What have YOU done for cycling advocacy?

[Stacey]

I see alot of political chest thumping advocacy bike lane, vehicular cycling, share the road stuff posted. But who here really advocates cycling at the grassroots level?

When was the last time you've talked to a friend, co-worker, stranger about cycling? How have you helped someone get involved in cycling or listened to their views of cyclist in a non-confrontational manner?

Just curious.

[maddyfish]

I set a good example by following applicable laws and regulations while riding, inlcuding stop lights and signs. I have advocated for a bike rack at the local Lowe's Hardware store. I'm still working on it.I talked to a neighbor, and now she rides with her kids the 1/2 mile to school instead of driving.

[dingster1]

I talk to my co-workers about biking and have almost gotten one to the point of actually buying a bike(the other 2 already have them). When I go shopping and there are no places to lock up my bike, I bring it to the establishments attention by way of comment cards. I'm trying to think of ways to get more african american women into recreational cycling too...

[Cyclaholic]

I restrained myself from kicking the sh!t out of a JAM that richly deserved it.... might have created a bad impression of cyclists.

[seeker333]

Not much. I try to bicycle like I got some sense.

I propose we focus instead on the advocacy of Law Enforcement, specifically those law's which help protect bicyclists from motorists who exercise poor judgement on public roads. I believe if we could simply get high compliance on these laws, there would be no need to advocate bicycling in any way. If people generally believed they could safely ride a bike on the road, there would be no need to "cheerlead" for bicycling. With the average US motorist now facing annual gasoline bills of more than $2,500 (15,000 miles/20 miles/gallon*3.50$/gallon), that should be plenty of impetus to move people to bicycles.

My personal list for compliance would be enforcement of

a. speed limit
b. driving on the right side of the road
c. proper yielding to ROW
d. proper use of turn signals
e. proper method of passing slow moving vehicles
f. stopping at stop signs
g. proper lane changes
h. proper parking

I know, its a radical idea, but I think if the average person didn't believe they'd be killed riding a bike, well things might be different.

[closetbiker]

People at work seem to want to talk to me about cycling because I've always commuted by bike (and I'm always on bikeforums.net when I have a break). Same goes for the complex where I live.

I've had over a couple of dozen letters published in the paper over the years that respond to some negative press that was printed and have had a couple of articles written on me about cycling to work.

I communicate with those responsible for roads or cycling facilities if there are any problems I can see (and I admire all those who sit in on comittee meetings and work these things out because I don't have the patience to explain to so many people who have no clue or inclination to help)

I think positive public perception of cycling is paramount for cycling advocacy.

[Ginny]

I've talked to probably too many people about my one bad commute day and how it affected me.
I talk to them about cyclists getting buzzed, honked at and spit on. Not one has ever said they thought cyclists need to get off the road (at least not to my face) and all have understood that we are in danger
each time we get on the road. All have said they will give bikes a bigger chunk of the road, slow down and think about the best way to keep both us us safe.
Owning a bar and salon means I talk to a LOT of people in a day.
I think I do a lot for advocacy in my area.
But it's never enough. . .

I also ride like I'm a car. If I'm behind a few cars at a stop light, I don't make my way to the front. I just stop behind the cars and go when it's my turn. I don't always stop at signs, but if there are cars present, I do. I've sent letters to newspapers about sharing the road, though to date none have been responded to. But I try.

[SonataInFSharp]

I talked to a few co-workers about cycling to work and one does cycle to work now. Another one is saving feverishly for a bike so he can start riding as soon as possible, too!

[rando]

not much I guess... I try to be a good example while riding. that's about it, I guess.

[Recycle]

I contact my state representatives about bicycle related bills as they move thru the state (IL) House and Senate. There have been 3 bills in committee and/or up for vote this year. One has passed both houses. The two others have a pretty good chance.

Illinois cyclists, check the League of Illinois Bicyclists site http://bikelib.org/ for details.

[East Hill]

Because I ride vintage bikes I get asked a lot of questions when I am out and about. I always take time to talk about the bikes, and usually work in a word or two about sharing the road.

East Hill

[ghettocruiser]

I ..... pretend to stop at stop signs?

[closetbiker]

... and all have understood that we are in danger each time we get on the road...

do they understand the injury and fatality rates are the same in the car or walking?

http://neptune.spacebears.com/opine/helmets.html

...In the real world, on a per-mile basis, or on a per-capita basis, biking is no more dangerous than taking the dog for a walk, and often even safer...

