TS101 Express: Feb 20, 2010

In addition to CAzbike's Education offerings, TBAG (Tempe Bicycle Action Group) is offering TS101 "Express" (shortened) class. More info.

CAzBike Swap Meet: May 29, 2010

For 2010, we are returning our swap meet to the Phoenix Municipal Stadium parking lot on May 29 so as not to interfere with the numerous bike activities scheduled during the month of April.
Set ups will begin about 6am, and the venue will officially open at 7am, however there is much merchandise changing hands during and after setting up. We will be shutting
down somewhere around noon to 1pm.
The parking lot is at the South - West corner of Van Buren Street and Priest near the Phoenix / Tempe border. As previously, there are no costs involved to attend. Hope to see you there.

Getting Arizona's Fair Share - Federal Funds Available for Bicycle Advocacy Access

The League of American Bicyclists gave all of us in advocacy a "gift of knowledge", and a de facto challenge, by outlining major federal funding sources for bicycle-related programs and infrastructure improvement in the September/October 2009 issue of American Bicyclist. Now, it is up to those of us in Arizona advocacy to make sure we are getting our fair share.

As briefly and succinctly as I can, using the LAB-published article by Anna Kelso and Darren Flusche as my primary guide, here is an oversimplified summary description of federal programs from which we (Arizona) can get funds for various bicycle-related purposes:

CMAQ -- The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program funds transportation projects designed to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. This program is especially targeted to areas that don't meet national air quality standards, such as metro-Phoenix. CMAQ funds have been used for capital spending on such things as bicycle facilities, racks and lockers, and for marketing materials and operating costs for bicycle sharing projects. The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists is encouraging the City of Phoenix to consider using CMAQ funds for facilities similar to Tempe's Bike Cellar (bike commuter station) or to partner with urban YMCAs and/or gyms to provide bike lockers/storage that would (in combination with shower/locker facilities) promote bicycle commuting.

HSIP -- The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a SAFETEA-LU program that has as its purpose to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries through infrastructure-related improvements. In Arizona, most (70%) of this program funding is controlled/allocated by ADOT, with the balance available to Associations of Governments (e.g. MAG, PAG) and local communities. According the LAB, Arizona was recently ranked 49^th of 50 states in utilizing available funds, which are provided in the form of a 90% federal match of 10% state/local funding for qualifying projects on virtually any state, county or municipal road/street. The "hurdle" for proposed projects has been fatality history, though some states are beginning to use more forward-looking projected fatality/serious injury criteria. The administration of HSIP funds in Arizona by ADOT is currently in a bit of flux, and should be a very visible "target" for advocacy inquiry and action. AGs should also be queried as to their knowledge of this funding opportunity and degree to which they have applied for funding. It is my understanding that these funds could be used to help pave roadway shoulders, construct traffic calming, provide signage at bicycle-pedestrian crossings and for other infrastructure projects that are already on the planning boards. Why ADOT/Arizona has not been more aggressive to fighting for "our fair share" remains a bit of a mystery.

Section 402 -- The State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program (aka Section 402) funds highway safety programs designed to reduce traffic crashes, deaths and property damage. Safety programs may include data analyses, education and community safety campaigns, as well as some limited engineering projects. State Highway Safety Offices are recipients of funds from the federal government, and then are responsible for managing and allocation the spending within the state.

For more information on these programs, we may consult the League of American Bicyclists in addition to the federal and state program administrators. It is incumbent on all of us in advocacy leadership positions to become more educated and aware of available funds, and to make sure our constituents get our fair share put to work in our state.

Bob Beane

LAB 2010 National Rally in Albuquerque, June 5

The League of American Bicyclists has named the Albuquerque Century on June 5, 2010, the site of its 2010 National Rally. There will be five distance options, including 10, 25, 50, 65 and 100 miles.

For registration or more information, visit: www.abqcentury.com and www.bikeleague.org.

LAB LCI Seminar: March 26 - 28

There is a train the trainer seminar to become a League Certified Instructor coming up March 26, 27, and 28th, 2010. It will be held somewhere in the greater Phoenix area.
Please fill out the following form to gauge interest.

TS101 is pre-requisite; if you have not attended you have an opportunity to complete that on Feb 20 (or March 20 for Women only), see BikeEd for more info.

Learn to Ride : Tips for Parents

The “Balancing First” method that will have your kids riding in no time!

[.pdf presentation] from BikeNewYork.org

Feb CAzBike Membership Meeting: it's a TUESDAY

CAzBike membership meetings are regularly held the 3rd Monday of each month except August.

Next meeting: February 16th, 2010. 6:30PM -- note that this is a TUESDAY, due to President's day holiday on Monday.
Location: The loft at the Boulders on Broadway Bar and Grill (map)530 W. Broadway in Tempe AZ 85282, 480.921.9431

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Previous meetings:

Monday January 19th, 2010, 6:30PM

Monday DECEMBER 21, 2009 -- NO meeting this month, happy holidays!

Monday NOVEMBER 16th, 2009, 7PM -- demo of google collaboration tools.

Monday OCTOBER 19th, 2009, 7PM -- discuss goals

AmeriSchools Bike Club 1st Annual Bike Rodeo

When: Saturday January 23, 2010
Where: AmeriSchools Parking Lot
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (volunteers 12 – 4)
What: An event to teach real-world bicycle safety via 5 stations that simulate actual biking situations bikers encounter on their bikes.
Who: Open to current bike club members and to any other student (grades 5-8) and parent(s). A parent must be in attendance with the student.
Bring: Your bike, helmet and a parent

Sponsored by: AmeriSchools Academy, Valley Metro, Karma Racer, Arizona Bicycle Club

Volunteers needed! We need 25 volunteers to help make this a successful event for your child and the students. Please help….call 602.532.0100 ASAP to sign up. Thank you!