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ACT NOW to Save Biking and Walking in Texas!

Jack Sanford — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:10:35 +0000

AT THIS VERY MOMENT, the U.S. Senate and House are taking action to eliminate key programs that fund walking and biking

LET'S TAKE ACTION TO PRESERVE WALKING AND BIKING IN TEXAS

MAP-21 in the Senate and H.R.7 in the House - as they stand now - represent the forces that want to spend all our tax money to build expensive highways and leave biking and walking in the dust.

Across the country, groups are mobilizing to ensure Americans have the freedom to choose healthy, economically beneficial transportation options. Your help is needed RIGHT NOW

1) Ask Senators Cornyn and Hutchison to support the Cardin/Cochran and Kloubacher Amendments

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR U.S. SENATE CONTACTS:

Dear Senator YOUR MEMBER'S NAME,

I am a Texan voter and a cyclist/pedestrian/parent/teacher/member of BikeTexas/city transportation planner/parks official/etc (STATE ANY AND ALL RELEVANT AFFILIATIONS).

Safe Routes to School and Transportation Enhancements are very important to me because of the Texas obesity epidemic/I have been hit by a car/my roads are unsafe for my children/etc. (USE YOUR OWN WORDS)

I urge you to support the following amendments to MAP-21:

Cardin/Cochran Amendment #1549 to restore TE funds
Klobuchar Amendment to restore the Recreational Trails Program

I am very upset that MAP-21, as it was voted out of the Environment and Public Works Committee, fails to provide dedicated funding that we can count on to support trails, walking and bicycling.

Through inclusion of expensive new eligible projects like roads, activities like routine maintenance of vegetation and compliance with regulatory requirements, the newly defined Transportation Enhancements (TE) program will no longer be used by my state transportation department to fund trails, walking and bicycling. These transportation opportunities are absolutely necessary for our communities--and our nation--to continue creating jobs, providing affordable transportation, bettering our energy security, improving health and safety, and more.

As this bill is also about creating jobs, it is worth noting that a recent study by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials found that TE projects, like building trails, create more jobs per dollar than do highway projects like road resurfacing.

Thank you for your continued service.

2) Ask your Member of Congress to support the Petri Amendment

IT IS NOT TOO LATE - These key amendments would prevent shortsightedness and special interests from ruining our transportation future for decades.

Senator Hutchison:

202-224-5922

Email form

Senator Cornyn:

202-224-2934

Email Form

Find Your Member of Congress

Click here

U.S. Senate - WHAT YOU CAN DO

Ask both of your Senators to support the Cardin/Cochran (Amendment #1549)* and Klobuchar** amendments

MAP-21, as it was voted out of the Environment and Public Works Committee, fails to provide dedicated funding that we can count on to support trails, walking and bicycling.

The bill guts Transportation Enhancements, which for decades has been the key source of funding for paved trails and other bike/ped transportation infrastructure.

The bill would allow TE money, less than 2% of the transportation budget, to be spent towards expensive new eligible projects, like roads and vegetation maintenance, instead of the bike/ped transportation option Texas desperately needs.

*Fortunately, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) have introduced an amendment to MAP-21 that would ensure we have a fair shot at dedicating funds for trails, walking and bicycling.

**Further, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will introduce another amendment that would restore the integrity of the Recreational Trails Program.

Ask Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn:

Will you support floor amendments by Senators Cardin/Cochran (to give Texas decision-makers access to TE funds) and Klobuchar (to reinstate the integrity of the Recreational Trails Program)?

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR U.S. CONGRESS CONTACTS:

Dear Representative YOUR MEMBER'S NAME,

I am a voter in your district and a cyclist/pedestrian/parent/teacher/member of BikeTexas/city transportation planner/parks official/etc (STATE ANY AND ALL RELEVANT AFFILIATIONS).

I urge you to support the Petri Amendment that preserves dedicated funding for walking and biking.

Local Governments deserve a voice in transportation. The bipartisan Petri Amendment ensures that cities and counties have an opportunity to weigh in on transportation decisions.

Construction projects get moving. The Petri Amendment kick-starts small, low-impact construction projects, providing transportation, economic, health, and safety benefits sooner.

Active Transportation is a wise investment. Walking and Biking infrastructure is low-cost, creates more jobs per dollar than any other kind of highway spending, and is critical to economic development for main street America.

