RideOn Summer 2009 by Jenn Bress

RIDE A

PUBLICATION

« ON

THE

WASHINGTON

VOLUME 37 | No 2 SUMMER 2009 WWW.WABA.ORG AREA

BICYCLIST

ASSOCIATION

VIRGINIA WORKS TO ACCOMMODATE CYCLISTS CONFIDENT CITY CYCLING CLASSES INCREASE IN ‘09

MAY 15 - BIKE TO WORK DAY

WABA WINS NATIONAL ADVOCACY AWARD! Each day as we get closer to May 15, organizers and volunteers are putting together another piece of the huge event that will be the DC region’s 2009 Bike to Work Day! Refreshments are being ordered, T-shirts are being screened, and arrangements are being made for bagels, tent rentals, delivery trucks, and all the other components that go into putting on such a huge event. Let’s hope it’s a bright and beautiful sunny day, lots of new people are encouraged to give biking to work a whirl, and their delight in discovering the simplicity of cycling convinces them to do it more often!

We look forward to seeing you out there! Bike to Work details on page 6!

Getting Ready for BIKE

TO WORK DAY

EVENTS CALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR: BIKE TO WORK DAY MAY 15 It’s back, and better than ever this year! Mark your calendar for this favorite event as thousands of DC area commuters bike to work and enjoy refreshment stations across the region on their way into work.

RIDE

BIKE PROM! MAY 16 9:00pm-2:00am BLACK CAT MAIN STAGE Last year’s Bike Prom was such a hit,why not do it again? WABA’s Bike Prom will be taking place again this spring encouraging guests to get all dolled up in clothes from their favorite time period, and bike to the event where they can enjoy live DJs, dancing, a photo booth, and more ... just like high school prom, except better!

MUSEUM WALK WEEKEND with Dupont-Kalorama Museums Consortium JUNE 6 - 10:00am- 4:00pm JUNE 7 - 1:00-5:00pm Enjoy a lovely weekend of art exhibits, live music, food, demonstrations, and walking tours as ten local museums open their doors FREE to the public. WABA will be making this event bike friendly with bike tours between the sites and bike parking at key locations. This event is free and open to the public — visit www.dkmuseums.com

www.waba.org

These events are a great chance to mingle with other WABA members, meet WABA staff, and introduce your friends to WABA!

www.waba.org PUT YOUR OLD BIKE TO GOOD USE! For a complete collection schedule, visit www.bikesfortheworld.org or call Bikes for the World at 703-525-0931.

Donate it to Bikes For the World! Bikes for the World collects repairable bicycles in the United States, and donates them to charities overseas for productive use by those in need of affordable transport. Bikes for the World is a sponsored project of WABA, a 501(c)3 non-profit charity. Bikes for the World also accepts bike parts & accessories, operating portable sewing machines, and cell phones. Collections take place rain or shine.

« ON « « «

WABA BOARD President Barbara Klieforth

Vice President

WABA RECOGNIZES ADVOCATES AND VOLUNTEERS at Annual Membership Meeting

Martin Moulton WABA’s Annual Membership meeting was held on March 31 at the Arlington Central Library. The attendance was great, the food was sumptuous, and the evening was capped off with an awards ceremony that celebrated the efforts and accomplishments of WABA’s volunteers and community advocates through the past year.

Treasurer Paul d’Eustachio

Secretary Board member elections were also held that evening. We bid a huge and heartfelt thanks to Douglas Stewart and Hunter McCleary as they both step down from several years of service, and welcome Bruce Wright and Jim Titus as new members to the Board.

Randall Myers

Board Members Casey Anderson Matthew Bieschke David Bono Kendall Dorman Susan Orlins Elissa Parker Jim Titus Dana Wolfe Bruce Wright

Congratulations and thanks to our award recipients! JON MORRISON

WABA STAFF

Whether he’s attending public meetings, writing letters to elected officials, or roaming the halls of Annapolis with legislation in hand, Jon’s tireless efforts have helped advance the cause of bicycling in Maryland. This past year, Jon also spearheaded the effort to have a SHARE THE ROAD license plate created for Maryland.

PHOENIX BIKES

Executive Director Eric Gilliland

Safety Education Program Director Dorcas Adkins

Safety Education Program Coordinator Glen Harrison

Membership & Development Manager Eve DeCoursey

Membership & Development Assistant Jenn Bress

Events Managers Chantal Buchser Henry Mesias

DC Bike Ambassador Ben West

Office Volunteers Josh Bennett Bruce Dwyer Jon Fleming John Telesco

RIDE ON »

RIDEON is published quarterly by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, 1803 Connecticut Ave, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20009 phone :: (202) 518-0524 fax :: (202) 518-0936 email :: waba@waba.org website :: www.waba.org Send requests, changes of address or general messages to the WABA office. Address submissions to RIDEON, or email: rideon@waba.org. ©2006 Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

WABA is a nonprofit advocacy group representing the metropolitan Washington area bicycling community. Coverage of an event not sponsored by WABA does not constitute an endorsement. Reproduction of information in RIDEON for non-profit use is encouraged. Please use with attribution.

Printed with Eco-ink - low volatility vegetable oil-based ink on Ecoprint Offset 100 - 100% Post-consumer Recycled, Processed Chlorine Free using 100% Wind Energy in a Carbon Neutral Process.

