In the Greater Burlington area I see a wide variety of bikes. Over the years there have been waves of different kinds of bikes. 40 years ago I started seeing mountain bikes and since then fixie bikes, cargo bikes, fat bikes and electric bikes have come on the scene. Electric bikes have been the most revolutionary addition to the fleet. In the summer, when I take the bike ferry, I often see almost as many electric bikes as non-electric. I think it is a wonderful development because electric bikes get people out who would not ordinarily ride. The more bikes there are, the more pressure there is for improved bike infrastructure. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion remains a core value of Local Motion, despite the efforts to dismantle it by certain entities. In 2021, Local Motion staff and consultants developed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement and related action items. As we’ve made progress on these action steps, we felt it was an opportune time to share our progress and reiterate the importance of this value. 

I bought my Salsa Fargo from Old Spokes Home in 2008. That was the first year that Salsa made the Fargo. The Fargo is an adventure bike with mountain bike geometry and downturned handlebars. Other riders stopped me so they could take a look at the Fargo. It was an unusual look back then, but now adventure bikes are more common. I own five bikes but the Fargo is the one I ride the most. I use it for commuting year round. In the winter I ride with studded tires. Just recently I had the studded tires removed, a sure sign of spring! The Fargo’s paint is chipped but the steel frame just keeps on going. I have repairs done as needed. As I get older my Fargo is an inspiration. My body is dinged up, and I have my share of wrinkles but I hope to continue riding for as long as I can.

Each year, sugar houses statewide open their doors to the public for Maple Open House Weekend. It’s a chance to see the boiling process in person, to understand the hard work that goes into our state’s favorite sticky sap, and to stock up on maple treats. I took the “stocking up” part seriously this year as I joined in the Fifth Season bike race run by Analog Cycles in Poultney. 

Federal funding for active transportation projects is at risk of being revoked. Without this funding, many projects (even those already approved or in progress) will stop immediately.

For the second time, I recently attended the League of American Bicyclists’ annual National Bike Summit. This event draws participants from across the country - from professional advocates to caring citizens and students learning more about transportation policy and planning. This event includes more traditional plenaries and break out sessions, to a Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, and concluded with a day targeted to advocacy professionals, where I was on the Keynote Panel and then presented on Local Motion’s Bike Smart program.

The League of American Bicyclists has recognized Local Motion with a Gold Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning us a place alongside more than 1,100 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.

With winter in full swing, it is a pleasure to think about the long rides you will be taking in the warmer months.  If you ride all winter long then you will be ready to gradually take more ambitious rides as the weather permits. If you don’t ride through the winter, consider starting a little bit earlier this year. You can also use a stationary bike or take a spinning class. Any kind of aerobic exercise is helpful. 

There are many ways to carry things on your bicycle. I mostly use rear panniers. If you don’t have a rear bike rack, you will need to get one in order to use panniers.

The Safe Routes to School Program has transitioned to being coordinated by the Vermont Agency of Transportation’s Active Transportation team.