Safety matters. Bicycle and pedestrian deaths make up 14% of all traffic fatalities, yet biking and walking receive less that 2% of funding. These programs provide funding for sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways that make streets safer for all users.

Thank you for your continued service.

U.S. House - WHAT YOU CAN DO

Ask your Member of Congress to support the Petri Amendment - The Transportation Improvement Program

The House transportation bill is even worse than the Senate version.

Despite the fact that walking and biking make up 12% of trips and 14% of traffic fatalities but receive only 1.5% of federal funding, the House bill eliminates dedicated funding for walking and bicycling.

Both bills are purported to create jobs, but fail miserably. A recent study by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials found that TE projects, like building trails, create more jobs per dollar than do highway projects like road resurfacing.

Luckily, an amendment authored by Tom Petri (R-Wisc.) and co-sponsored by Texas' own Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Dallas) among others, corrects the transportation bill.

The Petri Amendment preserves dedicated funding for Safe Routes to School and Transportation Enhancementsand consolidates these programs into the Transportation Improvement Program.

Ask your Member of Congress:

Will you support the Petri Amendment to improve America's transportation system?

Find your Member of Congress

Click here

General Guidelines

* Identify yourself as a voter and a constituent

* Briefly state why these programs are important to you and why

* Make a specific, direct ask of support for these amendments

* Be polite, thank them for their service.

See all our Guidelines for writing your represenatives here:

http://www.biketexas.org/en/get-involved/tips-on-writing-your-representative

OTHER ACTIONS

This is a huge moment in the history of bike-friendly America. Many of BikeTexas' partners at the federal level are quickly mobilizing:

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

League of American Bicyclists

Safe Routes to School National Partnership

Staff Transitions at BikeTexas

Jack Sanford — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:29:48 +0000

Fall in Texas provides a dramatic example of how good change feels. Change is inspiring because there's the challenge of learning and growth. At BikeTexas, we are excited about this Fall's changes...

We are pleased to announce two new staff members at BikeTexas!

Leslie Luciano, our new Communications Director has been a friend and close BikeTexas partner for over three years as the Director of Advocacy for Bicycle Sport Shop. Leslie will be working on Safe Routes to School and looks forward to expanding our social media outreach, networking with Bike Retailers around the state who are not yet members, and increasing sales of our Share the Road, Y'all and Texas Trails license plates.

Donna Hoffman, our new Program Manager comes from a successful seven year run at the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. Donna met BikeTexas when we helped with the 2009 Clean Energy bicycle rally and ride. Donna is excited about networking with Texas college faculty, staff, and students to create a new initiative at BikeTexas -- a College Freshmen Active Transportation Safety Course supported by a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) grant.

Freddie Summer Moves to TxDOT When TxDOT recently went looking for someone with Safe Routes to School experience, they found their expert at BikeTexas. As a new Program Manager in the Traffic Safety Office of the Traffic Operations Division, Freddie Summer, our former Grant Compliance/Office Manager, will be involved in administering traffic safety grants for motorcyclists, pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle occupants.

Emma Cravey & Jack Sanford on the Move In addition to our new staff members, we are shifting duties amongst our 10-member team. Emma Cravey, after building membership to an all-time high as Membership Director, has stepped up to serve as our Grant Compliance and Office Manager. Emma is excited to embrace the challenge! Jack Sanford, who was our Graphic Designer, will now take over as Membership Coordinator. By the looks of the new members he's brought on board in just the last month, we have no doubt Jack will successfully build BikeTexas'

BikeTexas Receives Award from Texas NAACP

Jack Sanford — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:03:36 +0000

On October 7th, 2011, the Texas NAACP presented BikeTexas with Texas President Award at the 75^th Annual Texas NAACP State Convention. Gary Bledsoe, President of the Texas NAACP, handed the award to Robin Stallings, Executive Director of BikeTexas. Inscribed on the award are the words “For going above and beyond the call of duty to develop interest in biking and green benefits from biking in the African American Community”.

BikeTexas has a history of nurturing diversity, and bringing leaders into the bike culture. Texas Legislators host bike rides at the annual National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) meetings around the country. With their fleet of bicycles in tow, Bike Texas conducts these rides for our Texas Legislative hosts. Since 2005, Bike Texas has used opportunities like this to bring our Leaders and future leaders to cycling.

