october 7, 2013
Greetings! 

Pitching people on spending a couple of productive days in Washington, D.C., is a pretty hard sell at the moment, especially if Congress is involved somehow. Yet that's exactly what I am going to do because the National Bike Summit and the next transportation funding legislation are firmly on the horizon already. We've learned so many lessons in the last 18 months -- please join us March 3-5, 2014, as we turn those lessons into action. 
 
Sincerely,  

 


Andy Clarke
League President
 
 league news 
special summit discount for first 100
  
We're gearing up for the 2014 National Bike Summit, and if you're one of the first 100 registrants, you'll receive $50 offThe annual event will be held March 3-5, 2014, in Washington, D.C. This year's 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.  Register today!
help make biking better in your community with 5 short questions
Our Bicycle Friendly America program has rolled out a brand new tool that will enable YOU to help us gauge your community's bike friendliness. This new online survey will complement the work our Local Reviewers do during the rigorous Bicycle Friendly Community award process. By answering 5 short questions, you can help make biking better in your community. Get involved, and share it with your networks!
national bike challenge pedals past mileage record
The National Bike Challenge charged into the finish line last week, uniting almost 35,000 Americans to bike more than 18 million miles this summer. In just its second year, the friendly competition increased the distance traveled for transportation, recreation and fitness in communities nationwide by 50 percent.  Read more here.
club leadership training: improving cyclists' image 
In this club leadership training webinar, we'll discuss ways to work with your community to involve more people in cycling and improve relationships. We'll hear from panelists:
  • Steve Alfred from Town of Hilton Head Island Bicycle Advisory Committee discussing Bicycling Ambassadors
  • Ryan Kragerud from Bicycle Longmont talking about their cruiser rides
  • Joel Hoback from the Shawnee Trail Cycling Club talking about their community relations efforts
Join us Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 8 p.m. EST. Register now!
league job: equity initiative manager
The League has reopened its search process for the Equity Initiative Manager position. Interested applicants may submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Read more about the position here.
 
 advocacy
delaware gov goes for a spin with the league
Caron Whitaker, League's VP for Government Relations, went on a 50-mile ride last week with Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and Bike Delaware's James Wilson. Delaware has skyrocketed in our Bicycle Friendly State ranking since Gov. Markell took office.  It's great to see what strong leadership and great advocacy can do! 
a government shutdown... now what?
Last week, the federal government went into a partial shutdown.  So what does that mean for transportation and our work on Capitol Hill? Our own Caron Whitaker provides a primer on how the shutdown will affect transportation funding. Read more here.
webinar tomorrow : Federal Policy update

During this month's federal policy webinar, hosted by the League, Alliance for Biking & Walking and Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, we'll discuss how the government shutdown affects transportation, and movement forward on safety and Transportation Alternatives for the next bill. Join us Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. EST.

 

'what's a hashtag?' tune into twitter 101 webinar

As a social network that captures more than 20 percent of active global internet users, Twitter can be an important tool for biking and walking advocacy. But if you're stuck scratching your head about retweeting, hashtagging, and following, an introductory online course might be in order.  This webinar -- the second in a series held by the Alliance for Biking & Walking and the League of American Bicyclists -- will break down the basics of tweeting for advocacy. Tune in Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m. EDT. Register now!

 
 resources
non-motorized commutes are on the rise

Last month, the American Community Survey (ACS) released new data  showing how people commute to work. This latest data, estimating commutes to work in 2012, shows that non-motorized commutes are on the rise, but walking commuters are not experiencing the same increases as biking. Overall, between 2005 and 2012, these non-motorized commutes have increased 25.6%. Read more about this data here.

10 tips to engage women in bike education
From our "Women on a Roll" report, we've learned that confidence is a key factor  to getting more women on bikes. During a recent webcast, we heard from four leading League Cycling Instructors who shared some tips on building women's confidence through inclusive education. Read the 10 tips here.
bikes-on-trains campaigns see traction

Campaigns to get bicycles on commuter trains are increasing across the country. Most recently, in Chicago, the South Shore Line rail is planning to announce a bike program by next spring. The League did some research into the issue to help the Active Transportation Alliance make the case in Chicago. We looked into all of the major commuter rail lines across the country, and examined their policies regarding bicycles on board. Learn more here.

 
 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!

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!

 


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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