Texas had a strong presence at the sixth annual National Bike Summit hosted   by the League of American Bicyclists in Washington, D.C., March 3-5, 2006. The Summit attracted more than 350 leaders in bicycle advocacy, industry members and experts in education from across the country. Delegates participated in trainings, networking and lobbying. After years of focus on the passage of the Federal transportation bill, workshops this year emphasized implementation of the recently passed legislation; how to turn federal funding into better conditions for bicyclists.

BikeHouston Executive Director Job Announcement

BikeHouston announces the opening of a search for the position of Executive Director (ED). BikeHouston is a 501(C)3 organization with the mission to promote safe bicycling and to improve the quality of life in the Houston area. Ideal applicants should be experienced cycling advocates with demonstrated success developing non-profit organizations. The ED will join BikeHouston as the first full-time employee of the organization and will find the support of an enthusiastic Board of Directors, Advisors and members ready and willing to help BikeHouston grow into a larger and more influential advocacy organization.

House Bill 2894 orders the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to enter into a contract with a private vendor to market the sale of specialty license plates. The private marketing firm would be paid with fees generated by increasing the annual cost of specialty license plates by $25. Thus, the Share the Road license plate fee would increase to $55 annually, with $25 from each plate benefiting the marketing firm and $22 continuing to benefit Texas Bicycle Coalition’s bicyclist and motorist safety education programs.

In the next month, Coalition members will receive Membership ID cards with information about taking advantage of new hotel and rental car discount programs. The Coalition has teamed up with Choice Hotels International and Advantage Rent-A-Car to provide discounts to our members.

The Balcones Wilderness Preserve Citizens Advisory Committee held its second and final public forum the evening of February 15, 2006. The forum allowed interested members of the community to voice potential changes to the Land Management Plan. Currently, there are several restrictions set to preserve wildlife and flora including the possibility limiting mountain bike use.

The Coalition is accepting resumes to fill a key position: Membership Director. A full job description is available at www.BikeTexas.org/jobs.