[ COUNTY BICYCLES COMMITTEES SHIFT INTO HIGH GEAR, P. 4-6 | @S\CYCLEGRAM GS May/June 1997 Newsletter of the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley Issue Before Phila. City Council: Lift Chestnut Street Bike Ban After urging from the Bicycle Coalition, Councilwoman Happy Fernadez has introduced a measure before City Council to remove the bike ban on Chestnut Street. Bill #970122 would amend the wording of the Chestnut Street ordinance to be, “all traffic is prohibited on Chest- nut Street except pedestrians, bicy- cles and authorized delivery vehicles" “The Chestnut Street Transitway, created in 1976, was an attempt at creating a pedestrian-friendly corridor in Center City Philadelphia. Between 18th and Sth Streets, the sidewalks were widened and surfaced with brick, the street narrowed to 2 lanes. Bicy- cles were prohibited and "No Bikes" signs were installed. Private cars were banned from 6am to 7pm. But the street was never free of motor-traffic. “The electric-powered shuttles orig- inally planned were never realized. Instead, SEPTA diesel buses plied the street, for a while, in both directions, ‘They were soon joined by delivery vehicles and police. The result was a noisy, polluted street that was unpleasant and unsafe for walkers. Today, the biggest use of the street is as a staging area for delivery trucks and a throughway for police vehicles, taxicabs and bicyclists, who ignore a bike ban and use the street asa bike- ‘way. Among of the most frequent person and tell them to vote for bill complaints called into the Bicycle #970122! To get the name and Coalition office is, "When will the address of your city council person, city take down those No Bikes signs call the League of Woman voters at on Chestnut Street?” ‘The hearing to remove the bike ban will before the Streets and Ser- vvices sub-committee will be on April 29th, After that, it will pass before the entire City Council for approval. Its imperative that all Philadel- phia cyclists contact their city council Biking for Better king! Don's miss the Freedom Valley Bike Ride on 215-977-1099. You can also write to the council people-at-large. All addresses are in City Hall, zip code 19102. They are Augusta Clark, Rm 580; David Cohen, Rm. 588; Happy Fernadez, Rm. 484; James F Ken- ney, Rm $86; Thacher Longstreth, 594; Angel Ortiz, Rm 59: Frank 2 Sunday, June 8th! Last year over 1,200 people rode in the Freedom Valley Bike Ride- making it the biggest one day bike ride in Philadelphia! The Freedom Valley Bike Ride is also the only local bike ride that supports better biking. Money raised from the ride has been instrumental in building the Schuylkill River Trail from Philadelphia to Valley Forge. Future funding from the ride will support trails across the region as well as other local pro-bike initiatives. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever! THANKS TELEPHONE Dani C Harrion CAMPAIGN DONORS! jen Hard Daniel Hare harks Heitman, Jr Mark W Hastings ‘David Harsk William Hleintceman — Roger 7. Held Jonathan W. Hayverd aan E. HendricksonBicycle Coalition Forms Bicycle Club Council The Bicycle Coalition is forming a new group comprised of Bicycle Club leaders- the Bicycle Club Council. The Bicycle Club Council will convene four times a year and will work to meet the special needs of bicycle clubs riding the roads of the Delaware Valley. ‘The Bicycle Club Council will place riding clubs at the epicenter of the bicycle movement in the Delaware Valley. The Bicycle Coali- tion will aso work will member clubs, to develop an annual ride calendar to assure of fewer conflicts of ride dates. ‘teach Bicycle Club Council meet- ing members will get to hear a speak- cer presenting interesting and important bicycle-related issues affecting clubs and their members riding on the roads in the region. Clubs belonging to the Bicycle Cub Council will have access to the Bicycle Coalition's Speakers Bureau. At the club's request, the Bicycle Coalition will provide a staff or board member for club meetings, banquets, picnics, or what not to update club members on regional bicycle advocacy issues. ‘Member clubs will also have access to our Effective Cycling Education Program (including bicycle education for adults, children, and parents) All of local clubs have been asked to join, but if somehow we missed your club or if you would like to