Vol. 2, Number 1
Published by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance of Dane County
Click here for the November, 1994 issue.
Since October 1993, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance has contributed much to the local bicycle advocacy scene. Over time a lot of people have said, "The BTA ought to be working on getting better snowplowing for (fill in your favorite bicycle lanes)," or, "I'm really concerned about (fill in your favorite issue here), can the BTA do something about it?" The answer is "yes,"-- with a qualified "if." We have reestablished a strong pro-bike presence-- perhaps made most evident by the City's (and local media's) response to our efforts to keep the John Nolen corridor open to bicyclists during construction of the Convention Center. "Can the BTA do something about it?" Yes, if we all join together.
Here's your chance to help make Dane County a better place to live and bicycle. --Did we mention the chance to work with amazing people and have fun? Plan and enjoy events, organize fellow bicyclists and concerned citizens, interact with "the public," share urban rides. Now is the time to send in your nominations and letters of interest to become a member of the BTA Steering Committee. Paid BTA members will be eligible to vote. (To become a BTA member, see info later in this newsletter.)
Members of the Steering Committee attend monthly Steering Committee meetings. (These meetings are open to all BTA members). Besides attending BTA meetings, each position has its own responsibilities. The positions up for election include:
(Please send nominations/letters of interest by February 20, to BTA, PO Box 641, Madison, WI 53701-0641, or e-mail them to BTA@macc.wisc.edu)
-Renee Callaway & Lisa Goodman
This May will be Madison's 14th annual Bike Month. Bike month celebrates all aspects of bicycling-- transportation, recreation and sport. Bike to Work day is an important part of Bike Month. Bike to Work day is an opportunity for people to discover-- or for experienced bicycle commuters to reaffirm-- the joys and benefits of traveling to work or school by bicycle. By bicycling, you get extra exercise and arrive ready to work, and you'll always find parking close to your destination. Besides, as any bicycle commuter will tell you, it's a lot of fun.
Presently the Bicycle Transportation Alliance is working with other Madison organizations to plan Bike to Work day and Bike Month for May 1995. The BTA is looking for people interested in helping plan the activities that will take place in May. We have a wide variety of volunteer needs-everything from small time commitments to more extensive projects. Please contact Renee Callaway at 255-8494 or callaway@macc.wisc.edu for more information.
-Renee Callaway
Executive Director Marcia Miquelon reports that "Africa on a Bike Chain," the December 1 fundraiser, was a great success. Ninety people turned out for dessert and Marcia's outstanding slide presentation, and the Bike Fed netted donations of about $350. Since then, Marcia says she has been answering many questions about bicycle travel in Africa, and wonders if she ought to be starting a "Guided bicycle tours through Africa" business. Many thanks to all who attended, provided baked goods and time and helped set up the show.
In early January, The Bike Fed's Board of Directors held a weekend retreat with special guest Texas Bicycle Coalition founder Charlie Gandy. They worked on strategic planning and set goals for the next six months. These goals include plans to incorporate and apply for IRS tax-exempt status, with the possibility of being an umbrella for BTA, WORBA, the Bike Fed of SE Wisconsin and other existing groups. The Bike Fed hopes to increase membership with 500 new members, and raise $15,000 in six months. The legislative agenda will include working to pass LRB 1652, the Bicycle Bill, this legislative session, and submitting a position paper on mandatory bicycle helmet legislation, which is likely to be introduced in 1995. The Bike Fed also plans to work with WisDOT to hold public hearings around the state on the draft state bicycle plan and work with the DOT to develop the State Bicycle Plan for Wisconsin.
After the current issue, the Bike Fed newsletter will shift format from bimonthly newsletter to slick quarterly report. It promises to provide great advocacy news from the Bike Fed and from around the state. If you haven't joined the Bike Fed yet, here's one more reason to sign up today.
Join Marcia and the Bike Fed for a membership meeting on 7 February at 7:00 pm at Madison Public Library, 201 W. Mifflin St. Contact Marcia for more info, 251 - 4456.
The journal Cycling Science has revived after a one-year gap. Subtitled "New Developments for the Technical Enthusiast," the journal features articles like "Quantifying Suspension Hub Stiffness" which ranks all those new suspension systems for fat-tire bikes; "Re-Examining Optimal Cycling Cadence"; as well as letters, opinions, a listing of scientific abstracts, and more.
