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!

I wanted to start a diablog about cycling safety. I was hit 2 weeks ago by a drunk driver. I was hit directly from behind and thrown up into the air. I spun in the air several times before coming back down in a snow bank. No broken bones, but a hole the size of a fist in the back of my helmet. I have some major muscle mass tearing in my quads. And my heart rate is 50% higher than my normal heart rate. Other than that, I am pretty much myself. OK, I’m a little hyper.

Eventually, I want to look at some ways to make the bike lane on North Ave. north of BHS, safer for cyclists. I was hit by a drunk driver, my first collision with a moving vehicle for my whole riding career of close to 50 years. Even if the bike lane on North Avenue was totally unambiguous, I would have still been hit by a driver out of control. I am told that drinking and driving violations are dealt with more harshly in other countries. Does this account for lower drinking and driving violations in these countries? Does anyone have numbers?

The driver who hit me left the scene but turned himself in later that night. He has been charged with DUI and leaving the scene. I did not find out about the driver turning himself in until 24 hours later. It was a rough day and still I am plagued with the after shocks of the blindsided collision.

Happy to hear your responses to the questions about a safer bike lane on North Avenue and how to deal with people who drink and drive and cause major upheavals in individuals’ lives and the community at large.

Thanks!
Mark Rowell

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.