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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 12_06/14/2007VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA MEETING AGENDA ROUTING SHEET MEETING DATE: 6/14/07 REQUESTED ACTION/SUMMARY: Council discussion and approval of Council Member Turnquest's request to submit an application to become a "Bicycle Friendly Community" RESOLUTION OR ORDINANCE NUMBER: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: Village Clerk FUNDING SOURCE: 2006/2007 Budget ACCOUNT NUMBER: N/A CURRENT BUDGETED AMOUNT AVAILABLE: N/A AMOUNT OF THIS ITEM: $ Determined by Council approval AMOUNT REMAINING AFTER THIS ITEM: $ BUDGET TRANSFER REQUIRED: ^ Yes X No APPROPRIATE FUND BALANCE: ^ Yes X No Piggyback Contract Name and #: Or Competitive Bid # APPROVALS: DEPARTMENT HEAD: ~ ~ ~ t~.(.t~C~~--- FINANCE DIRECTOR: ,~_~ y VILLAGE MANAGER: ~'` VILLAGE MANAGER RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE ITEM: ~ DENY ITEM: ^ VILLAGE ATTORNEY: APPROVED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY ^ Yes ^ No ^ Not Applicable (n/a) MEMORANDUM Village of Tequesta Clerk's Office TO: Mr. Michael R. Couzzo, Jr., Village Manager Honorable Mayor and Village Council Members FROM: Lori McWilliams, Village Clerk p`~ DATE: May 30, 2007 SUBJECT: Bicycle Friendly Community During the May Village Council Meeting, Council Member Turnquest asked me to have the Village of Tequesta recognized nationally as a bicyclist friendly community on the June agenda. I have researched how the Village can obtain this designation through the League of American Bicyclists and have attached the backup information pertaining to the process. I request Council's approval to submit the first application in the process to the League in order to gain national recognition. E League of AMERICAN ~Imerican ~ "';~~, Bicyclists .~'r~ bicyclists and motorists are getting good educa- tion and training to share the road, and that the ~~ ' THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS police and judicial system understand, respect, r ~, v The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as the and protect the rights of cyclists. And we love ~" ~_''`"" ~ League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling for fun, hearing about great events, club activities, inno- ,~ $, ~, ~.': fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and vauve commuter contests, and the latest maps ,„' ~ ~ education for abicycle-friendly America. The League represents that will entice someone onto the road on their bike. '' ~~~ ~ the interests of the nation's 57 million bicyclists. With a current f ~ ~ membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 40,000 In response to our feedback, and to get to r ~ individuals and 600 organizations, the League works to bring the next level, communities are training LCIs, `~ ` w better bicycling to your community, Contact League officers, teaching BikeEd classes, going after (and win- ~ directors or s±aff at League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street, ning) transportation funding grants for ambi- ~t , ~ NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006-2850. Phone: 202-822- ~~~~'~ ~ 1333; e-mail: bikelea ue@bikelea ue or fax: 202-822-1334, tious infrastructure projects, organizing Bike g g 9' Month and Bike to Work Day events, starting ~,~ l BOARD OF DIRECTORS new rides, and adopting new policies and plans li [ John Allen, johnallen@bikeleague.org, Region t (CT, MA, ME, for the future. NH, NY, RI, VT) Communities are also celebrating success. Harry Brull, harrybrull@bikeleague.org, Region 5 (AR, AZ, CO, In 2006, no fewer than three communities baked IA, KS, LA, MN, M0, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI, WY) special BFC cakes and the Mayor of Tucson Gary Brustin, garybrustin@bikeleague.org, At Large now dons a BFC Yellow Jersey at bike events. Amanda Eichstaedt, amandaeichstaedt@blkeleague.org, Region 6 (AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA) C I ~ Lisa Falvy, lisafalvy@bikeleague org, At Large Mike Greehan, mikegreehan@bikeleague org, At Large Ellen Jones, ellenjones@bikeleague org, Region 2 (DC, DE, MD, ( t t~ ; ~~ ~~ ' .v `~~ ~ Martha Roskowski, martharoskowski@bikeleague org, At Large '.~~1 _ ' ~ ' f a ' "~ a ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 1im Sheehan, j~msheehan@bikeleague.org, Region 4 (IL, IN, MI, OH) ;~Xft~r,re~>leu~yr3~ t~r~dreds o~~tu~~russ~ruts over-the past.four years,: S+~tJ'~K~~'~drCro'kfZ~ ~1~~~>jti~~<~"~"~~1'~tt~~;~~j~litc~#iC-[iS~ Don Sparks, donsparks@bikeleague org, Region 3 (AL, FL, GA, ~' > ~ ~, ,,~,~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ r~k~ ! ~ KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VA) ,na ' ~ ~ ~tl~+~r ~~~1~~~~~ ~~~~~Cl~~ rounded antra t:EStri~lete w, Preston Tyree, prestontyree@bikeleague.org, At Large ~;~rt~r~rrt5 ~~~~~ trr ~ ~i~~~VeJ`t tuv~ ts# the five Es rntghf 6e enough.. . ,~ ''~~~~r(~"~I°l~~y,~lkt ~fJ'«~~1~ ~,~eS t0 thg52 who SCgre welj in Paul Wessel, paulwessel@bikeleague.org, At Large rnore~~ ,~~ 1`~~n~ '~,a [t~twgrk arily ge#s yotJ 5o:,far " ~Itht3U~~~,~~ ~ ~kr~~SrO~'5,,~ ~rr;~g~t~~t dCtlVlties and enfoncernentt0 Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, phylPs5377@cs.com ~b,~~k t'k,'~ a ~~~[ t~i~,"~r,~u>~flc~~~h"i~ ~~n'Id won't gv~ereorr~e a [ack ~?# grey ° ~ ~ p~a~i"K~~e :r~~ ~~ STAFF ~yt"`"~~x'J" ~~ ~ v ~~~~~~"~~ Andy Clarke-Executive Director Dana Dudle Staff Accountant ~a~~ ~;~`~e~~r~ ~'~rst~ h2ther it's Mayor. Daley y - trJ ~~I~g~~-' 1~~~+..~(t~~C~~ ~~~~f ~l~fi~~t~r in Pd~q A[t©, retif2d Lou Elin Dwyer -Advocacy Coordina*,or P~b~lro'~ ~~}t~~s~(~`~4}"'i~~t~~ or~tlreleS5~lOCal at~VgCcite phi[ Walter Finch -Advocacy Director Pugt~s~=4Tt ~~~€t~~~5 ' ~~~~5 ~ ~he3TTtp[On..E'qually, t"f0 qne Can Lora Golann -Membership Assistant ~t.*t'I<f1e ,j~~t f~~tGi2.~w~+D~~~'t451~Jk~ ~~} ~~ first t0 1211 yqt,. :: Todd McDonald -Program Coord;nator ~,„ '~ ~ Bill Nes er -Pro ram Mana er "` ~ C~~1~}~~~~I'[~~~~;~t~~'Et$r~£#t 15.13 }~ICyClmg Street and Cg1~t-~ Elizabeth Preston -Director of Communications nt~t~l~f@~~Vttkt~fi' c'#tY >Slat~;f'~' E~ ot'sU~s~nClaCd 19705 St le 51de ath Nlarthea Wilson -Deputy Executive Director Y P syst-~~rX't l~~i~ tai"~tB g~ ~yc[ists need.to be able tq get to . Euery p1dC~~~-C~ ('1~be ~br~'rE?l~t~~f~ 5~f~'N~r~rk their bike w[ien they get thert?I LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS MAGAZINE ,~ ~ ~ -+ k v.';, Editor: Elizabeth Preston ;n. ~,{ai~ ~tJ~~+i r~e~tx~r~~(e i~ $~ad etc+rClr~?i-tment~to.action~There Art Director: studio D Design .-,`~ arG,'[Qt5 ~'~+~L7rttE`itrtltlE' ~h~C ~ ~Qd qti ~~raper - bUt rather fewer Editor Emeritus: Phyllis W Harmon that t~~r1 gc~t~~p~~l~ i~ ~'~tt~ e~hlca~q Z(l15 plan isa great ekdrl-11J~ f3~ r`~tE.'~;r~i`~t~F?E'1'~ b~7 ~~~drtl"~e!'~dSSI~P3rtlEnt 0~ tdSkS dud 1'eSpgnSi- American Bicyclist magazine (ISSN 0747-0371; is published six ?Imes k1llltleS fqr ~f11T.re~D dEt~1~1175 ~Nit~ C[~%r"~ILItCC)Cil~'S. yearly 'ay the League of American Bicyclists, inc. ©2007 League of Amencan Bicyclists. Reproduction in whole or'n part without permis- ` ~ a „~` ~ ' ' ~ ' Sion is prohibited. Artice queues shou~d be addressed to the editor at Re1~ ~~~[~ 1(1/"~Y~fi1~~ ~C~t"Cf2 ~dC)c tq the nllCfl~Er'gfi ~?eq~}le that elizabethQbikeleague.erg. Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, ~atrraliy tltil'~3C~ ~ Ci1~Sl~:~„ ~~~t'~`'~ irFJ qn~' t~"UeStl~n Or nUCS'lber thdt or artwork, is your warranty that the material ~n no way ~nfrnges on gUi~r~n~er~SSI~C5y~4!"~~Il`~,1J't t~e'~p[,~rOCdrdll`t; ~~It tf VUe;Car1't the rights of others and tha; the mater al may be published without ad- {I~UIte deCif~e befv+~e~~t 1~~~~~~ fkJrn 'tC1 ~et~s~rS~data qr Ot~heC bicycle COUnt5 . ~, drtional approval. Opinions expressed by writers are their own and do rot t#iaf ~~~ been t~b#~ ~~Q~F~C? y~rlllrlrfe in d ~?