League of American Bicyclists Newsletter - May 24, 2010

Here's the latest from the League of American Bicyclists:

May 24, 2010

Dear James, Bike to Work Day/Week was fantastic last week; hope you got a chance to ride. If you want to know what it feels like when EVERY day is Bike to Work Day, it's not too late to sign up for the Velo City Global conference in Copenhagen, June 22-25. Inspirational plenary speakers combined with top-notch workshops, set against the backdrop of a city that practically lives on two wheels...you really need to be there! Check out the latest announcements, program details etc atbikeleague.org.  Sincerely,  League President National News How Does Your State Rank in Bicycle Friendliness? The League announced our third annual Bicycle Friendly State (BFS) rankings last week to coincide with Bike to Work Week. At the top of the list are: 1. Washington 2. Wisconsin 3. Maine 4. Minnesota 5. Oregon. This marks the third year in a row that Washington has finished first in the ranking, and the second year Alabama has come in last. The lowest scoring states ranked 46 through 50 are: 46. New Mexico 47. West Virginia 48. Montana 49. North Dakota 50. Alabama.Learn more about the BFS rankings. Kerry & Lieberman Intro the American Power Act  The League, along with its partners in the America Bikes Coalition, would like to thank Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Lieberman (I-CT) on the introduction of the American Power Act. We are excited that they have included policy necessary to lay the foundation to make significant advances in addressing the impact of transportation on our climate, energy dependence and mobility. Read more. Peleton to Thank Sec. Ray LaHood  America Bikes, Safe Routes to School, and Transportation for America will bike over to thank Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood for his public support for bicyclists on Friday, May 28th at 1:30 p.m. We will be handing over a thank you sign, complete with signatures of local cyclists. If you are in the area and would like to ride over with us, please contact Caron Whitaker at America Bikes. SRTS & The First Lady's Taskforce The First Lady's childhood obesity task force released their report today and it includes a recommendation for including complete streets in the transportation reauthorization! Read the report here. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood also covered the story on the FastLane, and reiterated the USDOT's support for complete streets. Bike to Work Week Round-Up! Check out the nationwide success of Bike to Work Week and Dayevents. All over the country, regular automobile commuters parked their cars and rode their bikes to work, proving that biking to work is easy and fun. Read our blog to get a peek at Bike to Work Day from east to west coast. League News League National Rally The League's National Rally is this June 3-6! We are teaming up with the Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico and will ride to honor Gail Ryba, founder of the Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico. Join cyclists from across the country for three days of riding through the colorful and historic New Mexican terrain. This is a great chance to ride with League members and bicycle enthusiasts. Find out more. Advocacy News  Pro Walk/Pro Bike® Conference Pro Walk/Pro Bike® 2010, held September 13-16 in Chattanooga, Tenn., will provide a learning experience for advocates and professionals working on policy and programs in every kind of community, at every level of government and with non-government organizations. Registration is available at bikewalk.org. Act now, discounted early bird registration ends on May 31, 2010. New Partners for Smart Growth Conference The 10th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference: Building Safe, Healthy and Livable Communities Conference, will be February 3-5, 2011 in Charlotte, N.C. Join leaders from across the U.S. and learn from hundreds of speakers who cross disciplines to share insights, and valuable tools and strategies for making smart growth a success in your community. Visit www.NewPartners.org to get more details. Other News Walmart Bike Month Deal In celebration of National Bike Month during May, Walmart is offering free shipping and free assembly on ALL bikes purchased online atWalmart.com. In addition, customers who purchase Cruiser bikes on Walmart.com during the month of May will receive a free $20.00 e-Gift card.* Job Opportunities Utah Bicycle Coalition Employment Opportunity  The Utah Bicycle Coalition (UBC) is looking for an Executive Director to join their team. The UBC advocates for increased bicycle use by promoting the bicycle as an everyday means of transportation and recreation. Email jobs@utahbikes.org to find out more and apply. The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visitwww.bikeleague.org.

People, not speed.