[chipcom]

It's called leading by example...I ride my bike, answer questions or provide help when asked and NEVER start preaching or assuming that my way is the only way or trying to inflict my own values and theories on others. I am the anti-zealot, hear me roar!! :D

Cycling is not dangerous.
Cycling does not require expensive, specialized equipment.
Cycling does not require special training
Cycling is fun.

[ken cummings]

I carry a set of hand shears and trim back vegetation when it obstructs the bike lane. Motorists, including a local cop, yesterday, get to see a cyclist helping maintain the roads. Also I help my local bike club pick up trash on several local roads that see heavy cycling use.

[Niten]

I got a spot on the local planning commission, and got key pro-cycling language into the city and county's Comprehensive Plan (www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/plan/complan/2030/mobility.pdf). Most of the new language was provided by local cycling advocates or modeled on other cities' plans. Specifically, bicycles are "design users" with regard to planning, construction, and maintenance of roadways. Also, cyclists are to be provided "safe, convenient, and direct access" to all destinations served by the road network. All local Capital Improvement Projects are checked for compliance with the plan each fiscal year.

I circulate articles about planning for cycling and other transportation modes among the other commissioners and planning staff.

Oh, and I ride my bike.

(Cycling wasn't the only reason I took the seat on the commission, but it was one of them.)

[Dahon.Steve]

1. Contacted local agency to open a bridge -- I've made numerous calls to the Port Authority to open the Gothals bridge in Staten Island, New York. I will continue to call and write until the ped/bike path is reopened again.

2. Posted Flyers at bus shelter ---- I've made numerous flyers and posted them at bus shelters trying to get people to cycle to the mall instead of waiting for the bus. I received a call from the bus company and they informed me, I would receive a summons if it was not stopped.

[ax0n]

I'm not even an A&S zealot, but:

1) I show up to city council meetings in the area (not just in my little suburb) to show support for safer cycling. The second week of may, I attended one "convince the city that we need bike lanes and connections between the two major MUPs in the area" meeting, and another one in KCMO where the mayor and city council was DEFINITELY signing Bicycle Safety Month and Bike To Work Week into the city's officially endorsed list of activities.

2) I keep constant e-mail contact with local bike federations, my bicycle club members, members of city council who are either vehemently against amenities for cyclists, as well as council members who are very pro-cyclist.

3) On budget items funded in part by state D.O.T., I also express my support for safer cycling.

4) On road improvement projects for towns I ride in, I voice my opinion on bicycle lanes, traffic calming, and signal sensitivity.

[cyclezealot]

My bike club dues assures membership of our association in a regional council which advises regional authorities of needed bike projects. I ride carefully and lawfully. I wear a jersey which advocates the elimination of cars and of course a 'bikeforums jersey.' Not enough. Constantly talk up cycling to new friends.

[littlewaywelt]

Wrote a letter to my state house yesterday requesting they setup a 3ft buffer for passing like IL, FL, etc.
I drop letters to the editor of the auto section once or twice a year re cycling and cars.
Joined LOAB, but not my local advocacy org, bc they just don't seem to get much done.

[Speedo]

I organized two "Bike Triage" days at work. Sixteen people had their bikes checked for safety, and minor repair/tune-up work done by three volunteer "civilian" mechanics and one professional sent by a local bike shop. We had bike commuting information, as well as an instructional session on how to fix a flat tire for people who happened to stop by.

Speedo

[Crazy Cyclist]

Yesterday evening, I along with 200 other cyclists participated in a ride in order to get more bike paths in our city.

We had a police escort for 6 miles, without so much as a car bothering us. In fact, some cars even honked in approval ( hard to believe I know)

The newspapers covered the event, as well as the local television stations, I even got on television.

Here is the website for more information: www.bishopgrandingreenway.com/events.htmlook under events on the right side of the page for S.P.I.N ride

also here is a link to the Winnipeg website that is promoting cycling in Winnipeg: www.biketothefuture.org

[trackhub]

Does any of the following count?

-wrote to state rep and state senator, asked for their support for senate bill 1414, "an act relative to Bicyclist safety.

-made further inquiry to state rep's office, as to why a "Look twice, save a life" campaign cannot be done for cyclists, as is done annually for motorcyclists.

-Rode lawfully on commutes this week, as I do every other time. Refer to it as "common sense" cycling. Motorists seem to like this.

-Pointed a new rider to the state cycling laws. She had no idea that there are actual laws for cycling on roadways. Cleared up misinformation taught to her by well-meaning, but mis-guided parents.

-Gave two kids a thumbs up. Reason: They were wearing helmets.

[Winter76]

Just curious.

I've convinced three coworkers to start riding their bikes, and one used to commute in his giant suburban monstrosity.

