2009 Bike Forum and BWI info

[Bike Fort Collins]

Bike Fort Collins - Advocates for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Hello everyone - 

It's good to sit in an airport for 4 hours now and then.  In doing so, one can reacquaint oneself with the rest of the country.  I'm sitting in the Columbus, OH, airport, catching up on all sorts of interesting national tidbits via the USA Today newspaper.  The linked article caught my eye and I thought I would pass it on to everyone.  It's interesting to know that certain law enforcement entities are looking out for our safety.  Seriously.  It's also interesting that certain infractions don't affect our insurance rates or legal fees.  Regardless, we should always be careful out there after we've had a couple.  

Read on, ride on, and pass it on. 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-10-29-drunk-bikers_N.htm 

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I also want to make you aware of our next Community Bike Forum.  Please see attached poster for details.  I hope to see you all there on November 12th!  Come early and register for door prizes.  Please invite your non-bicycling friends, we want to get their input and opinions about the Fort Collins bicycling community.

Here's the quick 411...

  Community Bike Forum (aka Bike Talk)

  November 12, 2009

  6:30 - 8:30 PM

  at Become Fit

  1611 S. College Ave. Upstairs from El Monte (College Ave. and Prospect Rd.)

As always, thanks for your continued support!

Jeff Morrell

President

Bike Fort Collins

a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

[Bike Fort Collins]

Bike Fort Collins - Advocates for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Hello everyone -

Have you ever wanted to jump on your bike and head out across this country?  If so, read on, and ride on...

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THE LATEST IN BICYCLE TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE!

Are you interested in traveling by bicycle, whether for one day or many? Then come for a presentation and gathering on Tuesday, December 1, with Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association. Adventure Cycling is North America’s largest cycling membership organization with over 44,000 members.

Jim will provide the latest news and resources on bicycle travel, including new bike- friendly routes, maps, tours, and policy initiatives at the national level — such as an official U.S. Bicycle Route System, now being considered by Congress. There will be time for Q&A, and for folks to share stories and tips. Whether you’re a bike travel veteran or a newcomer, there will be new insights and inspirations for you. Refreshments will be provided. Feel free to bring a friend.

The event is free and will take place from 6:30-8:00 pm at New Belgium Brewing Company, located at 500 Linden Street on the north side of town. For more information about New Belgium’s location, go here: http://www.newbelgium.com/visit-us. Please RSVP (so we know how many people to expect) by emailing Beth Petersen at bpet...@adventurecycling.org or 800-755-2453 x211, ideally by November 27th.

EVENT SNAPSHOT 

What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel 

Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org) 

When: Tuesday, December 1 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm 

Where: New Belgium Brewing Company, 500 Linden Street 

Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel. 

Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel. 

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[Bike Fort Collins]

Bike Fort Collins - Advocates for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Hello everyone -

Winter is just a few short weeks away but that shouldn't keep us from riding our bikes.  With our great weather, our great streets, and lots of support, there aren't too many reasons to not ride your bike.   Some of us ride throughout the year and while it can get cold (painfully so), the personal satisfaction can be worth the extra efforts.  Have you thought about riding year 'round?  Do you think you want to give it a go?  Do you want to know more about winter bike riding?   If so, read on, and ride on...

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Bike Winter Fort Collins Supports Bicyclists through the Winter Months 

If you can dress to ski, you can dress to Bike Winter Fort Collins. FC Bikes program is offering several events and resources this season to help bicyclists ride safely and effectively during the winter months. 

Dec. 4 - Light up the Night! - 6-8 p.m. Bicyclists should make every effort to "Be Seen." Visit the FC Bikes table in Old Town Square at the Gallery Underground (109 Linden St.) during the First Friday Gallery Walk and get your free bike light set. Co-sponsored by Overland Mountain Bike Club & The Cycologist. 

Dec. 9 - Bike Lunch Talk - noon-1 p.m. - Home State Bank (303 E. Mountain Ave.) Join us while we explore the topic of Winter Bicycling. Get bike safety information and check out the gear that makes winter riding easier. Giveaways included! Presented by the Cycologist, Lee's Cyclery, and Full Cycle.

Dec. 14 & Jan. 11 - Bicycle Advisory Committee meetings - 6 p.m. - Community Room, 215 N. Mason St. Curious what's going on with bicycling in Fort Collins? All BAC meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas are available at: fcgov.com/bac 

Dec. 16 - Winter Bike to Work Day - Get your workplace signed up and visit one of the many breakfast stations on your way to work. Visitfcgov.com/bicycling/winter soon for more details.