The following morning Bike Texas coordinated a bike ride for NAACP Leaders and attendees. Leaders from several NAACP chapters participated, including an enthusiastic group of collegiate chapter leaders. NAACP President Gary Bledsoe and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price also participated in the ride. The ride commenced shortly after dawn on a beautiful fall morning, touring Downtown Fort Worth and the Trinity Trail. Brenda Chuleewah Bike Texas’ Teacher Training and Program manager was impressed with all of the women on the ride, saying the group was a broad mix of gender and age.

A special thanks goes out to the Fort Worth Bike Police who did a fantastic job of escorting our cyclists. Bike Texas has also co-hosted rides with the NAACP in Kileen and Houston.

This is the first time in the history of the NAACP that a bike advocacy group received an award for helping to create more diversity in the cycling culture. Bike Texas is honored to be a part of this historic moment.

BikeTexas KidsKup wraps up 12th Year

Jack Sanford — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:20:18 +0000

With the conclusion of the Fall Series, BikeTexas has just wrapped up the 12th year of the BikeTexas KidsKup. The BikeTexas KidsKup is a family oriented program and it is a great way to introduce kids to bicycle safety and handling skills in a fun off road environment. This year was the best year ever. BikeTexas KidsKup had over 400 kids participate in 12 races in the Spring and Fall Series of 2011. Boys and girls of all ages put on their helmets and rode whatever wheels they had: tricycles, scootbikes, bikes with training wheels, single-speed kick brake bikes, and even a few bikes with gears and disc brakes! Whatever the ride, everyone had fun and received goodie bags including Clif bars, water bottles, stickers, safety materials with videos, and shiny Shimano medals for their participation. At the BikeTexas KidsKup, everyone is a champion!

The next KidsKup race will be held on February 10, 2012 in conjunction with the TMBRA Warda Race in Warda, TX, with several more Kids Kup events following in the Spring 2012 series.

This program is funded by TxDOT under the Safe Routes To School (Public Information & Education) Program. All courses are challenging but fun for kids of any skill level. The youngest participant ever was 18 months old. The oldest allowed are 12 years old. BikeTexas Program Manager Fernando Martinez and Program Assistant and pro racer Rick Wetherald manage each event and engage kids and parents in bicycle skills and safety. The BikeTexas KidsKup is always held on the Saturday before TMBRA races, and is always free (although sometimes a park fee applies). Each event includes a short safety clinic with helmet and fun demonstration, followed by the everyone's-a-winner racing.

BikeTexas would like to thank all of the BikeTexas Kids Kup sponsors: Shimano, Clif Bar, Park Tool, Bicycle Sport Shop, and Finish Line. As well, all the parents deserve a great thank you for bringing their kids to be part of these events, and for making donations to ensure this program continues to run for years to come. Without their help BikeTexas could not have such a great events!

Come out and join us for the BikeTexas Kids Kup Spring Series starting in February 2012 and let's have some more fun!!!

Please watch the video below to see how much fun all this kids are having during our races.

BikeTexas KidsKup Huntsville race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCTAKEOAl7s

Pace Bend KidsKup race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYb36pstFX8

Boltage Program Increases School Biking and Walking

Jack Sanford — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:12:34 +0000

On October 21,2011, Doss Elementary in Austin, Texas, kicked off their Boltage Program, a Kid Commute program using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and sociology to influence a behavior change: more kids walking and biking to school. Doss was the 5th Boltage program implemented in Austin area schools in the last year and a half. It is also one of only five Boltage programs in the state of Texas and one of the 40 active Boltage schools in the US, and Canada. In Austin: Patsy Summer Elementary, Brentwood Elementary, Bryker Wood Elementary, and Martin Middle School have all sustained their programs since their Boltage launches.

Local advocacy organizations came together along with BikeTexas to teach kids Bike Safety in an assembly. BikeTexas, Austin Cycling association, The City of Austin Safe Kids Program, and the Department of Health and Human Services Safe Routes Program managers all came together with Bicycle Sport Shop and Trek Bicycles to make these programs a huge success.

Helmets were checked for improved fit, providing replacements if necessary. The students then proceeded to a Bike Rodeo course, and practiced their riding skills. Over 100 students biked to school for the Boltage Kick-off. There were smiling faces everywhere, as kids rode through various courses, designed with an emphasis on safety skills, and fun.

