Walk 'n' Roll In-Depth is an editorial collection delivered to you featuring articles, profiles and stories about the people and programs that power Local Motion!  Tell us what you think by emailing us or talking to us on Facebook!

 

 

Our Hats (and Bike Helmets) Off to You! - By Emily Boedecker

 

Emily says thank you to over 300 members and volunteers at Shelburne Farms' Coach Barn

What does a rite of passage look like for a 15-year old non-profit? By any measure more than 300 people, with over 50 arriving by bike, eating cake outside in 43 degree weather observed by an iron elephant framed by the turn of the (last) century architecture of Shelburne Farms would qualify!

 

Last Sunday we celebrated a joint anniversary; Local Motion, founded in 1999, is 15 years young, and our Bike Recycle Vermont program clocks in at 10 years strong. We've been able to do so much in 15 years because of one thing. You. Our community of members, friend, supporters and volunteers... 

 

[Read the full story here]

 

 

Silver on the Hill!

 

UVM offers a Bicycle Center and Bike Share program for its community of students faculty and staff
We are sending out a big cheer today for our friends at the University of Vermont! The League of American Bicyclists has just announced this years Bicycle Friendly University awards, and
UVM was awarded a silver medal. This is a step forward from the previous award of Bronze in 2011.  Now UVM joins the City of Burlington in it's quest for Gold! 

Recent changes that led to the award include the creation of a bicycle coordinator position at the university. With the help of the coordinator, the UVM Bicycle Center has opened it's doors...

 

 

Continuing the Conversation About the Future of North Ave

 

Over 100 people attended the October 6th City Council vote at Burlington City Hall

There has been a lot of discussion in Burlington over the last few weeks about the City Council's vote on October 6th to approve a plan for transforming North Avenue over the next one to three years into a walkable, bikeable street for everyone.  Some people think it's too much, too fast.  Others think it doesn't go nearly far enough. Our take is that, all in all, it's a big step in the right direction.    


Just a few months ago, very few of the improvements that the Council recently approved were being considered for the short term...and since then, dozens and dozens of residents of the New North End and of Burlington as a whole spoke up for a safe, walkable, bikeable North Ave...
 

[Read the full story here]

 

 

Biking Season Kicks Off for Elementary School Students!

 

In 2014 KKBS served 5,061 children and delivered 15,201 hours of skills training

With the summer ending you might think that biking season is winding down too, but our Kohl's Kids Bike Smart season, a statewide bike skills training program for children, is just starting up!  Delivered through partnerships with schools and camps, Kohl's Kids Bike Smart is a code word for FUN! The benefits of learning bikes skills that give a child a sense of achievement, that equate physical activity with fun, and that can be enjoyed as a family or independently, will last a lifetime.

 

Since the beginning of September, the TWO trailers (yes, we are still excited that we now have two!) have been to eleven Vermont schools in seven counties...

[Read the full story here]

 

 

Widening Route 2 at Staples Plaza  

A familiar view to many, Route 2 runs from South Burlington to downtown Burlington

 

Construction is well underway in front of Staples Plaza and the Sheraton (Route 2/ Williston Road) to add an eastbound lane for vehicles turning onto southbound I-89. The plan, dubbed 'Staples Third Lane,' was developed in 2009.  When completed in 2015 bikers and walkers can expect 5-foot bike lanes and new 5-foot sidewalks throughout, plus two new bus shelters.


With our rapidly changing thinking about the importance of protected bike lanes, roads that accommodate vehicles, bikes, and foot traffic, and are suitable for all ages and abilities, we have to ask...would this project be different if it were designed today?

 

[Read the full article here]

 

 

Winter Riding Tips & Tricks - By Peter Burns

 

Winter riding means observing the road shoulder carefully. Photo courtesy of Liam Griffin

When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, winter bike season starts. Winter riding can be lots of fun and a great way to get outside and escape the confines of your car.  I have been riding through the winter for many years, and I've compiled a list of my top 10 suggestions that I hope will help you avoid some common winter riding pitfalls...

 

1.  Bundle up!  Your extremities - hands, feet and head - are the most vulnerable to the cold.  Biking generates wind-chill, so windproof hats and gloves are a must.  I even preheat my feet, socks, hands, and gloves with a hairdryer before I leave the house. Once your feet and hands get cold, they will stay cold, so it is important to start off warm.  Always bring along another layer of warmth in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.  Hint of frostbite, get inside right away...

[Read the full story here]

 

 

November Events...  

 

Biking season is winding down, and while some stick it out through the harsh Vermont winters (like Peter) we will be combining our Walk 'n' Roll newsletters for the slower months. Until spring, you will find next month's events highlighted at the end of our In-Depth newsletters. Here's what's in store for November...

 

The Great Turkey Chase Part 7
Sunday November 17, 11:00am-2:00pm, meet at Maglianero Cafe

The 7th Annual Food Drive / Bike Ride. Open to all, with prizes for different categories and the ever popular turkey bonus prize. Two different routes. Proceeds benefit the Food Shelf. RSVP here!

 

Vermont Transportation Board Public Hearings 

Through the month at various colleges across Vermont

The Board will discuss with young adults, aged 18-34, transportation-related topics that factor into choices they make when deciding where to live/work after graduation.
 

...and don't forget about this Sunday's

Fifth Annual Halloween Ride!

Sunday October 26, 2:00pm, meet at City Hall Park

Join Mayor Weinberger, city leaders and and your friends for this police-escorted costume party on wheels. Bike decorating at City Hall Park begins at 1:30pm. RSVP here!

 
 
Stay up to date with great walk/bike events in Vermont. Click here to visit our events calendar!