The key to a bike friendly community lies in its diversity. It really takes all types of cyclists from couriers and racers to commuters and recreational riders to build a strong constituency for the types of improvements we are all seeking. Since it was created in 2007, Phoenix Bikes has provided a valuable service to the people of Arlington County. Not only do they run a full service bike shop but they also run a youth job-training and “Earn a Bike” program that benefits the youth of the region. Award was presented to Colin Dixon.

GREATER GREATER WASHINGTON BLOG The Greater Greater Washington blog has become an indispensable resource for concerned citizens and bicycling and smart growth advocates as well as for policy makers from around the region. As a testament to its importance, the one-year anniversary party for the launching of the blog attracted no fewer than five DC council members. The blog has helped raise the profile of bicycling in the DC area and improved the standing of bicycling and pedestrian issues in the smart growth movement. Award was presented to David Alpert.

Casey Trees Foundation and DC Urban Forestry Administration both received WABA awards.

CASEY TREES FOUNDATION AND DC URBAN FORESTY ADMINISTRATION In 2002, Susie Stephens—a leader in the bicycling advocacy movement—was killed by a bus in 2002 while crossing a crosswalk in St. Louis, where she was attending a conference. Since that time, Susie’s mother has been planting trees in Susie’s memory in locations around the world. During the recent National Bike Summit, Susie’s mom came to DC to plant two Susie Trees along K Street NW in Washington, DC, just in front of the building that holds the national headquarters of the League of American Bicyclists, Alliance for Biking and Walking, and America Bikes. However, due to logistical problems, Susie’s mom was informed that the trees could not be planted until the following week. However, after a few calls to DDOT, Casey Trees Foundation and the DC Urban Forestry Administration, teams of workers were organized, and the planting was held successfully at the end of the Summit’s Congressional Bike Caucus Bike Ride.

INAUGURAL BIKE VALET VOLUNTEERS Over the course of a cold twelve hours, WABA staff and volunteers parked 2040 bikes, making it the largest bike valet service ever in the United States. While there was a lot of planning and coordinating leading up to the event, it would not have been possible without the help of over 80 volunteers who braved the cold, worked hard and creatively, and chose to spend such an historic day volunteering for WABA. Thank you for your outstanding service to our community!

Eric Gilliland presents award to Dave Alpert, creator of the Greater Greater Washington blog.

WABA Receives National Advocacy Award The Alliance for Biking and Walking (formerly the Thunderhead Alliance) named the Washington Area Bicyclist Association Advocacy Organization of the Year for its numerous advocacy successes and special events in 2008-2009. The award, which was presented at a reception held as part of the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC, highlighted WABA’s Bike to Work Day event, the Bicycle Safety Enhancement Act which was recently passed by the DC Council, and the Inaugural Bike Valets.

walking in North American communities. The Alliance brings leaders of its member organizations together to help each other grow their organizations and become more effective by sharing best practices and innovations. More information can be found online at www.peoplepoweredmovement.org

“This award means so much to us and is an acknowledgment of the progress we’ve been making in the DC area,” said Eric Gilliland, WABA’s executive director. “While our staff works hard to make our roads safer for bicycling, we couldn’t have done it without the support of the WABA membership and our board of directors. This award is as much for them as it is for us.” The Alliance for Biking and Walking is a national coalition of 151 state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations working together to promote bicycling and WABA Staff Members with award: Dorcas Adkins, Glen Harrison, Henry Mesias, Eric Gilliland, Chantal Buchser, Jenn Bress, Ben West.

RIDEON • Spring, 2009 2

THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS!

» FROM MY SADDLE by Randall Myers

Gala and Benefit Auction

ne of the great cycling experiences is the feeling of freedom one has while riding. Cyclists can ride almost anywhere using as little as their internal biological engine, water, and trail mix. And one of the freedoms that some cyclists cling to is the choice to not wear a helmet.

Craig Annear Matt Castelhano David Cranor Jim Dougherty Bruce Dwyer Linda Dwyer Spencer Iscove Paul Lebow

As a child, I owned a black and gold Royce Union BMX, called Conqueror. I rode my 40-pound, seemingly solid steel bike all over my hometown of Philadelphia without a helmet. No one told me that I could fall and crack my skull without a helmet. I thought I knew exactly what I was doing. I also thought I could use lard to lube my chain and the ball bearings that allowed my crank to rotate. I was lucky and probably smelled of grease.

Phillip Lyon Pat Munoz Sarah Nagel Jeff Peel Janice Sims Melanie Spence Leslie Tierstein

Cherry Blossom Bike Valet Garth Abrahams jeff Baker Jason Clock Leigh Ann Evanson Scot Feeney Clara Ferro

Lisa Folliard Kate Hughs Michael Messner Stephen Miller Mimi Pollow Marti Scheel

WABA VOLUNTEERS are the muscle behind the machine!!

