Seeking input on bike parking, & other news

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Going Green

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Nov 10, 2008, 1:10:08 PM11/10/08
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Montpelier Bikes Project •  Fall 2008
News, Announcements, & Ways to Get Involved


BICYCLE PARKING INVENTORY COMPLETE -- YOUR INPUT NEEDED VIA 5-10 MINUTE ONLINE SURVEY
Volunteers from the Montpelier Bikes project recently completed an inventory of existing bicycle parking in the capital city. For a summary of that inventory, please see http://montpelierbikes.blogspot.com

The good news is that Montpelier does have a fair amount of bicycle parking; the bad news is that most of the racks are old-style, "wheelbender" racks.  Meanwhile, bicyclists especially in the downtown business district lock to trees, benches, and trashcans.

With suggestions from some of you, we've compiled a list of locations to recommend to the City of Montpelier.

** Please take our star-based bicycle parking survey.  This 5- to 10 minute- survey asks you for opinions on rack design, locations, and more.

We'd like to get input from as many Montpelier bicyclists as possible - so please pass this along to your friends.


BICYCLE COMMUTER ACT - EARN UP TO $240 FOR COMMUTING BY BIKE
As part of the federal bail-out bill, Congress passed the long-discussed Bicycle Commuter Act.  This allows employers to provide a "fringe benefit" to bicycle commuters to the tune of $20 per month to defray the costs of bicycle, helmet, lock, fenders, bags, and all the other goodies you need to commute by bike.

This optional benefit would be offered through your employer, and it is still being worked out at the federal level how exactly this will work.  The benefit will start in January 2009. Employers will be able to administer the benefit either as a cash reimbursement (you bring them a receipt for bicycle gear - they cut you a check), or as a pre-tax deduction from your paycheck.  As this is a pre-tax benefit, employers reduce FICA and other payroll-related costs to subsidize employee commuting costs. Since it is extremely popular with employees, it is an effective way for firms to indicate their concern for the environment. Employers that provide transportation fringe benefits have noted reduced stress from not driving, increased job satisfaction, improved on-time arrival and enhanced productivity. It also keeps an employer’s benefits package competitive.



REMEMBER LIGHTS AT NIGHT - AVOID POTENTIAL $55 FINE
With the recent time change, bicyclists are reminded to use lights at night - don't get caught in these fall evenings without them!  A white front light is required by state law, as is a rear red reflector.  The fine is $25 plus fees, totaling $55.  While Montpelier Police are mostly issuing warnings - they may ticket repeat offenders, as it is indeed a matter of safety.  You can also help combat road-rage against bicyclists by using lights.  One reason motorists get upset at bicyclists is when we do unpredictable things -- such as being on the road at night without proper lights.

For a reader-friendly scoop on all the local, Montpelier bicycle laws - please see: http://www.goinggreenvt.com/Montpelier/MontpelierBikeLaws.pdf


BICYCLE AMBASSADORS PROGRAM - PLANNING FOR SPRING
Bicycle Ambassador Programs engage community volunteers in promoting bicycling awareness and safety. There are programs currently up and running in communities around the country including Chicago, Illinois; Seattle, Washington; and Boulder, Colorado -- where 20% of commuters go by bike! The Montpelier Bikes Project is seeking input from potential ambassadors in preparation for a Spring 2009 program.

If you are interested in being a Bicycle Ambassador, please come to our planning meeting - 
  Monday, Dec. 8th, 6:30 pm - Montpelier High School
  If you can, please RSVP to let us know if you are planning to attend - Thanks!

The purpose of this meeting is to determine what we as a community need to research or figure out before we launch this program in the spring.  For more information, see http://montpelierbikes.blogspot.com/2008/11/bicycle-ambassadors-planning-meeting.html


Montpelier Bikes formed in 2007 as a subcommittee of the Montpelier  
Energy Team.  Our steering committee includes representatives from  
Onion River Sports, the Montpelier Downtown Community Association,  
consulting firm Going Green, Community Connections / Montpelier Safe  
Routes to School, FreeRide, and local citizens.  The Montpelier Bikes  
Project is funded with a grant from the Mazur Foundation, and with the  
support of the City of Montpelier.

More info:  http://montpelierbikes.blogspot.com    To be added or  
removed from the list, please email: montpel...@gmail.com 


GOING GREEN > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
  Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning & Design Expert
  Safety Trainings  •   Bike/Walk Promotion
> > > >  Becka Roolf, Principal  > >  802. 279.4037



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