Bike-Path Crusaders: How They Roll - AARP Bulletin Article

The July/August 2010 edition of the AARP Bulletin's article entitled Biketopia, led me to the attached video. The article itself explains how Brunswick, Maine became a LAB designated Bike Friendly Community.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which was formed over 10 years ago, diligently works to keep issues in front of the community officials and planning groups in the area.

I think the take home message for this article is in line with my theory of how to affect change in your community - Relationship building, education, persistence and patience.

Go here to read the article -http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/info-7-2010/brunswick_maine_bike_paths.html

Or look for your personal copy of AARP Bulletin in your mailbox...and I know you get it....

Thank You Ray LaHood

Bike Walk Tennessee joins advocates across the nation to THANK Secretary Ray LaHood for his support.

Ray LaHood Continues to Defend Bicycles

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, who suffered a torrent of criticism from a host of road users this month after declaring ¨the end of favoring motorized transportion at the expense of non-motorized transportation¨, has defended his new bicycle policy in a recent blog post.

¨We know that 90 percent of the people are not going to be cycling to work or around town. But that opportunity and that kind of alternative is something people have said they want....We know that making biking and walking safer creates more livable communities. It makes Americans healthier at a time when the US military has indicated that 27% of recruits are too overweight to qualify for service. It lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It reduces our dependence on foreign oil...¨

Head over to the Transport Seretary´s Blog to read more. 

What do you think--does having a champion for Biking and Walking in the President´s cabinet make a difference for those of us biking and walking here in Tennessee?

Congressman LaTourette expresses regret

In a new message on his website, Congressman LaTourette (R-OH) expressed regret  at the uproar caused by his questions to the Undersecretary of Transportation about the USDOT policy statement during a recent Congressional hearing.  LaTourette’s comments at the hearing provoked a strong response from advocates.

Andy Clark Responds

I've been called many things as I ride to and from work every day in our nation's capital, but a harbinger of economic catastrophe...now that's a first!
As I think back to major economic catastrophes of the last 40 years, I am having a hard time finding any tell-tale trace of bicycle tire tracks. On the contrary, my recollection of significant recent economic crises is that they are invariably caused by our predeliction for foreign oil - the 1973/74 oil embargo; 1988 oil crisis; 2008 gas price increases quickly followed by the mortgage and foreclosure crisis that piled unsustainable housing costs on top of budget-busting suburban commuting costs. (Click here to read more)

Andy Clarke, President, League of American Bicyclists