Friday, July 29, 2011

Bike Share program for Boston

Tomorrow Boston will join the ranks of cities worldwide that have made space on their streets for futuristic “docks” and a distinctive fleet of simple, two-wheeled machines. Boston’sHubway Bike Share program was originally set to launch this past Tuesday but last minute the date was changed to Bike Friday July 29th.
What is a bike share? It’s a simple and care-free concept, similar to the way Zipcar works. If you need to travel a short distance and would like to do so quicker than walking, without having to wait for the MBTA or worry about finding a parking space, then simply snag a bike from one of the many bike docks around the city. You don’t have to worry about maintaining the bike or finding a pole to lock it up to. When finished with the bike locate your nearest docking station to return.
In order to take a bike out you will need to be part of the membership program. Sign-up either online or at one of the kiosk stations. The first half hour is free and every half hour thereafter is charged a fee (click here to see pricing). You also have the option to sign up for a 1 day or 3 day membership. The program is geared towards individuals with a short commute. Helmets will not be provided at the docking stations, but upon sign-up there is an option to purchase a Bell Impulse Helmet or you can come into Urban AdvenTours for one of our super snazzy Nutcase Helmets.
Hubway is fully funded by grants totaling $4.5 million. Boston’s equipment and 600 bikes are the same in use as Montreal’s BIXI bike-share program, which is considered one of the most successful in North America. Other cities have been using bike share programs since the mid 90’s. Hangzhou, China currently boasts the world’s largest fleet of share-bikes with 50,000.
Hubway is a unique solution that, ideally, will ease the morning commute. The idea is that commuters will decide to grab a HubBike rather than driving to work or waiting for public transportation. Of course there are some folks that are excited for the program but have not been on a bike for a few years or have never rode in the city. It’s important that everyone on the streets is riding or driving responsibly and safely. Even if you already know Boston, a great way to get acquainted with city bike riding is to go on one of our tours. Who knows you might even learn some facts about Boston that you didn’t already know.
As non-bicycle owners (possibly yourself) test out the Hubway bikes and learn that bikes are probably the best thing ever invented (quicker than most public transportation and better for the environment than vehicles), people are going to want a bicycle of their own. Because we at Urban AdvenTours know all about bike love, we would be more than happy to fit this niche of people for their new baby or even one of our used (but not abused) bikes. We have bikes of all different shapes, sizes and styles, so if you know someone without a special two wheeled lover in their lives (cough YOU cough) or you just want to flirt with the good-looking fleet of bikes, stop by UA and who knows you may walk out with THE ONE.

GMP to offer free car plug-in at St. Michael's College

Green Mountain Power Corp. is teaming up with St. Michael's College in Colchester to provide a free electric vehicle charging station at the college.
For the first year, drivers will be able to use the station at no cost.

The charging station is located in the Klein Center parking lot just off Vermont 15 at the west entrance to the St. Michael's College campus.
Green Mountain Power President Mary Powell said the project will enable her company to learn more about how people use electric vehicles and help them move away from fossil fuels-based transportation.

Keep FreeRide Montpelier Rolling! Fundraiser Party Aug. 20th - VT College of Fine Arts

http://freeridemontpelier.org/keep-freeride-rolling


Join us on Aug. 20th at The Vermont College of Fine Arts gymnasium for Freeride Montpelier’s annual fundraiser party. As you likely know if you’re reading this, Freeride is a community bikeshop in downtown Montpelier that is dedicated to promoting bicycling by providing affordable used bikes and community-wide access to the tools, skills and information necessary for bike maintenance and safe riding. There will be a silent auction with terrific prizes, discount bikes, hand printed “Freeride” T-shirts, refreshments, and local bands (That’s What She Said and Sick Feelings) followed by DJ Scraggle Tooth Mtn. Doors and auction open at 7:00pm. Music starts at 8:00pm. Super fun.
Questions? freeridemp@riseup.net, or call 802-552-3521.
We’re still happily accepting donations for the silent auction. If you have anything you’d like to contribute, please let us know and we’ll make arrangements! We are also looking for an appropriately licensed person to serve alcohol, so if that’s you or one of your friends, get in touch.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Love,
Freeride

