More Commuters Biking to Work

An NPR report highlights the increase that cities are seeing in their bicycle commuting.

Read the story here:  http://www.npr.org/2010/11/23/131539669/switching-gears-more-commuters-bike-to-work

I know, it's had to think about that with a couple feet of snow on the ground...

Good Equipment

On my bike ride in to work this morning I was reminded of a meaningful quote I've heard numerous times.

"There is no such thing as bad weather...just bad equipment."

From my experience, getting caught in a lightning storm is an exception to that rule.

Bicycle Education in the Netherlands

We need this here.  Taught at an early age, we would have much safer bike riders and more courteous drivers.

America Walks Releases Strategic Plan

America Walks, a nonprofit organization that leads a national coalition of local advocacy groups dedicated to promoting walkable communities, has recently released a draft strategic plan for 2011-2013. The plan includes three focus areas; creating a national unified voice for pedestrians, advancing and defending walking policies, and advancing Community-based campaigns that restore walkability in America.

The plan is available for review and comment.  Email comments here by the deadline of December 3.

Atlas Trail Dedication Cancelled...

Due to weather – the dedication scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled.


We’ll keep you posted on an early spring re-schedule.

Atlas Trail Dedication

Come join us for the dedication of the newly completed extension of the Atlas Trail.  This important connection under the I-90 bridges completes connectivity to the Centennial Trail and improves safety for pedestrians and bicycles on Atlas Road. 

Neighborhood Greenways

This video illustrates Bicycle Boulevards in Portland, or as they are calling them, Neighborhood Greenways.  Bicycle Boulevards are one of our longer-term priorities for our committee to make some streets in Coeur d'Alene more bicycle (and pedestrian) friendly.



Portland's Bike Boulevards Become Neighborhood Greenways from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Michigan passes bill requiring drivers education to include bicycle laws

From the Examiner:

Michigan drivers education courses do not currently include instruction on laws regarding bicycles. The League of Michigan Bicyclists is working to change that by promoting a bill that will require classroom instruction of bicycle laws and "awareness of the operation of bicycles on the streets, roads, and highways of this state."


The final reading of House Bill 4960, which was originally introduced in May 2009 to both the House and Senate, was voted on and passed by the Michigan House of Representatives on November 9, 2010. The bill was introduced in the Senate as Senate Bill 0531. The Senate has yet to vote on the bill.

In their article, "Bicycle Safety in Drivers Ed," the League of Michigan Bicyclists warns of the lack of education. "This leads many motorists to insist incorrectly—and too often violently—that bicyclists belong on sidewalks. Angry motorists regularly threaten cyclists both verbally and physically. Hundreds of Michigan bicyclists are injured or killed each year in automobile/bicycle collisions."

Congratulations to Michigan for taking action!  This should be a Federal policy.

10 Rules of Cycling

From one of my favorite blogs, EcoVelo, comes the 10 Rules of Cycling.  As usual, there is some good advice there.

1.The rules of the road are there to foster predictability and communication between road users; do your best to adhere to them.


2.Chart a route that matches your comfort and skill level. If that means going out of your way to ride only on separated bike paths, bike lanes, and quiet back streets, that’s fine; you have nothing to prove.

3.Make eye contact with other road users and ride with an attitude of caution and cooperation. Bicycling is inherently a relatively safe activity, but a bicyclist will never win a physical altercation with a motorist.

4.Bike buses are a good way for commuters to make their presence known on the road. Work to organize group commutes in your neighborhood to increase safety while sharing the joys of bike commuting.

5.Personal motivation is key to long-term bike commuting. When it becomes all too easy to sleep in for an extra hour and take the car, consider changing up your route to add a little spice to your commute. Perhaps plan a stop along the way for a pastry and coffee at your favorite coffee shop.

6.Familiarize yourself with the hand signals commonly used in your area, and always strive to make your intentions known to other road users. Communication is an important component of safe riding.

7.Know the rules of the road and the laws that govern your local jurisdiction. Only by understanding our rights and responsibilities as bicyclists can we effectively exercise our right to be on the road.

8.Educate yourself regarding the important distinction between vehicular and infrastructure based safe-cycling. Each rider has a different comfort level; some will be comfortable taking a lane, while others will choose to ride in bike lanes or on alternate routes.

9.Educate yourself regarding lane placement and be aware of motorists’ blind spots. At intersections, place yourself in a position that prevents motorists from turning right into your path.

10.Make intelligent and informed choices regarding safety equipment. As statistics have shown, bicycling is relatively safe when looked at in comparison to other common activities. Educate yourself, and decide what type of safety equipment is appropriate and reasonable for where and how you ride.

Bike Anthem

Here is a little inspiration for you featuring some great (and not-so-great) clips of bikes in movies.

Winter Riding Tips

Here are some great resources for winter cycling tips.

http://www.toronto.ca/bug/pdf/cold_cycling_brochure.pdf

and

http://www.icebike.org/

With the right equipment and knowledge, you won't have to hang your bike up for the winter.

Bike Riders Guide

New cycling safety tips and other resources are available on the Coeur d'Alene Police Department website.  Print out a brochure, read it, and then make your children/parents/friends read it.

http://www.cdapolice.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:cycle-safety&catid=4:crime-prevention&Itemid=52

Volunteer for Canfield Mountain Trail Maintenance Day

This Saturday, November 6th, at 9:00 a.m., the City of Coeur d’Alene Parks Department is hosting a Trail Maintenance Day on Canfield Mountain. The Canfield Mountain trails were completed this past summer, creating a two-loop hiking and biking trail system on the 24-acre natural open space park donated to the city in 2007. Volunteers are needed to help us soften a few, key switchbacks and to widen a narrow section of the trail. Tools will be provided, but please be sure to bring gloves, rain gear, eye protection, and water.

Directions: From I-90 take 15th Street north, turn right on Shadduck Lane, left on Copper, and turn left again on Mt. Vista Drive. The Park Entrance is located a few hundred feet down Mt. Vista Drive on the right hand side of the road. Parking is on-street.

For more information, please contact Trails Coordinator Monte McCully at 292-5766.