learn more about the Bicycle Club Council, please give us a call. We are asking clubs to designate one person as their regular voting repre- sentative, although of course, mem- ber clubs are welcome to send additional listeners. For more information, call 215- 829-4188 or email bedv@aol.com. “ISTEA IS MORE THAN A DRINK!" by Dennis R. Winters (dwinters@cleanair.org) ISTEA, in this case the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, has revolutionized trans- portation planning and the way gas. tax revenues are spend in this country. “This law, which is up for renewal this year, has changed the way federal, state, and local governmental officials Jook at land use and transportation infrastructure. Ithas demanded fiscal J constraint where diose plans used tbe the order ofthe day, consideration of the environmental implications on transportation projects, rational justi- fication for new highway capacity, and greater citizen and community involve- ment in decision-making, And, ISTEA has begun to re-order priorities as. they relate to the automobile and alternative modes. cyclists and pedestrians, for exam- ple, are now to be considered seriously when planning transportation projects, in and around the City of Philadelphia. Region-wide, ISTEA, has been respon- sible for projects that have enhanced the urban environment and promise a bicycle-friendly future. Pedestrians are also beginning to receive the attention they have deserved for so long. Clean Council, Philly Walks and the Delaware Valley Association of Rail- road Passengers have teamed up in their support for a new visionary ver- sion of ISTEA, one that maintains the provisions for transportation ‘enhancements (TE) and congestion mitigation air quality funding (CMAQ). ‘TE and CMAQ have funded many local bieyele, pedestrian and transit ‘projects including the Philadelphia Bike Net- work, reconstruction of the Betzwood Bridge with bike facilities, bike racks on SEPTA buses, Chester Valley & Ply- mouth Trails in Mont- yp co, the P&W Trail in Radnor and shoulder improvements on PennDOT roads. But, not surprisingly, ISTEA's innovativeness is under heavy attack by the highway lobby. Several proposals have been introduced already in Congress to reverse the gains made. HOTEA, or the "highways only," is gathering a lot of support from those ‘who continue to think in terms of an “autos and asphalt dominated" soci- ety. STEP2I, is a version originally introduced by 21 or 22 so-called donor" states that would not only alter the formula for the disburse- ment federal gas tax revenues (their main goal), but would eliminate many ofthe set-asides that have fostered improved bicycling and pedestrian access (their “hidden” agenda). ‘Then there is the Clinton Adminis- tration bill, NEXTEA (National Economic Crossroads Transportation Efficiency Act), that would perpetuate ‘many of the better aspects of ISTEA, as well as increase overall spending for transportation for the next 6 years. ‘While not perfect, it does seem to be the best ISTEA replacement offered so far. As Congress considers all these proposals, cyclists and pedestrians (Chat i, all of us!) need to be lering our Representative and Senators San- torum and Specter know exactly what swe wantin the reauthorized ISTEA. Contact the BCDV office for addi- tional information on how you can help insure that bicycling remains a real alternative to the automobile in the ‘minds of urban transportation planners. Thanks to South Jersey Wheelmen! ‘Thanks to the SJ Wheelmen for their recent generous contribution! ‘The support of the SJ Wheelmen allows the Bicycle Coalition to con- tinue its important advocacy work in New Jersey, including working to get a full-time bicycle coordinator, implementation of the NJ state bike plan and the DVRPC NJ bike plan, and working to make sure local roads and bridges are bicycle friendly. It's great to see a club that protects its members by supporting safe roads and better bicycle access its own backyard! Locally, the Bicycle Coalition, the THANKS ‘Agnes M. Hepler conor Ales & Tema Holey leaner C, Hertzog Robert RHigginon Jobn Holingrworth —— Galen Horst-Martz Jame J Howe Linda Hoke Foame Holden Rihard Hbel [oy“BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION” dy Dennis R. Winters, Pres. (desinters@ige apcorg) Hi, I'm the Bicycle Coalition's new president. I have been @ Coalition member for almost as long as Thave Ihave served on the board of the Coalition and its 501(c)3 arm, the Bicycle Coalition Fund (even when it was sill called "BEST’). Ihave been a serious cyclist for many years. I use a bicycle for both recreation and utility. believe the Bicycle Coalition is absolutely essentail for cycling to reach its full potential in the Delaware Valley. If it didn't already exist, we'd have to invent it! “The value of the Coalition is clear to folks who bicycle regularly in this lived in the Philadelphia area (9 years). area, And although they are unaware offi, the reason is just as clear to those who have thought better of bik- ing in the Philadelphia area. Bicyclists have traditionally been overlooked ‘when government considers how to spend transportation dollars. It has only been recently that the local Pen- DOT office saw bieycles as anything other than toys. The Bicycle Coali- tion has done much to change things around here. Tam not writing this column to renumerate the lst of Coalition accomplishments, however. I am here to remind everyone reading this that itis their individual contributions to the Bicycle Coalition that makes all the difference between the success of its efforts and failure. If it were not for the work of many volunteers and the generous dues and contributions of members, the Coalition's member- ship would still be only a small voice of a few hundred instead the loud roar of almost 2000! “The Bicycle Coalition has onga- nized County Committees through- ‘out the region and has even initiated an enthusiastic adjunct on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River. It hhas become a key player in the devel- ‘opment and community acceptance of the $3.5 million city-wide bike network. It also working with area legislators to insure that federal ‘transportation planning continues to promote rather than suppress bicy- cling as a real mode of transportation as well as a means of healthy outdoor exercise. ‘What a great time to be a bicyclist! What a great time to be considering bicycling for the first time! What a «great time to be a member of the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley! Thank you for your support. THANK YOU PHONE DONORS! tiie fotiowing members made contributions during cour recent special phone appeal. ‘The purpose of this phone drive was to raise much-needed funds for grass roots oranizing of volunteers and staff for implimentation of the newly released bicycle plans and the many ongoing bicycle projects in the region. Without support atthe local level, the regional bike plans that BCDV volunteers have worked so hard to get local authorities to complete, will never make it on to our streets and roads. Dr. Lamond Airans Thora Branigan Pence Chey Diente Kalman & Suzan Fine Sidney Goldin Linde Agree eter Brie join R. Coin Wiliam § Dis Foner Finger ‘esta Garman Kim Alas Barkers Aber: Clare Cale ‘Abert L. Daring, Thomas Fn Disk Gonley Paul Arrison Brom ‘David M. Collins Warren Doerner Robert Fishman James Gowen Rob Ash Gary W. Brown Wayne Connelly Gerard Dolan Bob Flanagan ‘Doug Grange ‘Alan Asbore Set Bron Danis P Coan uh Domkesky “Andre Peles Caren W. Gent rc Aurich Tomas Breen. fey Craighead Sarl Dona Chron an Paul Grant Leo J. Aus Harold L. Brubaker "Fab D. Craaford ‘Shari Donath ‘Thomas W. Flynn, jr. Larry & Arm Green Jain Babock James. Bryon ‘Mariam Crecjord Kevin MDonoven Andrew D.Faser Wiliam M. Green Mit! Bac Lena Bul “Ange. Cisincin. ‘List Dring Dean Faster Ber Gry Deis Berney WL Buck (Glenn Crest Charles R Drm Tera Pron: Carmen Grits ran Bawnfeler Gry H. Bars Paria Daniel Nang De Brae Pre Will € Gros Fredrik Buk Maly Burges Fain Danziger Jol A Dak Jolie Alen Friedman Ed Graber, CordineBerumons ‘Eka Bascom Cour Dat Danid Dirham ‘Ret Frisch BilGron Bernard E Beck Max Buten Barbara L Davidam — Jui Eden Kevin G. Ganley Richard J Groyainski Bl Backer Join D. Baer Dani Davis Dwi ior Emanuel E. Gara, ‘Sieve Gack Lary Bell “Lorne Baer Wiliom Das Wiliam 1 Bifing MED. ‘Maureen A. Gabue Walor W. Bell Willi Ber len Deacon Jick has ‘Rebard Garner 5. Gutkans Join T. Bennest Ted Cabill Anthony DeMarco Anthony V. El efante Jom Garey ‘Ron Gutbrie “josh Berlin Laurie Cameron Fay Denbo Christine Embon “Mimi Geiss ‘Don Hoaberle ‘rin Bane Suchen Campane "ForephM. DeStefano rue Eman Kathken Gee Robert Hanan Ste Bore Fim