[C~Cle-1'rlend[~`COMrTlUTlltyl necessarily reflect the oohcies or the League. VIEWP INT ANDY CLARKE f you are anything like me, you have already flicked through this issue of American Bicyclist to see i.f your favorite places to ride are in our list of designated Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC). You're probably wondering why some communities are on the list and oth- ers are not. My own community of Fairfax. County, Va. most definitely isn't on the list yet. Except Eor the local bike trail, pretty much the only folks I see on our mean streets are hard-core riders (or those without. any other choice), and they are overwhelmingly male. By contrast, when I visit the likes of Boulder, Portland, Davis and Palo Alto I am always struck by the huge diversity of people riding -and for me that's certainly a hallmark of a bicycle friendly community. So what else makes a community bi- cyclist friendly? How does somewhere like Fairfax County turn things around -and, perhaps more importantly, what difference or impact would it really have? WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? One of the reasons we're so excited about the BFC program is that it seems to be making a big difference! For example, we recently ran a comparison of 11 bicy- clist-friendly versus bicyclist-unfriendly metropolitan areas and found that on average the bicyclist friendly regions of Denver, Pordand, San Francisco, Burling- ton, and Minneapolis have twice as many bike shops per head of population, four times the level of bicycle commuting, sig- nificantly higher levels of physical activity, and 25 percent fewer deaths attributable to air pollution. Certainly; not all these differences are directly attributable to bicycling. How- ever, when you dig a little deeper and look ar the specific cities, it's hard to deny something is going on. In Portland, Ore., for example, the cith has more than twice the level of bike use than the region as a whole, and in the past 12 years the city bikeway network has grown from 60 to 260 miles. Bike use has quadrupled and bike crashes have remained constant. A culture of bicycling has developed that embraces some of the best education programs, advocacy groups, cycling events, bicycle retailers, frame builders, and bi- cycle planners in the nation. GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME What's even more exciting is that Portland is far from content just being a gold-level BFC! They want to be the first Communities must apply for Bicycle Friendly Community designation by completing a detailed questionnaire - if your favorite place to ride isn't on the list, they may not have applied yet. Questions are asked across five key areas: engineering, education, enforcement, encourage- ment and evaluation/planning. Applications are reviewed by League staff, external experts, and local cyclists. Awards are given at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. An honorable mention rec- ? ognizes notable individual projects or programs. More than 140 communities have applied -only 58 are currently designated. Communities 'must re~aew their designation every two years. There are two review cycles each year: deadlines are typically in March and August with awards announced in April and September. More information at www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org. big city to capture platinum - an accolade achieved only by Davis, Calif. to date. The city's current transportation commissioner, Sam Adams, ran for office in 2005 with "gaining platinum status" as part of his platform. Other communities are vying for that honor. The Tucson area is a region pos- sessed -they established a "Platinum Challenge" task force just days after the city got silver in May 2004. Local advocates also engaged the county; three neighboring towns, two Indian nations, the state DOT and the regional planning agency to go for the top designation, and were rewarded with an area-wide gold in 2006. At the award ceremony, Mayor Bob Walkup of Tucson described how he had just bought his first new bike in SO years, taken a BikeF.d class from local League Cycling Instructor Matt 70ll, and signed up to ride El Tour de Tuc- son with his entire extended family: Impressive as these stories are, they are from communities long associated with bicycling. In the last couple of years we've been blown away by places that are much closer to Fairfax County than Boulder, Colo. Take Louisville, ly., or Carmel, Ind., as ex- amples. Both communities -one large, the other quite small -applied for the designa- tion and were turned down; several times in the case of Carmel! Both have come back strong; for the first time ever they are striping bike Lanes, building trails, training instructors, organizing community bike rides, and committing serious funds to get their residents more active and to improve the quality of Gfe in their neighborhoods. Louisville even established the achievement of bronze, silver and gold BFC status as the measure of success for their bike plan over the next seven years. TAKING IT T® THE NEXT LEVEL The BFC program is really where we see the League's work coming together at the local level. Communities are asked about advocacy, education, and promotion. We want to see communities with good bike parking, well-designed streets, great trails, and complete streets policies in place. Equally, we are looking for evidence that 2 American Bicyclist Bicycle Friendly Community Program Bicycle Friendly Comrrt~nity Page 1 of 2 ~~*AuM Darr H4me~ ! About BFC !Community Rrofiles ~ APRh+ !Technical Assistance ! FAQ's ! AAedia ! Contact ~'~~+C~! 1 ~ Bi F (; The Bicycle Friendly Communities Campaign is an awards program that recognizes municipalities that actively support bicycling. ABicycle-Friendly Community provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation. To view an overview presentation on the program, click here. Benefits Encouraging bicycling is a simple way towards improving public health. With more people bicycling, communities experience reduced traffic demands, improved air quality and greater physical fitness. In addition, bicycle-friendly towns are often seen as places with a high quality of life. This can translate into increased property values, business growth and increased tourism. How to Apply There are two steps to apply for Bicycle Friendly Community status: First, complete and submit Part 1 of the application. After a review of your general community profile, the League will inform you if you have met some of the basic criteria required. Part 2 is a detailed audit of the engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation efforts in your municipality. This comprehensive inquiry is designed to yield a holistic picture of your community's work to promote bicycling. Technical assistance for completing Part 2 is available. "You and other bicyclists in the community can bring this program, particularly the application, to your mayor or county council to initiate positive change in your neighborhood. Click here for more information... Award Determination A committee reviews and scores the application and consults with local cyclists in your community. An award of platinum, gold, silver or bronze status is designated for two years. The League and technical assistance staff will continue to work with awardees and those communities that do not yet meet the criteria to encourage continual improvements. Click here to read how this is working for one community. The League of American Bicyclists recognizes newly designated Bicycle Friendly Communities with an awards ceremony, aBicycle-Friendly Community road sign, and a formal press announcement. Renewing the Designation You will complete a simple renewal form to compliment your original application so that the League of American Bicyclists can continue to recognize your progress. Renewals are due two years after a community is designated or receives their renewal notice. Award levels may change based on the renewal feedback. http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunities.org/about.htm 5/25/2007 Bicycle Friendly Community Program Page 2 of 2 About the League The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and works through advocacy and education for abicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of the nation's 42 million cyclists. With a current membership of 300,000 affiliated cyclists, including 40,000 individuals and 600 affiliated organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to your community. If you care about bicycling, become a League member today. Read more about the