Thanks to Local Motion member Clare Innes for passing this along!

1) Declared support for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

This stunning 93-mile trail in the making will stretch from Swanton to St. Johnsbury – but it has been stuck in Act 250 permitting for the last three years.  The Council strongly supports this rails-to-trails transformation and wants to see the project advanced.

2) Advocated for an economic impact study of recreational trails

The Council passed a motion to support a grant application to do an economic impact study of recreational trails in the northern forest.  It seeks to build off of the Walking & Biking Economic Impact Study soon to be completed by VTrans.  More info: Jessica Ricketson

3) Established a committee to push for increased state trails funding

State funding for trails has been level funded for the last 18 years.  To ensure that non-profits, towns and the State can maintain and expand Vermont’s diversified trail network, the Council has identified state funding as a critical issue.  An ad hoc Trail Funding Committee was established.  Local Motion advocated for  the formation of this committee and we will actively serve on this committee.

Help expand Vermont’s trails!  Connect with the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council.

Read more on UVM’s website. Thank you to Local Motion Board Member Lisa Aultman-Hall and area cyclist Justine Sears for undertaking this project.

Local Motion is working with many partners to get people more comfortable with biking in more challenging conditions.  As we say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing! The right gear can make riding in the rain, at night or during the colder months safe and fun.

Contact Local Motion staffer Jason VanDriesche to find out more about our employer-based bike commuting clinics or the Safety Gear Coupon incentive. Contact Old Spokes Home for their winter commuting classes.

225 residents turned out to ask questions about sidewalks, passenger rail, bus service, cycling and the Champlain Parkway.  Thank you to our event co-host AARP and the sponsors Burlington Free Press, CarShare Vermont, UVM Transportation Research Center, BTV Bike Cluster and Good News Garage.  Read the Free Press coverage here.

Thanks to avid walker Mike Townsend from the BFP for moderating.  Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur joined me on stage to ask the audience questions.

Local Motion Board Member Lisa Aultman-Hall gave a great opening speech about Local Motion’s growing range of innovative initiatives.  This debate was the first candidate forum Local Motion has hosted.

There are a number of upcoming debates and events — make sure you continue the questions about transportation and livability.

Photos taken by Local Motion volunteer Jeff Cohn.

It’s a depressing reality as Congress failed to keep the transit benefit from being slashed at the end of the year.  Check out this blog post from Transportation for America.

These commuter benefits allows employers to pay for their employees’ commuter costs with pre-tax dollars.  In the New Year, drivers will be able to get a $240/month benefit but transit riders will only be able to get $120/month.  Bike commuters can get their employer to give them a pre-tax benefit too, but it is only a paltry $20/mo!

Please contact your Congressional representatives and tell them you want other commuting options to be valued as much, if not more, than driving.

“One thing that’s been so interesting for us at DOT for the past few years is, we travel around the country and find that so much of the political energy and enthusiasm is coming out of bike advocacy. It’s amazing. We went to LA for this re-authorization visit. This is LA, which people think of as the car city, and 300 bicycle activists showed up and took over the meeting. I just see that’s where the political energy is in transportation right now.

“Thanks to you and folks like you that have helped bring that to the fore. It really matters in Washington. We need it. We’re going to have some tough fights ahead I think. On the one hand, as you point out, economically constrained times may make people think creatively but there’s also the backlash: ‘We can’t do frivolous things like bikes!’ There are competing tensions that come out of having constrained resources. I think we need continued political energy on bike and pedestrian projects in how important they are and talking about their benefits and showing, particularly, that it’s not just the product for the elites but that there’s widespread support for these projects.”

Here’s a link to the full interview.

On a related note, St. Albans City Elementary will be incorporating bike skills training into its PE classes from May 21 to June 1.  Local Motion will provide the school with 46 kids’ bikes, all needed equipment, and a trailer to store the bikes, all at no cost (other than a small delivery fee) as part of its Bike Smart Equipment Loan program.  For more info about this program, visit http://www.localmotion.org/education/bikeskillstraining/loanerprogram.

To top it all off, a Bike/Pedestrian Committee has recently formed in St. Albans with the goal of making the city even safer and more welcoming for people on foot and on bike.  For more info about the Committee, contact David Hutchinson.

The members of the Ad Hoc Recreation Pathways Committee have worked for three years to identify and prioritize potential trails in their community.  They will be presenting their first priority to the Milton Planning Commission in January 2012.

Milton has embarked on a couple of attempts to build multi-use pathways over the past decade, but so far none have come to fruition.  Local Motion staff met with the Pathways Committee tonight and we are impressed with their methodical and practical approach.  We will continue to support this great group of volunteers as they continue to work to make Milton a better place to walk and bike.  Go Milton go!

The Burlington Walk/Bike Council, an advisory council to the City of Burlington, seeks volunteers to serve on its steering committee.  Responsibilities of steering committee members include: strategic planning; setting agendas; leading bike/ pedestrian projects, initiatives, and events; and providing continuity from meeting to meeting.

Steering committee members meet once a month, in addition to leading the monthly council meeting.  If you have any questions or would like further information regarding this opportunity, please check out the BWBC website: http://burlingtonwalkbike.org/ and contact Bryan Davis or 802-660-4071 x17.

Bryan

——————————————————————————————————-

Bryan Davis, AICP |   Transportation Planner   |   bdavis@ccmpo.org

CCRPC, 110 West Canal St, Suite 202, Winooski, VT 05404

p 802-660-4071 x17 |   f 802-660-4079 |   www.ccmpo.org

The first round of projects includes development of a detailed plan and alignment for a shared-use path along Route 15 from Winooski to Essex Junction — a major priority for the bicycling community for years.  Please voice your support for this important regional link!  Come to the public meeting this Wednesday, December 14.

MEETING DETAILS:
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Albany College of Pharmacy, 261 Mountain View Drive, Colchester  (map)
Click here for the agenda for the meeting

Local Motion supports these projects because they help advance Circ communities’ transportation priorities while building the bicycling, walking, and transit infrastructure that our region needs.  The members of the Task Force have done a great job of thinking regionally and looking to the future. Please come thank them and help us make sure that these projects proceed as planned.

There is a memo describing the proposed “implementation” (i.e., construction) projects as well as a list of proposed planning projects (the first five on the list are proposed for the current round) on the Circ Alternatives website, as well as a series of maps of the (now defunct) highway version of the Circ project and lots more.  Contact Jason Van Driesche, Local Motion’s Director of Advocacy and Education, at jason@localmotion.org or 861-2700 x109 with questions.

Your smart phone is now your trail map. Over 200 trails in Vermont are now searchable from your phone.  You can pull up maps, read the details, submit comments or even a photo at the touch of a button.

Thank you to volunteers (and brothers) Todd Taylor and Troy Taylor of Woodchuck Apps who made this possible.   Thanks also to the Vermont Recreation Trails Program and the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council.

But wait, there’s more! The next version that will be compatible on other smart phones will be out by Spring 2012.  Also, we want your feedback on this first edition so we can improve the app in the next edition.

Want to help take the Trail Finder to the next level?  Volunteer! Contact Chapin to find out how you can pitch in.

The day after Thanksgiving my husband and I decided to drive down to Chimney Point and walk across the new Champlain Bridge which opened a few weeks ago, replacing the 1929 bridge that was condemned as unsafe a little over 2 years ago. The new bridge arches over this narrow point in Lake Champlain connecting Crown and Chimney Points as gracefully as the old bridge, but with its sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks at either end, it opens a whole new world of views and opportunities to the pedestrian and cyclist. We were not able to park safely on the Vermont side as there was still construction going on to remove the infrastructure built to accommodate the temporary ferry that ran while the new bridge was being built. So we drove across the bridge and parked in a state parking lot on the New York side. Much to our surprise and delight, the small parking lot was nearly full. Many others were taking advantage of this late November holiday to walk across the bridge now that there are sidewalks and bike lines on both sides of the bridge and well marked crosswalks on both ends. We headed to Vermont along the south side, up and over the arch, crossed to the north side at the well marked crosswalk at the east end and then headed back to New York, stopping frequently to take pictures. We passed parents and children of all ages, grandparents with grandchildren, and groups of adults, young and old. In fact, there were more people walking across the bridge than cars driving across.

The view from both sides is spectacular of course, even with the wind howling and screeching through the structure. I could not help but think of the many times in the past I have crossed that bridge longing to stop at the top and take a picture, but with no place to pull over, or opportunity to walk or bike safely across. What an improvement! Build it and they will come!

When the Burlington Police Department announced in October that it was starting to issue tickets and warnings to bicyclists and pedestrians who violate traffic laws, Local Motion’s phone started ringing within days.

The fact is, bike riders aren’t the only ones getting tickets. Local Motion been working closely with the police to monitor how many tickets and how many warnings are given out to each mode — pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists — so as to ensure that this enforcement initiative is fair and even-handed. Here is a summary of tickets and warnings issued during the first two enforcement details (October 21 and November 7):

Motorists:  8 tickets and warnings

Bicyclists:  4 tickets and warnings

Pedestrians:  16 tickets and warnings

Across the board, police officers focused on the kinds of violations that are most likely to result in pedestrian and bicyclist crashes and injuries. For motorists, this means that most of the citations were for running red lights, speeding, failing to yield, or the like.  For bike riders, most of the citations were for running red lights or riding without lights at night.  And for pedestrians, most citations were for crossing against the signal or not at a crosswalk.

The reality is, people on foot and on bike get hurt not only because cars are big and heavy and fast, but also because people do dumb and/or illegal things. Sometimes the people doing those things are in cars.  Sometimes they are bicycling.  And sometimes they are out on foot.  Regardless, a little enforcement can go a long way towards making sure people play by the rules.

Please give us a call or send an email if you have thoughts you’d like to share about the best role of enforcement in making our streets safer:  jason@localmotion.org or 861-2700 x109. This is an evolving project, and we’re always looking for good ideas.

Many thanks to the Vermont Governor’s Highway Safety Program for funding our safe streets work, the Burlington Police Department for putting time and resources into bike-ped safety, and our many other partners for making the Safe Streets Collaborative possible.   For more info, visit www.safestreetsVT.org.

I’ve served on the CCTA Board for 10 years and I’ve been pleased with the Authority’s increasing attention to multi-modal transportation.  This 4-bike capacity is another great advancement for our region’s sustainable transportation future.

The motorcoaches will accommodate the bikes in the luggage compartments below the bus.  This is an example of the type of bus.

Each bike tray will handle two bikes.   For more pictures and video of the system, click here.

Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for the buses to be built, so it will likely be a year before we see these buses on the road.

Here is CCTA’s press release from November 17, 2011:

TRANSPORTATION GRANT AWARDED TO CCTA
Burlington, VT – The Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant of $3,360,000 through the FY2011 Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facilities Livability Initiative. CCTA’s funding application was selected on a competitive basis from proposals submitted by public transportation agencies throughout the country. The grant money will allow CCTA to purchase six 45-foot coach buses to be used on the LINK Express commuter routes, along with the implementation of other system-wide capital improvements such as passenger shelters with solar lights and bike parking…  More info at www.cctaride.org

They are helping to install the cool new Dero ‘Fix-It’ stations around Chittenden County’s bike routes.  These stations have a place to hang your bike while you use the free but tethered tools and pump.  It makes little adjustments easy!

Healthy Living purchased and installed one outside their store this fall.  They also purchased another one for installation at Local Motion’s Trailside Center.  It will be installed next spring.  Thank you!

Eli and the crew at Healthy Living expect to fund a couple new Fix-It stations each year along the region’s bike routes.  Want a Fix-It station near you?  Email Charlene with suggested locations.

Local Motion applauds Healthy Living’s vision of putting these valuable stations across our region’s bike routes!

The picture on the right is the previous bridge where the shoulders disappeared once you got on the bridge.   There were no sidewalks.

Contrast that with today, with over 100 jubilant pedestrians and cyclists being the first people allowed across the bridge after the press conference this afternoon.  (Photos below by Laura Asermily)

Special thanks go to the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition who spearheaded much of the advocacy, Lou Bresee from Lake Champlain Bikeways (pictured below on left), and the respective state agencies of transportation (VTrans and NYDOT).

This crossing is a key link in the 1,100+ mile Lake Champlain Bikeways network of mostly on-road routes.

Check out the nice pictures Sojourn Bicycling & Active Vacations tours took from on the bridge (click here).   Well done everyone!

To make sure sustainable transportation is on the agenda, Local Motion members have asked us to put together a candidate survey.

Give us your input! What transportation-oriented question do you want the candidates to answer? Click the comment button below to submit your question. The deadline for questions has been extended to November 17th.

A volunteer committee of Will Flender, Jon Griesser and one pending member will select and wordsmith the final questions by the end of November. The surveys will be distributed to candidates in December. We will distribute the candidates’ answers in January.

CLICK COMMENT BUTTON BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION.

The Modern Mobility Movement rolls ever forward, but JDK and Maglianero marked an important moment along the way at the 2011 South End Art Hop, raising $1,295.97 to help repair the Island Line Trail.

In the commuter/bike-centric Maglianero café and community-gathering space, JDK hosted an exhibition of dramatic cycling photographs by Dean Blotto Gray, as well as a group of bicycling designs from GT. One Leader bike was raffled off, with all proceeds going to help repair the Island Line Trail, a 12-mile bike path that runs from Burlington to the Lake Champlain Islands.

Chapin Spencer, executive director of Local Motion, accepted the donations on behalf of Friends of the Island Line Trail. The winner of the raffle was Jake O’Neil, a Burlington resident who works for Burton Snowboards.

Many thanks to Blotto, the Bike Polo crew, Burlington Bike Cluster, GT, Leader, Local Motion, Liam Griffin, Maglianero, and SEABA for supporting this successful event.

BIKE DETAILS

Bike: Leader TRK Build

Bars: Leader Trick Star

Grips: None (rider’s choice)

Stem: Leader Plissken

Headset: Tange Techno Glide

Saddle: Leader Cosmic

Cranksets: Leader x Andel

Chain: SRAM

Wheelset: Leader Complete Wheels

Seatpost: Leader

Pedals: None (rider’s choice)

Thanks to everyone who helped make the second annual Halloween Ride a success!

Co-hosts: BTV Bike Cluster and Local Motion

Premier Sponsor: Old Spokes Home

Other Sponsors: Northfield Savings Bank, Maglianero and Ben & Jerry’s Foundation

Additional thanks: Church Street Marketplace , Burlington Police Department and Noah Pollock for making this video

Lastly, a big thanks to the Burlington Bicycle Coalition who launched this ride as an all-volunteer effort in 2010 — especially Jamie, Ross and Christine!

