DOT’s new policy is a step forward, but if we’re going to make our streets safer for all users, we need Congress to change federal law to make complete streets the standard — not the exception. Only through a strong federal complete streets policy can we end the project-by-project fight for safer roads for people who are bicycling, walking, and taking public transportation.

 

Join us in support of complete streets and take action: Tell your Members of Congress to co-sponsor the Complete Streets Act of 2009! http://action.smartgrowthamerica.org/t/6237/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=81

 

The Complete Streets Act would ensure that future federally funded transportation projects take into account the needs of everyone using the roads – old and young, bicycle riders and drivers, pedestrians and public transportation users.

 

We are making great progress, but we need your help: Tell your representatives that you value streets designed for all modes – that includes bicycling, as well as walking and taking public transportation.

 

 

National Bike Month has been an exciting chance to celebrate and encourage more active transportation. Thanking Secretary LaHood will be a great way to end a landmark month.

 

Thank you in advance for taking action!

 

In the middle of a stormy week, it would have been fitting if rain had continued to fall on the somber voyage we make each year during the Ride of Silence. But the clouds broke, and blue skies came out long enough to give us a dry window before the rain returned after dark. Cyclists of all ages and all appearances, on bikes of equal diversity, gathered as Jeff Stephens began the brief program. He was accompanied at the podium by Mayor Coleman, who rode with us, and Senator Fedor (advocate of the 3-foot passing bill).

We ride in silence, on the road effectively closed by the permit and the accompanying Columbus police officers who are in cars, on motorcycles, on bicycles. We ride, deep in memory, honoring the cyclists we have lost, the cyclists who have been injured.  We remember the injuries we ourselves have sustained by motorists who have right-hooked us, have run a stoplight or a stop sign, have passed us so closely that their sideview mirror has hit us.  We grieve, we remember, we cry, we get angry, we forgive. At times, we’re strong enough to smile. We make promises to ourselves, we decide if there are things we can do to help educate motorists and cyclists about the need to share the road.

Thank you, to everyone from our bicycling community who participated in this ride. We’d also like to extend a special “thanks” to the Westerville Bicycle Club for their financial contribution which allowed us to have police support and a parade permit. Many of you helped pass out the black and red armbands so we could show everyone on the street why we were riding. Others helped distribute the flier that explains a bit more about the ride. Most of all, you were there. Thank you.

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Please see the press release for this event here.

 

Here’s Jody’s personal account of Monday morning’s experience:

 

I have a bike, but I am certainly not a "cyclist".  This week I joined other biking advocates at the South Campus Gateway for the unveiling of the share the road graphics known as ’sharrows’, followed by a ride en mass to the Ohio Statehouse for a rally supporting bike to work week and the accomplishments of Consider Biking.  We announced the initiative ‘2 by 2012′ which encourages alternate transportation, which could mean biking to work 2 days per month, using a bike for 2 mile trips or just generally being committed to two-wheeling.

What I am realizing is that the movement to increase bike utilization is going to have to appeal to the ‘Average Jody’ and not just the experienced cyclists.  I will probably never train up for a century ride like the Mayor achieved this month, but I had my own version of a century ride this week.   After travelling en mass downtown with police escorts, clear skies and traffic-light immunity, I realized I now had to return to campus on my own in a steady rain. I knew that I could catch COTA using their bike rack, but I had an opportunity to be a real Consider Biking advocate and not just a fair-weather fan.  I figured if the rain won out, I could catch that bus at any time, but I wanted to give it a go.  I strapped on my helmet and hooded rain jacket and joined the northbound traffic on High Street.    Though there was a steady drizzle, I could see OK and my brakes still worked, so I kept going.  It was such an empowering feeling to face my fear and make it to my destination as planned; it was only 2.5 miles, but it was MY Century Ride!  It helped me see that a bicycle is not just a 3 month out of the year option, with proper planning, it can get me where I need to go most days.

That little nudge of getting my bike out of ‘bat position’ in my garage, finding a suitable rain cover and actually riding my bike is exactly what we’ll be asking of 2 by 2012 participants.  It’s not about the spandex and it’s not about the bike, it’s about making small changes which add up to dramatic results.   When one person makes that small change, others observe their actions and will be inspired by their courage.   We can do this, the infrastructure is well on it’s way to supporting a bike-friendly city, now it’s up to the trail blazers to actually use the resources put before us.  We can do this Columbus – it’s as easy as falling off a log – or in this case, NOT falling off a bike!

- Jody

Media Link:

New Safety Measures In Place For Bicyclists, 10TV

 

 

Purpose
The Ride of Silence is a slow group ride of 12 miles, akin to a funeral procession, in total silence. The ride is a safe, responsible, professional and mature response to the aggressiveness, intimidation, and carnage that cyclists face on the roads we ride.