League,.. National Advisory Group The National Advisory Group for the Bicycle Friendly Community program provides guidance on program development and priorities. The Advisory group members are: John Allen, Board of Directors Member, League of American Bicyclists Tim Blumenthal, Executive Director, Bikes Belong Coalition Tim Bustos, Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator, University of California at Berkeley Natalie Cappuccio-Britt, Executive Director, Palmetto Cycling Coalition Mike Greehan, Advocacy Director, Interbike Martin Guttenplan, Florida Department of Transportation Laura Hallam, Executive Director, Florida Bicycle Association Tom Huber, Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator, Wisconsin DOT Randy Neufeld, Executive Director, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Jeff Olson, Architect, Alta Planning+Design Jim Sebastian, Bike Ped Coordinator, DC Office of Transportation Planning Sarah Strunk, Director, Active Living By Design Jennifer Toole, President, Toole Design Group Elizabeth Train, Grants & Research Director, Bike Belong Coalition Alan Turnbull, National Park Service Rivers, Trails, & Conservation Assistance W. Preston Tyree, Executive Director, Community Mobility Institute Dru van Hengel, Mobility Coordinator, City of Santa Barbara Robbie Webber, Project Coordinator, Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Charlie Zegeer, Director, Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center Home ~ About BFC ~ Community Profiles , Apply ~ Technical Assis±ance ~ FAQ's ~ Media ~ Contact The League of American Bicyclists . 1612 K Street NW Suite 800 Washington. DC 20006-2802 phone - 202-822-1333 fax - 202-822-1334 email - bikeleague@bikeleague.org The Bicycle Friendly Community Program is supported by the `a'Bik~ ~ClongV http://vwvw.bicyclefriendlycommunities.org/about.htm 5/25/2007 Bicycle Friendly Community Program Page 1 of 3 ~ic~yrl~ Friendly Community back to About BFC page Steps to Make Your Community More Bicycle-friendly. If you want your community to be more bicycle-friendly, but don't think it's quite ready to be nominated for the League's BFC award status, there are some simple steps you and your community can take. 1. Committing to becoming a BFC It's clear from the communities that have been designated as BFC's that political commitment to change is critical. We also know there are a number of actions a community can take that will have a dramatic impact on conditions for bicycling. The Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities combines a list of ten of those steps with an equal number of policy reasons why your Mayor or County Executive should make the commitment to becoming more bicycle friendly. Ask your Mayor or County Executive (or equivalent) to sign the Action Plan as a demonstration of their commitment. Return the signed Action Plan to the League by fax to (202) 822-1334 or by mail to 1612 K Street NW, Suite 800; Washington, DC 20006. 2. Learning how to become more bicycle-friendly Having made the commitment to becoming more bicycle friendly, chances are your Mayor or their staff person is going to say, "OK, so what do we do next?" We recommend you organize a "Bicycle Friendly Community Workshop " in your community. Developed by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this four-hour workshop introduces community leaders to the basic elements of a bicycle friendly community. The workshop includes a practical walkabout or bike ride and concludes with the adoption of a short- term action plan to get things moving. League staff helped develop the workshop materials and train instructors around the country who are able to lead the workshop. To find out more about the course and to locate an instructor near you, please review the brochure or contact.... To download materials used during the workshop, cclick here. The workshop makes good use of the bikeability checklist , a simple, easy-to-use tool that you can use to develop greater awareness of the issue that affect bicyclists. Download the checklist at http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/cps/checklist.htm 3. Implementing the Action Plan By now, you've signed up for the Action Plan, and developed a more localized short-term action plan for your community. You've probably taken a look at the BFC application form and seen what we're looking for to demonstrate that a community is bicycle friendly. There's a lot to http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunities.org/howto.htm 5/25/2007 Bicycle Friendly Community Program Page 2 of 3 do! Fortunately, there's also a lot of help available. A wide array of technical resources are provided at http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/tech.htm . To help narrow down the choices of what to do to actually implement your action plan to become abicycle-friendly community, we suggest the following: See what other communities have done at http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/pdf/BFC% 20Case%20study. pdf Train your traffic engineers to better accommodate bicyclists http:%/www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/download/catalog/142XXX.pdf (go to course 142046A on page 20) Start using manuals such as these to build a better bicycle infrastructure http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/de/bikelaneguide.htm http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/de/park.htm Put on a promotional or safety event during National Bike Month http://www.bikemonth.org/Materials/BMOK.pdf Organize a Bike Work Day event http://www.bike-to-work.com/publish/content/biketowork/en/biketoworkhome.html Train cycling instructors in your community to teach better bicycling http://www.bikeleague org/educenterleducation.htm Encourage motorists to share the road with bicyclists http://www bikemaine.org/share.htm Start developing a more detailed bike plan http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/pp/exemplary.htm Starting the Application Process for Your Community What is the next step if you feel that your community has taken significant steps to be bicycle- friendly or if you would like it to move in that direction? You and other bicyclists in the community can bring this program, particularly the application, to your mayor or county council to initiate positive change in your neighborhood. Here are the steps you can take to bring bicycling improvements in your town: 1. Download the Bicycle Friendly Community information packet. As you review the materials, you'll see that all types and sizes of communities can be positively affected by increased bicycle accommodations. Whether decisions that affect your bicycle plan, routes, and facilities occur in a township, town, borough, city, or county level, this application can help framework a discussion with your decision makers. 2. Review the application yourself to see how bicycle-friendly your community is today. Is there a written policy on maintaining bicycle safe streets? Is there a bicycle advisory committee and/or a bicycle coordinator? These basic resources can be vital to a town's ability to respond to bicyclist's needs. Highway engineers often will not change their practices unless written policy tells them to do so. A bicycle advisory committee is a good structure for getting such new policies written and formally proposed. Having someone on staff designated as bicycle coordinator can be crucial in achieving these measures. (Remember, it is a cardinal rule in every bureaucracy that any task not specified as someone's job is a task that will never get done.) 3. Plan your strategy for pitching bicycle-friendly improvements. Obviously, if the mayor is a ride leader in the local bicycle club, your strategy is simple -show him or her the application! Most communities will take a little more work. First, you must identify the decision makers responsible for the policy changes you seek. In big cities, the mayor's http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunities.org/howto.htm 5/25/2007 Bicycle Friendly Community Program Page 3 of 3 office would typically delegate responsibility to the city's head of transportation or public works. In a smaller town, there may be a full-time city manager that reports to a citizen city council. In any event, you must make some calls to determine who needs to be persuaded before you can set out to persuade them. Next, find one or two bicyclists who have some influence with the decision maker. If you're lucky, there is a local government official who is an avid cyclist. Without such a person, identify the most visible bicycle dealer in town and the leader of a local bicycle club. Ask around and find support. If you find a bicyclist who are already known and trusted by government leaders, your work will be much easier. 