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Commentary: Safety Matters
by Emily Boedecker, Executive Director
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| | Which streets and roads are you comfortable riding on? With many options to improve conditions, from road markings to education to intersection design, we can change the status quo. |
There is no doubt that interest in walking and biking, and interest from communities to become more walkable and bikeable, is growing significantly. People for Bikes, a national advocacy group, recently surveyed 16,000 Americans aged 3 and above, and found that 32% of us have ridden a bike for recreation in the last year and 15% have ridden for transportation. Of course it makes sense, whether we care about health, the money in our pockets, the carbon we emit - or simply because smiles have been proven to be 20% wider when riding a bicycle.
If the data shows that more and more people are riding, if 54% think biking is convenient, and if 53% would like to ride more often, what is holding us back?
The news of the tragic death of Kelly Boe in Weybridge last week brought safety concerns into sharp focus. Boe, biking with his wife, sustained fatal injuries after being hit by a driver with a suspended license who tested over the legal limit for alcohol. This unnecessary loss has many people asking the question, what can we do?
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A Life of Inspiring Others. Bill Hauke, Jr. 1936 - 2015
By Brian Costello, Island Line Coordinator
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One of two bike ferries named in honor of Bill and Carole Hauke and their sustained enthusiasm and support for the Island Line. Ride the new ferry, the Bill and Carole Hauke II on opening day, May 22.
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It is with great sadness that we learned of Bill Hauke's passing on April 1, 2015. Bill was Local Motion's earliest supporter, even before the organization officially existed. From the mid 1990s when others called the idea 'outrageous' and 'impossible' Bill shared our vision of extending the Burlington Bike Path across the Winooski River to Colchester, over the abandoned railroad causeway to "The Cut", and across that 200' cut to South Hero and the Champlain Islands beyond.
Bill was the first rider every year on the bike ferry across the Winooski River, a ferry that would eventually bear his name, along with his wife Carole's. He was a generous supporter of the bridge that replaced that small ferry, of the Town of Colchester's efforts to reclaim...
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New Bike Lockers in Winnoski and Burlington, First in Northeast
by Katelin Brewer-Colie, Complete Streets Project Manager
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| | New bike lockers at Champlain Mill in Winooski, located close to CarShare VT and CCTA bus service as part of multi-modal transportation hub |
This April, going from bike to bus to carsharing to foot just got a whole lot easier. Go! Stations in Winooski and Burlington are the first in the northeast to be equipped with Bikelink card accessed bike lockers. Check out the Channel 5 news coverage of the lockers here.
Go! Chittenden County, a collaboration of the region's best transportation organizations, in partnership with Burlington Town Center and the City of Winooski, launched two new Go! Stations in Winooski and Burlington. Other towns have already expressed interest in incorporating bike lockers into Park and Ride and other municipal sites.
The Go! Stations, centrally located in Burlington and Winooski, bring together transit, car-sharing, and secure electronic-access bike parking within close geographic proximity of each other and located within walkable communities, making it easy for people to choose alternatives to driving alone. For everyday needs, from getting to work, to taking the kids to school, and meeting friends to socialize...
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Making Vermont Roads Work Better for All!
By Katelin Brewer-Colie, Complete Streets Project Manager
Vermont bikers: you are nothing less than amazing! Since January, more than 2,100 of you shared your thoughts with VTrans about where you ride now and where you would like to see conditions improve on state highways and Class I town highways!
Local Motion works closely with the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) through a variety of programs to help make Vermont roads work better and be safer for all bicyclists -- families, commuters and recreational riders alike, and has been assisting VTrans, and consultants RSG and Alta Planning+Design, on the VTrans On-Road Bicycle Plan.
The objective of the project is to develop a comprehensive improvement plan to enhance bicycle accommodations on the highest-ranked bicycle corridors on the state highway system.
Phase 1 of the project is expected to wrap up this summer, and project leaders are ready to present the draft map of priority bicycle corridors on state highways across Vermont, helping to identify...
[Read the full story here]
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Avoiding the Inevitable: The Minivan alternative!
By Mary Catherine Graziano, Outreach and Education Manager
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Bryan Davis' happy cargo, niece Ainsley (7), daughter Mirabelle (2) and nephew Wyatt (10) enjoy the ride in the 'minivan'.
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Once upon a time, you biked a lot. Or even just a little. But you biked. Then...you had kids. Now your bicycle sits neglected in a dark corner of your home. In a fit of optimism, you may have bought a tow-behind trailer, or a tagalong bike attachment for those idyllic family rides that you fondly imagined. Those items have joined your bike, and in that corner sits a little family of bikes, sadly gathering cobwebs.
It feels inevitable. Kids have SO MUCH STUFF. It's amazing how much paraphernalia accompanies a baby--bottles, diapers, snacks, toys, wipes, and it doesn't seem to decrease much when your kids get older. You have schedules now, and daycares, and school, and work and errands. Biking feels like a luxury...from a time when you HAD time.