A HUGE thank you to all of the folks who have been attending WABA’s Bi-Monthly Volunteer Nights! These nights have proved indispensable to WABA staff, with our volunteers assembling hundreds of membership packets, prepping hundreds of bike lights for the Got Lights giveaway, and other essential office tasks. Volunteers have a chance to barter for WABA membership by attending three volunteer nights in addition to meeting other cyclists in the area and joining the WABA community! Volunteer nights are typically held on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 6:30-8:30pm at the WABA Office. When not enough tasks are available, volunteer nights are only held once a month. Please visit www.waba.org/volunteer for the most updated information on these events. WABA volunteers have also been out and about helping staff at various community events. A big thanks to the volunteers at the Gala, the Spring Valets, and Bike to Work Day. These events could not succeed without help from our volunteers! Visit waba.org/volunteer/ for ucpoming event volunteering information. And thank you!

• Connect with local riders. • Learn about local events. Get to know us.

myspace.com/wabadc • Check out photos of current events.

flckr.com/photos/waba

• Share your photos in the WABA Event Photos pool Join the WABA group on facebook.com • Connect with local riders.

facebook.com

• Have fun!

Helmet use is a subject that evokes passionate discussion amongst cyclists. Some say that wearing a helmet is a choice equivalent to what bike nameplate one rides or what clothing one wears – it’s a personal decision. Some feel that years’ worth of riding experience provides the ability to avoid all manner of serious crashes. In 2007, ABC News commentator John Stossel highlighted a human behavior study from the University of Bath in England, that supported the notion that helmet use may have the unintended consequence of endangering cyclists by encouraging more ‘risky behavior’. Another argument against helmet use is the evidence that shows that wearing a helmet may muff one’s hair. While some see this as an avoidable tragedy, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute and the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, people who ride bikes in the United States should wear helmets, shockingly, because they could be involved in a crash. Almost one in eight reported cyclist injuries in the United States involved a brain injury in 2005; two-thirds of cyclingrelated deaths were from traumatic brain injury; and of the nearly 70 percent of all fatal bicycle crashes involving head injuries, only about 25 percent of the cyclists were wearing bike helmets. One of the strongest arguments against helmet use may be the perceived lack of use in other countries. Amsterdam and Copenhagen are prime examples of places where cyclists are seen without helmets.

However, these cities also provide the strongest argument for investment in the transportation culture and an infrastructure that makes biking safer overall. In the British Medical Journal Vol. 305, October 10, 1992, titled “Helmets for Pedal Cyclists”, Helen Trippe surmises that while helmets are a good secondary safety measure, the best ways of protecting cyclists are improved road engineering, traffic calming, segregated cycling facilities, and better training and education. As a country, our investment in bicycle transportation infrastructure investment per capita is paltry compared to that of Holland or Denmark. Cyclists in the United States typically do not have dedicated routes and must compete with moving and parked vehicles and pedestrians. Also, many cyclists are not trained in safe riding techniques and bike maintenance, which increases the chance of a mechanical failure that could lead to crashes. My childhood story and the topics discussed above illustrate precisely why we need WABA. The Philadelphia I grew up in had no WABA equivalent, no organization to educate children and adults about the potential injury that could result from not wearing a helmet or provide skills training so that they could ride confidently. Additionally, WABA channels our voices so that we can make clear demands for infrastructure improvements that provide consistently safer conditions for cycling. Safer conditions will likely provide an incentive for more people to ride, which will require an investment in education so that cyclists, motorists and pedestrians respect each other and effectively use the transportation space. Will helmets protect the wearer in every crash? No. Can helmets potentially prevent serious head trauma? Yes. Once we have education and infrastructure in place, only then we can have an intelligent conversation about the pros and cons of helmet hair.

WABA’s Annual

Gala and Benefit Auction On March 21, two hundred of WABA’s members, supporters, and friends gathered once again at the beautiful German Embassy for WABA’s Annual Gala and Benefit Auction. This event serves as the largest annual fundraiser for the organization with funds directly benefitting WABA’s safety education and advocacy programs. This year more than $28,000 was raised! Guests were treated to delicious authentic German cuisine catered by the Embassy, and enjoyed bidding on a wide variety of live and silent auction offerings. With over 100 local businesses and individuals donating to the event, guests had plenty of fantastic items to bid on. This year at the Gala, WABA had the wonderful opportunity of honoring Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus, for his tireless work advocating for Congress Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), the bicycling at the German Ambassador, Klaus Scharioth, and national level. WABA's Executive Director, Eric Gilliland. “Congressman Blumenauer is widely seen as bicycling’s best friend in Congress. Having him at the event highlights the important role local bike organizations will play in the upcoming

debate on transportation reauthorization,” said Eric Gilliland, WABA's Executive Director. In addition to having Congressman Blumenauer in attendance, the German Ambassador, Klaus Scharioth, also took to the stage highlighting Germany’s commitment to cycling as one of Europe’s leaders in promotion of bicycling transportation. The Live Auction portion of the evening was led by WABA’s favorite auctioneer, Gayle Stallings, of FunAuctions, from Austin, TX. Gayle has been a dedicated bike advocate for years and knew just how to get the crowd excited for the evening’s main event. Close to $4,000 was raised during the Special Appeal, highlighting WABA’s critical role of advocacy. Bidding continued into the evening with Live Auction offerings including a week long stay on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, various dining certificates, the Ultimate Cyclocross Spectators Kit, MVP Experience tickets to a Nationals baseball game and more! This event would not have come together without the generous support of all of this year’s donors, sponsors, guests, and volunteers. Thank you all very much for your part in helping WABA to achieve our goals of making the DC area a better place to bike!