[Lurch104]

My biggest contribution would be avoiding spandex.


Actually, what a bunch of others said. I joined a local bicycle club and am learning the rules of the road. I'm just trying to be one more cyclist out there riding well.

[The Human Car]

http://www.examiner.com/images/newsroom/8B14AD5B-C0F7-45F7-EFA3296C52D065E3.jpg
Here I am pictured just behind someone who had a very good excuse for not participating in bike to work day so I talked her into at let giving a little bike ride a try.
http://www.examiner.com/a-726950~Dixon_leads_bike_to_work_effort.html
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-bikes0514,0,2299803.story

Or sometimes it’s more mundane like this story:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=236921

It's all about having fun and doing something practical at the same time.

[vinfix]

I participated in my counties Bike to Work work, and am continuing to commute by bike. I volunteer for Pedals for Progress, a nonprofit which collects donated bicycles for shipment overseas to developing countries. I donate to East Coast Greenway. And, all my bikes are "recycled".

[Jinker]

I bike to work during non-winter months, and park my bike at my desk when I'm in the office.

I've organize weekend rides with friends to introduce them slowly to the idea that they can get places by bike, as well as talk a lot about my cycling experience and how nice a part of my life it is.

I registered my office in the Commuter Challenge the last couple years, and got a few people to ride into work (small office, still not super pleased with the turn out, but hey, better than nothing).

I endeavor to not inconvenience, aggravate or worry people I share the road with when I'm riding.

That being said I cycle assertively, take the lane when necessary etc. I have always stood up for myself when someone does something stupid, but I always tend to make sure that I educate the driver as WELL as express my frustration. (Keep name calling to a minimum, always point out how it's MY life on the line that they're endangering.)

I'll admit I don't suffer from a slavish devotion to the rules (be they regulations or part of the VC bible) but I try not to flaunt disrespect for them either. I might hop a curb for a few feet, or pass a stopped row of cars, but I won't ride the wrong way down a street, burn lights etc.

[powerhouse]

As a person with visual and other disabilities, many health professionals and others tried to discourage me from bicycling in the very beginning. Today, they all support my bicycling activities and some have taken up bicycling from my example.

I have been active in supporting various legislation related to bicycling. Currently, there is a bill for improved road safety and updated bicycling laws making its way through the Maine House and Senate.

I've participated in the American Lung Association's Bike Trek Across Maine. I'm the first visually impaired cyclist to make it all the way from beginning to end. After completing the Trek 14 times, people who helped me raise funds to do the Trek are happy to support me again, have also signed up to do the Trek, or have taken up bicycling themselves.

In one Maine town, I was asked to take part in their July 4th Parade because of my bicycling experiences.
I've been asked back every year since. Last year, I ended up leading a bicyclist's unit of up to 36 riders.

I've joined the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, a bicycling organization made up of numerous bicycle clubs and members from almost everywhere. It supports bicycling and cyclist's rights.

I spend much time talking to others advocating bicycling on my own. I've gotten dozens of people to either support or take up bicycling on their own.

Lastly, I ride my bicycle as often as I can.

[GreenGrasshoppr]

Im in ur lane, advocatin bikin
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9061/visiblebikejd3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[JohnBrooking]

Educated myself on safe traffic riding and try to set a good example. Took LAB Road I (http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/courses.php) course.

Joined my state bicycle coalition (http://www.bikemaine.org/).

Attended that organization's bike safety instructor training, and will be talking to a group of Cub Scouts about bike safety this Sunday.

Co-led Bikes for the Bayou (http://www.mainebrook.com/bikes4thebayou/) in December 2005, which shipped over 400 bikes to residents of East Biloxi, MS, after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Have participated in my local Bike/Ped Advisory Committee (http://www.portlandbikeped.org/).

Started and continue to lead a bicycle commuting club (http://bike.meetup.com/132/).

With others from that club, have organized "valet bike parking" at two events this summer.

[ralph12]

Im in ur lane, advocatin bikin
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9061/visiblebikejd3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


10/10 :roflmao:

[Artkansas]

I ride safely to work each day.

I'm on the board of directors of my local bicycle advocacy group, Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas (http://www.bacar.org/). Active in the group of course, organizing parade rides and the Ride of Silence. I also help out at our exhibits at local events, answering peoples questions and encouraging others to ride.

[stevesurf]

I regularly speak at trade show events for Industrial Security, and there are occaisionally City Managers present that either are directly involved with public safety or indirectly involved. I make it a point to encourage those cycling-friendly communities as much as possible, and encourage law enforcement professionals to start using cycle patrols.