To South Burlington’s credit, they’ve succeeded in developing Vermont’s most comprehensive network of paths over the last 20 years — 12+ miles connecting many neighborhoods.  Now, the challenge is to create a city center and more pedestrian-friendly streets.

How the heck could the City make Williston Road an enjoyable place to walk and bike for example?  Not an easy proposition…but city officials and residents are trying.  See the update from Planning Director Paul Conner below.

Local Motion encourages our friends in South Burlington to get involved in this planning process.

Dear neighbors,

A hearty thank you to all those who were able to attend last night’s opening presentation and workshop on the Williston Road / City Center Community Design project. Over 60 people attended and participated! Last night set the stage for this project, by looking at what people want from a City Center and Williston Road area. Specifically, what form it should take. What makes one environment inviting to spend time in, and another just a place to get in and get out from? What do we want to have as an experience walking through City Center? What should Williston Road’s future buildings look like, in terms of overall size, height, setback, etc.

Today the design team spent the day working on the feedback from last night, touring the area, and meeting with individuals and groups.

Tomorrow, Friday, at 4:30, we’ll have a “mid-project” presentation and feedback. This will be the first ideas for what the standards (ie, rules, in a graphical form) for development could be. The team needs you input to refine these ideas.

On Saturday, at 3:00 pm, we’ll have our “closing presentation”, where the team will give their more refined ideas for the area, get more feedback, and discuss next steps to completing this project.

All events will be held here at City Hall. I hope to see you here. This project will be a success if together we make it one!

Paul

southburlington

Community Design Workshop

FOR City Center & Williston Road

Help refine the vision for City Center and Williston Road into

standards for how these places will look, feel, and be used.

All are invited and encouraged to attend this important workshop. Attend one or all of the events!

The goal of this project is to establish new standards for development in these areas. It is critical that all views are shared, up front!

Community Pin-Up and Review

Friday, Oct 28th, 4:30 – 6:30 pm, City Hall (575 Dorset Street)

Closing Presentation

Saturday, Oct 29th, 3:00-5:00 pm, City Hall (575 Dorset Street)

Live Design Studio:

Wednesday Oct 26^th to Saturday Oct 29^th, City Hall (575 Dorset St.)

Please pass this message along to others.

Paul Conner, AICP

Director of Planning & Zoning

City of South Burlington

575 Dorset Street

South Burlington, VT 05403

(802) 846-4106

pconner@sburl.com

www.sburl.com/planning

WHAT:     Regular bike helmets for $10 and Bern (skateboard-style) helmets for $20
WHERE:   In front of Bailey-Howe Library
WHEN:     Friday, October 21 from 11:00 to 1:30
WHO:        UVM students (ID required, one helmet per student, while supplies last)

The three day Nor’easter festival came to the Burlington waterfront for the first time September 23-25, 2011.   It was a great first year success and we hope EMS and their great event will be back next year.

Local Motion provided a bike share, bike parking, a unique bike carousel, and a Moving Planet bike ride from the festival to Montpelier.  It was a busy weekend, but we were glad to be partners with this great event.

They raised over $20,000 for Hurricane Irene recovery, CRAG-VT, Friends of the Island Line and Local Motion!

Specifically, $4,200 went to Friends of the Island Line (dedicated capital fund) and $4,200 went to Local Motion.  We are especially grateful as the spring floods set back many of our projects including the further development of the Causeway Bike Ferry.

Well done EMS!

Washington, D.C. – September 14, 2011 – The League of American Bicyclists names Burlington as a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) during their 2011 Fall awards announcement. “The League congratulates Burlington and all of our BFC winners for implementing successful, long-term bicycle plans and programs that provide quality of life improvements for their citizens,” said League President Andy Clarke. “Even in tough economic times it is clear that cities are choosing investment in bicycling as a key to building the places people want to live, work and visit.” These awarded communities now bring the total of BFCs across the country to 190 in 46 states.

The BFC award recognizes Burlington’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. The BFC judges were particularly impressed with:

* Dedicated advocates working in partnership with Public Works and Parks staff to improve biking programs and facilities
* Plans for bike lanes on Pearl Street and Colchester Avenue
* Volunteer-led secure bicycle parking at dozens of events in 2011
* Burlington’s updated bicycle ordinances, approved by the City Council
* Increased levels of bicycling in the city
* Increased quantities and types of bicycle parking racks, including two in-street racks and 10 bicycle lockers in the Marketplace Garage
* Local Motion’s ten initiatives, including award-winning Bike Recycle Vermont, the Safe Streets Collaborative, the Bike Commuter Training Program, and leadership on the Burlington Bike Path Task Force.

“We are proud of the roadmap that the Bicycle Friendly Community program provides and how Burlington is using it to build a Silver level BFC,” said Bill Nesper, Director of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program. “We are inspired by the tireless efforts of individuals and groups, from everyday cyclists to city leaders to build great communities for bicycling.”

The BFC program is revolutionizing the communities evaluate their quality of life, sustainability and transportation networks, while allowing them to benchmark their progress and work toward improving their bicycle-friendliness. The application to become a BFC is rigorous and an educational tool in itself; currently there are 190 of the 490 total applicants have a BFC four-year designation. The renewal process and four levels of the award – platinum, gold, silver and bronze – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve.

To apply or learn more about the free BFC program, visit the League online at bikeleague.org/community.

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program

The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partners Bikes Belong and Trek Bicycle’s One World, Two Wheels Campaign. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/

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.

About Burlington Department of Public Works

http://www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us

About Local Motion

http://www.localmotion.org

A "Complete Streets" design for the Champlain Parkway would include a 10-foot wide multiuse path along Pine Street.

Local Motion has been involved for well over a year in the planning process for the Champlain Parkway.  Our goal has been to ensure that, if it is built, this major new artery into Burlington (which includes reconstruction of upper Pine Street) creates the best possible facilities for people on foot and on bike.  Our work began to pay off this past week when the City of Burlington notified the Act 250 District Commission that it will be designing the Champlain Parkway project as a “Complete Street,” as outlined in the city’s newly adopted Transportation Plan.

The City of Burlington’s Transportation Plan calls for bike lanes, sidewalks, benches, bus shelters, and other bike-ped amenities throughout a Complete Street.  It also specifies that curb cuts, crosswalks, and other key infrastructure elements should be designed for smooth and efficient movement of people on foot and on bike.  And the plan places great emphasis on keeping vehicle speeds low so as to promote a safe and vibrant environment for walking and biking.

In the City’s letter to the Act 250 Commission (see below), the City thanked Local Motion for bringing to the Commission’s attention the fact that it had mistakenly submitted its OLD transportation plan — which doesn’t call for Complete Streets — in its original Act 250 package.  (Several weeks prior, we had highlighted this issue and many others in our first letter to the Commission.)  Many thanks to the folks at Burlington Public Works for creating such a forward-looking Transportation Plan.  Now it’s time to make sure that the Champlain Parkway lives up to the plan’s high standards!

In these days of railbeds that have been converted to recreation trails, here’s an unusual cycling opportunity that involves real trains. The Saratoga & North Creek RR is a newly organized shortline that runs on restored track running between these two New York towns. The railroad recently added an extra car and announced that they would be carrying bicycles at no extra charge. A couple weeks ago, Jeanne and I took advantage of this offer to take the train to North Creek with our tandem and ride back to our car in Saratoga Springs. It was a great day and we found the 60-mile bike ride back most enjoyable. Tickets were only $13. There are several trains each day, from Thursday through Sunday, so a variety of ride options are available, such as taking the train to Saratoga and cycling back to North Creek. If you don’t want to do the whole 60 miles, there are several whistle stops en-route, so you could easily shorten the ride.

If you are going to be in the Adirondacks with your bike this summer, I encourage you to check out and support this this unique recreational opportunity. We found all the folks involved with the S&NCRR very friendly and informative. More information, photos and suggested riding routes are available at http://sbarner.blogspot.com/2011/07/making-tracks-with-saratoga-north-creek.html The website for the S&NCRR is http://www.sncrr.com/

Smooth country road from The Glen to Athol

Contact: Melissa Meece, Vermont Farm Tours, 802.373.7779, melissa@vermontfarmtours.com
http://www.vermontfarmtours.com/biketour.html

The Second Annual Heart of the Islands Bike Tour, which took place on July 9th in the Champlain Islands, raised over $800 for Local Motion, a nonprofit promoting human-powered transportation and recreation in the greater-Burlington area. The ride was organized by Vermont Farm Tours, a local culinary tour business, as a way to bring cyclists to the Islands and raise funds for the Island Line Trail, which was badly damaged in the spring floods.

More than 210 cyclists participated by riding one of the Bike Tour’s three routes – 10-miles, 25-miles or 37-miles – visiting Island farms, vineyards and art studios throughout the day, returning to Snow Farm Vineyard in the afternoon to enjoy wine, music, and massages. The tour coincided with the annual Open Farm and Art Studio Weekend.

“What a wonderful way to see the Islands; the whole event was so well-organized! The weather was perfect, such neat places to visit, and I have to say the free massage and wine tasting was a welcome finish to the tour,” said Joyce Cellars of Winooski, VT, a volunteer at the event.

A new addition to the Bike Tour this year was the silent auction, which raised over $300 for Local Motion. Auction items included donations of products or services from Bike Tour sponsors and community members, and artwork from Island artists. “It’s a win-win situation,” said Melissa Meece, special events coordinator for Vermont Farm Tours. “Auction participants got a great deal on local products and services, while also supporting the important work that Local Motion does to promote active, healthy communities. We will definitely expand the silent auction in 2012.”

Chris Howell, Vermont Farm Tours founder and Bike Tour organizer notes, “I’m very excited to see such an enthusiastic response to this year’s tour. The Heart of the Islands Bike Tour more than doubled in size since it’s inaugural year in 2010, and it’s shaping up to be a significant fundraiser for Local Motion in the years to come.”

Chapin Spencer, executive director of Local Motion, says of the collaboration, “We need more partners like Chris and Melissa at Vermont Farm Tours–capable organizers committed to local causes. The Heart of the Islands Bike Tour is a perfect fit with our mission. I’m excited to see the event grow again next year!”

Sponsors of the 2011 Heart of the Islands Bike Tour included Snow Farm Vineyard, Skinny Pancake, Vermont Pain Relief, Earl’s Cyclery, Green Living Journal, Cabot Cheese, Terry Bicycles, Vermont Wings, and Sweet Basil Cards.

The 2012 Heart of the Islands Bike Tour will again start and end at Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero in early July. Stay tuned!

According to today’s press release, “Liz Robert, CEO of Terry Bicycles and former CEO of Vermont Teddy Bear, is trading in her business suit for bike shorts as she gets ready to become a cycling saleswoman in the Greater Boston area next week. Robert recently rode her bike around San Diego and Westchester County, NY, traveling to small, independent bike shops to talk one-on-one with the owners. Her goal is to learn firsthand the challenges and opportunities of the cycling market.”

OK, so I’m biased.  I think Burlington-based Terry Bicycles is making great strides to make cycling, a traditionally male dominated activity, accessible to women. I met with Liz Robert this morning and her passion for growing this business is rooted in helping more women discover the joys of cycling.  Still in her bike commuting attire at 10am this morning,  Liz glowed as she explained her transition from a casual rider to making her 15-mile roundtrip commute by bike at least three days a week.

From all my interactions with Liz, today’s release does not exaggerate when it states “Robert, 56, says that biking has changed her life. She approaches a business trip now with the minimalist mindset of a cyclist and has learned it makes a big difference to the bike shop owners that she, as the owner of Terry Bicycles, shows up to hear their point of view -on a bike, no less. Read more details below about Robert’s tour of bike shops in Boston next Thursday and Friday. Her personal recount of the San Diego and NY Rail Trail shop hops can be found at the Terry Peloton community site”

On the evening of Sunday, July 10, I was bicycling on a dirt road in Berlin, VT. I had just passed over a stretch of rough “washboard” when I heard a car approaching rapidly behind me. I then heard a horrible crunching, crushing sound as the car hit the washboard while going too fast. In fear, I pulled off the road and looked over my left shoulder to see the car leave the road just behind me, tear up the turf, and rip off its rear bumper. The car then passed me, dragging its bumper, before two young male occupants hopped out and stuffed the bumper in the back seat. Over the next 15 minutes, the driver pulled over as I cycled by and then passed me two more times. Once, the car came very close and the passenger screamed at me while the driver leaned on the horn. The next time, the passenger hung his naked rear end out the window.

I reported this repeated harassment to a Berlin police officer, who appreciated hearing the details of what happened to me. I was told that the same driver on the same evening had hit a mailbox and almost hit a little girl who was bicycling. The driver was cited for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. His car was impounded and the police had obtained a warrant to search the vehicle. They were pleased to know about the location of the car leaving the road and the debris left behind, including the foam liner of the bumper.

I gave a signed statement to the police and requested that the driver be charged with violating the Safe Passing law, which took effect one year ago. I shared copies of the law and the penalties because the officer was not aware of this law. I asked to testify in court about my unfortunate experience and I offered to provide a training, on behalf of the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, to the Berlin police department that would cover this law and much more. The officer made copies of the documents for posting and was very interested in the training opportunity.

If you, while bicycling, walking, running, riding a horse, etc. on Vermont’s roads, have experienced harassment from a motorist, please report what happened to you and let the police know that you would like the motorist to be cited for violating the “Safe Passing” law. By doing so, you are assisting law enforcement and you are helping to protect others from experiencing what you experienced or worse. If you ignore this kind of behavior on the part of drivers, it will continue. Don’t tolerate it. You, as the victim, are a credible witness. Please speak up and save lives! Thank you.

You can find the text of the Safe Passing law on the home page of the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition web site: www.vtbikeped.org

Bravo to tour organizers Chris and Melissa, and all their amazing volunteers!

Watch Vermont Farm Tour’s Facebook page for more photos.

Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI), Victoria, BC, Canada will speak at a Burlington Planning and Zoning Department event that is kicking off their downtown and waterfront planning process. Todd is the founder and Executive Director of the VTPI and has worked on numerous studies that evaluate transportation costs, benefits and innovations. He his part of the team currently working on the Transportation Study for the City’s planning project and has graciously agreed to participate in this Speaker Series.

VTPI is an independent research organization dedicated to developing innovative and practical solutions to transportation problems. Their research is among the most current available and has been widely applied. VTPI helps clients:

• Identify better solutions to transportation problems, including some approaches that are frequently overlooked or misunderstood.
• Identify the full benefits, costs and equity impacts of alternative transportation policies and programs.
• Compare and evaluate alternatives.
• Create a bridge between theory and practice.

Come hear Todd’s expert perspectives!

