http://www.localmotion.org/blog Building a culture of walking and biking in northwest Vermont Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:15:31 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en We're now sending our blog posts directly to Twitter, so you'll have yet another way to stay close to the action. If you're not already, please follow us on Twitter and look for posts that start with [Blog Run]. http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/03/catch-our-blog-on-twitter/ [caption id="attachment_693" align="alignright" width="237" caption="Click to see larger map"][/caption] 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/03/local-motion-to-convene-citizens-committee-on-the-champlain-parkway/ Our office was abuzz this morning with some very exciting news from the Google. Partnering with the Rails to Trails Conservancy, Google Maps now offers biking directions! The announcement has some pretty big implications for our Trail Finder project, all of which will enhance your experience when searching for trails. With ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/03/exciting-news-from-google-means-big-gains-for-trail-finder/ Hinesburg Rides, an energized group of residents, business leaders and public officials, is working to provide better transportation options for their town. 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/03/transportation-vision-in-hinesburg/ All over Chittenden County, residents are clamoring for more sidewalks and crosswalks. Unfortunately, getting them built is proving difficult.  In Hinesburg and Colchester, tight budgets have put sidewalk projects on hold. Last week in Burlington, nearly 20 residents packed a Burlington Public Works Commission meeting to voice their support for ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/03/where-the-sidewalk-ends/ Come tell the Burlington Dept of Public Work's Commission how important two new sidewalk projects are! They will be early on the agenda of the BDPW Commission meeting this Thursday 2/18 at 6:15 pm. Flynn Ave between Pine and Shelburne: Completing the sidewalk on the North side of Flynn. There ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/02/sidewalk-advocates-needed-in-force-this-thursday/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/02/607/ The first weekend was a smashing success.  There was black ice to skate on for as far as the eye could see.   Hundreds enjoyed the skating, free nordic skate rentals, the bonfire and other festivities.  Come join us for the next three weeks.  Next weekend is the F-F-Frozen Chosen ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/02/great-fun-at-great-ice/ Hello Fellow Winter Cyclists and Cycling Enthusiasts: 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/02/hit-by-drunk-driver-brv-manager-mark-rowell-seeks-safer-roadways/ The AIGA Vermont chapter presents the first Student Design Challenge to Champlain College students, who were tasked to design a bike share program for the city of Burlington. A juried exhibition will select the top 10 submissions to win student memberships to AIGA, the professional association for design. Student Design Challenge: ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/01/bikeshare-design-challenge/ Long-time Local Motion member and VerMontreal Tour alumna Nancy McClellan works at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.   To respond to the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, Nancy has gone to volunteer at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital (HAS) 40 miles NW of Port-au-Prince.  Below is a personal note from Nancy.  If ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/01/local-motion-members-help-haiti/ This came in from Nancy Schulz, ED of the VT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition about a recent discussion about winter bike commuting on VPR: [caption id="attachment_565" align="alignright" width="200" caption="AP Photo/Joe Koshollek"][/caption] You may recall that a recent "Vermont Edition" program was devoted to bicycling in winter.  "Vermont Edition" is a VPR program ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/01/winter-bike-commuting-on-vpr/ This week on our Facebook page, a few folks noted that the Burlington bike path was getting plowed. I called Parks and Rec this morning to understand what's going on with the plowing.  The short answer is that Parks and Rec has NOT embarked on a new policy of plowing ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2010/01/recent-bike-path-plowing-explained/ The Peace and Justice Center has moved down to the waterfront and is offering Local Motion members a 10% discount on all purchases! Click here for new location info: www.pjcvt.org/contact.htm Don't forget, several other local businesses offer discounts to our members: North Star Sports, 100 Main Street, Burlington: 10% off accessories ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/12/discounts-for-members-at-local-stores/ [caption id="attachment_529" align="alignright" width="263" caption="Photo credit: Peter Wadsworth"][/caption] 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/12/give-us-feedback-intervale-xc-ski-trail/ Thanks to the 15 volunteers who helped remove brush and leaves from the culverts and ditches along the Allen Point Access Area on Saturday, December 5, 2009!  It is important to show VT Fish & Wildlife that we appreciate use of this approach to the Causeway Bike Ferry. Volunteers included: Kathy ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/12/great-south-hero-workday/ 802 Segways, a small Vermont company, is proposing to operate guided Segway tours on the Burlington Bike Path and some city sidewalks.  Their proposal can be read here.  