I'm going to tell you something radical: it doesn't have to be inevitable, and I can tell you how. Well, actually, Bryan Davis, whom I interviewed, can tell you how. Bryan bikes every day. And I mean every day...
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Help Bring this Beauty to Vermont! And take it for a test ride
Exciting news! Local Motion just received notice that we are one of five finalists across the nation for a contest to win a gorgeous Xtracycle cargo bike for our organization! The contest is held by Xtracycle and the Alliance for Walking and Biking. The value of the bike (which will come with accessories) is over $2,000!
Our goal is to make this bike free and available for you and your friends and family to try it out and even take it home with you for several days!
But, first we need to win it! The organization with the most votes will win this bike. So whether we win is up to YOU! Please vote for Local Motion to get this great new bike. Voting ends in 6 days, on April 30, so please vote and share this with your friends everywhere!
Click here to vote: Help Local Motion Win: Cargo Bike Contest.
A HUGE thanks to Xtracycle and the Alliance for Biking & Walking for this opportunity!
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Vermont is a great place to be active. Once we step outside of our indoor bubbles, we are instantly immersed in the great beauty of our state. With Local Motion's bike skills training we want to make it easy, safe and fun for all Vermonters to enjoy their beautiful communities by bike.
The goal of the Everyday Bicycling Project is to give you the choice to use your bike for transportation. This partnership between Local Motion, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), and VTrans aims to take bike skills training statewide and help people feel more comfortable using their bicycles as transportation. We have trainers in all corners of the state, and are ready to run a workshop in YOUR town, or at YOUR workplace!
Upcoming Workshops:
- Everyday Bicycling--ST. JOHNSBURY-- Rollickers Bikes and Boards, Sunday, April 26 10:00-11:00 am
- On-Street Bike Skills--ST. JOHNSBURY-- NVDA (36 Eastern Ave), Saturday, May 2 10:00-11:30 am
- Everyday Bicycling--NEWPORT--Newport High School, Tuesday, May 12, 1:45-2:30 pm
- Everyday Bicycling--JERICHO--Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Thursday, May 21, 7:00-8:00 pm
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Help Us Help Kids: Support Kohl's Kids Bike Smart!
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Support the Kohl's Kids Bike Program: buy a plush toy or book at Kohl's
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Once we step outside our indoor bubbles, we are instantly immersed in the great beauty of our state. We want to make sure that our youngest generation has that same chance to enjoy nature, safely. With our youth bike skills training through our Kohl's Kids Bike Smart program, we give elementary students essential skills to be confident and competent on the road, so that they can safely enjoy their beautiful communities by bike.
Kohl's Kids Bike Smart which is powered by Local Motion, serves over 5,000 children a year and in 2014 visited towns in eight counties in Vermont. The Kohl's Kids Bike Smart program is a game-based bike skills curriculum that comes complete with a trailer of over 40 kids' bikes, and is provided at no charge (aside from a nominal delivery fee) to schools and camps state-wide.
This incredible program is entirely funded by YOUR purchases of Kohl's Cares toys and books at the local Vermont Kohl's store.
[Read more here]
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Like a Challenge? Mark May 16 in Your Calendar
 We've been listening! Over the last couple of years you've shared your thoughts about other bike challenges, and what would really work for you.
Enter the Vermont Bike/Walk Challenge, a statewide active transportation and recreation challenge where Vermonters can log their trips on foot AND on bike to collect points. It is also a question of trips not miles, so anyone can rack up an impressive tally of points which can then be redeemed for prizes and gift cards!
If you participate in Vermontivate (until May 2nd) and/or get your feet wet with the Way to Go Challenge (May 5th - 15th), you will get a 30 point head-start in the Vermont Bike/Walk Challenge for each program! That is a possible total of a 60 point head start for the committed gameplayer! The month-long challenge starts on Saturday, May 16 and ends on Friday, May 12.
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A Spring Note of Encouragement
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By Peter Burns, bike trainer
Spring is in the air and our thoughts turn to outdoor activities. If your bike has been in storage for the winter now is the time to take it to a bike shop for a tune up, unless, of course, you can do it yourself. The earlier you bring it in the better. By the end of April, there will be a flood of
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Enjoy the view of the open road, and at a leisurely pace spot salamanders crossing the road and songbirds flying overhead.
Photo Credit: Astrid Lague
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bikes going into the shops, and you don't want to be at the back of the line.
Every time you ride instead of driving, you save money. So at the bike shop think about what could make your ride more comfortable and more enjoyable. How about new lights or a bell? Bike gloves offer wind protection and padding, and a well-balanced pannier can lighten the load on your back.
When your bike is ready to go, don't hesitate to get out and ride, but remember that spring can be deceiving. Even if it is sunny, 40 degrees calls for a jacket, gloves and a hat. Always bring along another layer for the unpredictable Vermont weather, being cold is no fun and you want your spring rides to be enjoyable.