This event is listed on Local Motion’s online calendar at:

http://www.localmotion.org/news/calendar?task=view_detail&agid=429&year=2011&month=7&day=13

Participating Shops: Alpine Shop, Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness, Old Spokes Home, North Star Sports and Skirack.  Kudos to Roger Frey from Earl’s Cyclery and Zandy Wheeler from Skirack who came up with this promotion!  Here’s the ad that will be running in area papers:

I teach bike safety education mostly to adults. Recently, it was a pleasure to address students in Luis Vivanco’s Bicycles, Globalization, and Sustainability course recently. I use the curriculum set out by the League of American Bicylists, which is based on John Forester’s principle that bikes fare best when they act like and are treated like vehicles.

The students want to go on field trips around the Burlington area, so it is a good idea to have them educated a bit on basic bike safety. These are good students. They have made it to higher education and they are good at learning complicated stuff. So bike safety would seem to be a breeze.

It was. We pretty quickly went over the basics of Vermont law, rules of the road, ABC Quick Check, skills you might need for safe riding and avoiding hazards.

In the discussion three scenarios came up which I want to present:

1. Riding on the sidewalk to avoid construction. A young man described a time when he was riding downtown and saw a line of cars stopped by a flagman. He rode up onto the sidewalk and passed the line and the construction. Was this OK? What rules should he follow?
2. That brought up another question, this time from a woman. Is it OK to ride as a pedestrian in the crosswalk during the pedestrian phase of a traffic light?
3. A rider who often carries his kids in a trailer behind his bike asked where should you position yourself in a bike lane that goes all the way to the intersection with a line of cars to your left.

Sometimes bikes do not act like other vehicles on the road. When is it OK to deviate from Forester’s principle? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Local Motion launched a new initiative this spring to loan bikes and resources to schools that want to teach bike skills to kids. This initiative is part of our BikeSmart program, which builds on a curriculum developed in collaboration with the Center for Health and Learning and the Vermont Safe Routes to School program.  Three schools — ADL Middle School in Essex Junction and Flynn Elementary and Edmunds Elementary in Burlington — have used our trailer and equipment so far.  The reaction from teachers and kids alike has been overwhelmingly positive!

Sixth graders at ADL Middle School honed their bike skills with help from Local Motion

Ruth McGowan and Ashley Stebbins, PE teachers at ADL Middle School, led off the season with a training for all 110 sixth graders at the school.  Students worked on smooth starts, anti lock braking, signals, helmet safety, bike basics and an obstacle course.  “We owe a huge thank you for this outstanding opportunity to Local Motion and their trailer filled with top quality kids’ bikes!” McGowan said.   “This is an outstanding opportunity for Vermont students to learn bike safety.  The equipment is excellent, the curriculum is provided, and it’s all free!”

In mid-May, the bikes went to Flynn Elementary in Burlington’s New North End.  Sarah Austin, the after-school site director at Flynn, built bike skills training into programming for the week.  “The program was wonderful!” Austin said.  ”What an amazing experience for everyone involved.” The bikes also went to Edmunds Elementary, where after-school staff were able to squeeze a few trainings in between the rainshowers.

Many thanks to MVP Health Care, exclusive business sponsor of Local Motion’s BikeSmart program for 2011.  Their support made this spring’s “loaner” program possible.

Thanks also to the many other partners who helped launch this program in 2010 and continue to support it now, including:  VTrans, Fletcher Allen Health Care, Kohl’s Cares for Kids, the Vermont Health Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Skirack, Maaco of South Burlington, Airbrush Ron, and CCTA.

As part of the Safe Streets project, Local Motion is teaming up with some of Vermont’s top cyclists to promote riding by the rules of the road.  We’re working with the “Tuesday Night Worlds” ride, a fast-paced ride that starts in South Burlington and circles through Shelburne and Charlotte every Tuesday evening after work.  Our goal is to support ride leaders as they work to make this ride a model for how cyclists and motorists can each get where they are going — and get along with each other in the process.

Bobby Bailey orients cyclists about ride etiquette

About 40 riders showed up on May 24, which was our kick-off event.  Bobby Bailey, a cycling coach and regular participant in the Tuesday ride, emphasized the importance of holding to a tight double pace line (that is, no more than two riders abreast) for the first few miles until the group got out onto quieter country roads.  He also made it clear that they would be stopping as a group at stop signs and crossing together so as to minimize their impact on traffic flow.

“This ride can be pretty competitive,” Bailey said.  “People get in race mode, and all they focus on is keeping up with the guy in front of them.”  The best way to make sure that riders stop for stop signs, he explained, is to set the ride up so that everyone agrees to stop. That way, riding by the rules doesn’t make a rider fall behind the pack, and stopping becomes the norm.

Officer Josh Flore and riders listen to the pre-ride orientation

Officer Josh Flore of the Shelburne Police Department joined the group at the start of the ride to talk about safe and respectful riding.  He then met the riders at Irish Hill Road and Mount Philo Road in Shelburne, a busy intersection where riding by the rules is especially important.  “The riders did great,” he said.  “They stopped just like they should and then moved through fast.”

Starting June 6, Local Motion will be running ads on The Point family of radio stations about respectful riding, driving, and walking.  Listen for the ads, then visit our website at www.safestreetsVT.org for more info and resources!

Many thanks to the Vermont Governor’s Highway Safety Program, which is the lead funder of the Safe Streets project.

Thanks to August First, the Skirack, and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program for helping Local Motion host this event!

2008: VT 17th
2009: VT 23rd
2010: VT 34th
2011: VT 15th

There are many reasons for the improvement.  The VT Bike & Pedestrian Coalition helped pass the “Safe Passing” bill last legislative session.  Local Motion has geared up our Safe Streets activities in Chittenden County.  Burlington officials overhauled their cycling ordinances last year to include a 3′ passing law.  VTrans continues to improve internal processes including bike/pedestrian counts on sidewalks and trails around the state.

We expect to improve VT’s 2012 ranking too as we’ve had many recent successes — a passage of a statewide Complete Streets bill (thanks AARP), a bike parking bill at state buildings (thanks VBPC), and VTrans is poised to reopen the state’s Bike & Pedestrian Program to new projects (after being suspended for seven years).  Let’s do more so that we can crack the Top 10 in 2012!

The League of American Bicyclists coordinates the Bike Friendly States ranking.  The Bicycle Friendly State Program is generously supported by program partners Bikes Belong and Trek Bicycle.

Maglianero Café — Opening May 27
47 Maple Street, Burlington (around back)
M-Th 7-4; Fri 7-7; and Sat and Sun 8-4

Michael Jager, JDK Chief Creative Officer and founder of Maglianero, describes the café as a “farm-direct, handcrafted” coffee house, a commuter cycling hub, and a community gathering space. Maglianero also will offer a line of cycling apparel designed with the year-round commuter cyclist in mind.

Michael and his design team have created the ‘Modern Mobility Movement’ around the trend toward alternative forms of transportation that seek to mitigate the environmental damage caused by fossil fuels, fight high gasoline prices, and provide healthful exercise all at the same time.

Michael noted, “Burlington is one of the leading cities in the country in being a center of cycling and environmental consciousness. It is the perfect place to launch the Modern Mobility Movement and the Maglianero Café and the apparel brand. We are hoping this catches on in other similarly progressive cities.”

It will serve a variety of handcrafted, sustainably sourced, farm-direct coffees and teas, along with fresh pastries.  Coffees and teas will be provided by Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea of Waterbury, Vt. The café will offer a bike wash, commuter shower facilities, and a cycle-repair area. Maglianero’s manager is well-known barista Jesse Bladyka.

For more info, contact: Michael Jager at 802-864-5884.  Thanks JDK Design!

When you first arrive at the Trail Finder, you are presented with a map showing trails from across the entire state. This can be great when you are initially searching our database – you want to see all of the hiking and biking opportunities available – but more than likely you’ll start zooming into your particular region. The next time you return to the site, you’ll have to repeat that process of zooming and panning the map, but here’s a quick way to save some time.

From the home page, click the orange “Locate” tab at the bottom left of the map. Here you’ll find a way to center the map at either your address or at your current location (which some browsers are able to detect). When you do this, the map will zoom to that location and show you any trails that are nearby. You can pan and zoom the map in or out as needed to get a better view. When you find a location that you want to return to next time you visit, click Save next to “Default location”. Voila!

We hope this simple feature makes your navigation experience easier. Give it a try and see what you think.

Got a feature you like or a new idea that could enhance the site? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or connect with us on Twitter.

Marc Sherman and Mike Donahue, the visionary owners of Outdoor Gear Exchange, have just opened up an expanded retail store in the old Woolworth’s / Old Navy space on Church Street in downtown.  Check out the recent Free Press story.  Give it up for Marc and Mike!

One week after Skirack owners opened up a Patagonia store on Bank Street, downtown is yet again showing the importance of the outdoor recreation industry to our economy.  Marc started the Outdoor Gear Exchange on Main Street in 1995 near the Flynn Theater.  OGE’s growth has outgrown two locations since then and the basement of their new store will handle the company’s growing internet sales.

OGE’s new home finally is able to accommodate their wide selection of new and consigned outdoor equipment, clothing, footwear and so much more.  OGE supports Local Motion and many other area non-profit organizations with their nickle-per-bag fundraiser and their annual Eco-Fest.

Local Motion salutes Marc, Mike and all the local outdoor business leaders who have committed to growing their business in our region.  With such great local businesses, who needs REI?!

Flooding at Oakledge Park 5/5/11

Flooding at Wastewater Facility 5/5/11

Winooski River Bridge 4/29/11

While New Spin 360 specializes in creating high-quality virtual tours for many businesses in the area, they also try to capture the breadth of Vermont’s natural landscape. I’d say they do a pretty good job. Check out more of this stunning imagery from the trail and other locations at newspin360.com/champlainflood2011.php.

Spike Clayton enjoys opening night!

157 Bank Street, Burlington

Lake Champlain’s record high water has damaged many sections of Vermont’s most popular multi-use trail. Time will tell how bad the damage will be. Local Motion is working with trail managers to secure FEMA funding so repairs can be made.  Stay tuned.

More pictures/tweets: sent in photos of the Causeway. David Jacobowitz sent in the photo from Windemere Way. Thanks all! More photos here. Submit your photos to todd@localmotion.org.  Thanks to Annie Follett (Annie Bikes), Phelps Holloway, Cathy Frank and Diane Leyden, David Jacobowitz, Azur Moulaert, Rosemary Zamore and many others who have submitted photos.

Videos: Witness the damage in these two videos here and here from Diana Hanks and Rosemary Zamore.

5/30 UPDATE: After the lake level hit an all-time high of 103.2 feet, Vermont continues to get more rain. The lake is currently at 102.8 feet. 10 miles of the trail are still open and rideable, however certain sections are closed:

• The section between the Water Treatment Plant and Perkins Pier continues to be underwater and is not passable.
• A portion of Windemere Way near Delta Park and the Fish & Wildlife Boat Access is underwater. A short detour along Horizon View Road will reconnect you with Windemere Way and the trail.
• The Colchester side of the Causeway has been closed from the Law Island Bridge north to the end.
• Across the Cut on the South Hero side, the surface has been eroded severely and it is extremely dangerous to bike there.

All other portions of the trail are still open and passable. See photos and maps below.

Photos: Click here for a full photo album

Maps: Closed portions of trail are highlighted in yellow

"Single Track, Intervale" 30" x 30" oil on board

Moving to Vermont in 1985, I was anxious to discover new places and see what Burlington had to offer. It was summer and I found myself in the Intervale with the most amazing roadside crop of blackberries I had ever seen. Pies came in abundance that August and my curiosity for the Intervale continued to grow. What’s not to love about this space? 350 acres within our city limits and 15 organic, sustainable farms. Eating local produce and seeing it served in our public schools makes me proud of this city. Beginning in Spring, I like to bike the single track and see the fields turn green. Winter brings cross country skiing with groomed trails by Local Motion. Every day I am down there, I appreciate this fertile land and what it offers visually. To produce a new body of work from this place was an obvious choice for this exhibit. “Into the Intervale” will feature oil paintings of the farms, trails and river. I am proud to be showing the work at the SEABA Center on Pine Street (next to Speeder’s) for the month of June. An opening reception will be held Friday night, June 3rd, from 6-8. Later in the month, a gallery talk will take place on WED June 15 at 7:00.

Got questions for Katharine? Contact her at kmmstudio@gmail.com

• High school student participation in physical activity: 17th
• Percentage of Children (10-17) who are overweight or obese: 9th
• Percentage of adults who are overweight or obese: 6th
  
• Per capita deaths due to heart disease: 4th

Yes, Vermont scores better in other health criteria, but we need to do a better job of getting all residents active.   It’s time to develop comprehensive strategies to help get Vermonters moving.   Local Motion is proud to be working on these important areas.  Contact us to get involved!

Check out their great website here — it’s got details of their planning, their bikes and their route.  During the trip, they will update the site with all of their news.

Good luck you two!  We’re just a little jealous.

http://2cycle2gether.com/

News Alert – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rose Getch, Public Affairs & Marketing Manager

(802) 864-CCTA or rose@cctaride.org

CHITTENDEN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

LINK BUSES WELCOME BACK BIKES

March 30, 2011 – The Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) is pleased that the headlights on all of the LINK buses have been reconfigured so that bikes may once again ride the LINK buses to and from Middlebury, Montpelier, and Saint Albans.

“Safety comes first at CCTA, and when there is a concern, we take immediate action.”  says Peter Aube, Maintenance Manager.  “When the LINK bus drivers had an issue this past January with bike racks blocking the LINK headlights, we researched, reconfigured, and road tested until we were sure that the safety issue had been resolved.”

Walking or biking to and from the bus adds up to a great way to commute for work, play, or everyday appointments while decreasing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.  CCTA thanks you for making a difference when you choose to ride.

The mission of CCTA is to operate safe, convenient, accessible, innovative and sustainable public transportation services in the Chittenden County region that reduce congestion and pollution, encourage transit oriented development and enhance the quality of life for all.

###

Rep. Jason Lorber (D-Burlington) is working with the VBPC to pass a bicycle parking bill (H.307).  Rep. Lorber needs to hear from bicyclists so that he can demonstrate to fellow members of the House Institutions Committee that, indeed, good quality bicycle parking for employees and visitors should be provided at state buildings.  The House Institutions Committee is expected to act very soon.  An email message from you sent asap to Rep. Lorber is key to advancing this bill into law.

If you are a resident of Burlington, your message at this time would be especially helpful.

Please send a message to JLorber@leg.state.vt.us and include your full name and town of residence.  List H.307 in the subject line and cc Nancy@VTBikePed.org  A short message expressing your support for H.307 is sufficient.  The actual bill can be found here:  http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2012/Bills/Intro/H-307.pdf

Please forward this message to other members of the bicycling community.  Thank you.

You can contact Nancy at nancy@vtbikeped.org.