The journal has full-color printing and about 25% advertising. It includes things like a reader service card, and new product announcements. The editorial on the masthead reads like a who's who of bicycling science people. Nice 30 pages of work. Quarterly, $7 each. One-year subscription $23, Two-year $41.
Access: I have the subscription form, and a copy of the magazine to look at, if you like. Call first to make arrangements, Alex DePillis at 284-0700. Or contact them directly: Subscriptions, Cycling Science, P.O. Box 926, Hightstown, NJ 08520-0926. Phone 609/443-9202, FAX 609/ 443-4471.
-Alexander DePillis, 284-0700
Starting February 20, you will be able to get an advocacy update by placing a phone call to the new BTA hotline. All phones should be able to access the hotline, touch tone or rotary. The BTA thanks Roger Charly and Budget Bicycle Center for making the BTA hotline possible. Call Lisa at 255-4271 to get the number.
As I write this, Law Park has been largely laid to rest. Coming soon, one large structure with a view and, I hope, adequate bicycle accommodations.
Mark Shahan and the BTA organized a December 16 Political Mass Ride which, in spite of moist weather, drew about 40 bicyclists, various journalists, and two TV news crews. We must be doing something right, the media are starting to take notice of the bicycling community - and our press releases.
Thus far, the city has honored its promise to provide bicycle accommodations in the John Nolen corridor and cyclists have been provided with a six-foot wide gravel path on the south side of John Nolen Drive between Williamson and Broom Streets. (Still more visionary would have been to provide one of the three auto traffic lanes for bicycle use, leaving one lane each way for cars, but I guess we'll have to work a little harder before we achieve that sort of accommodation. Maybe next time!) Sometimes it feels like being headed downhill with worn out brake shoes.
Currently, the City is pursuing accommodations for bicyclists from March to November 1995 when, due to space constraints, the gravel path option will no longer be available. Madison Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Arthur Ross says no hard and fast decision has yet been made for the March -November period. It's unlikely there will be access in the John Nolen Corridor. The main option now appears to be the idea of a contra flow lane on W. Wilson Street. Arthur would be glad to hear ideas for other alternatives (his number is 266-6225).
As this project appears to be a fait accompli, I think we should be looking ahead to the proposed bicycle accommodations for the completed Convention Center. They plan to send us out over the lake to get around the building. Apparently the bikeway around the building will also be a promenade for conventioneers. Does this mean bicycle commuters just passing through will be pitted against conventioneers out for a view of the lake? This plan begs closer attention. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for ice to accumulate on this same bikeway during colder months. We deserve good answers. We know about the planned automobile parking accommodations (voluminous!), will there be a token bike rack? Whether or not you live in the City, share your concerns with your alder person and with the Mayor's office. Tell them about your daily commuting route and your experiences. To leave a message for your alder, phone 266-407 1, or FAX 266-4666. To reach the Mayor, phone 266461 1, FAX 267-8671.
As we go to press Mark Shahan is planning another Political Mass ride for Friday, January 27 at 4:30 p.m. to highlight this issue. Riders will be once again meeting at the City County Building.
John Nolen is only the most recent of the issues we've tackled. Starting with the Verona Road underpass issue and continuing through the Shennan Avenue (TWLT'L) bicycle-friendliness issue. The BTA will continue to organize Bicycle to Work Day, as well as offering other bicycle month activities and ongoing monthly programs and other public service offerings. For these reasons and many others, please lend your support to the BTA. Please send in your membership today, and call or write to offer your time as a volunteer or a steering committee member. Thanks for your support. Bike on in 1995!
-Lisa Goodman
There is a local computer e-mailing list for those interested in bicycle transportation. Mail sent to the address is echoed to all the subscribers of the list. Send mail to bikies@gcg.com to have information posted to subscribers. To subscribe, send to bikies-request@gcg.com to request to be added to or deleted from the list.
All events are free and open to the public.
February 2, Thursday
Bicycle Transportation Alliance 7:30 p.m., Memorial Union, see Today in the Union (TITU) for room listing.
BTA members and other bicycle enthusiasts are invited to view the movie, "Return of the Scorcher." In the late 1800s, "Scorcher" was a nickname given to bicyclists, reflecting their newfound speed. This 30 minute video looks at the international evolution of bicycle use, including coverage of China and Europe where utilitarian bicycling is commonplace, and asks if the United States can move in that direction. Contact Lisa Goodman at 255-4721, or Renee Callaway at 255-8494, BTA@macc.wisc.edu for more info.
