Advocacy & Safety - Is there much real advocacy occuring?

I recently spent some time reading in this forum and was wondering:
How many of you guys actually actively advocate for cyclist rights?
It seems that a lot of people come on here and talk about how things should be and how all cagers are ignorant and evil. Do you actually work to promote your viewpoint (other than riding around asserting your rights)? If so what is it you do?

Hmm, I spent 4 years in elected office, a few years before, during and beyond that lobbying local, state and federal legislatures, worked on a few committees for a US Senator and a Governor. I was involved in cycling-related legislation during that time, but it wasn't my only or main focus. Today? Yeah, I pretty much just ride around and spout off in BF, maybe making an occassional call/letter/email to old contacts if something puts a bug up my butt.

So have you done your 'turn'? ;)

I email my local bicycle transportation planner or whatever he's called. he kind of just says, "I know, I know..."

I recently spent some time reading in this forum and was wondering:
How many of you guys actually actively advocate for cyclist rights?
It seems that a lot of people come on here and talk about how things should be and how all cagers are ignorant and evil. Do you actually work to promote your viewpoint (other than riding around asserting your rights)? If so what is it you do?

Yes. I belong to a local advocacy group who is working to improve bicycle facilties in my community. My community includes 3 states, 4 counties, 2 state parks, 6 cities/towns & to date one state DOT.

We are a non-profit goup that hosts an annual bike ride, this year will be our 4th, to raise money. We also have projects we work on every year & make reports & work with the appropriate governing bodies for the improvments we are advocating for. We write letters & endorse letters asking for funds for bicycle facility projects.

We are called The Siouxland Trails Foundation. Here is our web site: http://www.siouxlandtrails.org/

Parts of it are still under construction so it is a work in progress.

I email my local bicycle transportation planner or whatever he's called. he kind of just says, "I know, I know..."
About what kind of stuff.
I've contacted him about inductive sensors that don't work, construction debris spewed from driveway into full half of a lane, several large holes in pavement and need for better share the road signs on that road I posted videos of riding on.
All were addressed.

Al

bike lanes. he did address my comments. I never said he didn't. my comments were not about something that he could do anything about quickly.

I recently spent some time reading in this forum and was wondering:
How many of you guys actually actively advocate for cyclist rights?
It seems that a lot of people come on here and talk about how things should be and how all cagers are ignorant and evil. Do you actually work to promote your viewpoint (other than riding around asserting your rights)? If so what is it you do?

Since you brought it up Brusheda, what have you done, advocating wise in your area?

I also belong to the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, http://www.iowabicyclecoalition.org/ & the LAB, http://www.bikeleague.org/

I recently spent some time reading in this forum and was wondering:
How many of you guys actually actively advocate for cyclist rights?
Not me. I spend too much time on Bikeforums. :D

Are you giving us permission to brag? :D

The first real advocacy I did was probably the coolest: http://www.mainebrook.com/bikes4thebayou/ (I was one of two leaders, but the idea was from someone here in the fall of 2005.)

I was thinking about extending that effort into an on-going bike recycling network, but have given up on that for now. Not enough momentum, and probably beyond my organizing ability at this time.

Since last spring, I've been attending meetings of the Portland (Maine) Bike/Ped Advisory Committee (http://www.portlandbikeped.org/), and we have recently begun working with the Department of Public Works to continue an effort to establish a bike network throughout the city. I actually live in a small town outside of Portland, and would like to try to establish a similar committee there this year if I get the time.

I've started a Bike Commuting Meetup group (http://bike.meetup.com/132/) which has been meeting since last fall. We have talked about doing some community projects like fundraising for local bike groups or handing out free hi-vis stuff or lights, and I would also like to have us staff some bike valet parking next summer.

All this, and I post on BikeForums! :D

I am a lowly member of the Bicycle Coalition. I sometimes go to meetings. And I participate in their email list. I participated as a team leader in the Team Bike Challenge last year, which was a contest set up by Traffic Solutions as a way to get people to try biking to work (or other utilitarian purposes). I only advocate for road bicycling. I am anti-mountain bike and actually do some advocacy against mountain biking. Now you know my dirty little secret.