The 11th annual National Bike Summit had it’s largest attendance, 750 people Advocating for Bicycle Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and Recreational Trail programs.  In attendance from Vermont, was Patrick Kell Ex. Dir. VMBA, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Dr. Luis Vivanco, UVM, and Roger Frey, owner, Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness. Also attending as a Seminar presentor was Mrs. Holly Knox, of Stockbridge, of the US Forest Service.

The summit provides attendees education in all areas of bicycle usage, and the processes necessary for federal and state assistance/partnerships. Also,presentations from Sec of Transportation, Ray Lahood, and Sec Ken Salazaar highlighted the event co-ordinated by the League of American Bicyclists.

Vermont is fortunate to have our three members of Congress behind appropriations for bicycle programs as stated above.  We met with Congressman Peter Welch, and key staffer Mary Sprayragen, Mr. Greg Cota, Transportation staff planner for Senator Leahy and Mr. David Cohen, Staff Assistant to Senator Sanders.

Vermont’s key areas of need include funding for improvements of the Colchester Causeway and Burlington Bike Path.  The 3 attendees also advocated for LVRT, 93 mile cross Vermont multi-use recreational path from Swanton to St.Johnsbury.  Ongoing trail programs in Waterbury/Stowe, Ascutney and greater Middlebury area were discussed.  US Forest Service has recently granted VMBA a grant for trail development in the Moosalamoo National Recreational Area.

Bicycle usage and bicycle tourism continues to increase. Citizen support and funding is sorely needed to meet this growing demand.  Vermont’s position in New England, as a vacation destination for the ‘Great Outdoors’ is the niche we must continue to develop.  Bicycle Tourism is fast becoming a leading economic engine of our state’s tourism revenue base.

Submitted by Roger Frey, Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness

Streets and sidewalks are full of snow and the buses aren’t running yet today. If you are not among those lucky enough to tele-commute from home, it looks like walking to work might be your best option. You could also try xc sking, sledding, or kitestorming to get there! Good luck out there, folks.

Thanks to AARP for leading this important charge.  The update below was in AARP’s recent e-newsletter.  Local Motion is an active supporter of this effort.  Contact us to get involved!

With the active support of some 45 partner organizations around the state, AARP Vermont is leading a campaign to pass Complete Streets legislation that will improve safety and access for pedestrians and other users of Vermont roadways.  H.198 was introduced earlier this month, and would change transportation policy to ensure that the needs of all users – older drivers, bicyclists, transit riders, and people of all ages and abilities – are considered and accommodated in state and locally managed transportation projects.

Complete Streets is a key element of AARP’s transportation policy agenda because it provides older people with a variety of options for getting around. We know that Vermont is getting older – by 2030 the number of people 65 and older will almost double to about 25% of the population.

Research shows that as people age they drive less or stop driving all together. According to national research one in eight persons 50 or older and one in five persons 65 and older do not drive. Non-drivers make less than half the number of trips made by drivers and are six times as likely as drivers to frequently or occasionally miss doing something because they don’t have transportation.

When it comes to walking, 2 in 5 Americans age 50+ say their neighborhood sidewalks are inadequate.  Nearly half cannot cross main roads close to their home safely, preventing many from walking, cycling or taking the bus.

Despite our aging population and the need to provide more transportation options, two-thirds of transportation planners and engineers say they have yet to begin addressing older people in their street planning.

It is important that we take action now, according to Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur, Associate State Director of AARP Vermont. “Vermont’s population is older than most and as people get older they drive less or hang up the keys altogether,” she said. “This life change can mean a lower quality of life, less independence and isolation if alternative ways of getting around are not available.”

We need your help to pass the Complete Streets bill! Burlington Representatives Johanna Donovan, Jason Lorber, Chris Pearson, Kesha Ram, Rachel Weston, Suzi Wizowaty, and Kurt Wright are co-sponsors of the bill. Please thank them for their support of this bill and encourage other legislators to join them in support of Complete Streets.

Yes, Burlington’s pedal-powered delivery service One Revolution is starting a pilot project to provide weekly food waste pick-up (and finished compost product return) by bicycle.

Tuesday February 15 marks the start of sign-up for their new compost pilot program utilizing One Revolution Cargo bikes and crew!  Service begins March 15, 2011.

This is your chance to not only reduce the amount of waste being trucked to landfill, but to reduce the amount of fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to truck this waste to landfill or industrialized compost facilities.

Revolution Compost uses bicycles to provide this year-round service and recycles your kitchen scraps into rich organic compost.

How it Works:

For a one-time start-up fee, One Revolution will provide you with a 3 gallon kitchen bin and compostable bag liners. Click here for details: Kitchen Container and Bio-bags.  Bio-bags are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute and are accepted locally.

Your initial fee also includes a Rubbermaid 18 gallon sealed outdoor bin, labeled by us for Revolution Compost pick-up, for collection of bags and pick-up by us!

Each week with One Revolution bikes, and trailer in tow, they pick-up the filled compostable bags from their designated outdoor bin left by you on your porch or designated outdoor pick-up spot. For every 12 bags of food waste picked up by One Revolution you receive one free 20 ounce bag of Intervale Compost delivered to your door! For a detailed description of the fees click here: Fees

Pilot program pick-up is scheduled for pick-up on Tuesdays between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.  You need only identify a spot for placement of the outdoor bin for pick-up and One Revolution will take care of the rest.

One Revolution will bring your compostable waste to places that want to make lots of compost. We return finished compost to you!

http://www.7dvt.com/2011carshare-vermont

We need to ask a small favor. We’re trying to woo someone, but we want to be subtle about it. You see, we think they’re really cool and we want them to think we’re cool, too. But how can we tell them?

So we had this idea. We’d ask all of our friends to post on Twitter or Facebook this one message and get a real buzz built up. Then, and only then, will we get their attention.

Who is this special someone, you ask? We have our eyes on Spike Advertising, those fun marketing gurus right here in Burlington. We like their work. Plus they are offering $50K worth of professional services to one worthy non-profit, and well, we want to be the one.

So here’s the idea:

If you’re on Twitter, post the following:

Psst, hey @Spike_ad. I think someone is trying to get your attention: http://ow.ly/3PUud #btv #woothespike

Or on Facebook, Like their page and say something about why you think Local Motion deserves to win their favor.

Thanks everyone. This really means a lot

UPDATE: Our little serenade is going surprisingly well. Thanks to everyone who has helped out so far (click here for the stream). We’re not sure if they really hear us yet, so let’s keep this going. Please pass the message on to friends using Facebook, RTing, walkie-talkies, anything. We’ll do whatever it takes to win them over! Thank you!

UPDATE2: The Young Writers Project has challenged us to a duel! We’re just two of 37 other applicants to the Gone Good grant. Don’t let this stop us! Keep spreading the word!

While the recent snow has covered up the ice on Vermont’s lakes, there will more opportunities to skate soon.  Up on Cary Bay in North Hero, for example, they plow a great skating track.  Try it out during the Great Ice in Grand Isle celebration for the next three weekends.  There are skate rentals at Hero’s Welcome.

Want to skate other places?  Find the best ice on Lake Champlain and other Vermont lakes through this listserve.  It’s also a good place to find a skating buddy or two.

Skating on Vermont’s lakes can be a fun and safe activity…as long as you are smart.  Go in groups, bring a few critical pieces of gear and please follow a few simple guidelines.

Thanks to Jaime Hess of Nordic Skater for helping to get people excited to skate on Vermont’s lakes!

In late January, the VT Agency of Transportation announced that Local Motion’s Bike Ferry was awarded its third $300,000 Transportation Enhancement Grant!

This is a major step forward for our proposed $1.3 million causeway rehabilitation and Bike Ferry improvement project.  We now have two-thirds of the funds raised.  A private ‘Bike Ferry Campaign’ will likely be launched later this year that will seek to secure the remaining funds.

The Bike Ferry closes the final 200′ gap in the spectacular 14-mile Island Line Trail.  We cannot expand the popular but limited Bike Ferry service without improvements.  Our current boats are not suited for daily operation.  We have no wave attenuators (floating breakwaters) to safely board passengers in high wave conditions.

With the improvements, we expect to run the ferry 70+ days a season and board over 26,000 passengers.

Want to help expand ferry service? Contact Bike Ferry Manager Brian Costello at 802-316-6382.

About a decade after Essex Junction Bicycles closed up shop, Royal is bringing their quality repairs and BMX bike excitement to the village.  Royal Cycles opened in 2006 on King Street on Burlington waterfront.  Visit Jason, his son Jack, and the rest of the crew at their new location.

ROYAL CYCLES
15 B Maple Street
802-871-3100

The bike culture has been growing in Essex Junction lately. Volunteers like Kahlil Zaloom are working to build a BMX bike park.  See the Burlington Free Press news brief.

Do you want to help Essex Junction build a bike culture?  Contact Kahlil Zaloom or Essex Trails Committee Chair Bob Erickson.

“Reduce, reuse, recycle.” How many times have you heard that slogan? It is what we try to do at Bike Recycle Vermont – “recycle” is in the name, after all. We’re pretty conscious about what we save and what we throw out, trying to keep our environmental impact and budget low.

But while recycling our waste may be a better alternative than sending it straight to the landfill, the recycling process still takes an incredible amount of energy and resources. We have two bins in the shop designated for metal recycling, and they fill up about once a month. Before we cart them off to Chittenden Solid Waste, I look at the cables, sprockets, shifters, and other parts spilling over the side of the bins, and I think, “there’s gotta be something better in your future, shifter cable.”

It is with more emphasis on the “reduce, reuse,” end of the slogan that we introduce the concept of “upcycling” in Bike Recycle Vermont’s Upcycling Workshop/Bike Craft Circle series. Upcycling is, according to Wikipedia, “the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.” This means we take old, broken bike parts and give them new lives as wind chimes, bracelets, and more.

Some impromptu upcycling sessions and the creativity of volunteers has yielded tire belts, tube purses and wallets, toilet paper holders made from forks, chain link earrings, spoke bracelets, and more. I’m currently working on a chandelier made from two different sized wheels that are taco’d beyond repair, using cogs to make lampshades and stringing chain links around the perimeter of the rims for decoration.

It seems like a novelty, but the kicker is that many of the items are totally functional and useful! Each item is proof that it just takes a little bit of time and resourcefulness to save things from the dump and make something special.

I’ll be running upcycling workshops in January on Thursday nights from 6PM to 8PM at Bike Recycle Vermont. These are both workshops and craft circles. There will be a short demo where I show how to make a particular item. People may choose to use the remainder of the time  either make the item from the demo or play with bike parts and fashion something from their own imagination. People can also work on a project of their own, feeling free to harvest materials from our metal recycling bins. Check out Local Motion’s event calender to find out what I’ll be demonstrating each workshop .

Have any ideas for items to be made? Let us know!

We’re hoping that with increased volunteer upcycling and consistent workshops, we may be able to produce enough goods to sell at the summer artist’s market, in the shop, or on the Local Motion website in order to benefit our programs. If you’d like to get your craft on to benefit Bike Recycle Vermont, please contact Christine at (802) 264-9687 or email Christine@localmotion.org

a spoke bracelet, made by former Americorps*VISTA, Dan Hock

A business card holder made from a spoke, a length of chain, and two cable ends.

The beginnings of my chandelier, to be wired later today!

Photo credit: RYAN MERCER, Burlington Free Press

Vermont forests were hard hit after last Wednesday’s windstorm. Many people were left without power and otherwise sturdy stands of trees were toppled in some areas. We’ve received reports from a couple trail managers that windblown trees are now blocking access to their trails. John Hamerslough of the Richmond Trails Committee says that 30-40 trees are down along the Warren & Ruth Beeken River Shore Trail. The Camels Hump Nordic Ski Area has also been hit hard, and volunteers are scrambling to get things cleaned up before too much more snow comes down. What other trails have been hit?

Volunteers are needed to help! Contact your local trail manager to see if they need help. Always check with them before doing any major clearing. If you are in Richmond, contact John Hamerslough at hamerslo@gmavt.net to help. If you are in Huntington, contact Dave Brautigam at davebrautigam@gmavt.net. Don’t know your trail manager? Search for any trail at http://trailfinder.info and find contact info along the righthand side.

She talked persuasively about barriers to get more people cycling, the health benefits and innovative on-road treatments such as ‘bike boxes’.

If you missed her presentation, check out her compelling presentation by clicking here or on the presentation on the right.  Thank you Jennifer!

Do you want Bixi in Burlington or do you have ideas? Email Chapin.

Bixi representative Kevin Grant shows off the docking system.

Sustainability Director Christina Erickson at Champlain College tries out a Bixi bike.

Bryan Davis from the CCMPO tries out a Biki bike.

Erin Demers from Burlington DPW removes a Bixi bike from the docking station.

The crew prepares to leave from Burlington in the Local Motion van (donated by VBT).

For two decades, Roger has generously supported many local and national bicycle advocacy organizations.  Besides helping to grow Local Motion and also Fellowship of the Wheel (Chittenden County’s mountain biking organization), Roger has made it Earl’s hallmark to support almost every charity bike ride in this region of Vermont.  For these reasons and more, President of Trek Bicycles John Burke awarded Roger the Advocacy Leadership Award earlier this year.

All of us at Local Motion couldn’t be happier to see Roger’s tremendous generosity recognized!  However, in Roger’s true modest style, we didn’t even find out about the award until he quietly mentioned it to me this fall.  Roger, your passion for cycling, your commitment to bike advocacy, your remarkable persistence in recovering from your crash five years ago, and most of all, your humility and genuine fun-loving personality make you a real rock star in our book.  Thank you Roger!

Read Roger’s history in the April 2004 edition of Business People Vermont.

The Local Motion crew was greeted with an extra special treat this morning. Ian Stokes, a Local Motion member and active volunteer with the Richmond Trails Committee, brought us a jar of homemade Causeway Grape Jelly! Who knew that wild grapes grew out on the trail? We didn’t, but we certainly can appreciate how delicious they are. Thanks, Ian!

Many thanks to Lisa Lagerquist for all her work as Safe Routes coordinator at Mallett’s Bay Elementary, as well as to Principal Julie Benay for being such a strong supporter of walking and biking and to school and Kathy Bonfigli for creating this great video.

Grand Opening November 13th for the Newly Renovated Southern Entrance!

There has been considerable progress made recently at the entrance to the ONE recreation path.  The view corridor has been created, the area has been paved, the water fountain is ready to go in, the benches have been installed, the handicapped access has been remedied, old fencing has been removed, and new fencing has been installed.  But perhaps most importantly, people are stopping at the entrance in amazement – at how good it looks and how much of an improvement it is from the past!

We should see the remainder of the project finished in October – including installation of the kiosk with interpretive material and wayfinding signage.