C Campbel mtn Dizmond Dana Berber, 11 Heard B. Guan Paice & Marg ay ‘Mark Black Bil Cemn Larry Dil Thomas Farr Jon Gobard ‘Sion Halecell Ray Bloke Lacy}. Carol “ob Dicterle RobotaK Petner —‘Jobn Giants Tad Haber Benjamin Blaszczak ‘Kate Caso Bab Diallo Prancis & Stephanie ‘Steve Gilbert James W. & Catherine Lil Bye KatblenC.Caey Danie Dionig Fabre Tedd A. Gen Tria IT Timothy Boot Michael T Chambers ‘Thomas Dinan Mar: Feller Gary Gilman Frulie Harris Bray Brven Tay Chico Floren. Dip ‘Wiliam C. Fen Don Ger Comme at Maureen Boje Gordon Chu Mark DiPblie Bere Fein Rob Golder, eto of scr pe THANKS Frank Imamorato Prank T.bes “Fi mes Jain B. aie Shel Tc DONORS! Diwali “Andree jac Fal Japan Relrears Robert M FonObservations Can Pay Off! DELAWARE COUNTY COMMITTEE REPORT by Ira Josephs Chester Creek Rail Trail Project Moves Steadily Along Chester Creek Branch Rail Trail Project is a hot bed of activity, as we work towards the possibility of becom- ing a fully-funded demonstration pro- ject in the ISTEA reauthorization. ‘We had a favorable meeting with congressman Curt Weldon's staff and they suggested getting more support from the townships, including money. Delaware County Council has a pro- posal out for public comment for Block Grant money for us. The final vote will be May 6. ‘We met with Tom Killian who was very supportive and called Weldon’s office to express to them his support. Middletown Township will vote on ‘Monday, April 14 on a resolution sup- porting the trial project including grant money. We had bad news after the meeting with Aston Township where the board President decided do not even put the resolution up fora vote. This occurred after Mike Fusco had given a presentation, then left. We think the ‘commissioner against. Mike is trying for a meeting with McGinn to ty to ‘get the resolution up for a vote on Wed April 16. Ako, SEPTA has begun negotiations for the use of the abandoned rail line. ‘They sent us a lease agreement that looks pretty good. They won't charge anything but we need to assume liabili- ty. We need to go aver it carefully and make some minor changes. ‘We're still pursuing other grant possibilities and other venues to educate the public. We are working with an artist to create a logo and artists’ rendi- tion of a map of the trail ‘Our committee had a litte success when we knew of a portion of Rt25: Providence Rd near Delaware County Community College that was being widened and a turning land was added. ‘When we asked Karl Kieffer, Penn- DOT district 6-0 Bicycle Coordinator, if provisions were being made for bicy~ cles, he checked his plans and saw that he could adjust the lane striping to give one or two feet of shoulder where none was planned. Thanks Karl! ‘We continue to need members and volunteers. We need people to repre- sent Delco cyclists at meetings, people to hand out brochures at events and ceycliss to help with our many other ‘ideas for making biking better in Delco! Our next meeting dates (the 3rd ‘Tuesday of the month) are May 20, June 17 and July 15 at the Furness Library in Wallingford. For more info call Ira at 610-565-4058. PHILLY ROUND-UP Philadelphia City Employees Bike to Work Day ‘Tuesday May 20th is Bike To Work Day for city employees. Larry Wilson, Assistant Deputy Mayor for ‘Transportation and ‘Tom Branigan, Bicycle Coordinator for the Streets Department are organizing the event. The Bicycle Coalition encouraged the city to host this event as part of the city's promotion of the Philadelphia Bi Plan. Bicycle Coalition staff and volunteers will assist the city's Bike- to-Work Day organizers. Larry Wilson wants city employ- ‘ees to know that the event is part of a larger movement to promote bicy- cling as an environmentally sound transportation alternative. “Cycling is good for physical fitness and, in good weather, is the most enjoyable ‘way to travel,” says Wilson. ‘Commissioners and directors of city departments will appoint Bike To Work Day coordinators. These coordinators will receive informa- tion about the event and about bicy- cle safety and will pass it along to others in their department. Routes for participants to use will be sug- gested. If you work for the city of Philadelphia and would like to be involved in this program, please contact Larry Wilson at 215-686- 9919. Details about possible meeting places along the various routes,or specific