Jan. 14 - Bike Lunch Talk - noon-1 p.m. - New Location! Become Fit (1611 S. College Ave. - Suite 2A) Bring a lunch and join us while we explore the topic of Women and Cycling. Find out why women are considered to be indicators of a bicycle-friendly community.

Jan. 19 - FC Bike Library Open House - 5-7 p.m. Gardens on Spring Creek (2145 Centre Ave.)
Witness the dazzling lights at The Gardens while you learn about the FC Bike Library. Presented by FC Bikes and Bike Fort Collins.

Winter Riding Help:
- Where do you ride when it snows? Check out bicycle commuter priority Snow-plow routes: fcgov.com/streets 
- Report hazards, debris, snow, and ice in the bike lanes: fcgov.com/bicycling/adopt.php 


Winter Riding Tips:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Ride with bright, reflective clothing and bike lights at night.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Be careful of low-angle sun during the winter months, as motorists may not be able to see you.
- Cross perpendicularly at railroad tracks - the tracks can be extremely slippery when wet.
- Obey the rules of the road.

   

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[Bike Fort Collins]

Bike Fort Collins - Advocates for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Hello everyone -

If you're like me, you may remember the absolute joy of receiving a bicycle for Christmas.  That memory will stay with me for a very long time.  I guess it was the catalyst that got me - and keeps me - riding my bike.  

To spread the same joy in Fort Collins, Lee's Cyclery has been providing free bikes to kids that might not otherwise have one.  In the many years they have been doing this, Lee's has made a lot of children happy.  

This year is no different, except that economic factors have slowed the rate of donation somewhat.   If you would like to help make some child's dream come true with a new bike, read on.

Lee's Cyclery is looking for donations of bicycles (new or near new), and a cadre of volunteers that can help make them safe and presentable.  Volunteers should have shop experience in bike maintenance.   Please help by joining us in donating your time, energy and a new bike.  Lee's contact person on this project is Colin, at the south Lee's Cyclery store.  Call Colin at 970-226-6006 or email him at co...@leescyclery.com for more details.  All bike maintenance and beautification needs to be completed by December 10th.

Please consider helping with this very worthy cause.

[Jeff Morrell, BFC]

Bike Fort Collins - Advocates for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Hello everyone -

Wednesday, December 16th, is Winter Bike To Work Day!  What a great way to show yourself and others that it IS possible to ride through the winter.  Please join me at New Belgium Brewing for a winter bike breakfast.

And if you have a few minutes to spare, Bike Fort Collins is looking for a couple of volunteers to help set up and break down at New Belgium that morning.  Please contact me if you're able to help make that morning special for all the hearty souls riding that morning.  We'll plan to meet at the brewery at 6:30.

And if you are in another part of town, here is link to other Winter Bike to Work locations.  

http://www.fcgov.com/bicycling/pdf/wb2w-2009.pdf?200912112  

[Jeff Morrell, BFC]

Bike Fort Collins - Advocates for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Hello everyone -

Was it just me or did anybody else have a difficult time with all the snow and cold and ice recently?  I can't tell you how ready I am for clear streets again.  

In case anyone missed the cell phone article in our local paper today I'm sending a link to it and a personal message from Jeff Emmel, past Board member of Bike Fort Collins.  Mr. Emmel, if you recall, was very instrumental with effecting change to Colorado legislation with regards to cell phone usage in vehicles.  He was also very helpful to Shelley Forney.

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20100113/NEWS01/1130348/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02/Forney-visits-D.C.-to-push-national-ban-of-distracted-driving 

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Take Action to Get the Focus Back into Driving!!

By now you probably are aware of the new Colorado law banning texting while driving and cell phone use for anyone less than 18 yrs old. This new legislation is expected to have good results in reducing the vehicle crashes caused by distracted driving. Texting and the use of cell phones while driving has become such a problem that the US Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood is investigating wether to impose federal legislation. 

The vehicle crash that took the life of one of our own fellow cyclists, Erica Forney, has been a big factor in this legislation. Also, Erica's mother, Shelley Forney, has become a board member of Focus Driven, a national advocacy group for the return of 'focus on the task of driving'.  And we all know that when the vehicle driver is focused on the task of driving, we cyclists are riding in much safer conditions as we share the road.  Even if we do everything right as cyclists, our safety on the road is very dependent on the attention level of drivers.  Focus Driven may have the impact on distracted driving as MADD has on drunk driving. 