So, that means that it is time to celebrate this three year effort that has involved numerous volunteers and many city departments and advocacy organizations.  An official grand opening of the new and improved entrance to the ONE recreation path (future name TBD) will be held on Saturday, November 13th from 10am to 12:30 ish.  Final details are being determined, but the general flow of the mornings events is:

10 – 10:30 – speakers and ribbon-cutting

10:30 – 11:15 – group bike ride/walk on the path

11:15 – 12:30 ish – community pot luck and celebration

There will be educational and outreach material provided during the entire event. Put on your hats and sweaters and come celebrate with us!

Yesterday was a light volume day at Local Motion’s Trailside Center. We were busy with the many projects that get put on hold during the hectic summer months when Dee, a petite 85 year-old woman, shyly walked through our door. Marion greeted her with a smile and listened as the woman explained her reason for coming in.

“My son tells me that I am too old to ride a bicycle. He thinks that I should get a tricycle,” she said. “I don’t want a tricycle. I know that I can still ride a bicycle.”

She went on to tell Marion of her upbringing in Shanghai where the bike was her primary mode of transportation. She was determined that she could still ride and asked Marion if she could rent a youth bike to refresh the long dormant skills that had carried her in her youth.

Marion set her up on a single-speed bike with swept-back handlebars and a wide, supportive saddle. There was a wobble or two at first and Dee had to relearn the coaster brake, but soon she was off, pedaling down the bike path toward Waterfront Park. She wheeled through the adjacent parking lot, beaming with the satisfaction of once again gliding along on two wheels.

After 20 minutes she returned to the Trailside Center, prepared to pay the rental fee for the bike. Marion told her, “There is no fee. It is our gift to you.”

“No, no, I must pay you for the use of the bike,” Dee replied. “It’s not fair that I should not pay you.”

Marion smiled back and explained, “Now I know that you have a mother and I’m sure that your mother has told you that some things in life just aren’t fair. This is our gift. Please accept it from us.”

Dee thanked Marion profusely and walked toward the door, then turned and looked back.

“I cannot leave without giving you something,” she implored.

“You have brightened my day immeasurably,” Marion assured her. “That is your gift to me.”

Dee offered another thank you and walked out the door as Marion looked my way and it was evident that the pleasure derived from the encounter was truly immeasurable.

This morning, soon after opening the Trailside Center, Dee returned with a gift which she handed to Marion – a tub of Italian chocolates with a note that read, “For Marion, much appreciation. Thanks, Dee.”

She left with a promise to return and ride again, inspiration for us all.

Tim Mathewson & Ron Manganiello

Here we are at Millborne Farm with Nancy Schulz, Executive Director of the VT Bike/Ped Coalition and her partner, Anne.   One of Millborne Farm’s cows was conveniently grazing near the front door of the barn for an excellent cyclists’ photo op.

Charlene, Leah, Anne, Nancy, & a cow

The food was great:  bites of butternut, acorn, and hubbard squash cooked with butter and maple syrup; freshly made ice cream; maple coated walnuts and maple sugar maple leaves; apples and cider; drinkable yogurt; artisan cheeses and sausage.  I hiked back into  Champlain Orchards for a bushel of Empire “drops” to bring home for sauce. They fit nicely into my pair of “grocery bag” panniers –1/2 a bushel on each side. I figured it didn’t hurt to make the ride a little more challenging.  We’ve made several quarts of sauce from them this past week.

We were entertained by bands both at Champlain Orchards and again at the Shoreham town green, where a harvest festival was taking place upon our return.  It was a beautiful day for a great ride that benefited Rural Vermont, the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, and the Addison County Relocalization Network.

Leah & the band at Champlain Orchards

Gazebo at the Shoreham Village Green

The first action was on Willard Street on the Champlain campus, where there are chronic problems with pedestrians not using crosswalks as well as with cars not stopping for pedestrians who do use the crosswalks.  Local Motion volunteers handed out “citations for good behavior” plus a two-for-one Ben & Jerry’s cone coupon to pedestrians who used the crosswalk, and gave everyone who passed our “Give Respect, Get Respect” brochure, which includes a $6 coupon for discounts on safety gear at local outdoor shops.  Meanwhile, police pulled over motorists who sailed through the crosswalk when a pedestrian was waiting to cross, and gave out a number of warnings and tickets.

The second was at Main Street and University Heights, at the top of the hill on the UVM campus.  This high-volume intersection is dangerous for everyone, with cars regularly going through the red light and pedestrians crossing at all times.  Volunteers handed out the same information to pedestrians and cyclists as at Champlain, and officers focused on motorists who ran a red light or otherwise endangered other users of the road.  Local Motion is working with UVM and others to identify structural changes to this intersection as well as modifications to the timing and sequencing of the crossing signals that, taken together, will make the intersection safer for everyone.

Special thanks to Corporal Dominic Brodeur of the Burlington Police Department and Officer Matt Collins of the UVM Police Department for their leadership and their time.  Without their efforts, intersection actions would not be possible.  Thanks also to Luis Vivanco, UVM professor and avid cyclist, who organized the intersection action at UVM; as well as to Rich Long, director of campus public safety at Champlain College, who collaborated in the event and recruited student volunteers.

With the help of our local Safe Streets Teams, we are currently working on organizing intersection actions in other Chittenden County communities.  If you live in South Burlington, Essex, Winooski, or Shelburne and are interested in helping make your community’s streets safer for everyone, please join us!  Contact Jason Van Driesche at jason@localmotion.org or 861-2700 ext. 109.

The Safe Routes to School program is on hiatus this fall while the state redesigns the program.  However, we hope to be back in gear first thing in 2011, and look forward to working with Eastern Mountain Sports and our many other partners to continue building a culture of walking and biking to school!

It was thought provoking for me to consider – rather than take for granted – how much space we dedicate to the support of cars, and to think about some of the choices we make for how we use our land. In Burlington, downtown is supported by people who come to shop and eat whether they come on foot, or by bike, bus or car.  We need to include all modes of getting around!

Here’s a summary of some of the most important changes:

• In addition to a white light on the front of the bike, nighttime cyclists are now required to have a red light on the back
• Motorists must give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing
• Cyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and recreation paths and must give an “audible signal” when passing
• Bikes are now defined as “non-motorized vehicles” rather than “play vehicles”

Here’s a link to a document outlining all the bike-related provisions of city and state law, both before and after the recently approved changes.

Many thanks to volunteer Will Flender, who put many hours into drafting the changes and advocating for their passage.  Will, you’re a champ!

Here’s the deal. We’ll giveaway the following for this week’s drawing:

~ 2-for-1 ferry coupons for EVERYONE who signs-up*
~ Refer a friend and get an additional ferry coupon
~ 4 winners each get a pair of Local Motion socks
~ 1 lucky winner gets a Technical Running Shirt, featuring artwork by Katharine Montstream

The only rule this time is that each registrant needs to join our social network. Either become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, then fill out this entry form so we know where to send the coupon. Already connected to us? Just fill out the form and you’re good to go.

Enter to win anytime between now and Thursday at 5pm. We’ll mail you the coupons in time to use during the final three days of ferry service – Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10am-6pm.

Thanks for playing and please spread the word to your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Everybody wins!

*Can’t ride the ferry this weekend? No problem, the coupons are valid next season, too.

Yes, it’s true. With Burlington’s bike culture growing, each year there is a bigger bike scene at the Art Hop.  For the past two years, the bike scene has centered around JDK on Maple Street.  This year the scene heads south to Select Design (180 Flynn Avenue) for “Crank“.  It’s a great show featuring new bike art from South Hero artist Stephan Bumbeck.   Stephan had a successful show at Red Square 4 years ago.  Click here for all the details.

Additionally, all the professional designers at Select Design will be making limited edition bike art prints that will be for sale at the Art Hop ($20+).  Half the proceeds will go to Local Motion.  Thank you Select Design! Stop by and check out the custom prints.

Friday, September 10, 5:30pm – ?

Saturday, September 11, 10am to 4pm

Finally, don’t forget to ride your bike to the Art Hop.  There will be secure bike parking by the Maltex Building thanks to volunteers Stu Lindsay and Phil Hammerslough. Happy Hopping!

Click here for more info on Crank.

Pedal on down!

A Stefan Bumbeck Painting

“She’s done a great job” remarked Julia Kirby in Burlington’s Lakeside neighborhood.  “When she came through last week, all my neighbors came running out of their houses.  I think she sold five loaves on my street alone.”

To find out about when Christine will be in your neighborhood, email her at christine at localmotion.org.

Thanks Christine for being the latest person to meld Burlington’s thriving bicycle culture with a local business endeavor!

August First, 149 South Champlain St, Burlington, (802) 540-0060

Vermont Living More Sustainably Pledge

To the extent possible and applicable I pledge that within the next three to five years:

1. If a homeowner I will install a solar electrical generating system and/or a solar hot water system.

2. I will grow at least some of my own food, even if it is just a container on the porch or deck; and to purchase as much as possible of the rest of my food from local food growers and producers.

3. If a homeowner I will have a home energy audit and insulate my home, as indicated, to high standards; and to conserve energy in other ways.

4. I will do my driving as much as possible in a car that that gets an average of at least 35 miles per gallon.

5. I will walk, bicycle, or use public transportation as much as possible.

6. I will take most of my vacations within a day’s drive of home to avoid driving long distances or flying by jet plane; and, if I must go long distances for any reason I will also consider taking a train.

7. If (as either a male or female) I have not as yet had children I will replace myself no more than once.  If I have already had a child or children, then I will support my children or grandchildren in replacing themselves only once.

8. I will support with time and/or money an organization that promotes sustainability and/or family planning.

9. I will calculate my ecological footprint and then based on the results also put at least one other action into place. Try these sites: www.footprintnetwork.org, www.myfootprint.org, and www.footprintofnations.org.

10. I will tell some of my family, friends and colleagues that I have signed the pledge, encouraging them to do likewise.

To take this pledge go to the web site of Vermonters for Sustainable Population at www.vspop.org

Author David Herlihy spun a riveting story about Frank Lenz’s attempted 1892 bicycle trip around the world at Fletcher Free Library tonight.

80 cyclists packed the Fletcher Room to hear about this Pittsburgh man’s attempt to pedal his “safety bicycle” 20,000 miles across some of the most remote areas of the world over a century ago.  Despite his mother’s pleadings, Mr. Lenz embarked on this ambitious adventure…never to return.  Lenz, a writer and photographer, captured a unique view of the world in the late 19th century before vanishing in Turkey.

Mr. Herlihy’s presentation was recorded by RETN and will be online in the coming weeks.  The event was co-sponsored by the Old Spokes Home, Local Motion and the Fletcher Free Library.

After the presentation, many folks joined author David Herlihy at Stone Soup for a post event party (Chapin Spencer left, David Herlihey center, Glenn Eames right).   A birthday cake was brought out to celebrate the birthday of Old Spokes Home’s founder Glenn Eames.  Happy Birthday Glenn!

Catch the pedal-powered carousel at Outdoor Gear Exchange’s “Eco-Fest” at Burlington City Hall Park on August 28.  Volunteers needed!

Thank you to the South Hero Recreation Path Committee, Adele Dienno for putting together the super hero costumes, and the parade marshals for awarding us “The Second Best Bribe” for handing the judges free Bike Ferry passes!

Get involved!  Contact Laird MacDowell of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Committee.

The event will also include free carseat checks and ATV youth safety information.  It is sponsored by Kohl’s for Kids.  For more info, email jason@localmotion.org.

Local graphic designer, Ann Kiley, deserves mucho credit for volunteering her artistic services. She helped us pick new colors and revise the layout to make the site easier to use.

The move to a new, independent domain name comes after a year-long effort to expand the Trail Finder’s geographic scope. By collaborating with three other trail organizations, we now have a site that’s quickly becoming a statewide resource. Today, trail data from one of those collaborators, the Upper Valley Trails Alliance, went live to the site. In the coming weeks, we’ll also be rolling out data provided by the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission and the Rutland Area Physical Activity Coalition.

The new Trail Finder website is currently in “beta”, which you can preview here (the original Trail Finder can still be accessed here). We have several more exciting features that will be coming soon, so please stay tuned.

Your feedback is important! Please share your thoughts about the new site by emailing trails@localmotion.org.

Now, go find trails and make plans for National Trails Day!

But this June, “One Revolution” the most-ambitious and most-capitalized pedal powered delivery venture to date will begin.  Meet Mark Bromley, a 55-year-old architect, who has a vision for a regularly scheduled delivery service for produce, compost, and other items in the Burlington area.  See the Seven Days recent profile of Mark here. His twenty-something kids Sam and Anna and other young adults are pedaling and peddling as well.

If you need to have items picked up and dropped off on a regular cycle, give One Revolution a try!  Phone: 877-4BIKEVT  Email: onerevolutionVT@gmail.com Web: http://www.onevt.com

For quick one-time deliveries, try Crucial Couriers — another bike courier business in the Queen City.  Local Motion’s own Christine Hill helps deliver the goods.  Phone: 802-310-5075  Web: www.crucialcouriers.com

Among its many qualities, Portland, Oregon is well-known for its bicycle friendly culture. Whenever my travels take me through the city I set aside some time to seek out and observe key elements that contribute to that success. Yesterday, with several hours before our Amtrak train was scheduled to depart Portland’s Union Station, Marion and I decided to take a walk down Broadway in search of the city’s secrets to bicycling success.

Cycle Tracks

Last week, before departing Vermont, I’d read about a new concept being tested in downtown Portland. I was anxious to see them first hand. Cycle Tracks are bike lanes that are separated from motorized traffic by a lane of on-street parking and a marked buffer zone. Unlike other traffic separation schemes that isolate bike lanes within the greenbelt, Cycle Tracks cannot be mistaken for sidewalks. As a result, Cycle Tracks separate bicyclists from motorized traffic without incurring the intersection/driveway hazards that are so common with other types of off-street lanes (such as vehicles blocking bike lanes as they approach an intersection).

To facilitate left turns from the Cycle Track, green painted left-turn pads allow cyclists a space in which they are clear of thru-bike traffic. Cyclists wait on the pad for a break in motorized traffic before completing the left turn onto the cross street. The space for the pads is made possible by the width of the parking/buffer lane that runs between the Cycle Track and the other vehicle travel lanes.

Cyclists that I spoke with while in Portland tell me that it’s too early to tell how successful Cycle Tracks will be, but at first glance they seem like another step in the right direction.

Bike Boxes – Portland’s New Green Space

On some of the streets where bike lanes have been installed in the more traditional manner – between on-street parking and motorized travel lanes – painted green zones at the signalized intersections allow cyclists to proceed ahead of motorists through the intersection after a light change. When the light is red, motorists must stop behind the bike box and are not allowed to turn right-on-red at these intersections (while cyclists are).