4. Gather support. Ask for a letter recommending the Bicycle Friendly Community program from any organization that might be inclined to support better bicycling. The local bicycle club is a natural first choice, but local environmental groups, civic organizations and others will tend to cooperate if you make it easy enough for them. Draft the letter for them so they know exactly what you need to minimize the amount of work you ask of them. The Bicycle Friendly Communities program frames positive change for bicyclists into the form of a "yes or no" question to a political leader: "Will you support this program?" Politicians hate to say "No" to anyone. They especially do not want to say "No" to an organized group of people. And it's not likely they will want to say no to many different groups. 5. Call your government official and request a meeting. Attend with your best spokesperson and copies of the letters of support with you to the meeting. Talk about the benefits that the bicycle improvements you desire, as well as the benefits of a Bicycle Friendly Community designation. 6. Ask for something specific and try to get a specific commitment. A good starting point is to ask if the person will submit the application for Bicycle Friendly Community status. Another good ask is how long it will take to designate a bicycle coordinator. You could propose working with the new coordinator on implementing the other bicycle-friendly criteria items (such as convening the bicycle advisory committee, proclaiming Bike to Work Day, developing bicycle safe engineering policies, etc.). Be specific in your requests and, if the official raises concerns, ask him or her to be specific. Following the meeting, write a thank you memo that spells out your understanding of what was agreed to. Follow up and follow up (and follow up). Lack of persistence is the downfall of many a bicycle advocate. Motivated people motivate politicians and their employees. If you raise an idea and then don't pursue it, they grow suspicious about just how important that idea is to you. So many people are clamoring for their time and attention, they will forget if you make yourself forgettable. Keep calling back and keep going back. Commit to the result and make it happen! Home ~ About BFC ~ Community Profiles ~ Apply ~ Technical Assistance ~ FAQ's (Media ~ Contact The League of American Bicyclists . 1612 K Street NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006-2802 phone - 202-822-1333 fax - 202-822-1334 email - bikeleague@bikeleague.org http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunities.org/howto.htm 5/25/2007 Bicycle Friendly Community - A Program of the League of American Bicyclists Page 1 of 3 ~ back to Symposium home ~ PDF version of Action Plan Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities We, the undersigned Mayors and municipal elected officials, make decisions every day affecting the health and safety of our residents, the efficient conduct of commerce and delivery of government services, and the long term quality of life in our communities. Cities across the globe are managing diverse issues such as pollution, congestion, traffic safety, accessibility, social inclusion, and economic growth. Increasing urbanization and sprawl is generating extra demand for quality public spaces and recreation opportunities. A renewed emphasis on security and the costs of dealing with the emerging epidemics of obesity and physical inactivity are stretching limited resources even further. Solutions to these many challenges are equally diverse and complex. This Charter recognizes one policy initiative that addresses these challenges and contributes to many of the solutions necessary to improve the quality of life in cities: increasing the percentage of trips made by bicycle by making communities more bicycle-friendly. We recognize that increasing bicycle use can: Improve the environment by reducing the impact on residents of pollution and noise, limiting greenhouse gases, and improving the quality of public spaces. Reduce congestion by shifting short trips (the majority of trips in cities) out of cars. This will also make cities more accessible for public transport, walking, essential car travel, emergency services, and deliveries. Save lives by creating safer conditions for bicyclists and as a direct consequence improve the safety of alt other road users. Research shows that increasing the number of bicyclists on the street improves bicycle safety. Increase opportunities for residents of all ages to participate socially and economically in the community, regardless income or ability. Greater choice of travel modes also increases independence, especially among seniors and children. Boost the economy by creating a community that is an attractive destination for new residents, tourists and businesses. Enhance recreational opportunities, especially for children, and further contribute to the quality of life in the community. Save city funds by increasing the efficient use of public space, reducing the need for costly new road infrastructure, preventing crashes, improving the health of the community, and increasing the use of public transport. Enhance public safety and security by increasing the number of "eyes on the street" and providing more options for movement in the event of emergencies, natural disasters, and major public events. http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunities.org/symp_actionplan.htm 5/25/2007 Bicycle Friendly Community - A Program of the League of American Bicyclists Page 2 of 3 Improve the health and well being of the population by promoting routine physical activity Therefore we, the undersigned Mayors and municipal elected officials, are committed to taking the following steps to improve conditions for bicycling and thus to realizing the significant potential benefits of bicycling in our community. We hereby adopt the following Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities: 1. Adopt a target level of bicycle use (e.g. percent of trips) and safety to be achieved within a specific timeframe, and improve data collection necessary to monitor progress. 2. Provide safe and convenient bicycle access to all parts of the community through a signed network of on- and off-street facilities, low-speed streets, and secure parking. Local cyclists should be involved in identifying maintenance needs and ongoing improvements. 3. Establish information programs to promote bicycling for all purposes, and to communicate the many benefits of bicycling to residents and businesses (e.g. with bicycle maps, public relations campaigns, neighborhood rides, a ride with the Mayor) 4. Make the City a model employer by encouraging bicycle use among its employees (e.g. by providing parking, showers and lockers, and establishing a city bicycle fleet). 5. Ensure all city policies, plans, codes, and programs are updated and implemented to take advantage of every opportunity to create a more bicycle-friendly community. Staff in all departments should be offered training to better enable them to complete this task. 6. Educate all road users to share the road and interact safely. Road design and education programs should combine to increase the confidence of bicyclists. 7. Enforce traffic laws to improve the safety and comfort of all road users, with a particular focus on behaviors and attitudes that cause motor vehicle/bicycle crashes. 8. Develop special programs to encourage bicycle use in communities where significant segments of the population do not drive (e.g. through Safe Routes to Schools programs) and where short trips are most common. 