Doss Elementary is unique in that the City of Austin anticipated a large number of kids riding their bikes to school with Boltage coming in, so they came and put in curb cuts in the sidewalks, bike lanes, signage for no parking in bike lanes, and provided additional crossing guards BEFORE the program launched! Doss definitely delivered for the “Build it and they will come” theorists. Today there are over 365 kids riding and walking to Doss Elementary who previously were driven there.
Doss principal Janna Griffin was handed a challenge this year with a school already 300 students over capacity, with limited parking, and heavy traffic surrounding the school. This program has made a significant improvement in traffic flow around the school. Statistics show, traffic accidents and fatalities decrease as pedestrian, and cycling transportation increases. Principal Griffin said, “I can’t thank the Boltage program enough for making such a difference for the children, their families, the community, and the schools. Parents are lingering around the schools, and there is just a positive energy surrounding these kids as they ride to school”! Teachers are reporting that their Boltage kids come to school alert kids ready to learn. Besides the obvious benefits: reduction in traffic, gasoline savings, reduction in the carbon footprint, healthier and more active kids, we’ve found Boltage to just make kids happy!

For information on this effective program contact Leslie@biketexas.org.

You're Invited to the Texas Bike/Ped Summit in San Antonio February 1-3, 2012

Jack Sanford — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:10:06 +0000

Register Now! The biennial Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference, aka the Texas Bike/Ped Summit, is coming up fast! Engineers, planners, advocates and anyone interested in active transportation is invited to join us in San Antonio February 1-3, 2012, at El Tropicano hotel downtown on the Riverwalk.

Organized by BikeTexas and the Texas Trails Network, we have the strongest line up of Keynote Speakers in our history.

Former congressman Jim Oberstar, a true champion for bicycles over his 36 years in the U.S. Congress
The renowned Danish architect and urban design consultant Jan Gehl, who prioritizes bicyclists and pedestrians in his designs
John Burke, President of Trek Bicycles and life long dedicated bike advocate
Senator Rodney Ellis, Houston, a cyclist, and a friend of all Texas cyclists

This conference has something for everyone: Bike/Ped Coordinators, Advocates, Cycling Enthusiasts, Trail Builders/Advocates, Safe Routes to School Coordinators, Traffic Engineers, Public, and Private partnerships, Urban Planners, Teachers, and more. Earn education credits! For more details, click here to check out the conference website for daily updates, and "like" the conference Facebook page.

BikeTexas 2011 Bike Giveaway Winner from Pearland, TX receives Trek 7.2FX

Jack Sanford — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:07:50 +0000

Congratulations to this year's lucky winner of the BikeTexas Member Bike Giveaway was John Olin of Pearland, TX. John has been a monthly Patron-level member of BikeTexas since 2008. This year's prize was a Trek 7.2FX hybrid road bicycle donated by Texas Trek Dealers. The drawing was held during the Kids Kup race on October 1, 2011 at the Dave Boyd Huntsville Classic TMBRA event in Huntsville State Park. John donated his prize bike to his granddaughter Grace. They picked up the Trek bike from the Bike Barn in the West University neighborhood of Houston.

First Phase of 183A Trail is Complete

Emma Cravey — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:18:11 +0000

On Thursday, September 29, 2011 the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority unveiled the first phase of multi-use trail along toll road 183A. The ceremony included remarks from Mike Heiligentstein, the Executive Director of CTRMA; Ray Wilkerson, Chairman of CTRMA; Cedar Park Mayor Bob Lemon; Austin City Council Member Chris Riley; and BikeTexas Executive Director Robin Stallings. Each person spoke glowingly of the need for a transportation system that includes walking and biking, and how essential off-street trails such as this one are to the safety of non-car users such as children and the elderly. Cedar Park Mayor Lemon was particularly excited about how well the trail will eventually connect to such attractions as the Cedar Park Events Center and local schools, noting that this key transportation link will greatly increase quality of life in his town.

CTRMA Executive Director Mike Heiligenstein thanked BikeTexas for all its engagement over the years. Heiligenstein and Stallings first talked about including the multi-use path along the 183a tollway a decade ago. Heiligenstein announced today that CTRMA is planning to build shared-use trails along other future toll corridors in central Texas, naming specifically plans for US 290a and US 183 from US 290 to the Austin Airport.

The proposed shared-use trail along Mopac, being constructed as part of the Mopac Improvement Project, was mentioned as part of a system of trails that will eventually connect the whole region. On that note, Chris Riley spoke of the work the city is doing with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to develop the first regional bicycle map. Other trail networks in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio were mentioned as examples of other Texas cities that are building extensive off-street transportation networks for walking and biking.