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Why it’s essential to report motorist harassment

From the VBPC
Here is a story from Nancy Schulz, executive director of the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, about why it pays to take the time to file a report with the police if you’re out on your bike and someone in a car threatens or harasses you:
On the evening of Sunday, July 10, I was bicycling on a dirt road in Berlin, VT. I had just passed over a stretch of rough “washboard” when I heard a car approaching rapidly behind me. I then heard a horrible crunching, crushing sound as the car hit the washboard while going too fast. In fear, I pulled off the road and looked over my left shoulder to see the car leave the road just behind me, tear up the turf, and rip off its rear bumper. The car then passed me, dragging its bumper, before two young male occupants hopped out and stuffed the bumper in the back seat. Over the next 15 minutes, the driver pulled over as I cycled by and then passed me two more times. Once, the car came very close and the passenger screamed at me while the driver leaned on the horn. The next time, the passenger hung his naked rear end out the window.
I reported this repeated harassment to a Berlin police officer, who appreciated hearing the details of what happened to me. I was told that the same driver on the same evening had hit a mailbox and almost hit a little girl who was bicycling. The driver was cited for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. His car was impounded and the police had obtained a warrant to search the vehicle. They were pleased to know about the location of the car leaving the road and the debris left behind, including the foam liner of the bumper.
I gave a signed statement to the police and requested that the driver be charged with violating the Safe Passing law, which took effect one year ago. I shared copies of the law and the penalties because the officer was not aware of this law. I asked to testify in court about my unfortunate experience and I offered to provide a training, on behalf of the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, to the Berlin police department that would cover this law and much more. The officer made copies of the documents for posting and was very interested in the training opportunity.
If you, while bicycling, walking, running, riding a horse, etc. on Vermont’s roads, have experienced harassment from a motorist, please report what happened to you and let the police know that you would like the motorist to be cited for violating the “Safe Passing” law. By doing so, you are assisting law enforcement and you are helping to protect others from experiencing what you experienced or worse. If you ignore this kind of behavior on the part of drivers, it will continue. Don’t tolerate it. You, as the victim, are a credible witness. Please speak up and save lives! Thank you.
You can find the text of the Safe Passing law on the home page of the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition web site: www.vtbikeped.org

Party Aug 6th to Repair the Trail!

Join us for an evening of live music, food & drink, and an exciting raffle at Snow Farm Winery to support repairs to the flood damaged bike path and causeway.  Come boogie to the band Dirt Road or just relax on the lawn!
Soiree_Invitation_Front_Half
Join us August 6th, 2011, 5:30 to 8:30pm @ Snow Farm Winery, South Hero VT!
Wine and Beer by Snow Farm Winery, Food concession by Skinny Pancake
Sponsored by Keeler Bay Variety
To volunteer or for more info, contact Chapin Spencer This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 802-861-2700x105

Raffle prizes include:
  • A night in Montreal at the super mod Opus Hotel
  • A weekend get-a-way in Quebec (Auberge Harris & Les Grillades du Fort)
  • An overnight at the Willard Street Inn (Burlington)
  • $100 gift certificate from Earl's Cyclery
  • $100 gift certificate from Skirack
  • An overnight at Crescent Bay B&B in South Hero
  • A pasta making class from Italian culinary goddess Adele Dienno
  • And much, much more!

Other upcoming fundraisers:
Here's how the past fundraisers have gone:
  • Thanks to the five area bike shops (Skirack, North Star Sports, Old Spokes Home, Earl's Cyclery & Fitness and Alpine Shop) that donated 7% of proceeds to the trail's repair July 1-3!  Sales were brisk at all stores and they raised $13,200!.
  • Thanks also to the Blue Paddle Bistro who hosted a BBQ Boogie on July 4 for the trail.  It was a crowded event with lots of dancing.  $1,400 was raised!
  • Thanks as well to Robin Ried and the Old Lantern for hosting the Full Moon Dance Party on July 15th.  $2,000 was raised!