ADVOCACY

Trails are expanding in Virginia

by Mike Salmon, VDOT

Believe it or not, bicyclists will be one of the first commuter groups to take advantage of the upcoming High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on the Capital Beltway in Northern Virginia. The HOT lanes mega-project includes rebuilding nine bridges over the beltway (I-495) that will have new or improved pedestrian and bicycle trails. When construction is complete, bridges spanning the beltway will have five to 10-foot wide sidewalks plus three-foot shoulders bikes can use.

Mark your calendars for the following recurring bicycle advocacy meetings throughout 2009.

Arlington County Bicycle Advisory Committee The bike lanes on Lorton Road make traveling by bike easy. PHOTO: VDOT

dedicating a percentage of its maintenance budget to paving shoulders for bicyclists on selected roads, and installing pedestrian countdown signals throughout Northern Virginia. “These are great examples of other ways we are looking out for bicyclists and pedestrians,” Allahdoust said. On-road bike lanes are just one step taken to make Northern Virginia a more bicycling-friendly region. The “coming soon” list of bike-friendly additions includes a bike path across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge; a pedestrian bridge across Route 50 in Falls Church; and a traffic calming measure in the form of zig zag pavement markings at a couple of mid-block crosswalks on the W&OD Trail in Loudoun County. The zig zag pavement markings at Belmont Ridge Road and Sterling Boulevard are being used to slow traffic down. Motorists will first see the markings, then the crosswalk. This traffic calming measure is widely used in Europe.

Riders use the bike lanes on Beulah Road for an annual ride around Lee District called the Tour De Lee. PHOTO: MIKE SALMON

Over the summer, VDOT will be connecting established bike routes by adding bike lanes on Gallows Road between the Dunn Loring Metro station and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail; on Huntsman Boulevard between Old Keene Mill Road and the Fairfax County Parkway; and on Lawyers Road from Reston Parkway to Leatherwood Drive in Reston. A curb lane is being added on Stringfellow Road in Fairfax County, for bicyclists to ride alongside motorists. It’s all part of VDOT’s plan to include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations on all road projects, according to Fatameh Allahdoust, VDOT’s Northern Virginia bicycle and pedestrian coordinator. “Planning for bike and pedestrian facilities in every road project is now ingrained in our business,” she said. VDOT is also

ADVOCACY CALENDAR Find out what’s going on in your area, and share your concerns!

This is just one piece of the bike puzzle that is coming together in Northern Virginia. Another piece of the puzzle is bike lanes, an attractive option for bicycling in urban areas. In many places, bike lanes are marked to enable bicyclists who already use these roads to travel safely alongside traffic. In the early days of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s bike program, on-road bike lanes were part of the Telegraph Road and Beulah Street widening project in Fairfax County. Since then, on-road bike lanes can now also be seen in several other parts of Northern Virginia — Lorton Road, Drainesville Road in Herndon, Old Chesterbrook Road and Westmoreland Street in McLean, and Washington Street in Manassas.

2009

On the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, a new bicycle path will cross the northern span from Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria to National Harbor in Maryland. The 1.1-mile path will open by mid June. The 12-foot path includes "bumpout" areas on the bridge for users to take in the fabulous Potomac views. An additional path will connect U.S. Route 1 to the bike path at the foot of the bridge on Washington Street. Bike trails are providing more options for cyclists in other parts of Northern Virginia. In Prince William County, a bike path was constructed as part of the Linton Hall Road widening project between Route 28 and Route 29. Elsewhere in Prince William County, the final section of the trail from Dominion Valley to Haymarket is being built along Route 15 as part of a public-private partnership on that road. Bike paths will parallel Route 29 in Fairfax County between Shirley Gate and Forum Road, and are going in on both sides of Route 50 near Dulles Airport from Lee Road in Fairfax County to Poland Road in Loudoun County. As these projects indicate, VDOT is committed to treating bicyclists and pedestrians on an even keel with motorists.

First Monday of even-numbered months, 7:30 pm. Arlington County Govt. Center (#1 Courthouse Plaza), 2100 Clarendon Blvd. (Courthouse Metro), Azalea Conference Room. For more info: David Goodman, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, at (703) 228-3709 or dgoodman@arlingtonva.us.

Coalition of the Capital Crescent Trail Board Meeting Second Monday of each month, 7-9 pm. Normally at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road. Second Monday of June in Elm Street Park, Bethesda. No meetings in August or December. See http://www.cctrail.org/CCT_News_ and_Events.htm

D.C. Bicycle Advisory Council First Wednesday of odd-numbered months, 6-8 pm. For more info: DC Bicycle Coordinator, Jim Sebastian at (202) 671-2331 or jim.Sebastian@dc.gov.

Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling Third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm, at the Vienna Community Center at 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA 22180 For more info: Bruce Wright at bruce.wright@comcast.net.

Metropolitan Branch Trail Coalition Second Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:30 pm. For more info: Paul Meijer at 202-726-7364 or meijer@cua.edu.

