Donation Received from Gage Safer Streets Foundation

The Coaltion of Arizona Bicyclists is pleased to announce a recent $2,500.00 donation from the Gage Safer Streets Foundation gagesaferstreets.org. This donation will be directed toward increasing awareness of Arizona laws intended to provide safe riding conditions for bicyclists (such as A.R.S. 28-735, commonly known as the “3 foot safe passing distance” law).

The CAzB is currently working on media and educational opportunities to increase both law enforcement and public awareness of the three foot safe passing distance law. We also are supporting efforts to create “vulnerable user” status
for non-auto/truck users of Arizona highways, roads and streets, with related safety responsibilities required of non-vulnerable users. This donation will specifically be put to use in a significant way to support one or more of these initiatives.

We greatly appreciate the support of the Gage Safer Streets Foundation, especially knowing that George himself was hit by a motor vehicle while on a training ride and has had a long and challenging road to recovery.

Biking Historic Route 66 in AZ

Get Your Bike Travel Fix on Route 66
Adventure Cycling’s planned 2,400-mile bicycle-friendly route will revitalize the “Main Street of America” — this time with touring cyclists
Missoula, Montana — Adventure Cycling Association today announced that its next long-distance cycling route will be Bicycle Route 66. Embracing the spirit of “The Mother Road,” the new route will follow the famous corridor… According to the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, there are over 200 miles of the original Route remaining in Arizona today and 70+ miles of wide-shouldered road is maintained by the Arizona Department of Transportation http://www.azbikeped.org/images/Map2009_v12%20_0409_side1.pdf 

The Route is also designated as a National Scenic Byway (see map; and highlights by segment:  Topock to Ash Fork  and Ash Fork to Lupton ; also see “Historic US 66 Signing in Arizona” at ).  
I’ve had numerous inquiries from cyclists planning to ride Route 66.  Clubs and individuals have posted their rides and journeys on the web (see a sampling at:  http://www.luffman.us/route66/ 
As Michael Wallis has said, “Arizona is one of the Route 66 states where tourists can gorge themselves with attractions” (p. 179) including these places along the corridor:  Oatman – Kingman – Hackberry – Valentine – Truxton – Peach Springs (not far from “Radiator Springs”) – Grand Canyon Caverns – Seligman – Ash Fork – Williams – Bellemont (highest altitude along the entire Route) – Flagstaff – Winona (Don’t Forget!) – (“Standing on the Corner” in) Winslow – Joseph City – Holbrook – Petrified Forest National Park – Lupton
We look forward to working with you to establish a US Bike route along the corridor in the future.
Best,
Michael N. Sanders
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
Multimodal Planning Division
Arizona Department of Transportation

AAA Mid-Atlantic Proposes Federal Gas Tax Revenues Only for Highways

According to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, AAA Mid-Atlantic has proposed that Federal gas tax revenues only be used on highways, eliminating any share that has historically gone to trails, walking and biking programs. This is an example of what we should expect from the “I don’t care about anything but cars” community, given the current budget climate.
AAA National claims to support bicycling, but has allowed the above position to get public and political traction. They should not be allowed to have it both ways.

Bicyclists may register their feelings with AAA National by adding their name to a petition at www.railstotrails.org/AAA.

Bob Beane, President
Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

19th Av & Greenway Multi-use bridge Meeting

There may be another Community Meeting with Councilman Gates regarding the 19th Avenue & Greenway Bike/Ped Bridge to link Cave Creek Wash paths on Dec 13. This project needs the support of our members, customers and other bicyclists and pedestrians. Stay tuned for location and time (date, too if it changes). This is probably the last time we can make our voices heard.

Valley of the Sun Bike Rack Finder

The City of Phoenix Bicycle Initiatives Committee has joined with CAzBike to map the locations of bicycle racks throughout the Valley of the Sun. CLICK HERE to view map. This is a participation project for the benefit of all cyclists in the Valley. Please submit additions and corrections by email to ValleyRacks@cazbike.org Please include location, name of business (if applicable) and, optionally, a description of accessibility and usefulness.

The Bicycle – a Gift of Independence

Mike Craver is a developmentally disabled employee at the Cottonwood Safeway that volunteers identified as needing a bicycle for transportation. I sent out a request, and Jimmy at Bike & Bean immediately stepped up and offered a BRAND NEW BIKE to help Mike out. Bike and Bean, led by Jimmy and helped out by his employees, pitched in and donated the bike to the VVCC (Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition), who in turn donated it to Mike.
Mike and his brother Larry came over on Monday night. I showed ’em how the gears work, got the bike adjusted, and gave ’em a safety presentation.
You wouldn’t believe how grateful they are!!
Just shows what can happen when we all work together… You Guys Rock!!