9. Promote intermodal travel between public transport and bicycles, e.g. by putting bike racks on buses, improving parking at transit, and improving access to rail and public transport vehicles. 10. Establish a citywide, multi-disciplinary committee for nonmotorized mobility to submit to the Mayor/Council a regular evaluation and action plan for completing the items in this Charter. "We will promote safe and environmentally friendly cycling and walking by providing safe infrastructure and networks..." World Health Organization Charter on Transport, Environment and Health, 1999. "The US Conference of Mayors calls on cities and communities to promote increased safe bicycle use for transportation and recreation..." US Conference of Mayors, 2003. For the City of: Signature http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunities.org/symp_actionplan.htm 5/25/2007 Bicycle Friendly Community - A Program of the League of American Bicyclists Name Print, sign, and mail to: League of American Bicyclists Attn: Let's Get Moving 1612 K St NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006 ~ PD1= version of Action Plan pdf version of Action Plan Velo Mondial Email letsgetmoving@velomondial.net w~vw.velomondial. net ~~ League of American Bicyclists Email letsgetmoving@bikeieague.org www.bikeleague.org Page 3 of 3 http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunities.org/symp_actionplan.htm 5/25/2007 i,'~ ~ G~ i I ~ ! !c ~~~I ~~ lr ~' 1.3 ~~ ~;~.~~ndly Community ~ league of p, American ~ti Bicyclists ~',,l The League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Communities Campaign LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BlCYCIISTS 1612 K St„ NW, Suite 800 Washington, UC: 2U06-285t7 VvE~S~TE wN.~w.bikelrague.org E i~1 AIL bikelt;ayueCr.;~hik°league.org ?HUNG 262.8221333 ~nx 2Q2.822.1334 Thank you for your interest in becoming a designated Bicycle Friendly Community. Please complete Part 1. Visit www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org or call 202-822-1333 for more information and resources. APPLICATION PART I CONTACT INFO Name of Community Mayor or top elected official in municipality Contact Name Position Employer Address Address line 2 City State Zip Phone Fax Email Website COMMUNITY PROFILE 1. Population 2. Square mileage of municipality Total area Water area Land area 3. Population density 4. Climate Average temperature for January Average temperature for April Average temperature for July Average temperature for October Average precipitation for January Average precipitation for April Average precipitation for July Average precipitation for October 5. Median income 6. Age distribution under 20 age 20-64 age 65-84 age 85+ 7. Race a. % Hispanic or Latino (of any race) b. % Not Hispanic or Latino c. % One race d. % White e. % Black or African American f. % American Indian and Alaska Native g. % Asian h. % Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander i. % Some other race j. % Two or more races 8. If you have Journey-to-Work census data on bicycling to work, what percentage of people in your community bike to work? Directions (Questions 9-14): Please circle the choice that reflects the best answer for your community. 9. How many households are within'/4 mile of a retail or business area? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) 10. How many neighborhoods have significant grass, flowers, and trees? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) 1 1. How many neighborhoods have significant amenities such as parks, water fountains, benches, and public art? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) 12. How many neighborhoods in your community would you consider a good place to raise children? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) 13. Do you have a Bicycle Master Plan? (Yes) (No) 14. Do you have a written bicycle accommodation policy? (Yes) (No) Directions (Questions 15-18): Please answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper. All answers should be typed and numbered accordingly. 15. What was your community's most significant investment for bicycling in the past year? 16. List current community activities that encourage/promote bicycling. 17. Bicycle Coordinator & Government Staff a. List your official bicycle/pedestrian coordinator or bicycle issues contact person on government staff. b. What department is the bicycle coordinator located in? c. How many hours are spent per year in this capacity? d. List all other government staff or contractors whose primary duties are devoted to bicycling issues. 18. Do you have a Bicycle Advisory Committee, Ped/Bike Council or other venue for citizen input? a. List the name of the Chair and their contact information. Thank you for providing preliminary information. Please mail the completed application to: League of American Bicyclists 1612 K Street, NW #800 Washington DC 20006 After careful review of your general community profile, the League will inform you if you have met the basic criteria to begin Part II of the application process. Blerclists ~a~y Community The League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Communities Campaign www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org LEAGUE OF AMERICAN OICYCLISTS 1612 K St., NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006-2850 wEeslrF www_hicyclefnendlycommunity.orq ennai~ bikeleagueC~?bikeleague.org Pr+oNe 202.822.1333 Fcx 202.822.1334 Part 11 is a detailed audit of the engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation and planning efforts in your community. Complete this application on www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org. This comprehensive inquiry is designed to yield a holistic picture of your community's work to promote bicycling. Technical assistance for completing Part 11 is available at www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org or by calling the League at 202-822-1333. APPLICATION PART II ENGINEERING 1. Do you have a policy that requires the accommodation of cyclists in all new road construction and reconstruction and resurfacing? Please include a copy of this legislation or policy. 2. Have you provided training for your engineers and planners on how to accommodate cyclists? Please describe. Is there a mechanism to provide training on an on-going basis? 3. How many bridges are in your community? How many are closed or inaccessible to cyclists? Of those accessible by bike, how many have shoulders, bike lanes, wide curb lanes, or multi- use paths? 4. Do you have a bike parking ordinance? If yes, please include a copy of your ordinance: 5. Are there bike racks or storage units at: Schools Libraries Transit stations Recreation centers Government buildings Office buildings Retail centers Public spaces and parks (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) (All) (Most) (Some) (few) (None) (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) `~i0~we /-Yn ~~ idly Community 6. If your community has transit service: LEAGUE OF AMERICAN [3tCYCLISTS 1612 K St., NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006-2850 wEesi[~ www.bicyclefriendlyoommunity.org EnroaiL bikeleague~'bikeleague.org ~HOrvE 202.822.1333 Fax 202.822.1334 a. Are buses equipped with bike racks? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) (N/A) b. Can bikes be brought inside transit vehicles? 7. How many miles of bike lanes do you have? How many miles of bike lanes are in your bicycle master plan? What is the mileage of your total road network? In rural communities, rideable paved shoulders may also be considered. 8. What percent of arterial streets have bike lanes or paved shoulders? 9. How many miles of designated bike routes do you have? How many miles of signed bike routes are in your bicycle master plan? 10. Please describe any maintenance programs or policies that ensure bike lanes and shoulders remain usable. a. Routine maintenance b. Capital improvements 1 1. Please describe initiatives your community has taken to ensure or improve bicycle access, safety and convenience at intersections, including bicycle detection, signing and marking. 