Author: Ed B

Apache Trail designated part of USBR 90

RouteSystem-USBRS-wideIn April of 2015, the city council and mayor formally adopted a resolution stating its support for the development of USBR 90 (US Bicycle Route) through the City of Apache Junction. (full text of resolution below). This included a badly-need resurfacing of Apache Trail, the main thoroughfare through town, and included the addition of designated bicycle lanes, completed in May of 2015.  Continue reading Apache Trail designated part of USBR 90

Sedona’s Red Rock Road — 10 years on

In late summer of 2010, the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition celebrated the completion of the “Red Rock Road” project on Highway 179 between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. This was a monumental project, in that bicycling advocacy had secured bike lanes and other bicycle-friendly features on this route [editor’s note: the city of Sedona has recently been awarded LAB bicycle friendly silver status]. A small, but vocal and constructive, group of bicycling advocates made a huge impact on the outcome of this roadway re-design. Ian Wickson, Doug Copp, Randy Victory, Daniel Paduchowski, Thomas McGoldrick and a handful of other bicyclists/advocates were responsible for shaping this project in a way that has benefited thousands of bike riders in the years since this roadway was reconfigured and reconstructed.

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists was invited to participate in the celebration, and we subsequently co-wrote a cover article for the League of American Bicyclists’ magazine, highlighting this achievement for 30,000+ readers. Our former VP, Dennis Dempsey, captured some of the celebratory riding in a video that we are happy to share with you leading up to the 5th anniversary of the project’s completion…enjoy!!! And, please be an advocate for cycling and/or financially support those who are working on your behalf to make Arizona a more safe and enjoyable place to ride a bike. Every donation of time or financial assistance does matter.

Thank you!

Here’s the 2010 video made for the opening celebration:

Arizona ranked 19th most bike friendly

The League of American Bicyclists has released its latest ranking of Bicycle Friendly States. In the eighth annual assessment, Arizona ranked 19th nationally, slipping from 15th last year. Visit bikeleague.org/states to see how all the states ranked and individual states’ report card with more details. Here is a direct link to Arizona’s report card BFS2015_Arizona.pdf
The Bicycle Friendly States ranking is based on a number of key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provide on-the-ground bicycle facilities; education and encourage programs that promote cycling; and passage and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages to ride.

Despite ranking 19th; Arizona has a high percentage of population living in in Bicycle Friendly Communities; see here for more about cities and towns in Arizona that are ranked bicycle friendly.
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So what makes a state bicycle friendly? The League of American Bicyclists summed it up here:  Attributes Of A Bicycle Friendly State

Call for Pictures

The Coalition is assisting the Arizona Office of Tourism to raise awareness of AZ bicycling opportunites and increase bicycle-related tourism in our state and we need your help.

The Arizona Office of Tourism is working on a description of the bike route from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix (via Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, Jerome, Prescott, Wickenburg, etc.). They are looking for photos of either cycling or notable sites/scenery.

Please submit any photos that you have taken to illustrate bicycling in Arizona along this route. Please either email us photos, or submit on our facebook page; this article will be posted on facebook. Photographers will receive photo credit if used by AOT.

New Yuma Sidewalk Ordinance

The city of Yuma recently adopted sweeping reforms to regulate the operation of bicycles on sidewalks within the city. The subject of legal operation of bicyclists on sidewalks is nearly undefined in state law, and as a result varies dramatically from city to city. Just a tiny sample: Tuscon is generally not allowed at all, in Phoenix it is generally allowed unless prohibited by sign, in Tempe it is generally allowed unless prohibited by sign but stipulates only in the same direction as adjacent traffic flow. Continue reading New Yuma Sidewalk Ordinance

Traffic Skills 101 Intro, Surprise, AZ Feb 28

The class is free, but space is limited so confirm by Feb 25 …

*Everyone is invited to a bicycle safety training event*
*What:  “Traffic Skills 101 Intro”. *
This class is normally a two day course taught by the League of American
Bicyclist.  We are lucky to have League certified instructors coming to
Happy Trails to teach the course and participate in an on-road skills
practice ride.  This intro will trim down to 4 hours. Continue reading Traffic Skills 101 Intro, Surprise, AZ Feb 28