Update: Threat to federal funding for bicycling improvements averted

Update: Sept. 15 — US. Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) has backed off on his plans to block a Transportation funding bill.

His opposition would have threatened funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, as well as force a shutdown of the FAA and airports.

Coburn opposed the transportation funding measure because of enhancements that go to bike paths and other roadside improvements — about 2% of the total appropriation.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) made the announcement on the Senate floor Thursday night. He had previously said that Coburn was acting “like a dictator.” …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/15/update-threat-to-federal-funding-for-bicycling-improvements-averted/

11 more cities designated as “bicycle friendly”

If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again.

That was the strategy for New Orleans as it improved its habitat for bicyclists and joined the list of 11 cities to achieve Bicycle Friendly status from the League of American Bicyclists in the fall of 2011.

The road wasn't easy for the Big Easy, which had finished with only an honorable mention for three straight years.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu told the Times-Picayune that the city had quadrupled its miles of bikeways since Katrina.

Also, 14 cities renewed their Bike Friendly status, including Redmond, Wash., which improved to silver….

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/15/11-more-cities-designated-as-bicycle-friendly/

Big Apple announces big plans for bike-sharing;
It will promote more bicycling in the city

Now that New York City is finally getting on the bandwagon with a bike-sharing system, I suppose we'll soon be hearing a lot more about the advantages of substituting short auto trips with bike trips. That's a good thing.

Of course, some media outlets are already raising fear and loathing about the launch of the bike-sharing system announced Wednesday with 10,000 bikes operating from 600 bike stations in the summer of 2012. Turf wars are expected where bike kiosks could take up room on sidewalks, just as bike lanes sparked a debate earlier this year.

The Wall Street Journal points out the system “could dramatically expand the already growing number of bicyclists in New York City.”

Could? It would …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/15/big-apple-announces-big-plans-for-bike-sharing-it-will-promote-more-bicycling-in-the-city/

“No idle” cyclist Jay Petervary finishes 3rd challenge in record time

A cyclist from Idaho hasn't been idle this year as he finished three endurance challenges to call attention to pollution caused by idling car engines.

On Monday, Jay Petervary completed the Tour Divide ITT (individual time trial) in the record time of 17 days, 9 hours and 1 minute.

That's Petervary at left with his 32-pound Tour Divide rig at his Facebook page.

The 2,745-mile bike ride from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, was his third endurance challenge this year. …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/13/no-idle-cyclist-jay-petervary-finishes-3rd-challenge-in-record-time/

Two more bicycle traffic fatalities in western Washington; victims identified

A man delivering sandwiches by bicycle in Seattle's University District was struck by a left-turning driver and killed on Saturday, and a woman on a bicycle near Port Angeles was struck from behind and killed by a motorist on Sunday.

The two became the fourth and fifth bicycle traffic fatalities in western Washington since late July.

My memory might be faulty, but I don't remember a summer so devastating to people who ride bicycles here in the 11 years since I moved to the area. …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/12/two-more-bicycle-traffic-fatalities-in-western-washington-victims-identified/

Now that your summer bicycle travels are over …

Fall is here, and it's time to tie up some loose ends from your summer bicycle tours.

The Adventure Cycling Association is seeking nominations to give recognition to people or groups who contribute to the success of bicycle travel in its annual Bicycle Travel Awards. Can you think of a person or group that made your bike tour better?

The non-profit also is asking bicycle travelers to submit amazing photos, above, from their tours for the 3rd annual Bicycle Travel Photo Contest. What award-winning photos did you take on your trek this past year?

The annual Bicycle Travel Awards cover four categories …..

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/12/now-that-your-summer-bicycle-travels-are-over/

DC cyclist catches road rage on camera

A cyclist who videos his commutes to and from work in Washington DC filmed an appalling scene the other day — a pickup driver intentionally swerving into him.

The video shows a typically mundane ride on NE Rhode Island Avenue last week interrupted by the sudden arrival of the truck driver who shouts at the unidentified cyclist, then knocks him down.

The cyclist was taken to the hospital.

Police have identified the vehicle and are investigating who was driving so they can file …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/09/dc-cyclist-catches-road-rage-on-camera/

Bicycle quote: LA makes bicycles legit

“Hold on to your hats, folks, we're actually removing a lane for a car —
in favor of a bike lane — in Los Angeles. By doing so, we, as a
city, are changing the way we see bicycles, as not only a recreational
vehicle but as a legitimate form of public transportation.”

— City Councilman Ed Reyes, announcing the …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/09/bicycle-quote-la-makes-bicycles-legit/

Memorial bicycle rides close in on Ground Zero for 9-11

At least three long-distance bicycle rides — one solo — are nearing Ground Zero in New York City for Sunday's 9-11 commemorations.

One of the most amazing efforts is that of Max McManus, a Reno triathlete who is blasting through the mid-Atlantic states on his way to riding through 50 states in 50 days in tribute to 9-11 victims. (That's him at left cycling through the rain and over hills that greeted him earlier this week on Day 44 of his record-breaking ride.)

Meanwhile, two groups of firefighters — one from San Francisco and another from Los Angeles — are nearing their destination to honor fellow firefighters who died at the World Trade Center terrorist attack 10 years ago.

All are arriving on the East Coast during heavy rains that are sweeping the region. They're not letting the rain dampen their collective resolve to reach New York City for the memorial services ….

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/08/memorial-bicycle-rides-close-in-on-ground-zero-for-9-11/

Upcoming Washington bicycle count seeks volunteers

If you can count, and who can't, then you meet the qualifications for the Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Counts Project in Washington later in September.

The annual count — this is the fourth year — measures the number of people who use their bicycles or walk during the morning and evening commutes. The information is used to advocate for more trails and better facilities.

This year, the Cascade Bicycle Club and the Washington Department of Transportation are seeking volunteers for the 30 cities …

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2011/09/07/upcoming-washington-bicycle-count-seeks-volunteers/