I am a lowly member of the Bicycle Coalition. I sometimes go to meetings. And I participate in their email list. I participated as a team leader in the Team Bike Challenge last year, which was a contest set up by Traffic Solutions as a way to get people to try biking to work (or other utilitarian purposes). I only advocate for road bicycling. I am anti-mountain bike and actually do some advocacy against mountain biking. Now you know my dirty little secret.

Now there's a thread subject that might be more interesting than the usual A&S BL wars. Tell us about why you don't like mountain biking, Diane. (I'm actually being serious here, I'd like to know.).

I'm not sure I want to get into that. You see, I am quite passionate about bicycling as transportation and I wouldn't want people to think that I'm not. Mountain biking isn't transportation.

I'm not sure I want to get into that. You see, I am quite passionate about bicycling as transportation and I wouldn't want people to think that I'm not. Mountain biking isn't transportation.

I see, you mean mountain biking as a sport, not as in using a mountain bike on trails and dirt roads to get to and from work like I used to have to do when I lived in NM. It's cool, if you ever post a thread about it, I'm sure I'll spot it. :)

I'm not sure I want to get into that. You see, I am quite passionate about bicycling as transportation and I wouldn't want people to think that I'm not. Mountain biking isn't transportation.

No, but it is fun & good exercise that work differant muscles at a differant pace then road riding. If done right mtn biking has little if any impact on the enviroment. Of course like other issues discussed in A&S it only takes a few bad apples & maybe one anti-mtn bike advocate to spoil it for the rest of us.

However I can beg to differ that mtn biking or off road riding is not transportation. When I was in college I rode my mtn bike 10 miles to school every day. Part of the route was on an MUP. The MUP parallels the Des Moines River by Des Moines North High School, my alma mater, & there is a trail head at Euclid Ave, where my college was. Along the trail there are several places that go into the woods that you used to be able to off road rode on. One part was an old rail road bed. It would curve around back to the paved MUP, or where the MUP curved through the trees you could take the dirt paths through the trees as a "short cut" that would start off of the mUP & dump out back onto it. This area used to be an amusement park & rail road bed a long time ago. It is also the flood plain for when the river gets to high. So I would have to say off road riding can be used for transportation if you're in the right area.

It's really a shame that you weren't wearing a helmet when your momma dropped you on your head. :rolleyes:

I am a lowly member of the Bicycle Coalition. I sometimes go to meetings. And I participate in their email list. I participated as a team leader in the Team Bike Challenge last year, which was a contest set up by Traffic Solutions as a way to get people to try biking to work (or other utilitarian purposes). I only advocate for road bicycling. I am anti-mountain bike and actually do some advocacy against mountain biking. Now you know my dirty little secret.
Are you Mike Vandeman? :D

http://bbtc.org/php/show_page.php?page_id=32

It's really a shame that you weren't wearing a helmet when your momma dropped you on your head. :rolleyes:

**** you dupiash!

I am on the County Bike and Ped committee. Officially part of the county Gov. We work with County, State, And Fed groups to pick most effective places to spend limited funds. Direct advisory to County Supervisors. NOT a political or Activist group.

Are you Mike Vandeman? :D

http://bbtc.org/php/show_page.php?page_id=32

No I'm not Mike Vandeman. That guy is a bit over the top, don't you think?

No I'm not Mike Vandeman. That guy is a bit over the top, don't you think?

Forgive me Diane, but you know I can't pass up a one-liner....

Did you 'used to be' Mike Vandeman before the operation? :lol:

Forgive me Diane, but you know I can't pass up a one-liner....

Did you 'used to be' Mike Vandeman before the operation? :lol:

What operation? The electro-shock treatment or the lobotomy?