Montgomery County Bicycle Advisory Committee (MCBAC) Third Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:30 pm, Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe St, Rockville, Maryland, 10th floor conference room.

Prince Georges County Bicycle & Trails Advisory Group (BTAG) Meets quarterly. Contact Fred Shaffer for details at Fred.Shaffer@ppd.mncppc.org.

WABA Board Meeting

LEARN

On April 18th 11 adults gathered behind the Old Post Office Pavilion in Washington, DC in order to learn how to ride a bike for the first time. Did it work? Our success rate was 73%—great job new cyclists!

TO RIDE

We learned about fitting a helmet properly, performed bicycle inspections and practiced necessary skills such as balance, steering, stopping and pedaling. We also learned about vehicular cycling principles such as riding on the right, obeying all traffic control devices, riding predictably, being visible at all times, scanning for traffic, signaling lane changes and turns and showing courtesy to pedestrians. WABA will offer another new adult bicycle rider class on September 12, 2009—so help spread the word! Thanks to Bike the Sites (aka Bike and Roll) for providing bicycles for this class.

Second Monday each month, 6:30-8:30 pm. Contact the WABA office for location and agenda at (202) 518-0524 or waba@waba.org.

For a bi-weekly update on advocacy activities, sign up for WABA’s e-bulletin “Quick Release” by sending a message to waba@waba.org.

www.waba.org

SAFETY EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Confident City Cycling WABA’s Confident City Cycling classes are based on the League of American Bicyclists’ Bike Ed curriculum known as Road I. Free to the public, they are supported by the DC Department of Transportation, Arlington County, and the City of Alexandria and are now underway with an abundant schedule of classes distributed across these jurisdictions, offering a choice of venues at Community Centers and Libraries, on Saturday afternoons and weekday evenings. They are taught by WABA’s team of LCI-certified instructors and when possible located in transit-accessible locations. This year, for the first time, we have divided the material into two types of classes as follows:

CCC1 CCC1 is a classroom-only class where participants won’t need to bring bikes. Material includes the principles of bike handling and gearing, hazard avoidance, proper

lane positioning when sharing the road with motorized traffic, and logistical information for would-be bike commuters including simple bike adjustments and repairs. This class is a pre-requisite for CCC2.

CCCSCHEDULE Visit www.waba.org to pre-register, and for updated information and directions.

VIRGINIA

CCC2 CCC2 is a class for riders with their own bikes, where participants learn hands-on techniques for adjustment and repair of common problems, followed by parking lot drills for better bike handling and hazard avoidance. The principles of lane placement and riding with motorized traffic will be reviewed and then practiced on neighborhood streets in a managed group ride. The schedule is offered as a guide - please confirm by phone 202-518-0524, or online at http://www.waba.org/events/education.php#ccc, where you’ll find more info and online registration.

Thurs, May 21, 6-9pm • CCC-1 (classroom only) Mount Vernon Rec Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria, VA Sat, May 23, 1-4pm • CCC-2 on-bike (sequel to CCC-1) Prep for Bike to Work Day Arlington Public Schools Parking deck over I-66, enter from 15th St N Sat, June 13, 1-4pm • CCC-1 (classroom only) Arlington Central Library 1015 N Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22201 Sat, July 11, 1-4pm • CCC-1 (classroom only) Fairlington Community Center 3308 Stafford St., Arlington, VA 22206 Wed, Sept 9, 6-9pm • CCC-1 (classroom only) Spanish translation provided Walter Reed Community Center 2909 16th St, Arlington, VA 22204

SAFE ROUTES

Sat, Sept 19, 1-4pm • CCC-2 (on-bike, sequel to CCC-1) Arlington Public Schools Parking deck over I-66, enter from 15th St N

to SCHOOL

DC Wed, June 17, 6-9pm • CCC-1 (classroom only) Josephine Butler Parks Center 2437 15th St NW, Washington, DC

WABA’s Safe Routes to School education programs are fully underway in both DC and Maryland. The DC program provides the educational component for the twelve schools enrolled in comprehensive SRTS programs, which include audits of and improvements to the pedestrian facilities surrounding the schools as well as increased enforcement of laws governing motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Sat, July 25, 1-4pm • CCC-2 on-bike (sequel to CCC-1) Prep for Bike DC RFK parking lot

Glen Harrison at Stuart Hobson Middle School.

At DC Prep ES a future bike commuter looks left, right, and left again before entering a crosswalk.

Sat, Sept 12, 1-4pm • LEARN TO RIDE Bike and Roll 1100 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20004 Wed, Sept 16, 6-9pm • CCC-1 (classroom only) Prep for Bike DC Takoma Community Center 300 Van Buren St, NW, Washington, DC 20011 Sat, Oct 3, 1-4pm • CCC-2 on-bike (sequel to CCC-1) RFK parking lot

WABA’s Henry Mesias teaches Maureen Kinsella (Coach MoMo) the steps to a good helmet fit.

In Maryland, the model of train-the-trainer continues. 2009 has already seen trainings in both Montgomery County and Baltimore City. Baltimore’s Sports 4 Kids recently completed their second training in as many years, with Americorps volunteers who teach after-school programs in city schools using the WABA bikes and curricula to deliver pedestrian and bicycle safety lessons to participants in grades K-8. Schools involved in this program with WABA include Steuart Hill ES, Afya PCS, Tench Tilghman ES, and Moravia Park ES. During the summer, more trainings are planned for teachers in both Baltimore County and Baltimore City.