Bicycle Activated Traffic Signals

At some of the city’s intersections bike-specific sensors have been placed in the roadway and marked with a symbol on the street. A cyclist can position oneself over the symbol to activate the signal.

Bike Specific Signage

In addition to traffic management schemes and pavement markings to improve the safety and efficiency of bicycle traffic, the City of Portland has installed a variety of signs for purposes such as of alerting motorists to the presence of bicyclists, directing cyclists through intersections, or estimating travel times by bike to various destinations.

Bike Parking

Bike parking was visible everywhere we walked in downtown Portland. Whether it be on-street spaces that have been dedicated to bikes, off-street racks along the sidewalks, or posts for locking up at the public transit stops, it was clear that bicycling is encouraged and occupies a prominent place in the Portland transportation network.

Enforcement – Bicyclists Included

Beyond the physical infrastructure that the city has invested in, one of the most noticeable aspects of the downtown Portland biking scene was the behavior of the cyclists themselves. Marion picked it up right away and we began watching every cyclist who passed us by. At lunch we took a seat next to an intersection on the Portland State University campus. Admittedly, it was midday on a Sunday and the volume of cyclists was not the same as one might find on a weekday during the school year, but bicyclists were still commonplace. Of all the riders we observed (including those we saw during the hours we walked) only one, yes, only one cyclist rolled through a red light. It was impressive. We saw cyclists stopping at stop signs, riding predictably in the travel lanes, signaling at intersections, etc. Wow! How have they accomplished that?

We stopped by a downtown bike shop, the Bike Gallery, a few blocks west of Broadway. I asked one of the staff at the store how the city has achieved such noticeably responsible behavior among its bicyclists.

“Enforcement,” he replied.

Gus told us that cyclists in Portland are given respect as a vehicle while at the same time they are held to the same standards as motorists when it comes to traffic laws.

“You run a light here and you’re going to get a $280 ticket,” he told us, “The same as a motorist.”

The police, he explained, do not hesitate to ticket cyclists for illegal behavior in Portland. He compared it with efforts in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, where police would periodically enforce the law when it comes to cyclists (a week of targeting a particular intersection, for instance), or in most communities where cyclists are rarely cited. In Portland, by contrast, a cyclist can expect a ticket for improper action at any time, just as the motorist can. If that’s the secret, I can say without hesitation that the impact is immediately apparent on Portland city streets.

Bicycling in Portland is Fun!

Pioneer Square is a well-used public space in the heart of Portland’s downtown. Upon our Sunday morning arrival in the city, we stopped at the park to pick up bicycling specific maps of the city. (There are several good ones produced by the Portland Bureau of Transportation.) Stepping out of the light rail car (free within the downtown), we were greeted by many laughing cyclists as they completed a race (of sorts) aboard “big wheel” tricycles on the square. Given the bicycle friendly culture we observed in Portland, adults in spandex and helmets shrieking with laughter on the trikes at the center of downtown seemed like something that could easily take place on any give day.

Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss, Burlington Business Association Director Kelly Devine and I offered our perspectives on Terry’s arrival.   Liz Robert, CEO of Terry, thanked the crowd for the great reception that the company has received.  Larry Kupferman, Director of the City’s Community & Economic Development Office, unveiled the new poster promoting the City as a hub for innovative businesses.

After the press conference, the enthusiastic crowd hopped on bikes and rode to Terry’s South End warehouse.  We received a quick tour and then headed back to lunch at Terry’s offices.

Thank you to the event organizers, Jon Adams-Kollitz from Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office, Peter Mellen of Terry Precision Bicycles, and Local Motion’s special events guru Adele Dienno.  Below, area cyclist Jared Katz chats with Liz Robert outside Terry’s warehouse.

The event was attended by many community leaders including: Michael Jager of JDK, City Councilor Joan Shannon, Earl’s Cyclery owner Roger Frey, Skirack co-owner Spike Clayton, Joan Denizot of Super Sized Cycles, Phelan Fretz of ECHO, North Star Sports owners Pat & Jay Miller, VT Bike/Pedestrian Coalition board member Bob McKearin and many more.

If you want to help make Burlington an even better city for walking and bicycling, get involved with Local Motion. You can join online here!

Boulder has a good transit center a block and a half off of the pedestrian mall that features:

• A heated indoor waiting area
• Public bathrooms
• A little store
• Ticket counter
• Real time bus arrival information
• Parking garage
• Covered bike racks and bike lockers

Passengers can wait inside or under the canopy while the screens provide real time bus info.

The extensive covered bike parking and bike lockers are well utilized by commuters.

Boulder has closed some low-traffic streets to create neighborhood parks and gardens — note how the sidewalks on the side continue through to maintain walking routes.

Boulder’s pedestrian mall has many features such as fountains, raised beds, bridges and kid play areas.  It is a wider street and they have less snow to contend with, but their landscaped street environment seems more intimate than Church Street’s straight 4-block corridor.

This kids rock and animal garden is a popular stop for kids on the street.

More pictures and analysis soon, but here are some of my initial take-aways:

1. Boulder has a downtown-wide “business improvement district” that enables their group to focus on improving all of downtown, not just their 4-block mall.  I believe Burlington could benefit from an active business district that encompassed more than just the Marketplace.
2. Boulder gives commuters incentive to free up parking. Parking revenues from the business district pay for all downtown employees to have a free transit pass.  Yup, it’s true.  62 percent of commuters regularly travel some other way than driving solo.  This frees up thousands of parking spaces for shoppers.
3. Seamless biking / walking network is a national model. 10% of commuters in Boulder go by bike –18 times the national average.  Paths, bike lanes and wide sides go everywhere.   I’ll post more pictures on this soon.

1. DAB. How slow can you go? Test your balance and steering abilities as you navigate within a circle of cones along with a dozen other riders.  If you “dab” your foot on the ground, you’re out — but don’t go anywhere! You become an obstacle that the remaining cyclists have to navigate around.
2. SLALOM. Are you Olympic material? Find out with our bike slalom course! It’s on flat ground, but you’ll still need all your cutting skills to take the corners without hitting a cone.
3. DOOR DODGE. When you’re on a bike, the last thing you want is to get “doored.” Ride down a mock bike lane on the alert for opening car doors — and learn how to dodge while staying cool and in control.
4. EMERGENCY STOP. Do you know how to stop in a hurry without going over the handlebars? Learn how the pros do it, and show off your stuff on our Emergency Stop Runway.

For more info about the festival overall, visit bicycleparty.wikispaces.com.

Kudos to Shelburne for their investment in walking and bicycling infrastructure.   Local Motion is hopeful that the Town will break ground on the Webster Road path this year as well.  For more information, contact Shelburne Rec Path Committee member Steven Antinozzi.

Commuting into work today, Local Motion staff experienced some vastly different weather conditions. Maybe it was the recent string of sunny weather that lulled us into thinking Summer was officially here. Indeed, it is still April and this is Vermont, after all!

Terry Bicycles, a new arrival in Burlington, and local design firm JDK are looking for women cyclists for an upcoming photoshoot. If you’re a women who rides for fun or fitness (or both) and wouldn’t mind earning some extra cash in exchange for your smile, check out their ad on Craigslist: http://burlington.craigslist.org/tlg/1703222708.html

We’re excited to see this active lifestyle company move to Vermont at a time when more women are getting involved with bicycling. Learn more at www.terrybicycles.com.

As part of Earth Day at Edmunds Elementary, Local Motion Director Chapin Spencer joined Edmunds parent Sue Donahue in an educational skit to teach kids the importance of turning off car engines when parked.  The duo presented to the elementary school kids during lunch.

Did you know that children breathe in more air by volume than adults do?  It’s true — because kids breathe more rapidly.  Did you know that transportation in Vermont produces half of the air pollutants in our state?  Do your part when parked, turn off your engine.  Thanks!

For more information on efforts to reduce idling in Burlington, contact Jennifer Green of the Burlington Legacy Project or you can visit the Idle Free Vermont webpage.

Why would someone embark on such a seemingly crazy ride? His motives are noble: to raise $10,000 for cancer awareness. And he’s not alone: hundreds of folks around the world take the so called “100 Miles to Nowhere” challenge. WCAX had this quote from Ben:

“The important thing to me here is not only am I raising money but I’m trying to raise awareness for the Lance Armstrong Foundation,” Kaufman said. I am doing it because I’ve got the backing of my friends, I’ve got the backing of all the people who have filled out these yellow flags. It’s a huge inspiration to see this stuff and it pushes me through.” (WCAX)

Ben’s ride is taking place this Saturday, 4/17. He’ll start his 575 lap journey at 6am. Everyone should stop by to root him on!

To donate to his effort, visit: http://austin2010.livestrong.org/benkaufman

You can also follow Ben Kaufman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bikecopVT

It’s time to gear up for the 2010 season. We are seeking cycling enthusiasts to run the bicycle rental operation, provide cycling advice and trail assistance to customers and bike path users, and assist Local Motion staff with other projects as needed. Our waterfront Trailside Center is a fun, fast-paced place to work.

Hourly wages – $10 – $11/hr; 16-30 hrs/week. Ability to work weekends required. Successful candidates will have familiarity with routine bicycle maintenance and the ability to convey information in a clear, enthusiastic manner. Burlington area cycling and trail knowledge strongly preferred. EOE. Click here for job description.

Send cover letter and resume to:

kevin@localmotion.org
Kevin Rose, Trailside Center Manager
1 Steele St. Suite 103
Burlington, VT 05401

On the heels of the National Bike Summit in DC, Dept of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced new policy guidance to better incorporate walkers and bicyclists into the nation’s transportation system.  Thank you to Local Motion’s members who have helped us speak out on Complete Streets policy over the years.  This is a major victory for us.

HERE’S AN EXCERPT FROM RAY LAHOOD’S ANNOUNCEMENT:

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2010/03/my-view-from-atop-the-table-at-the-national-bike-summit.html

Today, I want to announce a sea change. People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.

We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

To set this approach in motion, we have formulated key recommendations for state DOTs and communities:

• Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.
• Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.
• Go beyond minimum design standards.
• Collect data on walking and biking trips.
• Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.
• Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)
• Improve nonmotorized facilities during maintenance projects.

Now, this is a start, but it’s an important start. These initial steps forward will help us move forward even further.

LM Note: Please consider sending Secretary Ray LaHood a thank you message on his blog or writing your US Representatives to let them know you support this new direction.   Click here for other media coverage.

It’s great to have the list serv — I get a thrill out of following the escapades that get reported on it (though it’s nothing compared to the thrill of actually getting out on the on the ice!).   We had a record breaking skating year since there was such a long period without snow – over 5 weeks of skating in January and February 0n Mallet’s Bay and the Inland Sea (the area between Milton and the Lake Champlain Islands), as well as many other places on Lake Champlain,  on clear, smooth, often black ice.  Heaven!  There were reports of folks skating for 15, 20, 30 miles in a day.

About the safety training:  first, a short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCjPsIg7hAQ

Here’s a summary of how it went, written by Pam, Bob and Dave, three of the listserv organizers:

“Eight intrepid “plurrövare” (“plurrning” loosely translates to “bathing”, but you won’t find it in a Swedish dictionary. The Swedes seem to use it to describe falling through the ice) and about three times as many observers gathered at Shelburne Bay on a warm, sunny day March 7, 2010 Sunday from 11-2 for Vermont’s first (so far as we know) skating immersion exercise, with a heavy emphasis on general safety methods. Bob provided background and posters on safety and clothing, including wetsuits (and also supervised and carried out hole-cutting and closing); Dave provided background on the body’s reaction to immersion in cold water and hypothermia based on his experience as an emergency room physician; and Pam provided a run-through of safety rules and equipment from the now 100-year Swedish experience of “långfärdsskridskor, ” demonstrating what to carry and how to pack the safety backpack and the steps to follow if one does go through the ice. (A summary of all this information will be available on the list serve as a link, and eventually on the Vermont Nordic Skating webpage Bob hopes to put together this summer.)

All eight “bathers” got out under their own steam, in what we plan to become an annual training event along with other land-based seminars focused on basic safety and “ice knowledge.”

Both Shelburne and Charlotte Rescue were present, and also demonstrated their procedures for rescuing those unable to get out on their own, using the brave Bob who went in twice as a result!

Many thanks to everyone who assisted (including Vince who helped with hole-cutting activities Saturday, and Sasha who sold coffee and chocolate to passersby as well as observers). Special thanks also to all who clearly “donated big” for their coffee or hot chocolate (because we didn’t bring that much yet ended up with $50 for the rescue crews); and of course a huge thanks to Shelburne and Charlotte Rescue for coming and for the demonstration!”

Info about Nordic Skating in Vermont at www.nordicskater.com.

Click to see larger map

The Champlain Parkway (aka the Southern Connector) has been an ongoing issue for Burlington’s South End for over 40 years. After all this time, it is anyone’s guess as to whether it will ever be built. However, the project recently reached a major milestone with regard to approvals from the Federal government and is probably as close as it has ever been to becoming a reality. The bottom line is, we as a community do not want to be caught unprepared if it does in fact get built this time around.

To this end, three Burlington organizations — the South End Arts and Business Association (SEABA), the Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA), and Local Motion — are working together to convene a ”Citizens Committee on the Champlain Parkway.” This informal group will meet over the next few months to review the plan for the Connector with three questions in mind:

• How can the project be made to protect and restore neighborhood quality of life throughout the South End?
• How can the project be made to enhance the local business climate and increase commercial property values along Pine Street and surrounding commercial areas?
• How can the project be made to improve safety and create a more attractive environment throughout the immediate project corridor for people on foot, on bike, and in wheelchairs?

The first step in the process will be two South End-wide meetings, one focused on neighborhood issues and one on local business concerns.

MEETING REGARDING NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES

Monday, March 15, 6:30 to 8:00 at Champlain Elementary School (in the cafeteria)

MEETING REGARDING LOCAL BUSINESS ISSUES

Tuesday, March 16, 6:30 to 8:00 at the Soda Plant, 266 Pine Street (between Recycle North & Conant Custom Brass)

There will be three items on the agenda of each meeting:

1. To provide a very short overview of the current design for the Connector
2. To identify the full range of issues and concerns that people in each meeting would want to see addressed if the project were to move forward
3. To identify up to three representatives at each meeting who will participate onthe Citizens Committee

Anyone is welcome at either meeting; however, each meeting will focus on one topic (business or residential), so people who have just one main concern should attend that meeting.

By bringing folks from all over the South End together to review the Southern Connector plans in detail and give one coordinated set of comments to the City, our hope is that – if the project moves forward – public officials can make the design as good as it can be within state and federal constraints.

