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Fall 2005 |
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Ask the "Experts"What makes bicycling a good alternate mode of transportation, what activities are being organized to promote bicycling, and what communication techniques are the most effective? Elizabeth Preston, Director of Communications for the League of American Bicyclists, plays a key role in promoting bike riding, so we asked her about her work and the benefits of bicycling for cleaner air and reduced traffic congestion. Q: What is the League of American Bicyclists doing to promote bicycling? A: The League of American Bicyclists (http://www.bikeleague.org) promotes cycling through education, advocacy, and promotion. Our members and staff lobby Congress and the states to include cyclists in their city plans and budgets, and to make bicycle-friendly roadways a priority. We reward cities through our Bicycle Friendly Community program (http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/), which gives cities status as a bronze-, silver-, gold-, or platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Currently, there are 49 recognized communities around the nation, and more than 100 communities have applied. It is a rigorous application process, with evaluations from people in the city and bicycle advocates across the nation. New Bicycle Friendly Communities will be announced in the first few weeks of October. This program helps cities, even the ones that don't receive status, learn how to implement bicycle-friendly community programs. The Bicycle Friendly Community program is sponsored by generous grants from the Bikes Belong Coalition (http://www.bikesbelong.org). The League is the primary sponsor of Bike Month, which is held every May and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2006. Shimano, Inc. is a partner, helping us encourage Americans to take their bikes out of their garages during May and try commuting, riding to do errands, or just riding around the neighborhood. The third week in May is Bike to Work Week, and that Friday is Bike to Work Day, celebrated by clubs and riders across the country with breakfasts, free t-shirts, community gatherings, and more. To learn about bike month, please visit http://www.bikemonth.com. Our National Bike Summit is an annual meeting where advocates and cyclists gather on Capitol Hill to speak to legislators about the importance of cycling and how it helps people and communities stay healthier. In addition, we have an annual ride with our members and other cyclists where we speak about the League. This year's rally will be held in conjunction with Cycle Oregon, Sept. 10-17, 2005 (http://www.bikeleague.org/events/index.html). Please consider joining us! Q: Why do you recommend bicycling as an alternate mode of transportation? A: Bicycling is fun, inexpensive, and healthy! More than 22% of all motor vehicle trips that Americans take are less than one mile long, and 50% of the working population commute five miles or less to work, an easily bikeable distance. Every time you bike one mile instead of driving, you burn more than 100 calories, as well as save money…especially with the current astronomical gas prices. A good bike can cost you as little as $200, and in less than six months will save you that much in gas money and gym expenses. Plus, the only thing you're emitting into the environment is sweat! Q: What challenges have you faced in promoting bicycling as an alternate mode of transportation? How have you overcome them? A: The biggest challenge we continue to face is getting the public and the media interested in bicycling as a transportation option, not just as a fitness-related or fun activity. We have been successful when we highlight transportation and air quality concerns in our press releases and newsletters. We also have found it is important to communicate with key audiences as often as possible. Q: In addition to using the It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air print and broadcast materials on bicycling, what else can organizations do to promote more bicycling in their communities? A: I would recommend that communities look beyond the typical bicyclist when identifying their audience, and promote bike riding as a family activity and practical transportation option. Your messages should be understandable and relevant to the general public, not just bicycling enthusiasts. I encourage you to look into becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community by visiting http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org. For more information on bicycling, please visit the League of American Bicyclists' Web site at http://www.bikeleague.org. For more information on bicycle safety, please visit the Federal Highway Administration's Web page at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/bike/index.htm. |
