August 12, 2013
Greetings! 

Earlier today in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister David Cameron announced an investment of almost $100 million per year to "start a cycling revolution." While I hope we can build that kind of national momentum for the next federal transportation bill, the League's latest report showcases a cycling revolution already afoot here in the United States: the growing power and potential of women bicyclists. With more than 100 data points and inspiring profiles, Women on a Roll is a must-read for bicycle advocates and comes at a key moment. With Congress in recess, your members of Congress are back home, holding town halls and coffee chats. Does your Representative or Senator know that 2/3 of American women -- a powerful voting constituency -- think their community would be a better place to live if biking were safer and more comfortable? Keep reading to download the report and tips for meeting with your member! 
 
Sincerely,  

 


Andy Clarke
League President
 
 league news 
New League report: women on a roll
The League has released a first-of-its-kind report showcasing a trend seen on streets nationwide: Women are changing the face of bicycling, and bicycling is transforming the lives of women. Women on a Roll -- a product of the League's Women Bike program -- compiles more than 100 original and trusted sources of data to showcase the growth and potential of female bicyclists in the United States. Learn more here. 
anti-bike amendments fail in congress; thank you!

This time last week we were bracing for two possible amendments in Congress against biking and walking funding. But thanks to the more than 8,600 emails you sent to Congress, Senators heard that message. The amendment never even made it to the Senate floor.  If it had, our supporters in the Senate were ready! Thank you to everyone who shared our alert and blog as well -- a significant chunk of our alerts were sent not by people who got an alert email from us, but from someone who linked to our blog or Facebook page! Read more here.

BIcycle Friendly University deadline tomorrow!
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
challenge profile: polly vanderwal

When her husband kept poking fun of her "stationary bike," Polly VanDerWal of Hereford, Ariz., decided to join his team for the National Bike Challenge. And, boy, did she show him: VanDerWal is currently the No. 1 rider in the state of Arizona! Having ridden with ease past goal after goal, she's already logged more than 800 miles -- and at the Challenge's end this September, she hopes to finish a century ride. Read more about Polly's inspiring story here and join her in participating in the National Bike Challenge this summer!

 

club leadership webinars; join us!
We have a full slate of club leadership webinars coming up in the next few months, and we'd like to hear from you! Coming up:
  • Sept. 12, 8 p.m. EST: League Listening Session with  Jakob Wolf-Barnett, Chief Operating Officer, and Scott Williams, Membership Director. We want to hear how the League can better serve clubs. Register here.
  • October: Improving Cyclists' Image 
  • November: Youth Programs
  • December: Insurance Review
  • Stay tuned for (up)dates here!
 
 advocacy
meet your representative: join a town hall meeting

Congress left Washington last week for their annual August recess - but it doesn't mean they're on vacation. Members of Congress are in their districts meeting constituents at town halls, constituent coffees or other events. All events are a great opportunity for you to find out more about their position on biking, share with them biking success stories in your community, and ask their support for a local project in your community. Click here for tips on how to maximize your impact.

webinar: facebook 101 for bike advocacy groups
Facebook is far and away the most popular social network. And while sharing photos and updating your friends on your lunch choice can be fun, Facebook is an immense resource to build an advocacy network. This webinar -- the first in a series held by the Alliance for Biking & Walking and the League of American Bicyclists -- will breakdown the basics of using Facebook as an advocacy tool. Join us Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m. EST. Register here!
google hangout: experts talk health benefits of women bicycling

One of the most important take-aways from our new Women Bike report: More women on bikes means a healthier America.  Learn more about the research behind women's health and bicycling, as well as hear firsthand stories from women who's lives have been changed by cycling: Join us for a live Google Hangout on Thursday, August 15, at 2 p.m. Eastern. Click here to register

austin ramps up enforcement of 3-foot passing law
The City of Austin passed a 3-foot law back in 2009, but -- like many localities and states -- was slow to enforce the law. This year, as part of Austin's celebration of Bike Month, the City of Austin police department began an enforcement effort using undercover police officers on bikes. This new emphasis on enforcement has led to 104 citations for violation of the city's 3 foot passing ordinance, which also requires 6 feet of clearance for large trucks and buses. Learn more about these laws through our Bike Law University series here!
Virginia mayors kick off map-21 training
Two mayors kicked of the Advocacy Advance Navigating MAP-21 workshop last week in Chesapeake, VA, regional workshop. Clyde Haulman, Mayor of Williamsburg, and William Sessoms, Jr., Mayor of Virginia Beach, told the 60 workshop participants that bicycling has the power to change communities -- and "if you build it, they will come." The workshop brought together agency staff and advocates from cities across the region to learn from each other and about the federal transportation bill, MAP-21. Click here for upcoming workshops.
 
 resources
how transparent is transportation spending in your state? 

In our latest issue of American Bicyclist, we took a look at how transparent states' are with their transportation spending. This infographic is a sneak peek at the project our Advocacy Advance team has been working on for the past several months. Stay tuned for this groundbreaking report!
new report tackles FAQs on working with your mpo
Advocacy Advance, a partnership between the League and the Alliance for Biking & Walking, has produced a guide for biking and walking advocates on how to work with their Metropolitan Planning Organization. It tackles frequently asked questions and outlines best practices. 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. We recently took a look at "What to Bring.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
submit images for alliance photo contest! 

The Alliance for Biking & Walking is launching a series of photo contests. For the month of August, submit your best images of summer biking and walking and you'll be entered to win a Tern Link Uno folding bike and carrying case. Read more about the contest here! 

wisconsin bike fed seeks executive director
The Wisconsin Bike Fed seeks a compelling leader with outstanding organization-building skills and solid general management background. The successful candidate will be the key spokesperson for the organization, and will be the person who develops and maintains relationships with donors and stakeholders. Learn more about the position here.
upcoming state and local bike summits
Looking to connect with local advocates and make an impact in your  community? Here are a number of upcoming state and local bike summits:

Have more to add? Email [email protected] with the details!

 


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