12. How many miles of paved or hard surface trails (e.g. asphalt, concrete, crushed rock) do you have? How many miles of paved or hard surface trails are in your bicycle master plan? 13. How many miles of natural surface trails (singletrack) do you have? What is the total mileage of natural surface trails that are open to mountain bikes? 14. What is the estimated acreage of open space and public lands within the community (city, county, state, and federal public lands)? Are these areas open to cyclists? 15. Please describe maintenance programs or policies for your Multi-use Paths. a. Routine maintenance b. Capital improvements 16. Does your community have an ordinance or local code requirement for employers to provide bicycle parking, shower facilities, etc.? If yes, please describe or include a copy. 17. Please describe recreational facilities for cyclists such as low traffic rural roads and signed touring routes. 18. Are there other facilities that have been created to promote bicycling in your community? If yes, please describe. EDUCATION Birye/rsls ~diy Community LEAGUE Of AMERICAN BICYCLISTS 1612 K St.. NW, Suite B00 Washington, DC 2000G-2850 wEesrF www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org EnnniL bikeleague~'bikeleayue.ory vHOwE 202.822.1333 Fqx 202.822.1334 1. How do you educate motorists to share the road with cyclists? Please describe. How many community motorists do you reach with these efforts? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 2. Are there other bicycle education opportunities for adults? Please describe. 3. Do you have a bicycle safety program for children in schools? How many schools participate? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 4. What other types of bicycle safety and education opportunities are available for children? Please describe. How many children participate? 5. Do you make bicycle safety materials available to the public? Please describe. 6. Do you have a bicycle ambassador program that educates community members on local opportunities for bicycling and answers their questions? 7. Do you have League Cycling Instructors in your area? Please list active instructors. 8. Is bicycle safety education included in routine local activities (e.g. tax renewal, drivers licensing and testing, or inserts with utility bills each month)? If so, please describe. ENCOURAGEMENT ~p~~i0r~ eAarrr ~/~+~ ~d~y Community LEAGUE OF AMERICAN 61CYCLISTS 1612 K St., NW, Suite B00 Washington, DC 20006-2850 wEBSir www,hicyclefnendlycommunity.org eMnl~ bikeleagueC~?bikeleague.org r~HON= 202.822.1333 rcx 202822.1334 1. How do you promote National Bike Month in May (or another month)? Please describe. 2. How many people do you reach with events and activities during this celebration? 3. Do you actively promote Bike to Work Day or other bicycle commuting incentive programs? Please describe. What portion of the community workforce do you reach? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 4. Is there an annual bike tour or ride promoted to the general public in your community? Please describe. 5. Are there community road or mountain bike clubs, bicycle advocacy organizations or racing clubs? Please describe. 6. How many specialty bicycle retailers (i.e. bike shops, not big box retailers like K-Mart or Wal Mart) are there in your community? 7. Are there other bicycling areas or facilities such as BMX tracks, velodromes or mountain biking centers in your community? 8. Does your trails system have a unit of the National Mountain Bike Patrol? Patrollers inform, assist and educate mountain bikers and other trail users. 9. Are there opportunities to rent bicycles in your community or other recreational opportunities involving bicycling? Please describe. 10. Do you have Safe Routes to School program that includes bicycling? How many schools are involved? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 11. Does your community have youth recreation and intervention programs that are centered around bicycling? 12. Do you publish a bike map and keep it up to date? 13. Do you publish a map of mountain bike trails? 14. Please describe any other efforts in your community to encourage cycling. ENFORCEMENT BJere%sIs ~diy Community LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS 1612 K St., NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006-2850 wEasirc www.bicyclefnendlycommunity.org eMni~ bikeleagueC~s6ikeleague.org r~HOV_ 202.822.1333 F~.x 202.822.1334 1. Is your local police department addressing the concerns of cyclists in your community? Is there a liaison that communicates with the bicycling community? 2. Do you offer specific training to police officers regarding traffic law as it applies to bicyclists? 3. Do you use targeted enforcement to encourage cyclists and motorists to share the road safely? 4. Do you have public safety employees on bikes? Indicate the number of employees on bike as well as the size of the entire staff. 5. Do you have a mandatory helmet law? If so, is the requirement a state law or local ordinance? To what ages does it apply? 6. Do you have a mandatory sidepath law? If so, is the requirement a state law or local ordinance? Is it enforced? 8lerdista idly Community EVALUATION & PLANNING LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS 1612 K St., NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006-2850 wEesirL www.bicyclefnendlycommunity.org EMaiL bfkeleague~bikeleague.org vHON=_ 202.822.1333 Fcx 202.822.1334 1. Do you have any information on the number of trips by bike in your community including census data? Please describe. 2. How many cyclist/motor vehicle fatalities have occurred in your community in the past five years? 3. How many cyclist/motor vehicle crashes have occurred in your community in the past five years? 4. Do you have a specific plan or program to reduce these numbers? 5. Do you have a system in place that allows bicyclists to submit ideas and concerns to public officials? Please describe. 6. Do you have a comprehensive bicycle plan? Please include a copy. When was it passed or updated? Is it funded? What percentage has been implemented? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 7. Do you have a trails master plan that addresses mountain bike access, and are there ongoing relations between the mountain biking community and the community recreation and planning staff. 8. Is your bicycle network part of broader development plans, land use plans and ongoing development projects? How many trails, bike lanes, paved shoulders, and bike routes connect with each other to provide seamless transportation options? (All) (Most) (Some) (Few) (None) 9. Have you evaluated your transportation network and prioritized bicycle improvements based on hazards and needs? 10. What specific improvements do you have planned for bicycling in the following year? 1 1. What are the three primary reasons your city deserves to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community? 12. What are the three aspects of your community most in need of improvement in order to accommodate bicyclists? FEEDBACK Leagus~~ B~erel~s/s idly Community LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS 1612 K St.. NW. Suite 800 Washington, DC 20006-2850 wEbSirE www.hicyclefrlendlycommunlty.crg Ennal~ bikefeagueC~bikeleayue.org SHONE 202.822.1333 Fax 202.822.1334 1. How has completing this application affected your awareness of improvements which may be made for bicyclists? 2. Are you planning any new projects based on your involvement with the Bicycle Friendly Community program? Please describe. 3. How do you foresee this designation affecting your community's outlook on bicycling? 4. How do you foresee this designation affecting future bicycle improvement efforts? 5. Are you aware of other communities which should be involved with this program? Please list below. bicyclinginfo.org :Community Problems and Solutions Page 1 of 1 community :: gikeability Checklist problems and solutions home _.- _. ___ How bikeable is your community? how bikeable is your community The Bikeability Checklist can help you find the ;R~;~, „.,~...~~-~-°~•-~~'"` - uestions htful 'll find insi I id - --- , q g ns e you answer. -, Y ~,. ~ „~:. bikeability checklist allowing you to evaluate your neighborhood's ti th th --- ons, e e ques bikeability. In addition to intiating change Checklist provides both immediate answers and -~-- _-~ long-term solutions to your neighborhood's +~" sustaining and potential problems. o - growing '.'