In Response: What Can We Do?
by Emily Boedecker, Executive Director

 

For all of us, it has been a tough spring. Three people out riding bikes have lost their lives in avoidable crashes due to excess speed, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license.

Emily Boedecker and Sgt. Aimee Nolan at Middlebury Wellness Fair responding to questions on road safety.


We are experiencing a range of emotions: shock, grief, anger, remorse and fear. We are reacting in different ways: riding more, riding less, slowing down until it is safe to pass a person on a bike, winding down our windows so we can hurl insults. I am deliberate in using the inclusive pronoun, "we." 
 

The question, 'are we safe out there?' is being raised by all of us who use our roads in any shape or form, not just by those of us who ride bikes or walk. 
Last year, there were a total of 17 fatalities from crashes on the roads in Vermont.As of June 18th of this year, we have already reached 17 fatalities. This is our shared concern, not just for people on bikes, not just for other road users described as 'vulnerable,' for all of us...
 

Wondering "what can I do?"

-  Share your thoughts in this Local Motion survey to improve safety

-  Write to your newspaper. Write to your Representative and to your Senator. 

-  And have those difficult conversations with your family and friends. Here is just one of many blog postings that have had the courage to tackle this difficult question.

 

 

Island Line Update: Music is Everywhere
 
Join us at Snow Farm on July 23rd.
Bike ferry until 9pm, details below. 
Each week, stories come back to us from 'The Cut' about the people who are riding the bike ferry. Whether locals or visitors, a ride across the causeway is a day to remember. Just this week: 48 mph winds, a 75-year old accordion and ferrying this year's 1,500th passenger! 

The Island Line Bike Ferry runs on love, at least partially.  Our volunteers are VITAL to making sure that the Ferry runs smoothly.  Every day of the week, we have Dockside Ambassador volunteer slots available.

And don't miss out on an opportunity for a sunset ride across the Causeway!  On July 23rd, Local Motion's Bike Ferry will be open till 9pm, taking riders to and from a free concert at Snow Farm Winery with the band Blues for Breakfast for Local Motion's Island Line Bike Ferry Fundraiser...

 



 

Valet Bike Parking Summer Schedule

 

Stu Lindsay, Super-Volunteer Holly Pedrini, and Emily Boedecker with Valet Bike Parking, tired out after parking hundreds and hundreds of bikes at Bernie Sanders' Presidential Campaign Launch.

Summer is here in Burlington, and with it, an incredible lineup of events, concerts, festivals, and gatherings! Wondering about parking? We've got you covered! Leave your bike (and stroller, panniers, bike lights, trailer...) with Local Motion's Valet Bike Parking! It's free, secure, reliable, and runs with the support of our awesome volunteers. And huge thanks to our sponsors Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Dept., Skirack and Skinny Pancake for supporting bike parking just for you!


We'll be at the events below for Summer 2015: check us out and come visit soon -- or volunteer with us, and help make the magic happen!

Avoid the fuss...leave your bike with us!  For a sample of where, read on:
 
Why We Are So Excited About VSECU Bike Loans

By Mary Catherine Graziano, Outreach and Education Manager

 

I have a confession to make.  I started working at Local Motion with a "tree hugging" background.  I loved riding my bicycle, but it was  mainly an excellent excuse to get outside, smell the fresh air and see nifty things.  I was not a "bicyclist."  I just love my bike. But, ever since I started working at Local Motion, I've been learning something amazing about how riding our bikes can change the world nearly every day.

 

Last year, I attended a Safe Routes to School conference  and heard a compelling presentation by Dave Cohen of VBike.  He reminded us that while our streets are currently designed to optimize car travel, they were not always like this, and showed us a great video ...

[Read more here]

 

If you're wanting to try out a cargo bike, you'll be able to try one out for free here at Local Motion sometime in early July.  

  


 

Bicycle Financing at VSECU 

By Laurie Fielder, VSECU VGreen Coordinator

 

Taking out a loan for a bicycle may sound a little unconventional, however when you're serious about riding you know that means you're serious about spending.


Bicycle options have evolved and bicycle commuting is more popular than ever in Vermont. Whether you're in the market for a mountain bike, cargo bike or an electric assist bike for help getting up those steep Vermont hills, there are options available to you that don't require emptying your savings account or pulling out a credit card.


VSECU member Matt Cherry was riding his old mountain bike to work every day partly because he loves cycling, and partly to minimize his environmental impact. But when Matt needed a new ride, better suited to his 10-mile round-trip bike commute in Putney, he came to VSECU...
Bicycling as Meditation

By Peter Burns, bike trainer 


 Every morning I get up at five and after eating breakfast I meditate for 20 minutes, sitting with my hands on my knees and focusing on my breath. When thoughts arise I label them 'thinking' and return to my breath. It is a challenging practice, most of the time my mind wanders.

 

After meditation I usually ride to the Woolen

Mill in Winooski and swim for half an hour. I bring mindfulness to the swimming and try to keep it with me on my bike ride to work. I want to arrive with a calm mind because sometimes my job is stressful and chaotic. When I ride I keep some part of my mind on cars and road conditions. It would be too ironic to get hit by a car when riding mindfully. 


When I ride mindfully I begin by focusing on my posture. In my morning meditation I sit with a straight back, relaxed abdomen and shoulders. Good bike posture is similar. After all, both meditation and riding involve sitting down. When I ride I keep my back straight, my shoulders relaxed and my chest open. I balance my weight between my feet, hands and butt. Proper seat and handlebar adjustment is important. I see many riders who look very uncomfortable because their seat is either too high or too low. Bike shops are happy to help...
Islands Bike Tour
When: Saturday, July 11th
Where: Snowfarm Vineyard, South Hero
Explore the Champlain Islands during the annual Open Farm and Studio Weekend. Choose a 10 or 25-mile route with stops at farms and art studios. Return to Snow Farm Vineyard for wine tasting, wood-fired pizza for purchase, and a concert on the lawn.

Farm to Fork Fondo
When: Sunday, July 12
Where: Pittsfield

Green Mountains, quaint villages, quiet meandering roads,  fresh and fantastic local foods --  this is Vermont, the heart of the small farm movement.


Friends of the Island Line Trail
Islands Bike Ferry and Bike Smart Fundraiser
When: Saturday, July 23rd
Where: Snowfarm Vineyard, South Hero
The Bike Ferry will be open until 9:00pm so that you can bike to the free concert at Snow Farm Winery.  Take part in a raffle for fun bike prizes and a grand prize drawing for your own personal cruise on the bike ferry.  All proceeds will support the Island Line Bike Ferry and the Bike Smart program.

Onion River Century Ride
When: Sunday, July 12
Where: Montpelier
12th Annual Onion River Century Ride to benefit the Kellogg-Hubbard Library Children's Literacy Campaign 2015