CAzBike working for you! 2010 accomplishments; year in review

The Coalition works hard all year round to improve conditions for Arizona’s cyclists. Our year conceptually ends in September, President Bob Beane noted these Activities & Accomplishments of the past year

Organizational/Membership:

  • Drafted the first written set of annual goals and objectives for the CAzB.
  • Added Sterling Baer and Wayne Cullop to Advisory Board.
  • Added or renewed these organizations as members: PBAA, PMBC, ABC, Bullshifters, Bicycle Vibe, Bike Barn, Bike Den, Fair Wheel Bikes, Trek Bicycles, and Parrish Insurance.

Fundraising/Events:

  • Received $72,392 from donations, including the Gorter Family of The Netherlands, the Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign, United Way and several individuals. 
  • Received $2,895 from memberships and events (Ride for Safety, Bike Swap Meet). 
  • Received support from Trek Bicycle Corporation for membership drive. 
  • Received sufficient funds to hire an Executive Director for a year. 

Advocacy:

  • Pima, Pinal and Maricopa County advocates meeting, February, 2010.
  • Met with Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition leaders and participated in “Celebrate the Red Rock Road” event in August, 2010.
  • Established initial connection with Flagstaff bicycle advocates.
  • MAG Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee and City of Phoenix Environmental Quality Commission participation (monthly).
  • Participated in the national bicycling summit in Washington, D.C., in March, 2010.
  • El Tour de Phoenix Expo booth, April, 2010.
  • Meeting with new ADOT District Engineer, Todd Emory, and Pima County bicycling advocates, December, 2009.
  • Letter to Pima County Sheriff’s Department regarding enforcement in Saguaro National Park (Gates Pass area) west of Tucson.
  • Presentation, letters and e-mails in District 3 (Phoenix) in defense of multi-modal bridge over 19th Avenue near Greenway.
  • Provided feedback on Pinal County and City of Chandler transportation master plans.
  • Multiple letters in giving feedback on designs and/or supporting TIP projects in various Valley communities (e.g. Highline Canal in Phoenix, planned Chandler multi-use bridge over Hwy 101 at Galveston St. and new path in Glendale).
  • Presentation of LAB Bicycle Friendly Community award to the City of Chandler, December, 2009.
  • Communication with Somerton PD regarding need to cite motorist in head-on collision with bicyclist.
  • Partnered with Mesa cyclists to help have an offensive display removed from a business.
  • Participated in evaluation of Arizona for LAB Bicycle Friendly State program.

Education:

  • Regular bicyclist education classes throughout the year.
  • Participation in City of Chandler TV program regarding Bicycle Friendly Community status, places to ride and safe bicycling techniques in February, 2010.
  • Program of distributing educational and bike safety materials to bike shops for Valley Metro and ADOT.
  • Proposal is pending at MAG to implement a law enforcement education program for Valley communities with CAzB having a pivotal role in development of curriculum and providing course materials and instruction.

Media/Public Relations:

  • Clear Channel radio interview/PSAs regarding Bike Month and bicycle safety.
  • Publication in Arizona Republic, Tailwinds and Ahwatukee Foothills News regarding AZ laws, motorist education and defense of bicycling and bicyclists’ right to the road.
  • Article for League of American Bicyclists’ American Bicyclist magazine covering the Red Rock Road (Sedona/Village of Oak Creek) advocacy effort and completion celebration.
  • Participated in MAG’s “I Ride” video production, speaking about ARS 28-735 (safe passing distance law) and safe driving around bicyclists.
  • Nominated Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club for LAB regional Club of the Year, for which they were a co-winner in our region with the New Mexico Touring Society.

Outreach:

  • Assistance to family of James Parsons who was hit/killed on Hunt Highway.
  • Partnership with Sterling Baer’s Not One More Cyclist on outreach.

Legislative/Legal:

  • Vulnerable user proposals are in development, as is a list of potential allies in the AZ Legislature.

New faces in CAzbike Leadership

Sterling Baer has been elected to serve as a board member of the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists. Sterling is the a founder of the Not One More Foundation, a group who is dedicated to ending the cyclist-vehicle accidents on the roads today; and provides support and outreach to cyclists injured as the result of vehicle-bike incidents.
Also, welcome to MaryKaye Black has joined our organization as an advisory board member. MaryKaye is active in cycling issues with ADOT in the SE region and Apache Junction.