February 7, Tuesday
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin general membership meeting 7:00 p.m., Madison Public Library, 2nd floor, 201 W. Mifflin St. Contact Marcia Miquelon at 251-4456 for more info.
February 10, Friday
The University of Wisconsin's Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Committee. 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at WARF Building, 614 Walnut St., 14th Floor Conference room. The TDM Committee is working to make the UW more transportation-efficient via pilot projects that include car- pooling, tele-commuting, and bus and bicycle commuting. Contact Tabitha Graves at 263-2076, tabitha.graves@mail.admin.wisc.edu for more info.
February 16, Thursday
Wisconsin Off-Road Bicycling Association (WORBA) meeting, featuring the DNR's Al Bjorkman. Contact Renee at 255-8494 for more info.
February 20, Monday
Starting today, keep current on upcoming events, TRY OUT THE NEW BTA HOTLINE!
March 1, Wednesday
BTA members, watch your mailbox for BTA election info and ballots.
March 2, Thursday
Bicycle Transportation Alliance Meet the Candidates Forum at 7:30 p.m., location to be announced. We need you. If you would like to help organize this event, please contact Renee 255-8494, or Lisa 255-4721, for more info.
March 10, Friday
Governor's Advisory Bicycle Council meeting. State Capitol Building. Contact Tom Huber at 267-7757.
March 15, Wednesday
Please make sure your BTA ballot is in by today, to PO Box 641, Madison 53701-0641.
April 14, Friday
UW TDM Committee, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at WARF Building, 614 Walnut St., 14th Floor Conference room. (see Feb. 10 note)
We'd love to hear from you. If you have calendar events to share, please send them to the BTA at PO Box 641, Madison 53701-0641.
Thanks largely to volunteer help, Wheels for Winners has rebuilt dozens of adult bicycles and over a hundred children's bicycles. The bicycles are donated by the community, refurbished completely by Wheels, and sent back into the community to kids who couldn't normally afford them, and who earn them by community service. Wheels oversees overhauling the bicycles as well as distributing helmets and locks, while neighborhood centers oversee the community service the kids perform. Both Wheels and the centers work together with the kids and their parents to provide excellent safety training.
It is a brilliant program and has even greater potential. I think it is possible to expand Wheels to include adults with financial constraints (parents of the kids already receiving bicycles?) and thereby encourage them not only to cycle with their kids, but also to commute by bicycle.
Here's how you can help:
Our shop is out in Nakoma Plaza. The entrance is behind Half- Price Books; the door is well marked. The telephone number is 273-4787.
-Max Vogels (Max Vogels is a recent arrival to Madison, by way of Berkeley, California. He is a Wheels for Winners staff member.)
In the next year or two, there will be a development on Royster Avenue near Cottage Grove Road. I went to an informational meeting January 18 sponsored by the developer and Alderperson David Schneider. Briefly, I requested that in return for the costs to the neighborhood (higher taxes, more traffic, etc.) we get something out of it. Specifically, I requested a portion of the parcel be donated to the City for a park and a community center, and that a bicycle-pedestrian crossing be made over the railroad tracks to the bike path from the comer of Royster and Olbrich St. Ald. Schneider supports the bicycle crossing. School kids from the new development would be crossing the tracks to get to school. It makes sense to have a formal crossing which would facilitate access to the bike path.
-Andy Swartz, 222-5608
(Ald. Schneider's phone number is 249-2396. Stay tuned to Spoke-n Word for updates.)
Spoke-N Word Staff
Contributors:
Renee Callaway, "no problem, I can do it"
Alex DePillis, BTA technical updates bureau
Andy Swartz, east side correspondent
Max Vogels, reporter at large, mechanic extraordinaire
Layout:
Renee Callaway, Pagemaker Wizard
Mailing Staff:
BTA Steering Committee
Coordinator:
Lisa Goodman
The Bicycle Transportation Alliance of Dane County advocates the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation and recreation. We work for recognition and support of bicyclists and bicycle issues such as bicycle safety, inclusion of bicycle routes in transportation and land use planning, and increased access to existing commercial and residential districts. We pursue our goals through community education, legislative action, and working with like-minded groups.
Click here for the November, 1994 issue.
Go to the Bicycling Community Page that is at the root of this document tree.