HNTB overcame many barriers to build this AASHTO-compliant shared-use trail that parallels the toll road and crosses several major arterial roads as well as an active commuter rail line. HNTB, which is also working on the Mopac Improvement Project, intends to present their challenges and victories from building the 183A trail at the Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference in February 2012, which BikeTexas is co-hosting with the Texas Trails Network.
The current section of trail is 2.2 miles long. Phase II, to be completed in 2012, will make the trail 10.3 miles long, and includes a bridge to connect the trail to the existing Brushy Creek Regional Trail Network as well as a connection to the Leander MetroRail station.

See photos of the event on the BikeTexas Facebook page here.

Last Chance to Win a New Trek Bike!

Emma Cravey — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:38:51 +0000

BikeTexas Members! Renew your membership now to be entered in the raffle to win this 2012 Trek 7.2 hybrid bike! Drawing will be conducted at Kids Kup Huntsville this weekend but you don't have to be there to win!

This is your last chance! Join BikeTexas or renew your membership now!

This Saturday, October 1, we will be raffling off a new Trek bike at the BikeTexas Kids Kup, at the TMBRA Huntsville Classic. Join BikeTexas or renew your membership by noon tomorrow, September 30, and you could be the owner of this shiny new 2012 Trek 7.2 hybrid, donated by Texas Trek dealers.

Note: If you have joined or renewed since August 1, 2011, including at Hotter'N Hell Hundred, you are already entered in the raffle!

Monthly members are automatically entered, but remember that we need your updated information - if you haven't updated your information in the last two months, we need it from you again! Click here for details.

If your membership hasn't yet expired, renew now and your renewal date will be moved ahead one year! If you renew as a monthly member, your membership will renew automatically each year, and you will be entered into the raffle each year we can offer it!

If you win, you can pick up the bike in your size at your favorite Texas Trek dealer. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Staff and Board of BikeTexas

Three Exciting Bike Happenings in San Antonio!

Emma Cravey — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:15:13 +0000

San Antonio cyclists - mark your calendars for three important bike events in the next week:

The San Antonio Bike Plan. The bike master plan will be at city council this Thursday, Sept. 29 as item #27 on the agenda. If you'd like to speak on the plan, to offer comments or support, you should arrive at Council Chambers before 9 a.m. to sign up. (City Council Chambers are located in the Municipal Plaza Building, corner of Flores and Commerce. Parking is available across the street at Frost Bank as well as nearby surface lots. There is also a B-Cycle station conveniently located adjacent to the building!) Contact julia.diana@sanantonio.gov with questions.
MPO Walkability Community Workshop. The MPO and the NAACP are putting on a Walkability Community Workshop from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. It will take place at Davis Scott YMCA. The area in question is within the boundaries identified as Sherman St to the North, Walters St to the East, IH 10 to the South and Cherry St to the West.
Síclovía. Join your fellow walkers, cyclists, skaters, runners for San Antonio's first ever Síclovía! This free, family event will take place on Sunday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when select streets will be car-free. Check the Síclovía website for the route, or to sign up to volunteer at the event!

New TxDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator is On the Job

Emma Cravey — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:03:04 +0000

Though we were sad to say goodbye to retiring TxDOT bicycle and pedestrian coordinator Paul Douglas, we couldn't have asked for a better person to take his place: Professional Engineer and daily bike commuter Charles Riou! He began his tenure as bike/ped coordinator on September 1, 2011.

Charles has 25 years experience in transportation engineering at TxDOT with the San Antonio District, Traffic Operations Division and Design Division. He has been a licensed professional engineer for over 18 years. In the Traffic Operations and Design Divisions, he has worked on a wide variety of transportation projects including roadway, pedestrian, bikeway and bike lane, traffic signal, signing, ITS and inter-modal transportation projects. He had field experience with two internships with the San Antonio District in project inspection and traffic data collection. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1986.

Charles has enjoyed bicycling since he was a kid. He commutes daily to work by bicycle and enjoys cycling as transportation in Austin. He also enjoys mountain biking and is an active member of the Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club where he is a board member, trail steward and trail designer/builder. He is also active in supporting Austin’s parks through years of participation in various volunteer efforts including National Public Lands Day, National Trails Day and Austin Parks Foundation’s It’s My Park Day.

