It’s the start of a new school year, and we’re finally seeing things returning to normal. Schools are getting excited about getting kids active and are using Safe Routes to School (SRTS) to solve the School Drop-Off Dilemma.

We have 65 SRTS school and educational partners engaging in the work!  Every year, these schools run fun events encouraging active transportation, like this fun walk to school day event at Twinfield Elementary pictured below. 

On Friday mornings I teach a swim lesson at the YMCA that begins at 8:30 AM.  I like to get to the Y  early so I don’t have to rush. I live in Winooski and if I am going into Burlington I calculate that it will take me about an hour to get ready to go and then ride to my destination. On Friday August 1st I started getting ready at 7:15 AM so I could be at the Y at 8:15 AM. Getting ready means  dressing, packing a change of clothes for after my shower at the Y, gathering my bathing suit and teaching shirt and choosing which bike shoes, hat, gloves and buff to wear for the day. I also put lights on my bike, helmet and hip pack. In late August and early September the days are warm but the mornings are cool. I wear a light jacket when I leave my house in the morning. In the event I got to the Y at 8 so I decided to go to City Market before going to the Y. I noticed that almond butter was on sale so I got some. Usually I just eat peanut butter.

Local Motion is excited to announce the addition of over 170 business locations and two new bike routes to its Interactive Biking and Walking Map. The “ONE Love Loop” and the Pine Street “Arts & Craft Loop” are now waiting to be discovered via Local Motion’s Interactive Map. The map helps users know where to go as they find local parks, beaches, restaurants and bars, hotels, shops, and public restrooms.

Join Local Motion and Old Spokes Home for a free screening of The Engine Inside, October 14th at 7pm at the Film House at Main Street Landing. The Engine Inside follows six everyday people from vastly different worlds who dedicate their lives to a simple, 200-year-old machine. Their trials and tribulations reveal the bicycle's unique power to change lives and help build a better world. Covering many different global issues—from climate change and indigenous trauma to socio-economic inequality and more livable cities —The Engine Inside sparks hope and agency in everyone it touches. Learn more at engineinsidefilm.com. Doors open at 6:45. **RSVP REQUIRED, scroll down to RSVP** 

Bike parking is available on the Battery Street side of the building and on the Lake Street side close to Skinny Pancake. GMT bus service is available to the Downtown Transit Center, a five minute walk from 60 Lake Street. For more information about bus service and schedules visit ridegmt.com. 

Accessibility information: Accessible parking spaces are located on Lake Street in front of the Skinny Pancake. The front doors to Main Street Landing are approximately 140 feet from the accessible parking spots on Lake Street. Additional accessible parking is available in the Pease Lot. Elevator access is available to the Lake Lobby and Film House on the third floor of the building. Bathrooms are available next to the Film House. For more information or questions please email [email protected]

This event is presented by Local Motion, Old Spokes Home, and Main Street Landing. 

Winooski Wheels

In late March I took my commuter bike for a tuneup to Winooski Wheels, a new bike shop in downtown Winooski. I am so glad to have a bike shop in town! I support Old Spokes bike shop, but because I don’t own a car, every time I dropped off my bike there, I had to walk an hour to get to my home.  Then I had to walk back when the bike was ready to be picked up. Winooski Wheels is only a 10 minute walk from my house, which makes it much more convenient.  Every city should have a few essential services  including a swimming pool, a library, a bookstore, a bakery, a hardware store, a bike shop, and a grocery store. At least we have a bike shop, a pool and a library!

Street Find Disappointment 

On February 10th I set off for my dentist’s office in South Burlington. It was a sloppy day, with slush everywhere. I took Mill Street and noticed a balaclava on the ground.  I did not stop because I wanted to get to my appointment on time.  I made a mental note to go back later in the day and pick up the balaclava.  After my dentist appointment I rode into Burlington, went to the Y, had lunch with a friend and then went to City Market.  I took Riverside Avenue back to Winooski and crossed over Colchester Avenue and onto Mill Street.  The balaclava was in the road so I parked my bike and waited for a break in the traffic.  The balaclava was soaking wet and when I picked it up I saw it was so torn up that it would not be usable so I did not take it home.  This happens from time to time when I spot something on the road.  Often an item is so damaged and I cannot use it.  I see lots of things that I don’t bother to stop for.  Because I have a scavenger’s mentality, I notice discarded items but they are not always worth stopping for.  

Cold Weather Strategies 

In early February we had a cold snap with two days of sub-zero temperatures. Riding becomes more complicated when it gets that cold. It takes me a long time to get ready for each mini-adventure. My rides are strictly utilitarian, getting from point A to point B. When it is that cold the biggest challenge is making sure that my hands and feet are warm as I begin the ride.  When I am leaving my house, that is not a problem, but when leaving City Market or the YMCA to head home, it can be more difficult. There are heating vents in the vestibule of City Market.  I park my shopping cart near the vents and warm my glove liners in front of them. Then I put on my mittens and do as much as I can with them on. I have to take off the mittens to unlock my bike, put on my helmet and turn on my lights. I can snap my panniers shut with my gloves on.

Losing Things

In the past I have lost my wallet and my keys.  When it happens I get an overwhelming sense of panic.  It is not a good feeling so I make sure to keep hold of my wallet, keys and phone.  I have not lost my wallet, keys or phone for a while, but I  lose other things.  I often lose thing when I am going from one place to another.  I have made special efforts to be mindful during those transitions but I still leave things behind.  I have accepted that I am absentminded. 

Spring is here! 🌷 

By Susan Grasso, Complete Streets Associate 

Day 1 of the LAB National Bike Summit took place on a beautiful sunny and warm day in DC with cherry blossoms abounding - a real taste of spring! I borrowed my daughter's bike for a safe and pleasant 2 mile ride to the National Union Building (which is next to the amazing National Portrait Gallery), took advantage of the League's pop up indoor valet bike parking, and began a full day of sessions in the LAB Active Transportation Leadership Institute (ATLI).