times for a welcoming celebra- tion have yet to be finalized. BCDV volunteers will also be needed that day, Call 215-829-4188 to volunteer. ‘There may be future Bike ‘To Work Days which involveparticipa- tion competitions between city employees and employees of other companies or organizations. Bicycle Courier Bill ‘The City Council ‘Transportation sub-committee held hearings on April 16th on a bill that proposed the edu- cation and licensing of all individuals who deliver documents by bicycle. The Bicycle Coalition testified against this bill, stating that it would be better to enforce existing laws on errant cyclists than create new legislation that unfairly targets a particular group. ‘The Bicycle Coalition is looking into legal measures to challenge this law as being discriminatory. New Signs As reported in the last Cyclegram, the Streets Department will be installing bike/ bus lane signs on Market St. ‘eastbound from 2st St. to 15th St. and east and westbound from City Hall to Sth St. Spruce St. will be getting addition- al “Share the Road” signs in Center City from river to river to designate that road as a bicycle preferred route Car-Free Streets? Want your street car-free for a day? Get a Streets Department ‘Activity Permit - otherwise known asa block party permit. You'll need signatures from 75% of the folks on your block. You can get the forms at the Streets Department Permit Unit, Room 940 Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd. The application fee is $5 and you need at least three weeks notice. THANKS. Carine B. Jobnsn DONORS! ‘Mark Kaba ‘David S.jolnem Kenneth W Jobnsm Soe Kalkorf Mary Kaba Robert Jens Ed Kamrevskas Andre I. Jones Margaret Kanses 4MONTCO REPORT by Jobn Davis This is an exciting month for cycling in Montgomery County. We have just finished a series of public meetings on the Cross County Tal. ‘There was a very positive response by the residents of the areas that the trail vill pass. Thanks to everyone who came out in support of cycling in ‘Montgomery County. The trail has 2 sections. The east section goes from Dresher and Susquehanna Ra. in Dresher to County Line Rd by Short Lane in Upper Moreland ‘Township. The Western section goes from S. Gulph Rd near Kingwood connecting to the Chester Valley Trail, to the SEPTA ristown and the Schuylkill River ‘Trail. ‘The proposed route of the eastern section is mostly parallel to the PA ‘Tumpike. Much of this property is ‘owned by utilities which eases some legal hurdles. The western section will mostly be on existing roads that are either lightly traveled, or will be improved for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The two sections (east & west) will be connected by the Schuylkill River and Plymouth Tails resulting ina 18 mile trip from Bucks to Chester County. ‘The design consultant is taking the inputs from the public meetings and creating a final proposal which will be presented to the study groups next month. This will clear the way for the struction. ‘MCBC will be supporting "Bike to ‘Work Day" this year on May 20. We are working with the Valley Forge TLB to get as many people out of their cars and on their bikes as possi- ble. It should be an excellent day to explore that bike route to work that you always have wanted to try. County Bike Plan - hope you all attended! Presented were the com- ponents that lead to a county-wide network of bike lanes and facility improvements. You ean find out more about what cycling will be like in the next millennium by attending our meetings. MCBC meets at REI, Ridge & Butler Pikes, Conshohocken on the 3rd Monday each month, May ‘Transportation Center station in Nor-__ Project to seek final funding for con- 19, June 16, & July 2. NEW JERSEY REPORT ‘Commission, who put me in contact was in the process of getting a n S with the county engineer and so forth hold of the engineer myself when Bill New Bridge Ocean City to and so on. Feldman called. He reported that the Long Port to be bicycle friendly! Advocacy can be hard on the bridge was part of ISTEA funding by Bill O'Brien phone bill. and that it would have (hold on to Tn March, our executive director, ee Erbin fll) Soe onlin requested that I try and getsome info wane to thank these people very lowever, ‘on a new bridge going in between much) came fram the city of Long- Project is not a definite Geran Ciyand Logpere