CABA ON THE MIKE COLLINS SHOW

Listen to the Podcast and read the Blog

For those of you who don’t already know, CABA Exec. Director, Martin Zimmerman appeared on a panel which also included Anthony Foxx, City Council member and chair of the Transportation Committee and Dan Gallagher, Transportation Planner with CDOT for a full hour of discussion and call-ins on “Charlotte Talks”. The main subject was bicycling and public policy, but discussion also touched on rules of the road, road courtesy, and the usual complaints from listeners about lycra cyclists going double file on Queens road. Tune in. It’s worth it. Click: Talking Heads to for the audio, then scroll down to the show, and then click the “listen” icon to the right.

THE QUEEN CITY GOES BRONZE

Charlotte Gets a Bronze Rating from LAB

The League of American Bicyclists (LAB), the nation’s oldest and largest bicycle promotional and advocacy , conferred a “Bronze” Rating on Charlotte in May as a “Bicycle Friendly” city. What does this mean ? Mostly it means that Charlotte is improving overall in 2 of five categories. LAB has no fixed guidelines that have to be met such as a certain number of miles of lanes or a certain number of safety courses or a certain number of bike racks, so its difficult to tell how they actually pick the winners. Which means it is difficult to know how Charlotte really stacks up against other communities. (Eleven cities received a bronze rating which is a third tier rating out of four). To see all cities past and present, Click: She’s a Bronze Baby.

MAY BIKE MONTH PROCLAMATION

Click here for original post.

CHARLOTTE RIDE OF SILENCE

Sponsored by the MoJo’s

May 21 – 7 p.m. Booty Loop –This 2nd annual ride is sponsored by the MoJo riding club of Charlotte.Last year we had about 100 riders. Three laps in silence, or about 45 minutes. On May 21, 2008, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe (200+ locations). Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. While we will be riding in honor of all cyclists, we will hold a special place in our hearts for local cyclists and friends Todd Weaver who died on a collision with a CATS bus while commuting, and Rachel Giblin and Lee Ann Barry who were killed while on a charity rides. For more information contact Michael Gibbons, michael@buttonsofhope.com.

CycleCharlotte08 and MAYOR’S RIDE

CycleCharlotte08 and MAYOR’S RIDE

Thank You’s to All

Thanks to the Dirt Divas, the Rank Riders, Mark Weaver, the Amy Broome band and so many others who pitched in for the third annual Citywide festival which took place last Saturday promoting a friendly and safer environment for bicycle transportation in the Queen City. This exciting event was for people of all ages and skill levels with a police supported 3-mile family ride thru Uptown Charlotte and 10 and 25 mile rides through some of Charlotte’s most beautiful neighborhoods. After the rides, there was as much food as people could eat, live entertainment and other activities for all to enjoy. 50% of all proceeds will go to CABA progam efforts in education and safety again this year.

The Mayor’s annual bike ride held the first Friday of BIKE ! Charlotte was a huge success with a big crowd and of course Mayor Pat McCrory who took time off from his statewide Governor’s campaign to roll up his sleeves and ride to work ! Special thanks to Ken Tippette and CDOT staff and Neal Boyd for their hard work again this year. This year marked the 8th annual BIKE! Charlotte series of events to bring the benefits of cycling to the greater community.

Come on and take a free ride

Be sure to take advantage of CATS “Clear the air” campaign and ride the buses and LYNX for free when you bring your bicycle. May 4th thru 10th. Details.

MAY BIKE MONTH PROCLAMATION

CABA’s Lobbying Pays Off

“Now, Therefore, We, Patrick McCrory, Mayor of Charlotte, and Jennifer Roberts, Chairman of the County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2008 as “Queen City Bike Month” in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County and commend its observance to all citizens…..”

This joint action is consistent with a national movement led by the League of American Bicyclists and came about locally from a meeting with Dan Faris, Chairman of CABA and Martin Zimmerman of CABA hosted by Mayor McCrory last October.

The Proclamation was presented by County Commissioner and CABA Board of Advisor member, Dumont Clarke to Martin Zimmerman (as a representative of the bicycle community) at the May 7 Commissioners meeting. It will be presented again tonight (May 12) by Councilman Anthony Foxx at City Council.

CHARLOTTE CITY- WIDE BIKE PLAN

Goes to City Council

Well almost. A brief presentation occurred on April 28 to the City Council Transportation committee. CABA was present at this meeting to show support. Click Draft Report and Maps for access to the complete documents. Ken Tippette is the project manager for CDOT.

CITY COUNCIL “BIKE MONTH” RESOLUTION

CABA’s Current Lobbying Effort

CABA is working with City Council representatives to pass a resolution declaring the entire month of May as “Queen City Bike Month”. This action is consistent with national movement led by the League of American Bicyclists. Stay tuned for results of this advocacy effort. For full text of resolution click: Queen City Bike Month.

CATS BICYCLIST SURVEY – THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM US

Due date: May 10 !

You should take a minute and fill this out. In case you don’t know, CATS stands for Charlotte Area Transportation System. They’re the ones who build and own the LYNX line and run the bus fleet. They are very supportive of bicycling community and even have mounts conveniently located inside each LYNX car and racks on every bus for cyclists. Help their efforts on our behalf and click: Cats Survey .