DC BIKE AMBASSADOR This month we welcome Ben West to our staff. Ben is the new DC Bike Ambassador. This program is based on successful programs in Chicago, Portland, San Francisco and a junior Ambassador program in Arlington. The program is funded by a grant from DC’s Department of Transportation. What does a bike ambassador do? “Be very diplomatic” jokes West, a DC native with a background in teaching and television. “I have the passion of the convert. When I was a kid I really disliked learning to ride and I hated going to see the Celestial Seasonings and Coors classics with my dad. Now my CC cap is a prized possession”. “The role has unfolded differently in every city; in DC we have a lot of cyclists, but the challenge will be getting us all to all pull in the same direction”. Philadelphia is starting their program on the same schedule and West is planning to visit to see how they are adapting their strategies. West cites a particular inspiration from his time at Chain Reaction (youth bike shop) where he saw the new community that naturally formed around the shop. One of his goals this year is to continue that by reaching out to underserved minority groups and local youth. “Bikes can be such an empowering thing for kids.

They are the most complex things kids can work on and they allow for a freedom that is becoming rare”. He also wants to reach beyond preaching to the choir, “though they are also our base and the reason WABA is such an enduring organization. I think the best way to do more is to ask the choir to help spread the gospel of cycling. If you are interested in cycling in DC, give me a call. We need volunteers, riders, event staff, there is a role for everyone”. West is also working on his League Cycling Instructor certification. “It’s funny how much there is to learn, even after years in the saddle. I thought I knew the law, but I didn’t realize how much it’s in favor of cyclists”. West predicts that 2009 will be a renaissance for cycling. “We’re dealing with so many challenges as a city and as a nation, ironically something as simple as cycling addresses most of them. Local commuting can help by stimulating business, building community, fighting crime, dealing with the national health crisis, helping to prevent childhood obesity and diabetes, and even addressing national security issues”. West elaborates on this last point: “I was in England during the 2005 London bombings and saw how the city was able to function because of bicycles. When the tube and buses became suspect and London’s legendary traffic snarled up the roads, bikes, even those bought that day, allowed people to get home and restore order to their lives. It was the best weapon against terrorism. It’s simply patriotic to bike; it’s a stimulus package on two wheels”.

Off Sides Ride with

DC UNITED To help celebrate the start of the 2009 DC United soccer season, WABA and DC United teamed up to put on the ‘Off Sides Ride’ coinciding with United’s home opener game on Saturday, March 28. WABA purchased forty group tickets to the game and provided a barbeque tailgate before the game. Riders met up at the WABA office at 4:30pm to ride together to RFK Stadium and were greeted with WABA’s event bike racks to lock up to, tents to shield the light rain, and two warm grills ready to serve up some food. Once game time had arrived, the tailgate was broken down and everyone headed into the stadium for the match-up! Despite a one-one tie against the visiting Chicago Fire, the game was an exciting kick off to a great season of MLS soccer. The highlight of the evening was during half time when ten people from the WABA group were on-field for the Half Time Score Board spotlight with the announcer welcoming everyone from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. This event, similar to last year’s “Bike Me Out to the Ballgame”, is a great way to bring WABA members together for a fun filled afternoon and show everyone else in attendance how easy it is to get around by bike!

» BICYCLE COMMUTERS SPEAK “We feel confident though, that our children are learning about safe riding on city streets, and hope they will look back on this and realize that our bike train was something special, something more than just a bunch of kids getting to school.” Did you know that as much as 20% to 30% of morning traffic is generated by parents driving their children to schools? A new wave of car-free transportation is hitting the streets to help parents and students make the trip from home to school and home again. This is in the form of ‘walking school buses’ or ‘biking trains’ and the Washington DC area has its own versions of both. A bicycle train consists of groups of students accompanied by adults who walk or bike a pre-planned route to school. Routes can originate from a particular neighborhood or, in order to include children who live too far to walk or bike, begin from a parking lot. They may operate daily, weekly or monthly. Often, they are started in order to address parents’ concerns about traffic and personal safety while providing a chance for parents and children to socialize. This form of getting to school is supported by a national program called Safe Routes to School and includes not only biking trains but also a host of engineering, education, and enforcement solutions. You can find out more by visiting www.saferoutespartnership.org. This month we interviewed two parents about two biking trains (Mt. Pleasant and Adams Morgan) that occur in the District and here is what they had to say:

Q: What is the name of your biking train, what is your route and how does it work? A: Parrie: Our bicycle bus – the Mount Pleasant Peloton as we call it – starts at Lamont Park in Mt. Pleasant, meeting shortly after 8:00 AM. Some parents drop off their kids while other parents ride the whole way with the group. Occasionally we pick up another child & parent on our route. We never know in advance if they are going to join us or not; we just look for them on the sidewalk and they get in line as we go by. Works very smoothly. Our core group is four parents and ten kids, but we've had as many as 17 children and eight parents. By sheer coincidence, only one of the core group is a girl and she rides on my trail-a-bike. One parent leads (me), one parent brings up the rear, and any additional parent rides in the middle to keep the kids in line and to act as an impediment to cars that may come too close or go by us too fast.