Ne Pam om He Sone eens on nding Thave to admit up front that [am Frank LoBiondo. Which bring's me to my favorite new at bicycle advocacy and nota real Lobiondo's people were very helpful topic. ISTEA. It's up for reautho- ‘good communicator. But what the heck, I figured. No one could shoot ‘me for asking questions. So I started making cal’s. First to DVRPC, who put me in contact with the South Jersey Transportation Association, who put me in contact with the Cape May Co. Planning and informative. Also Bill Feldman, who is "temporary" bike-ped coordi- nator in Trenton. ‘Todd Noon, of Congressmen LoBiondos office talked with the County Engineer on 3-14 and was assured that the bridge is going to be bike friendly. rization this year. Ifyou have not called, e-mailed, snail mailed or just plain bugged your representative, please do so. ‘The SJ Committee of the Bicycle Coalition meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Evesham public Library, Marlton, NJ. at 7:00pm. DYRPC's South Bicycle Plan van By Bill O'Brien, chair, South Jersey Committee ‘On 3/18/97, [had the opportunity: to goa public meeting held by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission(DVRPC), in Clayton, Nj. The meeting was well attended by both members of the South Jersey ‘Wheelmen, a local cycling club and the South Jersey Committee of the Bicycle Coalition. “Hosted by Ben Ginsburg and Barry Seymore of DVRPC, the meeting was a presentation of the DVRPC's "Southern New Jersey Bicy- ‘won't go into the plan itself, itis very long and detailed, but I will quote from its Vision statement. "Year 2020 Vision: Southern New Jersey is a place where people will ‘choose to bicycle and walk. Resident's and visitors will be able to conve- niently walk and bicycle with confi- dence and a sense of security in every community. Both activities will become a routine part of the trans- portation and recreation systems”. “The biggest question on everyone's ind was "How are they going to see this goal through?” DVRPC can make "suggestions" to local counties. and NJDOT and NJ Transit. Buthas lite clout to implement those lofty goals. I pointed out that I live in Williams- town, NJ and one of the slides in the presentation is one of a proposed bike trail to Glassboro, NJ. Great! But that tral has been proposed since I've lived here and that’ 17 years! Messrs. Ginsburg and Seymore also explained that a lot of the push to get things done has to be done at the grass root level. That’ us, folks. That Bike and Ped plan will stay just that, a plan, till people like you and me start bugging the hell out of the county planners,engineers and commission- cle and Pedestrian Mobility Plan” I work with other organizations like - THANKS “Andree Kerns Gf Kase (Gerad Kaaner Steven Kets Kasinam DONORS! Silfkey Kirly Kem Daa Kege Seyler Pa KaeYouth Cycle & Recycle Update In March and April, 3 classes grad- uated and 3 new ones started up. To graduate, stadents (ages 8 to 15) must successfully complete the eight week program which includes basic bicycle maintenance and repair, safety lessons and a written safety test. ‘We're also happy to say that nine kkids earned bikes so far this year. ‘That's one of the big thrills of this program is getting bilkes out of base~ ments and putting them back on the street. (Hint: if you've got a bike in YOUR basement, call 719-4669 to find out how to donate it) Several kids earned helmets as well, and we may have even convinced them to wear them regularly! Our "grads} along with kids currently enrolled, continue to come to the pop- ular Earn-a-bike Saturday program, where they work on bikes in order to eam re-conditioned bikes. Youth Cycle and Recycle may add an extra class to thepro- Darrell Kennell Youth Cycle & Recycle Student CHESTER COUNTY CYCLING COMMITTEE HOLDS KICK-OFF MEETING by Dennis Kelly ‘The Chester County Cycling Committee of the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley held its first meeting on March 13, 1997 and attracted a surprising 30 concerned cyclists. The meeting was held at the Chester County Government com- plex on Westown Road in West Chester. The meeting room was gra- ciously provided by Lee Whitmore of the Planning Commission. A strong contingent of the Brandywine Bicycle Club members attended this meeting. ‘The meeting started off with three ‘expert speakers. Sue