitol included Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN), Mele Williams (LAB), Marianne Fowler (Rails to Trails Conservancy), Deb Hubsmith (Marin County), and Stephanie Miller (House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee). James Koski, Congressional Bike Caucus staff liaison from Congressman Blumenauer’s office, chaired the meeting.
The presentations highlighted the status of the America Bikes agenda in the House and Senate bills currently working their way through Congress. Rep. Oberstar closed by noting that the Safe Routes to Schools program in the House bill would help change the habits of an entire generation of schoolchildren.
Three Weeks to Bike Month, Bike New York and BELC
May, National Bike Month™, starts in less than three weeks! The month kicks off in style in New York City with Bike New York, the Great Five Boro Bike Tour on May 1, featuring 30,000 riders touring the five boroughs of New York City. Immediately following this is the Bicycle Education Leaders Conference, also in New York City, May 2-4.
Visit these sites to:
The Downside of Bicycling
We typically focus on the positive side of bicycling – our mission, after all, is to promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation. However, bicycling isn’t without risk and a few recent events have brought that home to all of us. Two weeks ago, New York City bicycle advocate Noah Budnick was seriously injured in a bicycle crash at the Brooklyn end of the Manhattan Bridge – a notorious trouble-spot for bicyclists that Noah was working to fix. Find out about Noah’s condition and efforts to fix the Manhattan Bridge at www.transalt.org.
A lengthy article on the South Carolina-based MetroBeat.net documents a discouraging trend of hit and run incidents involving bicycling victims in South Carolina, and quotes extensively sources including National Bike Summit speakers Nathalie Cappuccio and Elizabeth Mabry.
Finally, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition reports the death of the third bicyclist this year at the hands of drunk drivers – a driver with at least five prior DUI convictions killed the latest victim. “How did society, the courts, and his family allow him to get behind the wheel ever again,” said Christine Culver, executive director of the SCBC. Visit www.bikesonoma.org to follow this story and the coalition’s “share the road” campaign.
Dealing with the Downside
Fortunately, there are also good things happening at the state and local level in relation to bicyclist safety. In March, for example, the Utah governor signed into law a “safe passing” bill that requires motorists to leave at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. Arizona already has a similar law on the books – both pieces of legislation were inspired by the death of bicyclists.
In Maryland, the Governor is expected to sign SB 551 (Exceptions to Stay to the Right) that was passed by the General Assembly on Saturday, April 9. The legislation clarifies when bicyclists may move away from the right side of a travel lane and also encourages motorists to leave 3 feet of space when passing a cyclist.
Legislative efforts to improve conditions for bicyclists continue in many states including California, Florida, Illinois, and Missouri.
- California: many bicycle-related bills still active in the legislature including important funding bills.
- Florida: legislation to strengthen the commitment to include bicycle and pedestrian provision in all projects.
- Illinois: legislation to overturn Boub versus Wayne.
- Missouri: changes to the state vehicle code, including a safe passing bill.
- Texas: legislative season is in full swing with Cyclists in Suits day, April 18.
Don’t forget the Ride of Silence, May 18.
Riders Needed – RAAM, Tour de Hope
Two big national cross country rides need your support! The third Tour de Hope ride – supporting cancer research – is looking for twenty riders to share the riding on a 3,300 mile route from San Diego to Washington DC starting September 29. There are lots of other ways to support the ride besides riding.
The Race Across America also starts in San Diego (June 19) and heads to Atlantic City for a total ride of 3,046 miles – this is most definitely a race, but there are solo and team options available. Also, organizers are encouraging clubs and other bicyclists to come out and cheer the riders on as they race across the country. Look at the route and time stations at http://www.raceacrossamerica.org.
National Bike Summit Updates
More resources generated by the National Bike Summit last month are now available at www.bikeleague.org. You can find photos from each of the main events, the workshops, and bike ride by clicking here. In addition, you’ll find links to presentations (at least from those who’ve provided them…) given at the Summit and the main keynote speeches. The issue papers (and Mele Williams’ presentation given at the issue training) have been posted, and you can download and send us your congressional feedback forms and evaluations.
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