The company has agreed to do a number of good things -- requiring guides, helmets, and moderate speeds, but they head into ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/11/segways-on-the-burl-bike-path/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/10/champlain-bikeways-in-ny-times/ Only 100 tickets will be sold = a 1 in 10 chance to win a great prize and support Local Motion too! Sleepy Hollow Cabin: 2 Overnights,            Value $200 Millstone Trails: Season Pass                                       $105 Justin Cruz Salon: Hair Style w/Justin               ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/10/raffle-tickets-at-the-benefit-bake-tonight/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/10/riding-on-autumns-air/ This just in from the director of the VT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, Nancy Schulz: 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/10/a-small-but-positive-change-for-cyclists/ Sat. October 10th will be the last day for members to get one of my home made cookies. 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! http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/10/chocolate-chip-cookies-for-members/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/09/what-is-this/ To encourage bicycle commuting, Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness created a Commuter Challenge providing the benefit of earning gift cards based on commuting mileage logged in over three months June 1- Aug 31.  The challenge is limited to first 50 people to sign-up each spring. This year's participants reduced carbon emissions ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/09/earls-2009-commuter-winners-announced/ Thanks to 10 EMS volunteers, the Intervale Trail received a much needed spruce-up today.  Store Manager Paul Lasure is a big fan of Local Motion.  "We love you guys.  Today's project was great.  Let us know what else we can do in the future."  EMS offers its employees a couple ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/09/ems-crew-spifs-up-intervale-trail/ Thanks everyone who came and rode the Causeway Bike Ferry during the 13 days of 2009 demonstration service.  Over 100 volunteers donated their time to make the service run smoothly.  The service was underwritten by VBT Bicycling Vacations and sponsored by Earl's Cyclery & Fitness, Old Spokes Home and Switchback ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/09/2009-bike-ferry-closes-with-6996-boardings/ This is awesome. Have a listen to these songs: "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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/09/put-this-on-loop/ [caption id="attachment_357" align="alignright" width="140" caption="Frank Gonzales and others prep the wall - Photo Credit: Matthew Thorsen/7Days"][/caption] 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/08/community-makes-big-art/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/08/give-your-old-bike-a-new-life/ In Chittenden County's 2008 Regional Pedestrian/Bike Plan, the document recommended that 6% of the region's transportation funding should go to stand-alone bike/pedestrian projects.  Well, the county's construction funding document for the next 3 years (2010-2013) suggests that only 3.5% of the region's funding will go to stand-alone bike/pedestrian projects.  Regional ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/08/county-bikewalk-funding-lags/ The Bicycling Superheroes gathered last weekend to begin their quest for pedal-powered community service. One of their first stops was Local Motion's Trailside Center, where they helped promote our work and encouraged passers-by to become members. Good luck, superheroes! http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/08/superheroes-fly-through-town-commit-acts-of-service/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/08/volunteer-at-the-burlington-criterium/ Downtown Burlington now has a sweet new bike parking facility on Cherry Street. Placed directly on the street and taking up a full parking spot*, this rack is appropriately shaped like an automobile. The rack has room for at least 20 bikes, so visitors to downtown shops like the Outdoor ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/07/park-it-like-a-car-er-bike/ OK peeps.  Summer's here and it's time to take a leisurely bike ride to Burlington's most organic after-work event -- Thursdays at the Intervale.  Join the fun every week.  Email Will for more details. http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/07/summer-fun-ride-to-the-intervale/ I'm impressed.  High school student Alex Hopkins has an ambitious plan.  He seeks to raise $10,000 to build a community kitchen in a small town in Mexico.  He's hosting his first ever charity bike ride at Catamount Outdoor on August 15.  Come join Alex! http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/07/student-organizes-charity-ride/ Some people never stop exploring. This week, we saw Samuel de Champlain himself riding down the bikepath! He said he was in town for the Burlington International Waterfront Festival, all part of the region-wide Quadricentennial celebration of the lake that now bears his name. He's flattered. Sammy D, an avid cartographer, ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/07/sammy-d-rides-again/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/07/pop-cycle-pedals-refreshments-round-town/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/07/ferry-feted-in-richmond-july-4th-parade/ 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.  ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/07/vermont-bicycling-superheroes/ Do you know a kids who like to take things apart?  Like to get their hands dirty?  Like to ride bikes?[gallery] 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/06/earn-a-bike/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/06/2009vermontreal-tour/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/06/2009-legislative-wrap-up/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/06/meredith-celebrates/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/06/richmond-ferry-surpasses-6000-mark/ 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/06/seeking-a-better-burlooski-connection/ 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. http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/05/our-2009-marathon-relay-team/ Have you become a Local Motion member this year?  Why not celebrate the warmer weather by joining today? 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 ... http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2009/05/2009-membership/