McNamara, exec- THANKS. DONORS! ‘Susan E Keller Bruc Killen utive director of the BCDV, talked about the state of cycling advocacy in the country and the Delaware Valley. She discussed some of the issues to be addressed by the committee. Lee Whitmore of the Planning ‘Commission proposed an agenda of tsoes thar eed wo be wornad en right away. A priority issue is the inventorying of Chester County roads to include information on: * Locations for share-the-road signs to be installed by PennDOT. * Candidates for road widening. * Roads that can be restriped to continued on next page ‘Fred Kerner James B. Kinmeary Eiken Kemnay Paul SKimol gram, where kids will lean about the environmental, social, and economic benefits of bicycle transportation. And the program is considering creating a “post-graduate” course to prepare lids for work as mechanics in bicycle shops. Anew funding cycle is here, and the coninued sucess ofthe program will depend upon obtaining adequate and sustained funding. The Project Man- ager, Claudia Crane, is hard at work putting together proposals to several foundations. With luck, we'll be going strong in the summer, when kids really ‘want to work on-and ride—bikes. For all donations, including time, (no experience necessary) money, or bike stuff call Claudia at (215)763-5214or E-mail her at claudia@voicenet.com. County Committee Meetings: Deleo: Next meetings; May 20, June 17 and July 15, 7 pm at the Helen Kate Furness Library, Rt. 252 in Wallingford. Call tra Josephs at 610-565-4058 for more info. Montco: Next meetings; Monday, May 19, June 16 and July 21, 7 pm. a REL. Ridge & Buter Pikes in Conshohocken, Call joe astra at 610-337-2997 for mor ino Philadelphia: Fourth Monday of the month at BCDY office 252 5. 11th St. pm. Next meetings May 26, June 23 and July 21 Call Ann at 215-349-8605 for more info. South Jersey: Next meetings are May 27, June 24 and July 28 at the’ Evesham Lib in Marlton, Call Bill O’Brien at 609-728-469 for more info. Chester: Next meeting is on May 22 at Tpm at the Chester County Government Complex on Westtown Road Bicycle Coal Monthly Meetings: Coalition meetings are held at the BCDV ofces on the second Honday of each even numbered ‘month at 630pmand focus on intemal busi- ness. The public is welcome, The next meetings are May 12 and June 9. Cydegram Deadline Deadline fr the Juy/Aug Cyclegram is June 7. Mailing Party Mailing Party for the July/Aug Cyclegram is June 27. at 252 So. 11th Street at 6:30pm. Gall 215-829-4188 to confirm date. n Meetings Sarah An Kerr Joel Kip Kates Kier Lknm Ie a deCommuter of the Month — Eduardo Ruche' Name: Eduardo Ruchelli BIKE(s): Trek 8000 (wet days)), Voodoo Loa (dry days). YEARS COMMUTING: 15 DISTANCE: 30 miles round trip FREQUENCY: Every day, year round, except for extreme weather conditions (blizzard, ice storms, tor- rential downpours, etc.) ROUTE: Glenside to West Philadelphia via Fairmount Park from Valley Green to the Art Muse- um and then Spring Garden St. Bridge. WORK PLACE: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Physician) REASON FOR COMMUTING: It is the best part of going to work (and one of the main motivations to {get up every morning). I specifically chose the place I live in order to be close to Valley Green and be able to ride without traffic through Fair- mount Park. Very few cities offer such a beautiful commuting route. Scared of the dark in the park? Neah!, there is nobody out there after 5:00 PM during the cold weather months. Even thieves know they would freeze waiting for poten- tial victims! The new generation of light systems has made a big differ- ‘ence on the ride back home during winter, It's just like driving a car at night (actually itis much better !!). I save $1500 for parking / year, $800 for gas / year and who knows how much morefor wear and tear of the car, potential accidents, etc. More important, I enjoy the frésh morn- ing air and know exactly my arrival time while car drivers are stuck in taffic jams breathing exhaust fumes. I find hard to believe that so many recreational riders do not con- sider using their bicycles for trans- portation. If you commute by bicycle, there is no need for training rides ot going to the gym after work, your fitness level is certainly much better, and best of all your boring commuting becomes the most pleasant activity of the day. ‘There is no better way to