The latest newsletter from Consider Biking!
Consider Biking Activity Update
April 4, 2010
Consider Biking continues to grow and serve all bicyclists in Central Ohio. Its been a whirlwind few months, with our annual pilgramage to Washington D.C., a wonderful visit to Columbus from LAB President Andy Clarke, and a host of media and local advocacy activities. Check out that picture with 4 of our Consider Biking members and one of our leading bicyle champions on Capitol Hill... Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR). We're "Two-wheeling!"
We've even secured a vibrant new office space in Clintonville, that'll serve as a great gathering spot for staff, volunteers, and education events. Stay tuned for the announcment of our grand opening party!
Oh, did we mention staff? You'll note below that we're posting 2 job openings, and we know there will be more on the horizon. Having full-time, professional staff, will enhance our service and value to the community...exponentially!
You'll see from this newsletter, and if you follow us on our social media outlets, that we continue to deliver many successes in projects, policies, and encouragement programs. We're kicking it into the big ring to work on many planning task forces like the Mayor's Green Team and the ODOT Futures Steering Committee...helping shape the future of transportation in our communities. We're sitting on Advisory bodies for Dublin, Columbus, Westerville and others.
Oh heck - Read on for a glimpse of this month's significant activities from Consider Biking.
Also, we'll continue to communicate breaking news and updates on our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Please use this opportunity to follow Consider Biking on these two social media sites so we can activate our troops quickly to ensure the voice of the cycling community is heard at public meetings, legislative chambers, and in the appropriate judicial systems when needed.
In This Issue
Our Board of Directors
We're Hiring! Two Job announcments
LAB Summit in D.C. - Andy Clarke in Columbus
Our Corporate Cycling Caucus and the May 17 CEO Challenge
Recognition in Columbus State of the City Address
Bike Columbus Festival
Do you hear Phil Liggett in your Head?
Become a Member
Volunteer and Intern Opportunities
Our Board of Directors - 1 New Addition
Consider Biking is governed by a 14 member volunteer Board of Directors. At our March meeting, we elected one new Board member, Jessica Mathews, to join our previously elected class of 2010: Maryellen O'Shaughnessey, Chris Bishop, and Kurt Pottkotter. These newest additions to our Board of Directors bring further credibility and capacity to our business leadership.
We're excited to welcome Jessica to our volunteer leadership. Jessica is a classic "young professional" who currently works for Franklin County and leads some of their green initiatives. She has been engaged with Consider Biking with our Cycling Corporate Caucus and many other activities. Quite frankly, we've had trouble quenching her thirst for volunteering! She's an avid bike commuter, and having lived in San Francisco for a spell, has seen the transformative possibilities of investment in bicycling infrastructure.
Here's a link to our entire Board of Directors.
Consider Biking is Hiring!
Come grow with Consider Biking! We're pleased to post two new job openings to help us add transformative value to the Central Ohio community via active transportation.
Consider Biking is seeking to fill a full-time, professional staff position of Program Manager. The Program Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing the "2 by 2012" Mode Shift Program and Corporate Cycling Caucus
We're also seeking to fill a part-time, staff position of Administrative Coordinator. This position will have the opportunity to develop into a full-time position as our organization continues to grow. The Administrative Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of tasks to support the day-to-day operations of Consider Biking ranging from volunteer coordination, database management, social marketing messaging, and light bookkeeping.
Both job announcements can be found here.
League of American Bicyclists Summit in D.C. - March 9-11
Wow - another great year in Washington DC at the LAB Summit. Our Ohio delegation was substantially larger this year, which allowed us a better opportunity to meet ALL of our Ohio congressional representatives. This annual trip, and our subsequent follow-ups througout the year, is critical for keeping our Congressional representatives mindful of our needs. It takes years of persistence at the Federal level to succeed...and we're seeing the stars aligning like never before!
Here's a link to our report from this year's Summit.
On a related note, the following week, the President of the League of Ameircan Bicyclists, Andy Clarke, visited Columbus. His primary purpose was to award the Westerville Bicycle Club the "Best Newsletter in the Nation" award. We're so proud of Editor Kathy Martin and other content providers like Shari Heinrich for maintaining the communications vehicle of what Andy called the "quintessence club."