~ _ ,_ --- ~-- Pick a place to ride a bike, like the route to school the bicycling community or a friend's house. As you ride, use the checklist to ~d a Print Vern ' ' "" t°n describe problem areas and things to change. After ' ll see the ride, answer atl of the questions and you clearinghouse how your route rates on the bikeability scale. Take __ heart if you find problems, there are many ways community toolbox you can make things better. featured site: Or you can fill-out an online version of this checklist walk to school at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation website. Click on the link below, and then click on ow bikeable is your community?' in the bottom-right corner. ~ r~. .~u,..~. .....__ ..~ .~...--...r -- . rrs~~ ,. __ r .. ;. w =~~., _~ _r_...._ ._ _ _. - _ _~ . ~ ,. ,. N ~., _ _ ..~ ~o to Interactive Online Version Also Available: The Walkability Checklist http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/cps/checklist.htm 5/25/2007 • h~~~~'~~~~~~~^~~~ sitemap about us links join email list ask a qc ' Pedestrian and Flicycle Intormation Center search Go walkinginfo.org How bikeable is your community? Riding a bike is fun! Bicycling is a great way to get around and to get your daily dose of physical activity. It's good for the environment, and it can save you money. No wonder many communities are encouraging people to ride their bikes more often! Can you get to where you want to go by bike? Some communities are more bikeable than others: how does yours rate? Read over the questions in this checklist and then take a ride in your community, perhaps to the local shops, to visit a friend, or even to work. See if you can get where you want to go by bicycle, even if you are just riding around the neighborhood to get some exercise. At the end of your ride, answer each question and, based on your opinion, circle an overall rating for each question.You can also note any problems you encountered by checking the appropriate box(es). Be sure to make a careful note of any specific locations that need improvement. Add up the numbers to see how you rated your ride. Then, turn to the pages that show you how to begin to improve those areas where you gave your community a low score. Before you ride, make sure your bike is in good working order, put on a helmet, and be sure you can manage the ride or route you've chosen. Enjoy the ride! ~~~~ -~~ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration • Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center 1 U S Department ~~ of Transportation Go for a ride and use this checklist ~ ~` to rate your neighborhood's bikeability. ~~ ~:.... ~ ; your commu~ ~y cation of bike ride (be specific): Rating Scale: ? ~_} 5 6 awful rriany some good very good excellent problems problems 1. Did you have a place to bicycle safely? a) On the road, sharing the road with motor vehicles? Yes LJ Some problems (please note locations): No space for bicyclists to ride ^ Bicycle lane or paved shoulder disappeared l.; Heavy and/or fast-moving traffic I_ ;Too many trucks or buses -; No space for bicyclists on bridges or in tunnels ~1 Poorly lighted roadways Other problems: b) On an off-road path or trail, where motor vehicles were not allowed? Yes Some problems: C~i Path ended abruptly C1 Path didii t go where I wanted to go (.' Path intersected with roads that were difficult to cross Path was crowded ' Path was unsafe because of sharp turns or dangerous downhills C_~ Path was uncomfortable because of too many hills Path was poorly lighted Other problems: Overall "Safe Place To Ride" Rating: (circle one) 1 2 3 4 5 6 2. How was the surface that you rode on? ~.; Good Soule problems, the road or path had: Potholes Cracked or broken pavement i ' Debris (e.g. broken glass, sand, gravel, etc.) !. I Dangerous drain grates, utility covers, or metal plates ~ '~ Uneven surface or gaps Slippery surfaces when wet (e.g. bridge decks, construction plates, road markings) '. Bumpy or angled railroad tracks ':_' Rumble strips Other problems: Overall Surface Rating: (circle one) 1 2 3 4 5 6 3. How were the intersections you rode through? .-- CGoocl Some problems: ~? Had to wait too long to cross intersection Couldn't see crossing traffic Signal didn't give me enough time to cross the road L ' Signal didn't change for a bicycle ' ~ Unsure where or how to ride through intersection Other problems: Overall Intersection Rating: (circle one) 1 2 3 4 5 6 4. Did drivers behave well? ^ Yes ^ Some problems, drivers: ^ Drove too fast ^ Passed me too close ^ Did not signal ^ Harassed me ^ Cut me off !~ Ran red lights or stop sign Other problems: Overall Driver Rating: (circle one) 1 2 3 4 5 6 5. Was it easy for you to use your bike? Yes ^ Some problems: ^ No maps, signs, or road markings to help me find my way C~ No safe or secure place to leave my bicycle at my destination ~_..'. No way to take my bicycle with me on the bus or train L_. Scary dogs L.i Hard to find a direct route I liked ~. ' Route was too hilly Other problems: Overall Ease of Use Rating: (circle one) 1 2 3 4 5 6 How does your community rate? Add up your ratings and decide. (Questions 6 and 7 do not contribute to your community's score) 1. 26-30 Celebrate! You live in a bicycle- friendly conununity. 2 21-25 Your community is pretty good, but there's always room for improvement. 3• 16-20 Conditions for riding are okay, but not ideal. Plenty of opportunity for 4 improvements. 11-15 Conditions are poor and you deserve better than this! Call the 5' mayor and the. newspaper right away. Total 5-10 Oh dear. Consider wearing body armor artd Christmas tree fights before venturing out again. 6. What did you do to make your ride safer? Your behavior contributes to the bikeabihty of your community. Check all that apply: Wore a bicycle helmet Obeyed traffic signal and signs L Rode in a straight line (didn't weave) :Signaled my turns Rode with (not against) traffic ( Used lights, if riding at night L Wore reflective and/or retroreflective materials and bright clothing Was courteous to other travelers (motorist, skaters, pedestrians, etc.) 7. Tell us a little about yourself. In good weather months, about how many days a month do you ride your bike? Never Occasionally (one or two) Frequently (5-10) Most (more than 15) Every day Which of these phrases best describes you? An advanced, confident rider who is comfortable riding in most traffic situations ^ An intermediate rider who is not really comfortable riding in most traffic situations A beginner rider who prefers to stick to the bike path or trail Did you find something that needs to be changed? On the next page, you'll find suggestions for improving the bikeability of your community based on the problems you identified. Take a look at both the short- and long-term solutions and corm~nit to seeing at least one of each through to the end. If you don't, then who will? During your bike ride, how did you feel physically? Could you go as far or as fast as you wanted to? Were you short of breath, tired, or were your muscles sore? The next page also has some suggestions to improve the enjoyment of your ride. Bicycling, whether for transportation or recreation, is a great way to get 30 minutes of physical activity into your day_ Riding, just like any other activity, should be something you enjoy doing. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you'll stick with it. Choose routes that match your skill level and physical activities. If a route is too long or hilly, find a new one. Start slowly and work up to your potential. know the problems, _ you can find the answers. 