Welcome New Board Members!

Emma Cravey — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:34:39 +0000

We had another successful annual meeting this year, which took place on August 13, 2011 at the BikeTexas office in Austin. Thanks especially to everyone who came out to the party we had honoring the retirement of Paul Douglas, the TxDOT bicycle coordinator for many years and a great ally for cyclists!

That same day, we welcomed four new members to the BikeTexas Board of Directors: attorney Doug Black of Fort Worth; former BikeTexas Executive Director Charlie Gandy of Long Beach, CA; planner and former BikeTexas board member Annie Melton of Dallas; and engineer Freddy Ramirez of Corpus Christi.

Board member Butch Willingham of Tyler was reelected to another term. And board member and Lubbock resident Dr. Guy Wells' term expired - we want to thank him for his six years of service on the board.

Hotter'N Hell Hundred 2011

Emma Cravey — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:32:25 +0000

Thank you BikeTexas members for another banner year at the Hotter'N Hell Hundred! As always, it was great to see all of your smiling faces, meet new members and visit with longtime supporters. Our membership drive was a success; thank you to all the new and renewing members for your support! We've posted all the photos up on our Facebook page - check them out, then tag yourself!

And don't forget that you still have a chance to win the membership drive bike raffle, for a 2012 Trek 7.2 hybrid bike! All you have to do is renew your membership on or before September 29, 2011 - we will draw for the bike at the Kids Kup race at the TMBRA Huntsville Classic on Saturday, October 1, 2011.

If you're a monthly member who has not renewed your membership in the last two months, we need you to renew! See here for more information. You need to renew to be entered to win the bike. If you have renewed since July, don't worry - you'll automatically be entered to win!

Thanks again to all for another great Hotter'n Hell - especially the Hotter'N Hell Hundred itself, for being such a great event supporter of bike advocacy! We can't wat to see you all next year.

Great News from San Antonio!

Emma Cravey — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 03:10:23 +0000

San Antonio has been making great strides in bike-friendliness the last few years, and we are happy to pass along yet two more exciting developments: an international award for their bike share program (the first in Texas), and the scheduling of their first ciclovia!

The International Downtown Association, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates for liveable urban centers, has recognized San Antonio's Office of Environmental Policy for its work related to the Bike Share program. The B-Cycle program enhances San Antonio's downtown for both tourists and residents alike, providing a fun, easy form of transportation that is both sustainable and healthy. Congratulations to the Office of Environmental Policy for the acknowledgement of their hard work! Click here to read the City's press release.

And mark your calendar for the first "Síclovía" in San Antonio! Cíclovías are massively popular events the world over, in which a city declares certain streets car-free for a period of hours on the weekend in which citizens can bike, walk, skate and play freely and safely. El Paso was the first city in Texas to implement a cíclovía, and we are glad to see San Antonio taking it up. Check out the cíclovía in San Antonio, and maybe you'll be inspired to help bring one to your city as well!

SafeCyclist Program Has Trained 4,000 Teachers!

Emma Cravey — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:49:12 +0000

The BikeTexas SafeCyclist Certification Training provides teachers, public safety officers and youth professionals with bicycle and pedestrian safety interactive lessons and the curriculum needed to teach these life saving skills to their students. The program is provided free of charge to schools through funding by the Texas Department of Transportation and BikeTexas Education Fund.

Since September 2010, BikeTexas has worked with Austin, El Paso, Tyler and Leander to add 206 trainees to the 3709 trained since 1999. The 4,000 milestone was surpassed by the end of August. Based on the 2009 survey of trained teachers, BikeTexas estimates over 200,000 students receive SafeCyclist lessons yearly. The 2010 survey results will be out in September and a report will follow.

El Paso was awarded a $4.8 million dollar Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant toward increasing biking and walking in the El Paso Independent School District. The award will be used at 48 elementary campuses. The El Paso SRTS coordinator, Don Disney, chose BikeTexas to certify their physical education teachers in the SafeCyclist Program.

In May and June 2011, 152 El Paso teachers and champions participated in the SafeCyclist training.

In June, BikeTexas staff traveled to Tyler, Texas and trained 16 of their teachers. Tyler is the home of our board member, Butch Willingham who helped to bring the training to his town.

Leander PE coordinator, Ray Langlois, chose the SafeCyclist Training for his summer staff development. The teachers said they were excited to share these important lessons with their students.