Advocacy

Our mission is to develop a network of safe cycling routes along city streets to destinations such as recreation areas, employment centers, educational facilities, and shopping centers.

Objectives

To be an advocate for area cyclists;
To educate cyclists and motorists on how to Share The Road;
To be a catalyst for improving on street cycling routes;
And to be a resource to city and county governments to assist in planning and development

NOTES FROM JULY MEETING:

Great meeting last night, sorry I had to bail at the end. Lots of VERY good things happening, I can feel the flywheel starting to generate some momentum toward some big things. Several items we discussed last night would have only been pipe dreams a few years ago. We gotta keep the intensity up, and I believe in the next year we'll have some breakthrough moments. Some highlights - be sure to read these, this is some big news! Any questions additions or corrections, call or email.

Andy's new Brompton! http://www.brompton.co.uk/

We talked about permanently signed bike routes in the county - and besides the typical out and back routes that are already signed with Share The Road, two other loops were discussed - 'Loop the Lakes' which would initiate at Valley Water Mill and the Queen City Century route, which is a 'belt' around the city and ties in with other out / back routes and greenways. We nee dto get county folks involved. Terry and Valerie running with this.

Drive Less Live More - Bruce reported he has an agency ready to do some pro-bono work to get an identity for this campaign. And that with some funding we could then do a significant PR campaign next spring.

October 16-18 Advocacy Training in Little Rock - contact Terry Whaley to commit

Bike Summit 2010 - February 12, 2010, Bruce, Terry, Natasha, Lynn and Valerie - Focus on corporate education and law enforcement.

District 8 MoDOT is on track to be the first in Missouri to sign the Trans-America trail. Also David reported that AASHTO has approved the first ever cross country bicycle route enumeration system.

MoBikePedFed - Note the new name incorporating ped oriented activities. Coy reported that we need to be thinking about 2010 awards, and showed everyone the photo and poem written by past MBF board member, the late 'Ranj the Obscure' Randy Niere.

Tour de Bass coming right along. Valerie reported that it will be same route as Queen City Century, only backwards. Shooting for 1000 participants, and a family ride is still part of the program.

Bicycle Friendly Community - we will have Mayor's support for the application due in March 2010. David, Bruce Natasha (who else?) will work on the app. Terry to contact Chris Johns as well.

Chris reported that the fiscal year 2009 bike facility petition is getting signatures to present again in May 2010. We decided that we need to try to get in front of City Council about once a quarter with news and stats related to cycling in Springfield. Chris also reported that 'Chick Night' had over 70 participants learning how to be more self sufficient on bicycles. And that the infamous bike stickers will be here next week - one on your car signifies your support of bicycle friendliness.

Natasha distributed the OTO Grade card (C-) and if you have time, please nominate a 'Best Practices' award. http://www.ozarkstransportation.org/BikePed/index.html

David reported that he would like some representatives form the committee to attend the next TAB Bike / Ped Committee meeting to review some priorities. Several volunteered. 2:30 pm, July 28th, Room 106 of the Busch Building.

Bike, Bus, Walk to Work Week - Fall Edition - Terry reported that he and Lori are working on squeezing in a fall promotion of BBWTWW. Whew.

See you all next month! --Bruce Send mail to Bruce

Goals of the Cycling Advocacy Group

Scale – We need to develop a larger network, with a purpose – The routes need to lead to destinations such as outlying Residential Communities, (SW residential developments) Employment Centers (like hospitals, industrial parks, etc.), Recreation Areas (such as Greenways, Parks, etc.) Educational Facilities (such as colleges, public schools etc.) County Roads (for cyclists looking to get out of town) and Shopping Centers (like Battlefield Mall, Glenstone / James River, etc.)

Safety – Safety is going to be achieved through a combination of better visibility, education, and courtesy. We should learn from our neighbors across the oceans – Europe and Asia – who have large populations of bicycle commuters. Bike and cars share the road, and are respectful of each other. There are also more defined physical improvements such as designated lanes.

Visibility – We want to increase the visibility of the system – physically, and socially. This can be accomplished through markings on pavement, better signage (With posted maps) more outreach, and education. Both motorists and cyclists need to be educated on the availability of the system, and of their role on the road.

Greenway Trails – Greenway trails are an excellent place for recreational cyclists to enjoy a safe casual ride without the hazards of vehicles, busy roads and intersections. Walkers and joggers also use the trail. We want to work to provide safe routes to and from the Greenways.

Resource Links (there are more links on the Links page.)

City of Springfield Designated Bicycle Routes	Ozark Greenways Trails
St. Louis Bicycle Federation	Missouri Bicycle Federation

Advocacy Committee: Bruce Adib-Yazdi
881-8510
Send mail to Bruce