1. Did you have a place to bicycle safely? a) On the road? What you can do immediately What you and your community can do with more time No space for bicyclists to ride (e.g. no bike lane or pick another route for now participate in local planning meetings shoulder; narrow lanes) tell local transportation engineers encourage your community to adopt a Bicycle lane or paved shoulder disappeared or public works department about plau to improve conditions, inchiding Heavy and/or fast-moving traffic specific problems; provide a copy a network of bike lanes on major roads Zbo many trucks or buses of your checklist ask your public works department to No space for bicyclists on bridges or in tunnels find a class to boost your consider "Share the [load" signs at Poorly lighted roadways confidence about riding in traffic specific locations • ask your state department of transportation to include paved shoulders on all their rural highways • establish or join a local bicycle advocacy group b) On an off-road path or trail? Path ended abruptly slow down and take care when ask the trail manager or agency m Path didn't go where I wanted to go using the path improve directional and warning signs Path intersected with roads that were difficult to cross find an on-street route petition your local transportation Path was crowded ^se the path at less crowded times agency to improve path/roadway Path was unsafe because of sharp turns or tell the trail manager or agency crossings dangerous downhills about specific problems ask for more trails in your Path was uncomfortable because of too many hills comnnmiry Path was poorly lighted establish or join a "Friends of the 't'rail" advocacy group 2. How was the surface you rode on? Potholes Cracked or broken pavement Debris (e.g. broken glass, sand, gravel, etc.) Dangerous drain grates, utility covers, or metal plates Uneven surface or gaps Slippery surfaces when wet (e.g. bridge decks, construction plates, road markings) Bumpy or angled railroad tracks Rumble strips • report problems immediately to public works department or appropriate agency • keep your eye on the road/path • pick another route until the problem is fixed (and check to see that the problems are fixed) • organize a community effort to clean up the path 3. How were the intersections you rode through? Had to wait too long to cross intersection pick another route for now Couldn't see crossing traffic tell local transportation engineers Signal didn't give me enough time to cross the road or public works department about The signal didn't change for a bicycle specific problems Unsure where or how to ride through intersection take a class to improve your riding confidence and skills • work with your public works and parks department to develop a pothole or hazard report card or online link to warn the agency of potential hazards • ask your public works department to gradually replace all dangerous drainage grates with more bicycle- friendly desigxxs, and improve railroad crossings so cyclists can cross them at 90 degrees • petition your state DOT to adopt a bicycle-friendly rumble-strip policy • ask the public works department to look at the timing of the specific traffic signals • ask the public works department to install loop-detectors that detect bicyclists • suggest irnprovements to sightlines that include cutting back vegetation; building out the path crossing; and moving parked cars that obstruct your view • organize community-wide, on-bike training on how to safely ride through intersections -'i-- -~ What you can do What you and your community immediately can do with more time 4. Did drivers behave well? Drivers: report unsafe drivers to the police ask the police department to enforce Drove too fast set an example by riding speed limits and safe driving Passed me too close responsibly; obey traffic laws; don't encourage your department of motor Did not signal antagonize drivers vehicles to include "Share the Road" Harassed me always expect the unexpected messages in driver tests and Cut me off work with your comrnunity to raise correspondence with drivers Ran red lights or stop signs awareness to share the road ask city planners and traffic engineers for traffic calming ideas • encourage your community to use 5. Was it easy for you to use cameras to catch speeders and red light runners your bike? No maps, signs, or road markings to help me find plan your route ahead of time ask your community to publish a local my way find somewhere close by to lock your bike map No safe or secure place to leave my bicycle at my bike; never leave it unlocked ask your public works deparunent to destination report scary dogs to the animal install bike parking racks at key No way to take my bicycle with me on the bus or train control department destinations; work with them to Scary dogs learn to use all of your gears! identify locations Hard to find a direct route [liked petition your transit agency to install Route was too hilly bike racks ou all their buses • plan your local route network to minimize the impact of steep hills • establish or join a bicycle user group 6. What did you do to make your (BUC> at your workplace ride safer? Wore a bicycle helmet go to your local bike shop and buy a ask the police to enforce bicycle laws Obeyed tragic signals and signs helmet; get lights and reflectors if you encourage your school or youth Rode in a straight line (didn't weave) are expecting to ride at night agencies to teach bicycle safety Signaled my turns always follow the rules of the road (on-bike) Rode with (not against) traffic and set a good example start or join a local bicycle club Used lights, if riding at night take a class to improve your riding become a bicycle safety instructor Wore reflective materials and bright clothing skills and knowledge Was courteous to other travelers (motorists, skaters, pedestrians, etc.) Need some guidance? These resources might help... STREET DESIGN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 249 Washington, DC 2000] Tel: (202) Fi24-5800 wwwaashto.org Institute of'T'ransportation Engineers 1099 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 West Washington, DC 20005-3438 Tel: (202) 289-0222 www.ite.org Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) PO. Box 23576 Washington, DC 20026 Tel: (202) 366-4071 www.apbp.org Pedestrian and Bicycle Iuformation Center (PB[C) UNC Highway Safety Research Center 730 Airport Road, Suite 300 Campus Box 3430 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3430 Tel: (919) 962-2202 www.pedbikeinfo.org www.bicyclinginfo.org Federal Highway Adminisrtation 400 Seventh Street, SW Washington, DC 20590 www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/index.htm EDUCATION AND SAFETY National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 400 Seventh Street, SW Washington, D. C. 20590 Tel: (202) 366-1739 www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/ League of American Bicyclists 1612 K Street NW, Suite 401 Washington, DC 20006 Tel: (202) 822-1333 www.bikeleague.org National Bicyc]e Safety Network www.cdc.gov/ncipc/bike/default.htm National Safe Kids Campaign 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 7000 Washington, DC 20004 Tel: (202) 662-0600 www.safekids.org PATHS AND TRAILS Rails to Trails Conservancy 1 100 17th Street SW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 33]-9696 www.railtrails.org National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program 1849 C Street, NW, MS-3622 Washington, DC 20240 www. n crc. n ps. gov/rtca/rtca-oth.htrn HEALTH Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity 4770 Buford Highway, NE Atlanta, GA 30341-3724 www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa Tel: (770) 488-5692 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Childhood Injury Prevention 4770 Buford Highway, NE Atlanta, GA 3034] www.cdc.gov/ncipc ADVOCACY AND USER GROUPS Thunderhead Alliance 1612 K Street, N W, Suite 401 Washington, DC 20006 Tel: (202) 822-1333 www.thunderheadalliance.org League of American Bicyclists 1612 K Street, NW, Suite 401 Washington, DC 20006 Tel: (202) 822-1333 www.bikeleague.org National Center for Bicycling and Walking 1506 21st Street, NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 463-6622 www.bikewalk.org SurtaceTransportation Policy Project 1100 17th Street, NW, ]0th Floor Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 466-2636 www.transact.org OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES Bikes and t-ansit: www.bikemap.com Bicycle information: www.bicyclinginfo.org Bicycle-related research: www. tfhrc.gov /safety/ pedbike/pedbike. h tm Bicycling Magazine: www.bicycling.com/ Bicycle touring: Adventure Cycling Association PO. Box 8308 Missoula, MT 59807 (800) 755-2453 (406) 72]-8754 www.adv-cycling.org