I don't know if those States just don't teach their drivers how to drive around bikes, if they are just out of patience from fighting traffic by the time they get to us, or just don't know the laws, but we've had them yell at us to get on the sidewalk, we've had them gun their cars by us fast and turn in front of us, we've had them come up too close on narrow streets, we even had a driver cut BETWEEN two children in our line!” “There are a couple of places on our commute where we must ride on the sidewalks because the streets just aren't safe enough, but we are loath to do this because pedestrians are, frankly, clueless.” Q: What advice do you have for others who might encounter a biking train? A: Parrie: “…we know pedestrians have the right-of-way, and we constantly reinforce that, but forcing kids to ride through a tree-box rather than yield way on the sidewalk is just rude.”

Q: Why did you start commuting by bike? A: Stephanie: It is a great way to get two kids to school who attend different schools in close proximity to each other. I would put my younger son on the tandem bike when it was my turn to lead the group and drop him at Oyster first. The Adams bike group would meet across the street from Oyster. On nice afternoons I would pick up my son first on the tandem bike and he would ride with me to Adams to pick up the older kids. Q: What do you dislike about riding to school? A: Stephanie: “I think the biggest obstacle was when inclement weather popped up.” Student: “Sometimes it was cold and we went really fast. This often made me nauseous. Sometimes I liked it though.” Parrie: “We've also had people honk in anger or impatience. But most our our negative experiences involve Maryland and Virginia drivers who don't yield way.

“On the positive side, people call out to us to show support. Sometimes they honk and wave, though the honking tends to startle the kids and it would probably be better if they didn't.” Q: What do you like about riding to school? A: Student: “I liked getting the exercise.” Stephanie: One positive aspect was running errands on the bike since I was already out and about. It is much easier to do these types of errands as you don't have to worry about a place to park. Parrie: “…our kids love the peloton even when we've ridden in the rain and wind, and they complain bitterly if they don't get to ride. Thus we rode through most of the winter – snow excepted, of course – and we're proud of how tough those kids were. None ever said they wanted to quit because of the cold.”

Both of these bike trains are naturally occurring community-organized groups who took this on under their own volition. This year, however, this type of transportation is institutionalized in the form of various Safe Routes to School programs in Alexandria, Arlington, Rockville, Takoma Park and Washington. In each of these communities engineering firms are building more accessible routes for bicyclists and walkers to get to and from schools, teachers are teaching students how to walk and bike safely and evaluating how many actually do walk or bike, police departments are stepping up enforcement in school zones, and parents and teacher associations are creating fun events– such as Walk to School Day to encourage more walking and biking. Local SRTS Programs: Alexandria, VA http://alexandriava.gov/localmotion/info/default.aspx? id=11552 Arlington, VA www.walkarlington.com/walkable/saferoutes.html Washington, DC http://ddot.dc.gov/saferoutes Montgomery County, MD www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/DOT/Dir/ pedsafety/saferoutestoschool.asp Rockville, MD www.choosesafetyforlife.com/cam_safetoschool.asp Takoma Park, MD http://takomaparkmd.gov/safe_routes/ To find out how to start your own walking school bus or bike train: www.saferoutesinfo.org/guide/encouragement/ walking_school_bus_or_bicycle_train.cfm

EVENTS BIKE TO WORK DAY » FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009 The regional celebration returns once again. Pit stops, commuter convoys, the Freedom Plaza rally, raffle prizes, and more. Go to www.waba.org to register. Join thousands of area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work! Meet up with your neighbors at one of 26 pit stops all over the region, ride into the city with experienced commuter convoys and meet your colleagues at Freedom Plaza. Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections invite you to try bicycling to work as an alternative to solo driving. Help the Washington region become a better place to ride. Bike to Work Day is a FREE event and open to all area commuters.

PIT STOPS

JOIN A COMMUTER CONVOY New to bike commuting? WABA's here to make your commute easy! WABA volunteers will be leading “commuter convoys” from across the area to the central pit stop in downtown, DC and other pit stop destinations around the region. Each convoy leader is an experienced bicycle commuter who can assist you with safe riding and equipment tips as well as the best route to your destination. You do not need to register for a convoy, simply show up at the designated time and location. #1 Springfield to DC Start Location: Commerce St and Brandon Ave Start Time: 6:00am

#8a Silver Spring to Bethesda Start Location: Discovery Place (Georgia and Wayne Avenues) Start Time: 7:00am

#13 Barney Circle/Capitol Hill to DC Start Location: Penn Ave at Kentucky Ave SE Start Time: 7:30am

#2 South Arlington to DC Start Location: Signature Theatre Start Time: 7:15am

#9 Chevy Chase to DC Start Location: South side of Chevy Chase Circle in front of bus terminal on Conn Ave NW Start Time: 7:00am

#14 Oxon Hill/Waterfront/SW DC to Downtown DC Start Location: Oxon Hill Farm Parking Lot Start Time: 6:50am sharp!