With the addition of biking directions to Google Maps’ swiss army knife of tools, users will be able to plot routes that incorporate bike paths, bike lanes, and bike-friendly streets. Bike routes even take into account elevation by routing you around unruly hills! These new features can potentially be integrated into the Trail Finder, which utilizes the Google Maps API.

A blog post from the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) highlights their new partnership:

The release of this long-awaited feature allows Google Maps users to type in their destination and receive directions for the best bicycling route. Previously, Google was able to provide walking, driving or transit directions. Now, RTC is providing its extensive trail-map data to Google Maps for the seamless integration of safe, accessible and fun bicycling routes into daily travel.

Local Motion is exploring ways that we can share our trail data with RTC and Google. Currently a few major paths, like the Island Line, are included in their data. We’d like to see all 113 individual trails from Northwest Vermont added, plus many more that are coming soon as part of our collaborative expansion with three trail groups from across the state.

Curious to see what the buzz is about? Hit ‘Go’ on the gadget below or visit maps.google.com and turn on the Bicycling layer in the More menu.

Hinesburg Rides

The group successfully championed a 2010 Town Meeting vote to get Hinesburg to join CCTA.  There are three components of Hinesburg Rides: Volunteer Driver program, Rideshare program, and Employer Partnership / Public Transit program.

Last week in Burlington, nearly 20 residents packed a Burlington Public Works Commission meeting to voice their support for a critical sidewalk connection between their homes and Edmunds School (see map).  The sidewalk (see picture) currently deadends onto South Willard Street – aka US Route 7.

Parents, children, and transportation planners supported the position of DPW staff to build this 100 foot section of sidewalk along South Willard Street.  The Commission 4-3 against moving forward with staff’s recommendation to build the sidewalk because of one neighbors’ concern over losing one on-street parking space in front of their home. Neighbors and Local Motion are determined to get the sidewalk project moving again.

Hill section neighbor and Local Motion member Daniel Scheidt says “My children would like to walk to school more than they do.  The biggest obstacle is a mid-block crossing of Willard Street that requires kids to cross without benefit of a stop light, stop sign or crossing guard.  Although this is a designated ’safe route to school’ and DPW has been studying the project for at least three years, the sidewalk needed to correct the problem hasn’t been built.  We urge the City to build the sidewalk this year.”

Want to help?  Contact Charlene Wallace.

• Flynn Ave between Pine and Shelburne: Completing the sidewalk on the North side of Flynn. There are various configurations of this stretch of sidewalk.  Just last summer,  parking was eliminated in the South wind condo neighborhood, and parking was allowed on Flynn; this made the entrance to Oakledge Park treacherous for walkers, since the parking essentially narrowed the street, and there is currently no sidewalk for people to use.
• Willard St. sidewalk connecting existing Deforest sidewalk to the Cliff and Willard intersection. There are several design alternatives; one being proposed accommodates a neighbor who would lose on-street parking if the preferred plan is built. The alternative would use a mid-block crosswalk which is much less safe than crossing at a stop sign.

The Commission needs to hear your voices to know how important good sidewalks are in Burlington!

Local Motion Note: Thank you to everyone who spoke up on this project and to NY Bicycling Coalition, VT Bike/Pedestrian Coalition and Lake Champlain Bikeways.

By Ivan Vamos, Director, NY Bicycling Coalition

The Lake Champlain Bridge Study Advisory Committee met on 2 / 9 / 10 in Addison Vermont, including New York Bicycling Coalition’s representative in attendance. Several very important items that are good news for bicyclists and pedestrians were confirmed at the meeting, however a few of our suggestions were not successful. The old 1928 bridge at Crown Point had to be demolished because of failing abutments, and a new “signature design” bridge with adequate provision for bicyclists and pedestrians is being fast tracked for design and construction.

A ferry system was recently opened up and will continue to serve this strategic lake crossing on a continuing basis until the new bridge is again opened. The ferry is free and is virtually at the same location as the bridge, so plan your Champlain valley bike trips to include an enjoyable ferry crossing this year, and a safe bridge crossing in the years thereafter.

The bridge dimensions that were confirmed at the meeting include 5’ road shoulders that will safely accommodate bikes. Occasionally, the shoulder will also help to get oversized farm equipment across on the 11’ motor vehicle lanes. 5’ sidewalks on each side of the bridge will accommodate pedestrians, or those who walk their bikes across. The high point of the bridge will have more room for a wider sidewalk near the cables holding up the central arch. The new bridge will have a 5% grade; this will be a ½% less steep than the former bridge.

Conversations with DOT staff confirmed that though 4’ shoulders were considered for cost savings, the advisory committee’s input and public comments helped to decide for the safer 5’ shoulders. Marking the shoulders with bike route decals was rejected however, since constrains on land on both sides of the bridge did not allow the pavement markings for continued bike routes. A low guardrail will run the length of the bridge located between the shoulders and the sidewalks. A request to open this guardrail to allow bicyclists to easily stop near the bridge crest to view the scenery and see planned inoperative information could not be satisfied however because of car safety, so bicyclists who wish to stop will have to step over this barrier and lift their bikes over the guardrail to where the sidewalk widens at the cable supports.

We are delighted with NYS DOT and Vtrans response in selecting an excellent team of consultants and in listening to advice and public input that will make the Crown Point Bridge crossing a safe highlight for many bicyclists and pedestrians who visit the region.

Thank you to the Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce, Hero’s Welcome, the Town of North Hero and many others!

Student Design Challenge: A Burlington Bikeshare
Thursday, January 28th 6:00-8:00pm
Opening Night Reception at JDK, 47 Maple Street, Burlington, VT
More info: www.aigavt.org

UPDATE: Though opening night has come and gone, there is still (a little) more time to catch the show. The exhibit stays up until Feb 3rd.

AP Photo/Joe Koshollek

You may recall that a recent “Vermont Edition” program was devoted to bicycling in winter.  ”Vermont Edition” is a VPR program that airs at noon every weekday and is re-broadcast at 7:00 pm.  While I was in the studio, all six incoming phone lines were busy.  Many posted email comments on the VPR web site prior to and after the show.  Various people told me they tried to phone but couldn’t get through.  All of this indicates that there is great interest among VPR listeners in bicycling.  So, here’s the request:  If you’d like to see more “Vermont Edition” programming devoted to bicycling, please send an email message to VermontEdition@VPR.net.  VPR wants to provide programming that is valued by its audience, so please let your wishes be known.

They also talked with local shop owner, Glenn Eames of the Old Spokes Home. You can listen to the full program and read the discussion here. I’ll echo Nancy’s sentiment that VPR offers quality programming and it’d be great to hear more about biking on there. Send them your thoughts if you agree.

Afterward, head on over to www.vtbikeped.org to learn all about Nancy’s work as a statewide bike/ped advocate.

BIKE PATH PLOWING EXPLAINED:
As a policy the Department does not routinely plow the Burlington bike path so as to allow outdoor recreation enthusiasts the opportunity to utilize the path for skiing, snow-shoeing and more during the winter months.  However we recently received several inquiries about plowing that was completed south of Leddy Park along the bike path which bears explanation.  The Parks and Recreation tree crew will be performing routine tree trimming maintenance along the bike path which will involve trimming trees around Burlington Electric’s utility lines and improving ’site vision’ at street crossings adjacent to the bike path. This work will be ongoing for the next 3 to 4 weeks and our staff will only clear snow from areas where we need vehicle access. Currently we are working between Leddy Park and the Urban Reserve. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our path users.

Don’t forget, several other local businesses offer discounts to our members:

• North Star Sports, 100 Main Street, Burlington: 10% off accessories and apparel
• Skirack, 85 Main St, Burlington: 10% off accessories and apparel
• Earl’s Cyclery, 2500 Williston Road, South Burlington: 10% off accessories and apparel
• Old Spokes Home, 322 North Winooski Ave, Burlington: 10% off on parts & service

Lastly, at Local Motion’s Trailside Center, we have a fresh supply of our awesome full color bike jerseys in all sizes. They make great gifts! Learn more.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Local Motion!

Photo credit: Peter Wadsworth

We’re gearing up to groom 3 miles of cross-country ski trails in Burlington’s Intervale. Volunteers are key to making this happen, but we also need feedback from you! If you skied the Intervale during our demonstration last year, how did we do? Once grooming begins this year (we’ll need some snow first), tell us what you think about the new route. Is there adequate signage? Let us know in the comments section below.

For now, think snow!

Volunteers included: Kathy Magill, Skip Brown, Rosemary Zamore, Ethan Hodgson, Melissa Vinson, Peter Zamore, Carl Frenning, Dolf Wirsing, Wayne Tyrrell, Winnie Pidgeon, Genie Christiansen, Neil Christiansen, Sally Krebs, Bob Krebs and Doug Krebs.  Thank you to Ray at Allenholm Farm for being willing to take the leaves!

The Burlington Parks & Recreation Commission met on November 17, 5:30pm at Parks Offices (645 Pine Street, Burlington) to discuss the proposal.  About 15 people spoke with feedback split about 50/50.  The Commission has asked staff to bring forward a recommendation to their January ‘10 meeting.

What do you think? Is this a benefit to Burlington?  Does the proposal need conditions?  Should it be rejected?  Give us your thoughts!

A couple years ago, due to lobbying from the Segway company, the Vermont Legislature gave Segways “the rights and duties of pedestrians.”  However, the state law also allows municipalities to set their own regulations — even if they contradict State law.  Here are the key provisions:

Section 1: Definition of Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (aka Segways)

Section 1141a: Required equipment, giving Segways the rights of pedestrians

Section 1132: Segways on sidewalks, setting 8mph speed limit, and age restriction of 16+

Give us your feedback by clicking the comment button below.  Thank you!

Photo credit: Paul O. Boisvert for The New York Times

Lou Bresee of Lake Champlain Bikeways was quoted in a New York Times article about fall foliage bike tours. Writer Katie Zezima took a ride with Bike Vermont and had this to say (emphasis added):

Having grown up in Connecticut and now as a reporter in New England, I’ve leaf-peeped my whole life. But seeing the foliage by bike was more visceral — the gust of cool air in your face, the crunch of riding over acorns, the silence punctuated by the shifting of gears, the feel of a bright red leaf. The entire experience felt closer to nature. I melted into the landscape instead of blowing by it at 60 miles an hour.

It’s also, oddly enough, greener, which may explain why leaf-peeping on bicycle seems to be spreading. As interest in cycling continues to grow, outfitters and local tourism groups are promoting fall riding as a form of sustainable, eco-friendly travel, said Lou Bresee, president of Lake Champlain Bikeways, a nonprofit group that promotes cycling in Vermont, New York and Quebec. And the number of fall biking tours is rising, according to David Harrenstein, executive director of the National Bike Tour Association, which counted at least 59 organized tours for September and October in 2009.

Follow the link for the full article. [New York Times]

1. Sleepy Hollow Cabin: 2 Overnights,            Value $200
2. Millstone Trails: Season Pass                                       $105
3. Justin Cruz Salon: Hair Style w/Justin                    $100
4. Rickshaw: Canvas Bag                                                       $75
5. August First Bakery: $60 gift certificate (10 loaves)   $60
6. Blue Bird Tavern: $50 Gift Certificate                     $50
7. Anjou: $25 Gift Certificate & Pitcher                           $40
8. Katharine Montstream: Original Print                   $29
9. Skinny Pancake: $25 Gift Certificate                        $25
10. Local Motion: $35 Membership                                 Priceless

Have you checked the air pressure in your bicycle’s tires recently? If so, you may have noticed a markedly lower reading than what your gauge read in mid-summer.

Time and temperature both affect tire pressure. Expect to lose at least 1 psi of pressure with the passing of each month (hence the “flat” tires on bikes that have been stored for long periods). You’ll lose even more pressure when the temperatures fall. As we transition from summer to the crisp autumn air, expect to lose about 2% of your tire’s pressure for each 10 degree drop in temperature.

How does this all add up? Let’s say, for instance, the last time you checked your tire’s air pressure was on an 80 degree day in June. (Did we have any of those this year?) The combination of time (4 months) and temperature change (50 degrees) can mean that a tire that was inflated to 60 pounds of pressure in June may be reading less than 50 pounds today. If you haven’t checked your tire pressure since spring you may be riding on significantly under-inflated tires!

In addition to having increased rolling resistance, an under-inflated tire runs the risk of pinch flats (“snakebites”) when the tube is pinched between the rim and a hard, sharp object such as a pothole, curb, or rock. Worse yet, you may cause irreparable damage to your rim on impact.

Conversely, over-inflated tires will give a harsh ride and run the risk of damage due to their inability to flex when riding over sharp objects.

Determining the correct pressure for your tires

As a general rule, a narrow tire calls for higher pressure than a wider tire. A narrow road tire may run pressures in the 100 – 120 psi range while a wider mountain bike or cruiser tire may require pressures in the 35 – 45 psi range. Look at your tire’s sidewall and you will find either the maximum pressure or a recommended pressure range (typically in raised letters on the rubber). Heavier riders will want to inflate their tires to the higher end of the range and lighter riders should run pressures closer to the lower end. Additionally, since your rear tire supports more of the load, you should inflate your rear tire approximately 10% higher than the front. If you store your bike indoors, keep in mind that you should inflate your tires while at the outside temperature to avoid a reduction in pressure as you take the bike from the heated space to the cool autumn air.

Tire pressure is dynamic and should be checked regularly. Pay particular attention after idle months or when temperatures change with the season. From mid-May through late October, stop by Local Motion’s Trailside Center where our pumps and gauges are always available to keep you rolling smoothly.

The latest Vermont Driver’s Manual recommends that drivers “leave at least four feet of passing space between the right side of your vehicle and a bicyclist.” (p. 40)

This language represents an improvement from the former text which called for a minimum clearance of three feet.

It’s important to note that this is a recommendation to drivers; it’s not statute.

Is this change somehow connected to the Coalition’s efforts in the last two legislative sessions to get a safe passing law through?  Hard to know.  (Another change is the deletion of a section of text instructing bicyclists about how to ride safely.  It’s unclear to me why this portion was dropped from the manual.)

Of course, the readers who will see this recommendation of four feet clearance are the young people who are learning to drive now, not the many thousands of drivers who are already motoring around Vermont.  Nevertheless, it’s worth celebrating all positive changes, no matter how incremental.

Nancy Schulz
VT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition

Happy Birthday to Local Motion and thank you to our members for all your support.

Ryan will be at the trailside center from 10 to 6 pm so do stop by!

You may have spotted these new markings along Pine Street, but what exactly do they mean? After the jump, find out more about VT’s first stencil of this kind and what they are trying to convey. Hint: They don’t mean bike tenting ahead…

They call them Sharrows (a combination of share and arrow) and they are placed in the roadway lane to indicate that motorists should expect to see and share the lane with bicycles. Unlike bicycle lanes, they do not designate a particular part of the roadway for the exclusive use of bicycles.

