HB 1182 (Complete Streets) passed out of the Roads and Transportation Committee by a vote of 10-2 on February 2nd. The bill specifies that beginning December 1, 2010, INDOT will be required to report, on an annual basis, the steps taken and progress made in developing and implementing complete streets guidelines at the state level. The bill also explicitly defines a “user” as a motorist, pedestrian, bicyclist, or transit passenger. More about the Complete Streets initiative can be found HERE.
The bill will now move to the full House floor, and citizens are encouraged to reach out to their representatives. It is important that you take this action by early next week! For help identifying or contacting your legislators, click HERE.
From today’s New York Times, an article on the growing presence of electric bikes. There’s got to be a way of capitalizing on this regions strengths to not only retrofit factories/businesses to build electric cars, but bikes/e-bikes, too.
In 2009 a bill was introduced and passed both chambers of the legislature, but died in the reconciliation process.
A similar bill, SB0361 has been introduced by Sen. John Broden. This bill is nearly identical to the 2009 bill as passed by the House. The bill has most of the provisions requested by cyclists, but also contains some objectionable provisions. In all, most cyclists agree that it is a giant step forward, and can win enough votes to become law.
Judy Lee has been piloting safety classes for 3rd graders and has been splitting her efforts between the pilot education program and a search for funding sources. The education program has been a resounding success, and now her search for funding is beginning to succeed.
The Michiana Bicycle Association has donated $1,000 and Memorial Hospital’s Community Health Enhancement has granted $4,500. When added to the Bike Michiana Coalition’s internal funding of $1,000 the funds will go a long way towards safety education for kids.
Lee has isued a plea for volunteers to help with the growing program. She said “This is a great opportunity for cyclists who want to volunteer.” It also is a great opportunity for folks who enjoy working with children, even though they have no special knowledge of cycling. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Lee at JudyALee@embarqmail.com.
Elkhart’s All About Cycling & Fitness is hosting indoor trainer rides Thursday’s from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Just bring your own bike and trainer; you can also borrow one of their trainers or even give some rollers a shot. See below for a map showing the shop’s location.
The coalition has earmarked $3,500 for support of bicycle advocacy, infrastructure and safety.
Three specific programs have been identified, and funding has been set aside to support them. The programs are Children’s Education, South Bend Bike Lanes, and the LaSalle Trail. Read the rest of this entry »
There have been three changes in the Board of Directors. Jeff Nixa who has been president since the coalition was formed in 2008 is resigning due to personal reasons, not the least of which is his mother’s health. Many area cycling advocates still fondly recall a snowy January evening at Nixa’s home where he brought together a group which eventually became the Bike Michiana Coalition. Read the rest of this entry »
Saw this earlier today and thought some might appreciate it. Inspired by critical mass rides and the likes, it was filmed in LA at night. Music’s kinda cool, too. Band is called 30 Seconds To Mars. Don’t know anything about them, just enjoyed it. Ride on!
My son’s employer has a program to encourage employees and students to be bike commuters. The employer is Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) in Portland Oregon.
Jerry Hinnefeld
Henry Scott
judithrobert
Jeff Nixa
memooney
Adam Bee
bspitzer
Nate Barnett
Paul Taylor
Danny Graber
lhierony
Phil G-E
petercolan
Chris Clark
Jim Moffitt
HB 1182 (Complete Streets) passed out of the Roads and Transportation Committee by a vote of 10-2 on February 2nd. The bill specifies that beginning December 1, 2010, INDOT will be required to report, on an annual basis, the steps taken and progress made in developing and implementing complete streets guidelines at the state level. The bill also explicitly defines a “user” as a motorist, pedestrian, bicyclist, or transit passenger. More about the Complete Streets initiative can be found HERE.