#10 Rock Creek Park to DC Start Location: Candy Cane City (Meadow Brook Rec Center on Beach Dr.) Start Time: 7:00am

#15 U.S. Capitol to DC Start Location: Garfield Circle, west front of Capitol Start Time: 7:45am

Each “pit stop” will offer breakfast, entertainment, dynamic speakers and chances to win bicycles and other prizes. Please be sure to register with your pit stop location to be eligible for prizes.

#3 Old Town Alexandria to DC Start Location: Water Fountain north of the Belle Haven Marina Start Time: 7:00am

Free t-shirts will be available for the first 7,000 registrants who are in attendance at the pit stop they registered for.

#4 Falls Church/7 Corners/ Rte. 50 to DC Start Location: Providence Rec Ctr, Falls Church Start Time: 6:30am

WASHINGTON, DC • Freedom Plaza • Nationals Park MARYLAND • Bethesda • National Institutes of Health • Bowie Town Center • Bowie Old Town • College Park • Hyattsville • Indian Head • Frederick • North Bethesda • Rockville - Rockville Town Center • Rockville - Falls Grove Transportation Center • Silver Spring - One Discovery Place • Silver Spring – FDA White Oak

VIRGINIA • Alexandria • Arlington – Rosslyn • Arlington – Crystal City • Fairfax Corner • Fairfax City Downtown • Leesburg • Reston • Springfield/Metro Park at Walker Lane • Sterling • Tysons Corner • Vienna

Peter M. Baskin ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW 2300 CLARENDON BLVD, SUITE 700 ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22201 TEL: (703) 528-8000 • (703) 276-6800 FAX: (703 ) 522-4570

#4a Crystal City to DC Start Location: Water Park Start Time: 7:00am #5 Vienna to DC Start Location: Vienna Com Ctr Start Time: 6:30am #6 McLean to DC Start Location: Chesterbrook United Methodist at Kirbry Rd above Old Dominion Dr. Start Time: 7:00am

#10 Silver Spring to DC Start Location: Discovery Plaza, Silver Spring Start Time: 7:00am #10b Silver Spring to DC (alternate) Start Location: Discovery Plaza, Silver Spring Start Time: 7:00am #11 Takoma Park to DC Start Location: Carroll Ave and Westmoreland Start Time: 7:00am

#7 Mount Pleasant to DC Start Location: Mt Pleasant St at Lamont St NW Start Time: 7:30am

#12 Greenbelt to DC Start Location: Roosevelt Center on Crescent Road between Southway and Gardenway Start Time: 7:00am SHARP!

#8 Bethesda to DC Start Location: Bethseda at Woodmont Aves. Start Time: 7:00am

#12b College Pk/Mt Rainier to DC Start Location: TBA Start Time: 7:00am

#16 Hillcrest DC to Downtown DC Start Location: Pennsylvania Ave. at Texas Ave. SE Start Time: 7:15am #17 Adams Morgan DC to Silver Spring (Discovery Plaza) Start Location: Adams Morgan Start Time: 7:00am #18 Hyattsville to Freedom Plaza Start Location: Magruder Park 4000 Hamilton St, Hyattsville, MD Start Time: 7:15am #19 Annandale to Falls Church to Rosslyn Pit Stop to Pentagon Start Location: Calvary Church Parking Lot, 8220 Little River TP Start Time: 6:00am #20 Arlington/East Falls Church to Tysons Corner Start Location: Intersection of the Custis Trail and W&OD Trail Start Time: 7:00am

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WABA partners with YMCA

WABA and the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington have partnered together to enhance the workplace wellness program for WABA staff and members. The YMCA is giving membership savings at all of their full facility branches. Interested WABA members can visit any YMCA in the Metropolitan Washington Area and receive this benefit. Join now to receive No Joiner Fee ($100 - $200 value) and 30% off monthly membership savings. Why should I take advantage of this? Âˇ Receive FREE wellness evaluation Âˇ Receive monthly membership savings by becoming a member Âˇ Have access to children's programming Âˇ Get back into a healthier lifestyle!

TELL A CYCLING BUDDY! Do your cycling friends a favor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tell them about

WABA! BIKE PROM 2009:

Black Cat Main Stage - 1811 14th St. NW Dressing up in clothes from your favorite time period encouraged. Best dressed will be crowned Prom King and Queen. DJ's, Dancing, Raffle Prizes, Free Prom Photos and More!

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 6, 2009 American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, National Trails Day (NTD), inspires the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects. More than a million hikers, bikers, equestrians, and others take part in thousands of events nationwide in celebration of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trails. NTD also provides an opportunity to thank volunteers, land managing agencies, and outdoor-minded businesses for their support in developing and maintaining trails. Check the American Hiking Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website for events planned for the DC Regional Area: www.americanhiking.org

7 + ( 5 , 6 ( $ 1 ' ) $ / / 2 ) $ 1 1 , ( + $ / /%\ 6DP )RUPDQ

THE ROAD WITH

We can obtain State of maryland organizational license plates that will show our support for safe cycling and to remind other drivers to share the road with cyclists. If you're a Maryland resident and interested, please go to www.waba.org/areabiking/MDPlates.php to sign up!

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Part of the mission of WABA is to promote safe cycling. Another is to share our enthusiasm about all things cycling. As part of those efforts, we are proud to announce the potential for cycling-related license plates for your motorized mode of transportation.

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