Andy then spent the following day visiting business leaders and City leaders with Consider Biking. We introduced him to some of our major funders, and some of our Cycling Corporate Caucus members. We met with Mayor Coleman and had a wonderful discussion about the need and committment for investment in cycling infrastructure. Lastly, we enjoyed a raucus lunch at North Market with members of our Board, visitors from across Ohio, and the indefatigable Charlie Pace. What a privilege and joy to have Andy on the ground with our work! Thanks LAB!
Our Cycling Corporate Caucus and upcoming CEO Challenge
In 2009 we developed a Cycling Corporate Caucus that represents 20+ of Columbus' largest employers, held 4 meetings, and with Leadership Columbus, developed our "Two-Wheel Toolkit." We met with over 15 of these organizations' CEOs to introduce the Toolkit and present the business case for enabling their employees to bicycle more.
In late December we activated this Caucus to speak in unified support of a funding request on behalf of the City of Columbus to implement the Columbus Bike Plan. (That's $100+ million folks....) We drafted a "case for support" that demonstrated why investment in bicycling is good for our community's health and economic efforts, but also for a business's bottom line. We had over 20 of our community's most prominent business leaders & CEOs, sign our letter of support. No doubt - our business leaders "get it!"
Here's a list of our Caucus members.
We believe major organizations and workforces have the ability to affect behavior change quickly. That's why we're placing a significant effort on our worksite intervention Mode Shift program. (Bike to Work and Bike Away from Work)
Stay tuned for an amazing show of support from the Columbus business community surrounding our efforts at our CEO Challenge during the May 17th Bike to Work Launch event we host at the Statehouse. Look forward to more news and details!
Mayor Coleman's State of the City Address Recognizes Us!
In his 2010 State of the City Address Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman strongly promoted bicycling and publicly recognized Consider Biking for supporting his efforts. We're humbled and honored....
Mayor Coleman said, "While we're getting fit, 2010 will be a big year for bikes. We are determined to make Columbus Bike City USA. We have a lot of work to do here. But we must make this a community priority because it helps address obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other health issues. Plus, it's just fun. Anybody can ride a bike, no matter the age.
This summer will be the third year for our Bike Columbus family ride, and I invite all of you to bring your families to participate this year.
We will continue to invest in our 170-mile network of regional bikeways and trails. Tonight I am proud to announce we will set aside $6 million in our capital budget to connect up the Alum Creek Trail and build signage, striping and an additional 24 miles of bike paths and bike lanes on our city streets. This will advance our Bicentennial Bikeways Plan.
But it's not enough just to build trails and bikeways. We also must change our culture. We are far too dependent on the automobile. And both motorists and cyclists must know the rules of the road. Because sometimes, we must ride and drive on the same pavement. Both riders and drivers have a right to be there.
I want to recognize Jeff Stephens and everybody at Consider Biking for their enthusiasm and support for these efforts."
Bike Columbus Festival presented by Consider Biking - July 2010
Consider Biking is excited to partner with the Mayor and the City of Columbus, the Institute for Active Living, Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, BikeSource, Trek Stores Columbus, AEP, and numerous other organizations to present a 2-weekend festival on July 16-17 and August 1, 2010. We are excited to build a festival that brings together multiple bicycling endeavors, focuses attention on bicycling and active lifestyles, and raise funds and resources for bicycling-related projects and efforts.
Our Festival Steering Committee has been hard at work, and you'll begin to see announcements and scheduling details in the coming weeks.
This much we know - in partnership with the Institute for Active Living, we'll host the Mayor's Twilight Tour presented by Trek and AEP on Friday NIGHT July 16th to kick off the festival. We'll start/finish at Crew Stadium and loop through the heart of downtown. You'll not want to miss this very festive event geared toward all bicyclists! Similar rides across the country attract thousands of riders. And, we'll launch a unique bike Swap Meet and experience venue to showcase all the trinkets and gear that we bicyclists live for! It'll be a party!
On Saturday July 17th, in partnership with Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, we'll host the Steve Barbour Memorial Tour presented by BikeSource which will include everything from family-friendly urban rides to a 200k challenge into Hocking County and back. Watch out - Mayor Coleman has a new bike and he's been heard mumbling the word "century" lately....