Secretary LaHood will be officially announcing the charter of Focus Driven on Tues., Jan. 10 and opening the web site focusdriven.org for registration by the public membership.   I encourage all cyclists who are interested in safe and enjoyable cycling in Fort Collins to join up and share our story.

In addition, Oprah Winfrey taped a show on the dangers of texting and cell phones while driving to be aired Mon. Jan 18th . Erica's parents, Shelly and Daren will be talking about Erica and encouraging the focus driven efforts.  

I encourage all of us who are interested in making our roads safer and more enjoyable to ride to watch this show and join at focusdriven.org. It starts with us. 

Thanks,

Jeff Emmel

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Please pass this email on to everyone you know; cyclists and drivers alike, we can all benefit from it.

As always, thanks for being careful out there!

[Bike Fort Collins]

Bike Fort Collins - Advocates for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Hello everyone -

A couple of items I wanted to share with all you cycling aficionados.  At the top of my list is the article that came out recently from Bicycle Colorado regarding *CSP.  It's a tool we can use whenever we encounter aggressive behavior from motorists.  The details can be read at  http://bicyclecolo.org/page.cfm?pageId=731 

Briefly, it says, 

Bicyclists have a new tool to help make Colorado’s roads friendlier to bicycling.

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) confirmed that its hotline to report aggressive driving is available to bicyclists if they see a motorist putting a bicyclist at risk.  The phone number is Star CSP (*277) when dialed from a mobile phone. Thanks to a State Patrol partnership with mobile phone companies calls to this hotline are free.

This is not like a normal phone number; you do not need to dial an area code. Simply press the * key (usually the lowest left key on a phone pad) and then 277. This number only works on mobile phones. If you are calling from a non-mobile phone dial 303-239-4501 or any State Patrol Communication Center. In the case of an emergency dial 911. 

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Another item for your consideration is the Cycling Social at the Agave Room, upstairs at the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant this Thursday evening (2/4/10, 6:00PM, 143 W. Mountain Ave.)

The Mid Winter Nights Dream Cycling Social Event is coming up this Thursday.   Dave Towle will be interviewing Meredith Miller (2009 National Road Champion and 2009 National Cyclocross runner-up).  Meredith just finished 12th at the Cyclocross World Championships in Tabor Czech Republic on Sunday.  She had the highest finish of any American racer. 

More info at (another great Fort Collins group!) http://www.yourgroupride.com/ 

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And lastly.  

Can you spare a few hours a month to help the greatest bike library in the country?  

The Fort Collins Bike Library now has over 200 bikes and trailers available to check out to visitors and residents to Fort Collins at our 3 check-out locations and can always us some good help.  If you, or someone you know, is interested in helping out at the Fort Collins Bike Library this summer, please contact us at volu...@bikefortcollins.org.  

 

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As always, thanks for your support!

[Jeff Morrell, BFC]

Bike Fort Collins - Advocates for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Hello everyone -

I have a special favor to ask of you all.  I'm asking you all to keep your eyes out for a missing bike (the attached picture is of its owner having the ride of her life).

The missing bike isn't the top of the line, isn't carbon fiber, nor a sleek import.  It is freedom and the sole means of transportation to its owner.  

Description:

- fixed gear,

- a black rattle can paint job, 

- rattle can black paint over an older Univega frame,

- blue Velocity rims,

- nice saddle, 

- Pake crank arms, 

- blue chain, 

- Origin8 bull horn bars,

- no serial number.

The bike was last seen at around 9:30pm, 2/17/10, near the Aggie Theater in old town.  If seen, please contact me and we'll reconnect it with its rightful owner, who will be forever grateful. 

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As always, thanks for your support!  And thanks for helping find this bike.

[Jeff Morrell, BFC]

Bike Fort Collins - Advocates for Safe and Enjoyable Bicycling in Fort Collins, Colorado

Hello everyone -

Are you looking for something to do next week during our Spring Break?   Here's two tidbits you can use together.  

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Dust the winter blues off your bike and take the family out for a ride around this great town of ours.  This is a fun ride around Fort Collins to explore new things.  Check out the attached file for all the details.