Sign the pledge to unite 1 Mio. cyclists!

The goal of peopleforbikes.org is to gather a million names of support, to speak with one powerful voice—to let policy makers, the media and the public know that bicycling is important and should be promoted.

One for all.

Whether you’re a bike commuter, a roadie, a mountain biker or just a casual rider, by uniting your voice with a million others, we can build a national movement to improve bicycling in our country. We can make a statement through our sheer numbers by raising public awareness and demonstrating our passion to our leaders in Congress and in cities and states throughout the country.

Let our voices be heard.

Every six years, the federal government allocates billions of dollars to expand and improve our country’s transportation infrastructure. Peopleforbikes.org will use our powerful, united voice to urge U.S Senators and Congressmen to make new, cost-effective investments in bicycling facilities and programs that will benefit us now and well into the future. Learn more about the federal investment in bicycling.

Together we can make bicycling better.

Imagine a place where one bike lane leads to the next. Where trails, bridges and underpasses lead safely to exactly where you want to go. And regardless of your bicycling experience and fitness, you can pedal smoothly across the street, across town, or even across the country. We believe this can be a reality and that, by uniting, we can make our world a better place to ride.

Power to the pedal people.

Passion is nothing without a purpose. If we’re going to positively influence our country’s outlook on biking, we need to come together. We need your participation.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Send your child to bike camp

Send Your Child to Bike Camp!

Local Motion is working with parks and rec departments in Charlotte, Shelburne, and Burlington to offer bike skills and adventure camps for kids in grade 3 through 8. These week-long camps focus on fun, fast-paced drills that build foundational skills for confident bike riding, combined with rides on local roads and bike paths.
All camps utilize the Bike Smart curriculum developed by Local Motion and the Center for Health and Learning. Camps are taught by experienced trainers, and high-quality loaner bikes are provided at no extra charge for everyone who needs them.
Three camps are available and are open to everyone -- you don't have to live in one of the three towns -- so sign up today! SPECIAL OFFER: All participants in the camps receive a FREE one-year membership in Local Motion (a $40 value). (New members only -- not valid for renewals.)
SHELBURNE CAMPJuly 11-14 (THAT'S NEXT WEEK!) -- call 985-9551 to register
CHARLOTTE CAMPAugust 8-11
BURLINGTON CAMPAugust 14-19
Visit our Summer Camps page for more details and registration information.

Benefit for Friends of the Island Line Trail

Bike Path & Causeway Need You!

While the repairs are unfortunately beyond what volunteers can do with shovels and wheelbarrows, there are many fun ways you can help raise funds! Many volunteers are working hard to put these events on so please join us at at least one of these fun events!


Full_Moon_Dance_Party_med

Heart of the Islands Bike Tour - this Saturday July 9th!

This Saturday, join Vermont Farm Tours for the annual Heart of the Islands Bike Tour. The ride benefits Local Motion and offers cyclists of all levels the opportunity to explore the Champlain Islands during a leisurely (and spectacular) 1025, or 37-mile ride with stops at farms, art studios, food venues, and vineyards. Finish your ride with a free massage and wine tasting!

Saturday July 9, 10am-4pm
Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero, VT
$35 adult, $15 youth 
Register: www.VermontFarmTours.com

Free Tickets!
We've got two free tickets to give away thanks to Vermont Farm Tours! To enter to win, you must 1) post a fun bike-related photo on Vermont Farm Tour's Facebook page and 2) send an email to todd@localmotion.org before midnight Thursday. Winners will be notified on Friday morning.

Carpool From Burlington
Share a ride up to the event and save gas! Local Motion's van will be taking folks from Burlington up to South Hero in the morning and back in the afternoon. We'll have room for 12 passengers and bikes. Meet at Local Motion ( 1 Steele St) at 8:15am, van departs at 8:30am sharp. Paid parking is available nearby. RSVP is required: please call Christine at 339-223-0722. $5 suggested donation for Local Motion.

For more information about this fun tour, contact Chris Howell (chris@vermontfarmtours.com or 802-922-7346) or visit www.VermontFarmTours.com.