Bicyclists: Use the sharrow as a guide for where to ride within the lane.

Motorists: Expect to see bicyclists in the street.

Bravo to Burlington’s DPW for installing these new lane markings and encouraging the Share the Road mantra. DPW has a full explanation of the sharrow here: www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us/transportation/bikewalk/docs/SLM_webinfo.pdf

This year’s participants reduced carbon emissions by 3.8 tons!

The 2009 rider with most mileage was Kyle Clark, commuting to and from DynaPower Corp in South Burlington, logged 1,890 miles!

ANNUAL PRIZES:

• Individual w/ most mileage earns $300.00 gift card
• 1000+ miles earns $200.00 gift card
• 500-999 miles earns $100.00 gift card
• 250-499 miles earns $50.00 gift card

Congratulations to all the participants and thanks to Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness for putting this together!

Thanks also to the Intervale Center, Intervale Compost, Winooski Valley Park District and the Burlington Department of Parks & Recreation.

Photos by Jeff Cohen.  We had a stellar LM crew this year — Bike Ferry Manager Brian Costello, Lead Captain Scudder Kelvie, and first-time Causeway Coordinator Danielle Graham.  Well done team!

Help the ferry run daily! Find out more about the ferry at: http://www.localmotion.org/programs/islandline/bike-ferry.

A big thanks to our awesome 2009 Ferry Volunteers!

Anne Jobin-Picard

Berta Geller

Bob Britt

Carol Furr

Carol Tremble

Cathy Frank

Chris Monje

Dan Gillispie

David Jacobowitz

Diane Williams

Don Maddocks

Dorothy Pumo

Ellie Reddington

Emma Jobinpicard

Eric McCarthy

Eric MIller

Hugh Williams

Jay Catalano

Jay Furr

Jeff Cohn

Jim Mogan

Jim ORourke

Joan Knight

Joe Frank

John Brennan

John Dinklage

John Thomsen

Joyce Gallimore

Karen Browning

Kathy Magill

Kim Simonds

Kitty Tracy

Lauren Bouyea

Lewis Greitzer

Liz Miller

Lonnie Fairchild

Mary Landon

Nancy McClellan

Nancy Nesbitt

Pat Mogan

Paul Jobinpicard

Paul Philbrooke

Peg Clark

Perky Maddocks

Peter Zamore

R.J. Vallie

Reenie Peterson

Robert Peterson

Rosemary Zamore

Sally Lemke

Sally Russell

Sarah Philbrooke

Scott Donnelly

Stephanie ORourke

Stephanie Potter

Steve Norman

Sue Paulsen

Susan Marx

Todd Lindenstruth

Warren Coolidge

Wayne Turiansky

Zoe Erdman

• “I wanna walk” by Blane Lyon
• “Ride my bike” by Blane Lyon

Here’s the skinny from the Safe Routes to School National Partnership:

San Francisco Bay Area musician Blane Lyon recently produced two upbeat, hip, and modern Safe Routes to School theme songs titled “I want to walk” and “ride my bike”. He originally created the songs for use in Santa Rosa, California, a location where the Safe Routes to School National Partnership is working as part of our Local School Project. Blane has now generously made these songs available for use in schools worldwide through the Safe Routes to School National Partnership’s website.

This guy may be my new favorite artist. What’s your favorite walk/bike related song? Let us know in the comments below.

[Blane Lyon via Safe Routes to School National Partnership]

Frank Gonzales and others prep the wall - Photo Credit: Matthew Thorsen/7Days

On Wednesday 8/26,  we will start painting what we believe to be the largest outdoor mural in Vermont on the back of the Good News Garage, Very Merry Theater, and Bike Recycle Vermont building. Frank Gonzales, an amazing, energetic 85 year old community artist will be “orchestrating” the mural with as many volunteers of all ages who show up. Frank painted his first mural in Mexico in 1951. More recently, he escorted Samuel de Champlain around town and is well known for his puppet making talents. Seven Days has written about Frank, including a story about the mural project.

Volunteer: We need help painting until it’s done, which might be ~2 months. For info or weather updates call Bike Recycle: 264-9687.

Many Americans have used bicycles gathering dust in their garage. They bring almost nothing in resale, and often end up clogging our landfills. Pedals for Progress will ship your bike to an international partner organization, where it will be reconditioned as transportation to people who desperately need affordable, non-polluting transportation.

Pedals for Progress Bicycle Collection
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
9AM til 1PM
Lake Champlain Chocolate Warehouse
444 Pine Street, Burlington
www.p4p.org

Get a front row seat at Burlington’s fast-paced, action-packed bike race this Labor Day, September 7!

Be a course marshall and get a great seat, meet cool people, and get a groovy t-shirt.  There are three volunteer shifts needed:

• 8am to 11am
• 10:30am to 2pm
• 1:30pm to 5pm

To volunteer, contact David White.  The Criterium is one of four great races on Labor Day Weekend — all part of the Green Mountain Stage Race.  Check it out!

We first wrote about this back in April, and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival. Big kudos go to Nicole Losch and the Department of Public Works for making this bike parking improvement a reality.

* Don’t worry, no car parking spaces were lost in the installation of this bike rack. The spots were shuffled to make room.

Sammy D, an avid cartographer, came by the shop because he heard we had maps. When we told him about our online Trail Finder, we could tell he was a little confused by the Internet part. To explain, we showed him our new touch-screen kiosk, which made him chuckle. “That is an awfully heavy map,” he said. “And besides, there is no land bridge between here and the islands to the north!”

You can see Sammy D for yourself tomorrow (Sat 7/11) in a festive parade down Main Street starting at 5pm. I hear he’ll be riding his bike. Also be sure to check out the many other Quad events happening through 7/14. You are sure to learn a thing or two about our French-Canadian and indigenous heritage.

How are you celebrating the Quad? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Local food aficionado and cyclist Lynn Wolfe has launched pedal-powered popsicle venture “Pop-Cycle”. Using local fruit and local muscles, Lynn and friends make heat-busting treats for area residents. The delivery tricycle, trailer and cooler was put together with the help of the Skirack, Old Spokes Home, Outdoor Gear Exchange and Shelburne Farms.

You can find Pop-Cycle at the Old North End Farmer’s Market, Thursdays at the Intervale, and other events around town. Proceeds will benefit Local Motion and the Burlington Community Food Project. Want to help? Contact Lynn at (207)735-4926.

Thousands cheered as the Richmond Ferry was drawn through the village streets for the town’s popular July 4th parade.  It was the final chapter of this unique project.  Many shouted thanks by name to captains Brian and Scudder — showing how the ferry had become a vital part of the town for 35 days in May and June.  Ten volunteers waived from on board and beside the boat as it made its way along the route.

The pedestrian ferry provided service across the Winooski River while the Bridge Street bridge was closed for rehabilitation.   It boarded 10,398 passengers during 35 days of service — about 300 people a day.  Thanks to OneRichmond, Richmond Area Business Association, Reap Construction, Liberty Head Post & Beam, USDA, CCMPO, VTrans, Richmond Selectboard, the Bressor family, and the residents of Richmond!

The Ferry passes through the bridge whose rehabilitation necessitated the ferry service just weeks before. Photos by Lisa McGuire.

The Superheroes are coming to Vermont!  We are a 8 year old bike touring group that provides spontaneous acts of service and joy to all communities that we visit.  Just imagine a group of 10-15 folks of all ages in capes traveling the world doing good deeds.  The adventure through the northeast kingdom will be its 12th ride. Since 2000, the Haul of Justice has covered over 10,000 miles and providing over 6,000 hours of service.

Burlington Host Site Needed! This fun loving group is still looking for riders and a place to call home for their first weekend in Burlington. We live in our tents and provide for all of our cooking and food needs.  During its first weekend, we will be doing a lot of training and service work around Burlington.  That being said, our initial camping spot recently fell through and we are looking for a backyard to call home.  Our group prides itself on being mindful of others’ spaces, needless to say, our main impact would be a bathroom!  Our hosts are more than welcome to join in in our games, rides, food and rituals.

We will be giving out superhero energy August 8th and 9th and the ride will be heading northeast that following Monday following the flow of positivity straight through Calais until the 22nd.  If you think you might know of a host in B-town, please call Rabbi Yikes (Melanie) at 510-375-1657.

Let them know about Bike Recycle Vermont’s ‘Earn-A-Bike’ initiative.  Kids who volunteer for a number of sessions, learn the names of the various parts of the bicycle, and show that they know how to do some basic repairs can build their own custom bicycle!

Bike Recycle Vermont is a great community bike shop where donated bicycles are rehabilitated and provided to low-income Vermonters.  It’s a great multi-generational space and a fun place for youth to learn everything about bicycles.  Thank you to the AD Henderson Foundation and the Tarrant Foundation for underwriting this opportunity.

To find out more about Earn-A-Bike, email Emily Eschner or call the shop at 802-264-9687.

105 cyclists pedaled on Local Motion’s 5th Annual VerMontreal Tour this June.  The event, underwritten by National Life Group, has a 3-day and 4-day options.  The new 4-day route ventured over to Granby, QC before heading into Montreal.  The tour culminated at Montreal’s Tour de l’Ile — a casual bike ride along closed streets with 30,000 cyclists.  Pictures from the 2009 tour will soon be posted here.  Thanks also to Bike Vermont and Sojourn for each providing two leaders, a vehicle and great support!

Join us in 2010!  The tentative dates are June 3-6, 2010.  Contact adele@localmotion.org to get on the notification list.

The recently concluded legislative session was a particularly challenging one for many individuals and groups. The Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition was no exception.

Prior to the start of the session, when it was clear that funding shortages would dominate State House discussions, we decided that we might have an opportunity to advance the Safe Passing legislation (in that it was not a bill that came with a price tag). You may recall that in the 2009 session, the Safe Passing bill was voted out of the Senate Transportation Committee (STC) and passed the full Senate. It then moved to the House side where it died because the House Transportation Committee (HTC) declined to take it up. The reasons for this were varied and included preoccupation with the budget and lack of time before the session ended.

So, in January of this year, at the start of the new biennium, we again urged the members of the STC to repeat their action of the last session. (This was necessary because the legislative slate is wiped clean every two years and bills that make it part way to becoming law must start all over again.) The members of the STC recommended our efforts be concentrated first on the House side as that is where they stalled last year.

While maintaining a dialogue with the STC, an effort was made to meet individually with the eleven members of the HTC to explain the need for the proposed legislation. As this committee has new blood with freshman reps Mollie Burke, Diane Lanpher, and Gale Courcelle who were all receptive to the idea, there was reason for optimism. As the deadline for single-sponsor legislation had passed, the only hope for advancement within the HTC was a committee-sponsored bill. Each member of the HTC was allowed (by the HTC chair) to choose three bills from the many that had been submitted for consideration.

Unfortunately, the Safe Passing bill was not in the top three choices of enough members of the HTC for it to see action this year. While the discussions were being held with members of the HTC, the STC offered a quid pro quo: The STC would advance the Safe Passing bill if bicycling two abreast became illegal in Vermont. The STC didn’t realize that bike/ped advocacy had won the right to ride two abreast (when not impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic) in the not too distant past. Obviously, this is not a deal that the VBPC could make.

Apart from the Safe Passing lobbying effort, the Coalition also worked to protect the flow of federal Transportation Enhancements funding from being stopped or diverted for other uses. Enhancements funding is intended to be used for applications such as bike paths, sidewalks, lighting, and historic preservation. As Enhancement monies are highly valued by many municipalities, legislators heard from numerous parties objecting to the administration’s plan. The members of the HTC solidly rejected the state’s proposal to divert this $3+ million per year distribution that Vermont receives. When the legislative session ended, Enhancements funding for FY 2009 was secure (and had been boosted somewhat by federal economic stimulus dollars). There is reason for concern for FY 2010 and FY 2011 as the state searches for funding to plug budgetary holes. Additionally, a recent AP news article indicated that Republican leaders in Washington (represented by House GOP Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia) had proposed that the Obama administration eliminate the Enhancements program. It’s clear that we must remain vigilant as threats to Enhancements, at both the state and federal levels, will continue to be a very real concern.

The Coalition is organizing a meeting of bike/ped advocates in late June to develop our legislative strategy for the 2010 session. VBPC members and other recipients of this message who have a strong interest in aiding our legislative efforts are encouraged to respond to this email to find out how to assist.

The Coalition is grateful to all those who called, emailed, and wrote to lawmakers in response to our requests and email alerts. And, our course, the contributions of time and money from our supporters make it possible for our efforts to continue. We are always very appreciative of both. Thank you.

Nancy Schulz, Executive Director

Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, (802) 225-8904, www.vtbikeped.org

Meredith Babbott of Shelburne, VT was the first Local Motion member to stop by today for her free cookie.  “Yes, I wanted the cookie, but I also wanted to get some of the great LM socks,” Meredith admitted.  To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re offering free homemade cookies to all members who stop by our Trailside Center on the 10th of each month.  It’s our way of saying thank you!

If you haven’t joined yet, now’s the time!  You’ll get 10% off at area outdoor shops and be invited to special member events.  Our goal is a record 1,000 member households this year.  Click here to join today!

Local Motion’s Richmond Ferry continues to help residents get from one side of town to the other.  We’re boarding an average of 300 people per day.  Here volunteer coordinator Bob Schermer takes a shift as a deck hand one evening.  Volunteers still needed.  Contact Bob at vtvelo@gmail.com.

Ferry passengers head home from dinner at On The Rise.  The ferry is used by commuters, shoppers, recreational cyclists, and kids walking to school.

For decades, bike/pedestrian advocates have sought a safe, convenient connection between Burlington and Winooski.  Without a good Winooski River crossing, dozens of residents cross the train bridge each day.  Help Local Motion push for a better connection.   Write a letter to the editor (letters@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com) or contact Winooski Mayor Mike O’Brien or Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss.

Our fabulous relay team included Matt Ferrigno, Annie Bourdon, Eric VanVlandren, Emily Eschner and Chapin Spencer.  We finished in 117th place with a time of 3:45:54.  The best part (from my perspective) was the party after.

Did you know that for every dollar you contribute, we can use $4 from grants we’ve received?  Most grants require a local match (~20%).  When you give $1, we can do $5 worth of work.   Now that’s a good proposition.

2009 is our 10th anniversary.  We have big plans and we need your help.  We can’t enhance the Trail Finder, increase Bike Ferry service or expand Safe Routes To School without you.  In 2008 we had 814 member households. Will you help us get to 1,000 in 2009?

Yours in Motion,

Chapin

PS.  Check out our new website.  It’s just another example of the important resources that we’re developing together.  You can join online.