July 29, 2013
Greetings! 

Last week, on short notice, League members sent more than 6,500 e-mails to Senators to oppose the latest attempt to prevent states spending any of their transportation dollars of biking and walking. You provided a quick and reliable response -- thank you. We are still awaiting the Senate vote, and there's a good chance we'll see a similar attack in the House this week -- with absolutely no notice at all likely. So get ready for a flurry of action before Congress adjourns for several weeks. 

Sincerely,  

 


Andy Clarke
League President
 
 league news 
help us stop an attack on bike/ped funding in congress
The House will be pulling an all-nighter Tuesday to talk transportation funding, and biking and walking dollars could be on the chopping block.  Now, we're engaging you and your networks to do all we can to combat this potential attack. It comes after last week's amendment 1742 by Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky that would strip funding for biking and walking in the Senate.  Your emails and calls -- some 6,500 from League members alone -- have helped ensure key Senators on both sides of the aisle will stand in opposition to the amendment. The Senate takes up the bill again starting today -- and we will keep  you informed on the amendment status. Learn more here.
national bike challenge hits 10 million miles!

We did it! Thanks to more than 32,000 riders nationwide, the National Bike Challenge is halfway to its goal of 20 million miles! Last week, we hit the impressive 10 million mile mark and are on pace to knock out our Challenge-wide goal. It's not to late to 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! (Image of the Gainesville Cycling Club, who are currently No. 1 in the national team ranking.)

Want to help shape local transportation projects? New report breaks it down
Under the new federal transportation law, Metropolitan Planning Organizations make big behind-the-scenes decisions about how transportation dollars are spent. So Advocacy Advance  worked with key advocates across the country to better understand what's working, on the ground, in effectively engaging MPOs and impacting these important funding decisions. The result: A new report that will give you action-oriented advice on how to make sure bicyclists are involved in these behind-the-scenes decisions. Read it here.  (Image courtesy of Bike PGH)
Equity Initiative Manager: Deadline is August 2
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.  The deadline to apply is August 2.
three new lci seminars added to schedule
Interested in becoming a League Certified Instructor (LCI)?  We've got three new seminars coming up in Portland, ME; Fort Collins, CO; and New Brunswick, NJ. Sign up today!
mew magazine options for new and renewing members!
Are you a member of the League? Is it time to renew that membership?  Well, we've got some new perks for you! As a member of the League, you have the choice among four magazines of which we offer a free subscription. Now, with a League membership, you could receive a free membership to Bicycling Magazine, Bicycle Times Print Magazine, Bicycle Times Digital Magazine or Momentum Digital Magazine. Join us or renew your League membership today!
BIcycle Friendly University deadline on the horizon!
Is your university taking steps to make biking better? Now is the time to apply for Bicycle Friendly University status! To be considered in the next round of awards, applications are due by August 13! This is the last chance to apply before August 2014! Click here to learn more and apply
 
 advocacy
celebrating the americans with disabilities act with stories of triumph 

 Last week we celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To commemorate the anniversary of this groundbreaking law, we highlighted the stories of those who have turned to bicycling to help propel them forward in their communities. Read these inspiring stories here. (Photo of Blake, center, courtesy of Programs to Educate All Cyclists).

League helps push for more bike accommodations on amtrak in new york, vermont

Last week, the League of American Bicyclists, along with Adventure Cycling Association and the Alliance for Biking and Walking, wrote Amtrak a letter supporting increased bicycle services on the Adirondack and Ethan Allen Lines in New York and Vermont.  It's a call that all three organizations have heard loud and clear - from our members, our supporters and cyclists around the world. Thankfully, a few breakthroughs are in the works... Read more here(Photo courtesy of Christopher Parker, of Vermont Trail Action Network.)

Safe Streets Bill picks up more co-sponsors 

It's been a great week for complete streets!  Last week, four more lawmakers joined on the 2013 Safe Streets Act as co-sponsors. If passed, this bill would ensure our nation's roadways are built with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, motorists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. You can read more of our analysis of the bill and its path ahead in Congress here.

chicago communities win big in securing transportation funding

With the help of an Advocacy Advance grant, Active Transportation Alliance worked with Chicago residents to secure more than $1.4 million for safer streets. Funded projects included examples such as protected bike lanes, a neighborhood greenway, a pedestrian safety study for an unsafe street, and even a new public plaza. Read more. 

 
 resources
Webinar recap: 10 tips for Women's Bicycling Forums
In a growing number of communities, organizations and individual leaders are using Women's Forums to kick off the discussion - and start building campaigns. On our Women Bike webinar last week, we heard from leaders who have organized successful local and state forums in Chicago, Ohio and D.C., and shared important inspiration and lessons learned that you can use in your community. Learn the top 10 tips for organizing a women's forum of your own!
new report acts as guide for mpo staff
Advocacy Advance, in conjunction with Safe Routes to School National Partnership, produced a guide for Metropolitan Planning Organization staff. It spotlights example MPO applications that will help regional transportation staff evaluate potential projects for federal Transportation Alternatives. Read it here. 
share our bike education video tools
We recently released our 19 new educational videos, and every Monday we're highlighting one of them on our blog.  Today, we take a look at "What to Wear" -- as many of you know, it's easier than you think. Check it out, share and enjoy!  Are you interested in using some of our videos in you community? Download them for your own use here! 
 
 partner news
New curriculum for equitable community revitalization
 Reconnecting America has created an innovative transit-oriented development curriculum to help nonprofit housing development agencies and community groups who are engaging in community revitalization and transit planning initiatives, and working to educate and involve local residents in these efforts. Designed to "train the trainers," the curriculum was developed by Reconnecting America and its partners with support from the Southern California Field Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Read more here.
submit proposals to active living research annual conference

The call for presentation and workshop abstracts for the 11th Active Living Research Annual Conference on March 9-12, 2014, in San Diego, CA, is open. The 2014 conference agenda will include both research and practice/policy presentations. Submit proposals by September 4th. Read more here.

Upcoming Local bike Summits
Don't miss an opportunity to get involved in your area!
 
 just for fun
League logo graces cover of forthcoming book
"Roads were Not Built for Cars" author Carlton Reid Tweeted a photograph of some sketches for his book jacket. We were pleasantly surprised to see our original logo is included. Read more about Carlton's forthcoming book here. (Photo credit: Carlton Reid.)
 


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.
Quick Links
� Connect locally
� Search our website

SPONSORS