Sept. 23, 2013
Greetings! 

The mood of the bike industry at Interbike last week was generally optimistic, despite a year that started badly due to the weather and hasn't completely recovered yet. That optimism seems well-founded as the steady growth in cycling activity in cities continues: the latest American Community Survey came out on Thursday and shows a 10 percent increase in ridership compared to the year before. That's good news to take to Congress in March when we host the National Bike Summit!
 
Sincerely,  

 


Andy Clarke
League President
 
 league news 
ACS: bike commuting up 10% from 2011-2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New 2012 data released last week from the American Community Survey (ACS) confirmed what many people are seeing on the streets: More people are commuting by bike. According to the ACS, there was an almost 10% increase in bike commuting from 2011 to 2012. This is the largest year-on-year increase since 2007-2008, showing that people are choosing to use their bicycles for transportation not just in response to economic crisis, but because bicycles are leading the way to recovery. In total, there were 864,883 bike commuters in 2012.  Read more of our analysis here.

2014 summit registration is now open!
 
Registration for the 2014 National Bike Summit is now openThe annual event will be held March 3-5, 2014, in Washington, D.C. Next year, federal bike funding expires. What happens next? That's up to us! This years Summit will unite advocates, clubs riders, industry leaders and elected officials to begin the push for the next transportation bill. Our theme, "United Spokes: Moving Beyond Gridlock," showcases the momentum for bicycling at the local and state level and our collective impact in the halls of Congress when we unite our voices for a Bicycle Friendly America. Read more here.
interbike 2013: United Spokes & women Mean Business
null League staff joined more than 20,000 attendees at Interbike -- the nation's largest bicycle trade show -- last week, spreading the word about the 2014 National Bike Summit and show that Women Mean Business. The League's Women Bike program partnered with the Leisure Trends Group to released a new factsheet on the impact and potential of female consumers -- and was proud to be a sponsor of the Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition and Spokeswomen events that showcased the leadership of women in all aspects of the bike industry and continued to build a strong community of female advocates and entrepreneurs. Read more.  
league policy director wins national award

The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals named Darren Flusche, League Policy Director, the Professional of the Year in the Non-Profit Sector. Flusche was recognized for his work helping bike/ped professionals and advocates navigate and tap funding from MAP-21, the federal transportation bill. Congratulations, Darren! More here.

find an Upcoming lci seminar in your community
Are an experienced and knowledgeable bicyclist with a desire to make bicycling safe and accessible for others? The League seeks to certify  members who are self-starters, passionate about bicycling and are recognized within their communities as riders with experience and know-how. We have a slate of new LCI seminars coming up. Register today! 
  • 10/11-13 El Paso, TX -- Deadline: 9/27
  • 10/18-20 Tucson, AZ -- Deadline: 9/27
  • 10/18- 20 Harrisonburg, VA -- Deadline: 9/27
  • 10/ 25-27 Norman, OK -- Deadline: 10/4
  •  11/15-17 Houston, TX -- Deadline: 10/25
Learn more here, and please email   if you have any questions.
 
 advocacy
CLE VS. PGH: NECK AND NECK IN FINAL NBC STRETCH

The battle for the Rust Crown is down to the wire. Rust Belt rivals Pittsburgh and  Cleveland are neck-and-neck as the National Bike Challenge winds to a close. For the past five months, the cities have channeled their friendly rivalry into the Challenge, squaring off in the Rust Belt Battle of the Bikes. With just a little over a week left, Cleveland is ahead in mileage, but Pittsburgh still leads in total points -- which is the deciding factor. Read more here.

IT'S OFFICIAL: NEW FLEXIBILITY FOR BIKEWAY DESIGNS!

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced a new bikeway design guidance that embraces the "NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide," as well as the more traditional AASHTO bike guide. Now, instead of just using the AASHTO design guidelines, FHWA is encouraging state and local governments to plan and implement new bicycling infrastructure design using this best practice manual. Read more about this development here.

 
 resources
BICYCLE ACCOUNT GUIDELINEs: TOOLS TO measure & grow BIKING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Since the mid-1990s, Danish officials have been using the Copenhagen Bicycle Account to increase the comfort and quality of the city's bike program -- and hold themselves accountable for the area's continued progress. How do you implement this type of tool in your community? With the help from our partners in Copenhagen and at Urban Systems, the League created a helpful how-to: "The Bicycle Account Guidelines: Measuring, tracking and reporting progress to inspire better biking in your community." Learn more.

NEW REPORT: WINNING BIKE-PED BALLOT MEASURES

Bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations around the countries are looking towards ballot measures in improving transportation choices and investments. Advocacy Advance's new report "Success at the Ballot Box: Winning Bicycle and Pedestrian Ballot Measures" explores winning ballot measure campaigns and trends that include active transportation components. Read more. Photo courtesy of East Bay Bicycle Coalition

Women bike resources: get involved!

We're still unraveling all of the data and stories from our 'Women on a Roll' report, and we're using a variety of social media to share these findings. 

 
 partner news
register for 2013 national Bicycle tourism conference!

The Bicycle Tourism Network is hosting its 2013 conference Nov. 6-9 in Iowa City/Coralville, Iowa. The conference includes a diversity of workshops and topics and will also boast a number of high profile speakers, special guests and industry celebrities. Register now!

State Summit Spotlight: CAlifornia by Bike
nullRegistration is now open for the California by Bike Summit, November 7-11, 2013 in Oakland, Calif. Hear from speakers like Trek President, John Burke; Women Bike Director, Carolyn Szczepanski; and Brian Drayton, founder of Spokes National (and member of the League's Equity Advisory Council) at this diverse and dynamic event aimed at uniting riders in the Golden State to triple cycling by 2020. Register here.
Upcoming State and local bike Summits
Looking to connect with local advocates and make an impact in your community? Don't miss a state or local bike summit in your area.

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

 
 support the league
BIKE INSURANCE PURCHASE SUPPORTS LEAGUE WORK
Balance For Cyclists has developed affordable, cyclist-specific accident insurance designed to pay for unexpected costs not covered by other insurance. Balance For Cyclists will make a $10 donation to support League activities for all customers who use the Promo Code a1880 when purchasing coverageYou can also support the League with a purchase of a League jersey from Primal. Look great and feel great knowing that you're supporting bike advocacy. 
 


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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