Good National News!

Early last week, we sounded the alarm that some leaders in Congress were calling for the elimination of the federal transportation enhancements program, the primary funding source for bicycle facilities. Well, good news: Congress decided to maintain this program and extend current federal transportation law and funding through March 2012.

There were several reasons why Congress did this, but one of the most important was that they heard from tens of thousands of cyclists (including you we hope) about the transportation and economic value of cost-effective national investment in bike and walk facilities. Your emails and phone calls made a difference!

Of course, this extension only lasts for six months -- which means that we must keep letting our elected leaders know that dedicated cycling investments must be part of the national transportation mix. So please keep telling your Senators and Representatives about why a modest level of investment in cycling matters -- for transportation, recreation, health, and economic development. It will be especially important as we enter the new year (not that far away) to make the case for cycling.

Thanks again to those of you who took a few minutes to contact Washington, DC. Along with the recent improving news about rumble strips, it's good to see that, together, we can make a real difference for cycling and bicycle travel in America.

Photo by the noodleator on Flickr

--

JIM SAYER is executive director of Adventure Cycling Association.

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2011/09/good-national-news.html

winter cycling jackets

Viner Brings Tailor Made Carbon Frames to Bike Science Bristol!

We’re proud to announce the arrival of Viner Bikes at Bike Science Bristol. A classic Italian brand with unparalleled skill in producing tailor made carbon, titanium and steel frames. With the addition of the Viner brand to our RANGE OF BIKES we can now offer perfectly fitted and crafted tailor made carbon frames for the [...]

Source: http://blog.bike-science.com/2011/09/13/viner-brings-tailor-made-carbon-frames-to-bike-science-bristol

team cycling jerseys

Last Chance: Nominate your bicycle travel heroes!

The Alaska Crew

As we near the end of our nomination period for the 2011 Bicycle Travel Awards, we are again blown away by the amazing people and organizations that support cycling in the U.S. Here are just a few great examples:

  • A cycling advocate in Columbus, Ohio, who inspires his fellow riders to do more
  • A few different bike touring companies that provide excellent service and life-changing experiences
  • Several cycling co-ops around the country
  • A B&B that provides a welcome respite for traveling cyclists
So, now it's time for you to think back over your bicycle touring adventures, both big and small, and nominate the people, organizations, and businesses that made those trips more fun, possible, or interesting. Nominations close September 30, 2011. Nominate your hero now!

photo by jessafly on Flickr
--

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTSis typically posted on Fridays by Amy Corbin, membership and marketing coordinator. Membership Highlights spotlights the various benefits of membership, what we have accomplished thanks to member support, and even interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2011/09/last-chance-nominate-your-bicycle.html

cycling insurance