I advocate every work commute and back by setting a good example of cyclists. Oh and I chased some trashy girl down once after screaming "sidewalk" at me and lectured her about cyclists rights.

In front of her mom no less, who didn't care one way or the other.

What operation? The electro-shock treatment or the lobotomy?

Phhfffftttttt.....went right over your head, didn't it? I was thinkin sex change. :p Chalk up another flopped one-liner to ole Chippy. :( Now about the lobotomy and the shock treatments...were they fun? Can anyone get one, or do you have to pass a test? ;)

I got you the first time, chipcom, and I hope that Diane did too. :)

...I only advocate for road bicycling. I am anti-mountain bike and actually do some advocacy against mountain biking. Now you know my dirty little secret.Nobody is perfect.

I am anti-mountain bike and actually do some advocacy against mountain biking. Now you know my dirty little secret.

Interesting then that you are such a strong advocate for MUPs and bike highways (which do way more destruction than mountain biking during their construction and maintenance), which in my experience tend to be used more for recreation than transportation. I may be completely wrong in my assumptions which are based on local MUPs though.

I advocate every day by being out there no matter what, showing the fat ass lazy people around here that it can be done.
that's about as far as I take it
I just come to A&S to read the latest flames... and maybe fan a few

I advocate every day by being out there no matter what, showing the fat ass lazy people around here that it can be done.
that's about as far as I take it
I just come to A&S to read the latest flames... and maybe fan a few

When I'm out there every day, I'm showing the fat ass people that even a fellow fat ass can do it.

When I'm out there every day, I'm showing the fat ass people that even a fellow fat ass can do it.

I resemble that remark!!
300 pounder here

I joined my local bike club and bicycle advocacy organization. Even if I don't ride with them and I don't have time to do my own advocacy projects (aside from being out there every day commuting), I support them so that they can. And in Seattle they have done a lot of good.

sbhikes, why do you hate mountain bikes? I would argue that any form of cycling, even if it isn't utilitarian, is good. My first bicycle as an adult was a mountain bike. Then I started riding it more places for utilitarian purposes. Its hard to get a person into utilitarian cycling from the very beginning. But if they enjoy some other form of cycling maybe they'll start. And you know, when we had all that snow a few weeks ago I put studded tires on the mountain bike and rode to work when it was too icy for slicks.

Other than ranting on the A&S Forum? I recently joined my town's Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee.

I just come to A&S to read the latest flames... and maybe fan a few
I can dig it! Real Advocacy for Real Cyclists! :)

I'm an active member of the Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas. Most of the activity has been to uphold cyclists rights in Arkansas and support development of more recreational facilities like the Big Dam Bridge. Personally, I'm trying to focus more on the needs of utility cyclists.

In addition, I do graphics for the group and organize our entry in the Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade.

This thread is a great example of why I rarely come in here. This forum has the potential to be a great community and national resource for advocacy but is constantly reduced to squabbling.

Professionally, I’m a city planner. I’m a member of most of the local organizations that promote cycling of any kind. Besides that, I am LCI certified and teach cyclists accordingly. This year a group of like minded people and I started our local non-profit bike co-op ( www.sacbikekitchen.org ) which I am the president. We are teaming up with the local advocacy organizations to work as a unified force in Sacramento.

It's really nice to see how many people are involved locally in organizations. Keep it up.

I hear ya Cynikal, I read here but always keep in mind that it's a discussion board & just a place to read & discuss related material/events. No real advocacy occurs here, but it helps inform one another & strangers alike.

http://www.ilfiordiloto.info/Troll/Troll-club/troll-club-2000.jpg

^ Another vivid example of what I'm talking about. Thanks kf5nd.

^ Another vivid example of what I'm talking about. Thanks kf5nd.

Hey now, that's a statue of me you're dissing dude! PERSONAL ATTACK, PERSONAL ATTACK! MODS!

:roflmao: :lol: :beer:

Cynikal,
good for you for starting a Bike Kitchen in Sacramento. if I had more time I would try and start one here. there is a lot of advocacy amongst individuals here, but the arguments about what constitutes advocacy can get ugly/stupid.