Take it easy the first few times you go for a ride. Overdoing it means sore muscles and an achy butt! You will soon be in shape...
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Hold onto your helmets, take a deep breath, keep reading.
MAY IS BIKE MONTH!
Bike Swaps, Season Openings and Events for Everyone!
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OPENING DAY:
Local Motion's
Valet Bike Parking
Where:
Kid's Day: Waterfront Park, Burlington;
Farmer's Market: City Hall Park, Burlington
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Don't miss out on the fun of Kid's Day and the first outdoor Farmer's Market of the season because of limited parking. Bring your bike and leave it safely with us, for free! Stay tuned for our upcoming schedule of valet bike parking opportunities.
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OPENING DAY:
Local Motion'sTrailside Center
When:
Saturday, May 16th, 10 AM - 6 PM
Where:
1 Steele Street, Burlington
(Right on the bike path!)
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Bikes, helmets, and maps, oh my! Come on down to the Trailside Center for opening day on May 16th and rent out the perfect bike and gear for your spring adventure. Discounts available for Local Motion members, and all info from our smiling staff is free!
[Learn more here]
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OPENING DAY:
Local Motion's Island Line Bike Ferry
Where:
The "Cut", Island Line Trail
When:
Friday, May 22nd 10 AM - 6 PM
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With 114 days of service and a 20-passenger boat, we're there for you like never before!
Bike Ferry Service Hours: - 10 am to 6 pm -- Spring (May 22 - June 7): Fridays, Weekends & Holidays Summer (June 12 - Sept 7): Daily Service Fall (Sept 11 - Oct 12): Fridays, Weekends & Holidays [Learn more here]
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North Star Sports Bike Swap
When:
Saturday, April 25th, 10 AM - 6 PM
Where:
Northstar Sports, 100 Main Street, Burlington
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Need a new bike? Attend the swap on April 25th and get a new bike and spend some time with the adoptable, adorable pups brought to you by Homeward Bound and All Breeds Rescue. [Learn more here]
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The Y Healthy Kids Day 2015
When:
Saturday, April 25th, 10 AM - 2 PM
Where:
Pomerleau Family Y in Burlington (266 College Street)
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Make Healthy Kids Day everyday by picking up low-cost kids and adult helmets at the event for you and your family, brought to you by Local Motion!
[Learn more here]
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MS Cycle for a Cure - A Ride for Research
When:
Sunday, April 26; rides at 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM
Where:
Synergy Fitness, 426 Industrial Ave. Williston
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Have fun for a cause! Cycle to support research for Multiple Sclerosis with other members of the MS support community.
[Learn more here]
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National Walk at Lunch Day
When:
Wednesday, April 29th
Where:
At home, work, or school!
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Join Local Motion as we participate in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield national walk at lunch day where we take a walk at lunchtime to create healthier communities.
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Onion River Sports Bike Swap
When:
Saturday, May 2nd, 9 AM - noon
Where:
Onion River Sports, 20 Langdon Street, Montpelier
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Drop your old bikes off at Onion River Sports anytime from Monday, April 27th at 9 AM until 8 PM on Friday, May 1st. Certain gear also accepted! Be sure to attend the swap itself and grab yourself a new bike or some great gear!
[Learn more here]
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Earl's Cyclery and Fitness Bike Swap
When:
Saturday, May 2nd 9 AM - 5 PM;
Sunday, May 3rd, 11 AM - 5 PM
Where:
Earl's Cyclery & Fitness, 2500 Williston Road, South Burlington
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Have some bikes gathering cobwebs? Bring your bicycle(s) down to Earl's on April 30th from 10 AM - 6 PM or May 1st from 10 AM - 4 PM, and attend the swap yourself on May 2nd or May 3rd! Receive 80% in the form of a check or 100% in-store credit if your bicycle sells.
[Learn more here]
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SKIRACK Bike Swap
When:
Saturday May 2nd, 9 AM - 7 PM;
Sunday May 3rd, 11 AM -5 PM
Where:
SKIRACK, 85 Main Street, Burlington
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Interested in trading in an old bike or some rarely used biking gear? Receive 100% store credit or 80% in cash when your gear sells at this years Skirack Bike Swap. Drop off gear or bikes anytime between Monday, April 27th through Friday, May 1st, 8 AM - 7 PM.
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Way to Go! 2 week challenge:
Bus, Bike, Carpool, and win!
When:
Monday, May 4th - Friday, May 15th
Where:
Your community!
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Join the 2 week smart trip challenge and win prizes for saving the environment! Participate as an individual or team as you ditch the car and bike, bus, and carpool to work while reducing your carbon footprint.
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BIKE SWAP in Waterbury
When:
Saturday, May 9th, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where:
Dac Rowe Ball Field, Waterbury, VT
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The BIKE SWAP in Waterbury is brought to you by VMBA, WATA, and MTBVT, and offers a great opportunity to buy, sell, or trade your biking goodies and gear with other biking enthusiasts.
[Learn more here]
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