Although on a different weekend, (August 1st) we'll welcome the region's top racers at the 5th annual Garrett Wonders Race which will move from Westerville into the heart of downtown Columbus. The course includes a three block uphill with cobblestones. Wow...that'll be exciting! Additionally, we here buzz that two additional races are being planned in the Columbus area that weekend which will create a compelling draw for racers. A three-race series would be exciting for racers and spectators alike!
We look forward to showcasing bicycling and our pedaling revolution in a new and exciting way in 2010. Stay tuned.....
And Now for Something Completely Different...
Do you here the voices of Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwin in your head?
Here's a delightful video for anyone that bikes to work, or has a passing interest in the Tour de France. A Walter Mitty moment!
Join Consider Biking Now!
Consider Biking is a member-supported organization. We can only accomplish our goals through the support of our cycling constituents. Consider Biking has an incredible list of successes in the last few years. This has been driven by the passion and commitment of a few. However, we can't expect this to continue without the support of our cycling community as a whole. Our future lay in your hands. Now's the time to support Consider Biking...so we can continue the "in the trenches" advocacy work that allows you to "just ride."
We've posted our Annual Report of Activities on our website.We think the scope of our efforts will astound you. The report includes significant activities, partnerships, and mission-critical outcomes from the staff and leadership volunteers of Consider Biking in 2009. As we look back, we're confident that our actions, appearances, and public feedback, have promoted bicycling in Central Ohio. As you'll see....we've been busy working on your behalf.
We're grateful for your support; it allows us to work with full-time, professional capacity, to build a better environment for bicycling in Central Ohio. Communities across the country have proven that a vibrant bike advocacy organization is a vital determinant to building a bike-friendly community. Let's build a better community for our next generation!
There are over 140 peer organizations across the country, demonstrating a need for cycling advocacy groups. Many of these organizations have THOUSANDS of members, and benefit by the financial support, and the "body of cyclists" that stand behind them when they advocate for enhancements to cycling accommodation. The support for these cycling advocacy groups, is a primary reason that regions like Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Portland, Austin, Madison, and even Pittsburgh, are years ahead of Central Ohio in bike-friendliness! If we aspire to model the successes of (and compete with) these regions, we need your support now.
What's in it for you?
- Consider Biking works to give you more places to ride.
- Consider biking helps you enjoy bicycling more.
- Consider Biking makes it safer to ride. (education, share the road, etc)
- Consider Biking advocates for more investment in our trail system.
- Consider Biking provides encouragement for businesses to accommodate their cycling employees.
- Consider Biking offers the area's most comprehensive, compiled, resource of local cycling information. And....
- Almost every local bike shop will offer Consider Biking members retail benefits (e.g. discounts)
Membership spans the calendar year, and 2010 partner benefits will be listed on our website in March.
Consider Biking, an Ohio 501c(3), was incorporated in 1991 as the Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition, and is governed by a 13 member Board of Directors. Consider Biking is also a member of the Community Shares of Mid Ohio Workplace Giving federation and recognized by the Columbus Foundation.
You can join in three ways:
- Go to our website and join on-line via Paypal
- Mail a membership form to P.O. Box 937, Worthington, OH 43085
- Join at one of our Bike Shop Retail Partners - read on below...
Please visit these partner bike shops as soon as possible, and join Consider Biking!
- Bike Source - 3 Stores - Clintonville, Sawmill, & Westerville
- Cyclist Connection - Canal Wichester
- roll - 3 Stores - Easton, Polaris & Dayton
- Trek Stores Columbus - 2 Stores - Sawmill & New Albany
- Westerville Bike Shop - Westerville
We need your help - Volunteer and Intern Opportunities
Consider Biking needs your volunteer help! Won't you get directly engaged in helping us meet our bicycling community's needs?
We have several project-based opportunities which might qualify for intern and/or fellowship support. Opportunities include school-based education, research and analysis, IT development, business development, and event management.
Ongoing opportunities include: Event planning & support, committee work, clerical, data entry, accounting help, map & brochure distribution, general outreach, education outreach, communications and writing, membership campaigns, etc!
Contact us to see how your strengths and interests fit with our activities!
Contact Information
Web site - www.considerbiking.org
Facebook - Facebook Page
Twitter - Considerbikeoh
Executive Director, Jeff Stephens - jeff@considerbiking.org 614-579-1127
Comments
Post a Comment