I'm trying to donate a bicycle to a bike kitchen or some kind of program. Not sure. There's an abandoned perfectly good bike just parked in the motorcycle parking. Not even locked. I've told two people where it is and neither have come to get it yet. It's been sitting there for at least 2 weeks!

Besides that, I am LCI certified and teach cyclists accordingly.
Say no more. The die is cast.

I'm trying to donate a bicycle to a bike kitchen or some kind of program. Not sure. There's an abandoned perfectly good bike just parked in the motorcycle parking. Not even locked. I've told two people where it is and neither have come to get it yet. It's been sitting there for at least 2 weeks!


How do you know it doesn't already belong to someone? couldn't it have been stolen and abandoned?

I like to Bike, Is this a good or bad thing? Care to add anything further?

If so what is it you do?

I've been actively involved in city, county and state government by attending meetings and participating in working groups and committees. I was instrumental in organizing and promoting Bike To Work Day activities and establishing breakfast stations in a Colorado city. I wrote recommendations on behalf of the local cyclist advocacy group for part of a grant application (for which the city received the grant) for a MUP. I helped establish a "Safe Routes to School (http://www.bicyclelongmont.org/pipermail/bike/2004-February/000165.html)" program. I was a member of a Transportation Advisory Board (www.ci.longmont.co.us/public_works/transportation/documents/021306minutes.pdf), where we made recommendations on how the city should spend its transportation budget. I've given my input on new road design and subdivision layout *before* the process is complete, instead of griping about it after the fact. I regularly had lunch with various staff members in city engineering and public works.

This year, that city may offer free public transit on Bike to Work Day because of my suggestion (http://www.bicyclelongmont.org/pipermail/bike/2006-October/000730.html). It's currently being considered by the city and funding has already been found.

Through my actions, a new Super Wal-Mart had to redesign their entire parking lot to better accomodate cyclist access and parking -- that means paying attention at Planning & Zoning meetings, as well as getting to know the P&Z people.

Through discussion with their development director, Wild Oats Market changed their bike rack standard (http://www.bicyclelongmont.org/pipermail/bike/2004-September/000299.html) so that new stores use good bike racks, as well as including an adequate number of racks.

I've gotten two Walgreens stores to move their bike racks (http://www.bicyclelongmont.org/pipermail/bike/2003-September/000107.html) to a better spot (i.e. not behind the dumpster or similar location). I got a Wal-Mart store to bolt their bike rack down into the concrete.

I grouse a bit here and sometimes yank a few chains, but I write positive letters to the editor. I've been interviewed by a couple of local newspapers on cyclist safety -- apparently I'm some sort of expert because I blog (http://www.cyclelicio.us/) (scary if you think about it). And I maintained relationships with local news writers because what they write is impacted by who they know.

My wife is in grad school now so my civic involvement has dropped off sharply in the last six months, but I still give money to local, state and national advocacy groups.

RFM

I like to Bike, Is this a good or bad thing? Care to add anything further?
Nope. When you announced your LCI credentials, you've said it all.

I actively support the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and the California Bicycle Coalition, two very effective organizations. I have also written more than my share of letters to the editor and letters to city council members in several southern California cities.

props to richardmasoner and everyone else putting time and effort into making cycling accessible.

-----

i'm on the street activist mailing list for transportation alternatives nyc.
and i've done some volunteer work for assemble for rights nyc.
and i support critical mass (but not aggro critical mass attitude).

How do you know it doesn't already belong to someone? couldn't it have been stolen and abandoned?

It has not moved in two weeks (or more -- I only started the job two weeks ago and it's been there the whole time) and it has two flat tires and it is not locked and it is an old Schwinn 10-speed.

It has not moved in two weeks (or more -- I only started the job two weeks ago and it's been there the whole time) and it has two flat tires and it is not locked and it is an old Schwinn 10-speed.

oh, one of those.