Local Motion Blog

Burlington promoted to a Silver level ‘Bicycle Friendly Community’

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

2076No Comments »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/09/burlingtons-bike-friendly-ranking-elevated/Burlington%27s+Bike+Friendly+Ranking+Elevated%212011-09-14+14%3A16%3A26Chapin

Former Talking Heads front man David Byrne is a huge bike advocate. Local Motion’s dream would be to get David to come up to Vermont and share his ideas. Well until then, here’s his “Poem to Cyclists” that he presented at a green energy conference this summer.  Thanks to LM fan Steve Posner for passing this along!

20652 Comments »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/09/david-byrnes-a-poem-to-cyclists/David+Byrne%27s+A+Poem+to+Cyclists2011-09-07+12%3A12%3A19Chapin

20632 Comments »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/08/new-dutch-bike-commute-ad-is-rad/New+Dutch+Bike+Commute+Ad+is+Rad2011-08-19+16%3A03%3A01Chapin

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!

20481 Comment »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/08/local-motion-catches-oversight-in-champlain-parkway-act-250-process/Local+Motion+catches+oversight+in+Champlain+Parkway+Act+250+process2011-08-16+20%3A36%3A53Jason

This is an excerpt from Steve’s post to the Green Mountain Bike Club. See the links below for more information.

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

20334 Comments »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/08/lm-member-steve-barner-recommends-a-new-ny-bike-touring-opportunity/LM+Member+Steve+Barner+Recommends+a+New+York+Bike+Touring+Opportunity2011-08-15+01%3A47%3A10Chapin

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!

2010No Comments »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/08/200-ride-on-the-islands-bike-tour-for-local-motion/200+Ride+on+the+Islands+Bike+Tour+for+Local+Motion2011-08-09+01%3A36%3A30Chapin

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”

1979No Comments »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/08/terry-bicycles-ceo-peddles-product-by-pedaling/Terry+Bicycles+CEO+Peddles+Product+By+Pedaling2011-08-05+03%3A19%3A51Chapin

This Thursday July 21 @ Maglianero Cafe will be a presentation from the Massachusetts based Pedal People bike delivery cooperative.  Come here their story!

1958No Comments »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/07/talk-on-bike-delivery-services/Talk+by+the+Gals+from+Pedal+People+Cooperative2011-07-19+20%3A04%3A36Chapin

Here is a story from Nancy Schulz, executive director of the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, about why it pays to take the time to file a report with the police if you’re out on your bike and someone in a car threatens or harasses you:

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

19511 Comment »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/07/why-report-motorist-harassment/Why+it%27s+essential+to+report+motorist+harassment2011-07-13+14%3A21%3A39Jason

An amazing crowd of over 200 bicyclists turned-out on Saturday for the 2nd annual Heart of the Islands Bike Tour! Hosted by Vermont Farm Tours, this fun ride led pedal pushers and their curious taste buds throughout the Champlain Islands to discover farms, vineyards, artists and crafters of all kinds. The weather was, dare I say, perfect and everyone there seemed to be enjoying the chance to meet the people who produce the local foods and works of art that we all enjoy.

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

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

1937No Comments »http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/07/food-art-and-fun-found-on-vermont-farm-tour/Food%2C+Art+and+Fun+Found+on+Vermont+Farm+Tour%212011-07-11+21%3A38%3A23Todd