use the time spent for commuting!! T'm very lucky to work at Chil- dren's Hospital where I have a lock- er to keep spare clothing, a shower room to get changed every morning and a safe indoor bicycle rack to. park my bicycle. This proves that these are the kind of facilities that employers should invest on, instead of building additional parking garages, and promote a much more efficient and cheaper mode of trans- portation. (em pie ry by te Bee Ci ‘hoe Tay, 2. Bar 9 Paton Pk. The Cal fin orga opine wating ing non fr ie rag Cea Pisin re proag i ig Fran wd rab, Garena eat ‘ovary BOY dvs ere. ean yb ep wo pt ode ei ut re Oe Big Con of he Dae ae. ee ee Gd Beate Her: har, Ca, ithe, Ds Wie, Se pda De Sen Ene incor Ya (sts fat sr Pride Des Was 215592405) Vee Pride of Opens ea San 2188.77) Seer et Wie (1886408) ‘reer fe 153852) lbs BOY Sd ees earn 1 ppc) (tO Comins) continued from previo page allow a wider shoulder. * Planning for bikeways in the County. Lee also provided large scale aerial photos of the Chester Valley trail which proved to be very popular. ‘The trail is about to begin the con- struction phase from Exton to King of Prussia, Eventually, it will hook into the Schuykill River Trail. Other issues to be addressed are: * Writing letters to Congressmen asking for support of cycling issues. * Writing letters to County Com- missioners asking for support of issues. ‘The third speaker was Ira Josephs, Chairman of the Delaware County Cycling Committee, who shared his experience in working very success- fally on advocacy matters which include acquiring funding for a rail trail in Delaware County. Ira was very instrumental in the formation of our committee here in Chester County, He will serve as a consultant in technical matters to help us get our committee up and running. ‘Maps for the Chester County Road Inventory are being supplied by Lee Whitmore. Organizational work on Ease mamaeeal cycling issues. this project will be the main agenda inves wags * Interfacing with Southeastern item for the April 17th meeting Wal Kip gL) Bicycle Task Force. which will be at the same location, Se ade eu Bap) * Developing proposed network of Ifyou would like to become part of (Ga, Wieeeemst anit) county bikeways. this exciting movement, contact (ean Eire * Supporting Phocnixville Trail Pro- Dennis Kelly (610-269-6976) and = ‘tara ly jeeeed Pool Bikeway. °° come to our April 17th meeting at 1S Hin cans * Attend public meetings in sapport PM: in room 171 of the Chester Nis ated wih te Lage of ican Bigs. of Chester Valley Trail and other unty en pm DONORS! MORE DONORS TO COME NEXT MONTH! THANKS, EVERYONE! @ ~if BCDV MEMBERSHIP “TW insiwe I Hi! | want to help make Chestnut Street Bike Ban On Way To Becoming 1 bicycling better--sign me up! - 1] sto : : [ Name. What's ISTEA?. | Address, Bike Club Council | City____ State____Zi Around The Counties .. 1 @)_____w) Chester County's First Committee Meeting. My favorite bike shop (6): py P Youth Cycle and Recyck ! oe Fae my membership dues at I! Commuter of the Month: Eduardo Ruchelli, ving level: [ 100" _ $75" _ $50" $35 _ $10 cimited income) _ other 1 ‘includes free t-shirt or mug Don’t miss an issue. If you're not already a I J member, join now with the form at left and put your money Amount enclosed:___ to work improving bicycling in the Delaware Valley! Tr also like: 1 Your membership includes a one-year subscription to [ ¢ the Bike Coalition T-Shirt with neat design on front J Cyclegram, discounts at most bike shops in the Delaware J 214 "One Less Car" on back @ $15 (ML, XL) __ Valley, invitations to Coalition special events as well as + the BCDV Commuter Map @ $5: expert help from the Coalition's touring, racing and com- T « tke BCDV-approved Mug—Made in England and T snuting advisers and the chance to turn your love of cycling [stamped with our cool Retro-Bike! @ $10 _ [ into positive action. J The Cycle & Recycle Calendar @ $ 10 _ Coalition members are commuters, recreational riders, messengers, touring cyclists and others who support clean air and a healthier urban environment. Join us! Help us win safer roads, the right to bike to work and respect from motorists and government. la ‘Total Enclosed :__ I Send to: BCDY, P.O. Box 8194, Phila, PA 19101 ! I I | Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley P.O. 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