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| E-Newsletter |
October 2008 |
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Candidates' Forum on Cycling & Film Fest
The six So. Lake Tahoe City Council Candidates are expected to participate in the Candidates' Forum on Cycling this Saturday, Nov. 1, during the last of the three part Bicycle Film Festival Series. The Forum begins at 7:00 PM and concludes at 8:00 PM at the Lake Tahoe Community College Duke Theater, located at One College Drive, So. Lake Tahoe, CA.
The Candidates will be asked questions about their views on the role cycling plays in the community by moderator Ty Polastri, Pres. of the LTBC. Following Polastri's questions, the Forum will be open for public questions. Be sure to attend.
At 8:00 PM, the Hollywood produced cycling film, American Flyers, starring two-time Academy Award winner, Kevin Coster, will be shown. This is a story about overcoming personal challenges and competing in one of the nation's top cycling events -- loosely based on the story of our local cycling legend, Greg Lemond, and his ongoing challenges to beat the Russians. It is an inspiring competitive story with some of best racing scenes. There is a $10 donation admission fee for the program. All proceeds benefit the Coalition. |
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ALERT!
$800 Million for Roads - NOT BIKES!
Calif. Dept. of Transportation plans to spend $800 million for storm water projects on highways in the Tahoe Basin with NO PROVISIONS FOR BICYCLES.
This is very disturbing news because Bike Lanes were originally included in the Hwy 50 project and now they have disappeared. This recent development also counters the region's transportation master plans, and the vision and desired direction of the local community. Below are a few sightings that substantiate the commitment and wishes for Bike Lanes to be included in this and all future projects:
- TRPA Bike/Ped Master Plan calling for Bike Lanes on Hwy 50
- Pathways 2007 directive for non-motorized transportation - connected Bike Lanes
- Signing of AB 1358, Complete Streets, new law requires cities & counties ensure that roads meet the needs of all users;
- Caltrans revised Deputy Directive 64 to embrace Complete Streets principles.
Your Coalition is meeting with local transportation agencies, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations to access the situation, assemble all the facts, past agreements, and public notices to create a collaborative strategy for action. We will make every effort possible to get Bike Lanes on Hwy 50 - the major transportation corridor for commuters and visitors to our community.
Now is the time, the place, and the project to assert our commitment for non-motorized transportation and move us closer to fulfilling our future sustainability of our communities, economies, and environment.
URGENT ACTION NOTICE COMING! |
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$20 A Month to Bike Commute
The Bicycle Commuter Act, which, as part of the federal Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, will initiate a tax-code change, beginning in January, to allow companies to give up to $20 a month to workers who pedal to work. It would be tax-free to cycling commuters and a tax write-off for employers. Riders could use the subsidy to defray commute costs, such as bike tires, lights, helmets or rental fees for bike lockers at work.
The League of American Bicyclists and its allies are working on Capitol Hill to finalize details about how the tax benefit will be implemented. The League is taking the lead to ensure that implementation guidelines are established prior to the provision's effective date: January 1, 2009.
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CALL TO ACTION
Support Health Performance in Transportation Bill
We encourage your organization to sign onto a letter to Congress that urges the inclusion of health performance outcomes in the next transportation bill. Currently, the U.S. government spends approximately $60 billion per year on transporation infrastructure. This outlay is dwarfed by the costs to our country resulting from the negative health impacts of transportation.
Americans spend:
- $76 billion a year on health care costs related to physical inactivity, partly because many individuals cannot safely walk, bicycle, or access public transit;
- $164 billion a year on health care costs associated with traffic injuries and deaths; and
- Between $40 and $64 billion a year on health care costs associated with asthma and other health conditions related to high rates of air pollution.
Review the letter and follow the sign-on instructions at: www.saferoutespartnership.org/national. The deadline for signing is Oct. 31, 2008. |
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Bicycle Achievement Award Winners
INDIVIDUAL. Curtis Fong, Premier Bike Ride Organizer
Co-founder of the Death Ride, and founder of America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride, Tour de Tahoe, OATBRAN and others. Founding member of the Coalition and local radio/TV sport personality. To learn more...
BUSINESS. Tahoe Daily Tribune, Region's Leading Newspaper
Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the Tribune has been covering all the cycling issues affecting the basin and beyond while also collaborating with the Coalition to produce the Bike Trail Map, and helping promote Bike-to-Work Week, and the Bicycle Film Festival. Learn more...
AGENCY. California Tahoe Conservancy, Leading Bikeway Funding Source
A state resource agency with a vision for a connected bikeway system in Tahoe and the resources to make it happen. To date, $30 million has been invested in bicycle related projects and over 22 miles are currently in various planning stages. Learn more...
ORGANIZATION. Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Hand Built 165 miles of Single Track
This nonprofit organization has built and continues to maintain and expand its single track trail around the entire Lake. 90 miles, or 55%, of the trails are open to mountain bikes and the remainder are enjoyed by hikers and equestrians from around the world. To learn more ... |
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JOIN or RENEW Your Membership TODAY!
From bikeway planning and market research, to bike trail maps, film festivals, bike rides and bike valet -- the LTBC is on task to help build a more bicycle friendly community. Your help is needed to keep these efforts and programs growing and sustainable in the region.
You can sign up now by going to membership and downloading the application form and either mail it to the Coalition or bring it to the Candidates Forum with your payment. For convenience, you can sign up as member at the Coalition table during the Forum and your admission to the program is FREE -- as well as next year's Film Festival. |
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Keepin it real & rollin,
Ty Polastri
President
Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition |
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