July 15, 2013
Greetings! 

Summer riding season is in full swing and, thanks to more than 32,000 riders, the National Bike Challenge is keeping a strong pace toward our goal of 20 million miles. But we still need you! If you haven't joined the fun, register today and you'll be in the running for great monthly prizes. If you're already riding, Challenge just one friend or colleague to join you! And, as you're tracking those miles, don't forget to mark your calendars for a number of exciting national events in coming months, including the Safe Route to School National Conference and annual Major Taylor Cycling Conference, -- and a wealth of offerings from the League, too! 

Sincerely,  

 


Andy Clarke
League President
 
 league news 
National BIke Challenge: Halfway to our Goal!

 

Thanks to more than 32,000 riders nationwide, the National Bike Challenge is pedaling toward our impressive goal of 20 million miles logged this summer. Today marks the halfway point of the friendly, online competition and, collectively, we've already pedaled more than 370 times around the world, burned the equivalent of 61,000 pounds and saved more than $1 million! Get in on the fun, join our community, get in the running for monthly prizes and ride for your community or workplace -- register for the Challenge today!
League Seeks Equity Initiative Manager
 
The League is seeking a creative, community building and experienced organizer to serve and lead as our new Equity Initiative Manager. Through its Equity Initiative, the League seeks to engage and be led by women, youth and leaders of color -- and bridge the current gap between diverse communities and bicycle advocates. A new staff position, the Equity Initiative Manager will lead the League's efforts to work with and advance diverse participation and leadership in the bicycle movement. Read the full job description. (Photo, from left: League COO, Jakob Wolf-Barnett, with EAC members Eboni Hawkins and Keith Holt.)  
BIcycle Friendly Community Deadline tomorrow
Is your city or town taking steps to make biking better? Now is the time to apply for Bicycle Friendly Community status! To be considered in the next round of awards, applications are due by tomorrow, July 16! Click here to learn more and apply. The League is also looking for local reviewers to provide feedback on BFC applications. Get involved. (Photo: Anchorage, AK, moved up from Bronze to Silver status in the last round of awards!)
American Bicyclist: With LIberty and Bicycling for All
 
Just in time for Independence Day, the League celebrated the important role bicycling plays in the recovery of wounded warriors in our July/August issue of American Bicyclist. Read the incredible stories of Army and Marine vets pedaling to physical and mental strength -- and, if you're not a member yet, join the League to get our magazine delivered to your mailbox!
10 Spots Left for Climate Ride: Support the League!
The nation's largest environmental bicycling event, Climate Ride will roll again with the New York City to Washington D.C. ride September 21-25, 2013. The League is one of the beneficiaries of the ride, so you'll be protecting the climate AND advancing bike advocacy. Don't wait; register today! There are just 10 spots left! Learn more.
 
 advocacy
Webinar: Successful Women's Bicycling Forums

In a growing number of communities, organizations are using Women's Forums to kick off the discussion -- and start building campaigns -- to encourage more women to ride. On our next Women Bike webinar, we'll explore successful models, strategies and take-home tips for effective women's panels. Join us July 23, at 2 p.m. EDT. Register here. 

Americans with disabilities act turns 23 years old

Join the League in supporting an equitable and accessible transportation system for all! The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 23 on July 26th. In celebration of the anniversary, the League is supporting the National Disability Rights Network campaign to push Amtrak to meet ADA guidelines - and featuring a series of bicycling-related stories next week. Stay tuned for more info on the League blog tomorrow, or visit www.ndrn.org to learn more about the NDRN campaign.  

on the road with Advocacy Advance

The goal of Advocacy Advance -- a partnership of the League and Alliance for Biking & Walking -- is to help YOUR community pay for bike improvements. Through Navigating MAP-21 workshops, Advocacy Advance has trained hundreds of advocates and officials across the country on how to tap into federal dollars and bring stakeholders together to chart a course forward. This week they're heading to Bentonville, AR; learn more and find a workshop in your area here.  

Profile: WE BIKE NYC thrives through inclusivity

In May, the League was excited to award one of our Women Bike mini-grants to WE Bike NYC's new Latina Outreach program: "Mujeres en Movimiento." In our latest edition of Women Bike Wednesday, founder Liz Jose shares how the organization has made inclusivity a core, guiding value -- and means of growth. Read more. 

 
 resources
Education Videos Spotlight: fitting & Adjusting  
With the assistance of a professional videographer and the generous support of Gail Copus Spann and Jim Spann, the League recently released 19 education videos that cover topics from fitting a bike to riding in traffic.

To showcase these free resources for advocates, clubs, retailers, and the public, we'll be highlighting a video for you to view, share and enjoy every Monday. This week: Fitting and Adjusting your Bike. Click here to view and share!  

Webinar: The federal Funding picture 1 year later

One year after Congress passed a new transportation law, MAP-21, federal and state governments are making decisions on how to implement the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Tune into this webinar to hear from the teams at Advocacy Advance and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership about the funding picture at the state and local level and how advocates can influence the process. Join us on July 22 at 2 p.m. EDT. Register here. 

Bicycling under the influence laws are very rare, often times leaving a gray area in the law. In most cases, BUI laws differ from Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws by providing for less severe penalties and by not affecting a person's driver's license. In our latest edition of Bike Law University, we take a look at BUI laws and how they're implemented across the country. Read more

 
 partner news
National Events: Register for Safe Routes by July 24!
Join fellow advocates, engineers and bicycling enthusiasts at these important, upcoming national gatherings:
  • The National Brotherhood of Cyclists' Annual Major Taylor Cycling Conference will be held July 31 to August 4 in Columbus, Ohio. With a theme of "Building a Global Bicycling Community," this fourth annual gathering will address important topics like urban women and cycling, youth ambassadors and the health benefits of biking. Learn more.  
  • Registration is now open for Bike!Bike!2013 to be held in New Orleans, Oct 3-6. Bike!Bike! is an international, annual gathering organized BY and FOR community bicycle projects. Learn more
Red, Bike & Green Tour from DC to NYC
Red, Bike & Green is a collective of Black urban cyclists improving the physical and mental health, economy & local environment of African Americans by creating relevant & sustainable Black bike culture. On Aug 16-23, RBG is hosting its first tour from Washington, D.C. to New York City -- geared towards having fun and creating cooperative community. Learn more.
Upcoming Local bike Summits
Don't miss an opportunity to get involved in your area!
 
 just for fun
Challenge Inspiration: 20,000 miles and counting!
Michael Schwaid has been tracking his rides for years now, and, with a 60-mile round trip to work, he recently surpassed 20,000 bike commuting miles. He's brought this dedication to the 2013 National Bike Challenge. Read more. 
 


Share this American Bicyclist Update with your cycling friends and fellow bike commuters. The generous support from the League's members make publications like this possible. Join the League today.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.
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