Category: News (Page 21 of 22)

Reprint: Lawrence’s first Community Bike Ride draws 125 participants

July 20, 2011 /

This is a reprint from the Wellcommons website about our Bike Ride!

http://wellcommons.com/groups/bicycling/2011/jul/16/pics-lawrences-first-community-bike-ride/

Despite hot, humid weather, Lawrence’s first Community Bike Ride this morning drew 125 participants of all ages. At age 69, Bob Swan, Lawrence, got on a bicycle for the first time in nearly 40 years and rode two miles. He took a spin around the Rotary Arboretum with his daughter Amy Swan, 35, and granddaughter Maya Morris, 8.

“Hey, I didn’t have a cardiac arrest,” he said, with a grin.

Lawrence’s first Community Bike Ride drew three generations of riders. From left, are Bob Swan, 69, with his daughter Amy Swan, 35, and granddaughter Maya Morris, 8, all of Lawrence. by Karrey Britt

Meanwhile, Parker Moore, 4, was able to ride his bicycle without training wheels for the first time.

His parents, Jim and Allison, were having a birthday party for him after the event because he was born on Christmas Day. They wanted to give him a 4 1/2 birthday party where he could invite his friends. What’s he getting for his birthday? A new bike and now he’s ready!

Four-year-old Parker Moore concentrates on balancing without training wheels as his father, Jim, lets go of his bicycle as the two participated in the first annual Community Bike Ride hosted by the Lawrence Central Rotary Club Saturday, July 16, 2011 at the Rotary Arboretum near the YSI sports complex in west Lawrence. by John Young

Participants came and went during the two-hour event, which started at 9 a.m. They could pick between three rides: one mile, three miles and eight miles. Some took the mile loop around the Rotary Arboretum several times, took a break and then rode again. Many discovered the bike trails in the area for the first time and said they would be back.

Here are some pictures from the event, which was sponsored by Lawrence Central Rotary Club:

Two riders participate in the first Community Bike Ride at the Rotary Arboretum near the YSI sports complex in west Lawrence. The event featured three different courses that riders could take, a safety zone where children could learn and practice bicycle safety, and a training wheel take-off station where kids could learn to ride without training wheels. by John Young

Eight-year-old Ryleigh Leon learns how to ride without training wheels with a little help from Lawrence resident Steve Harrington. He was using a technique to teach riding without wheels that involves letting the children coast down a slight hill so that the kids can focus solely on balancing and not have to worry about pedaling. by John Young

Avery Qualseth, 7, and her sister Rylee, 10, were handing out T-shirts during Lawrence’s first Community Bike Ride. Avery’s arm was in a cast so she couldn’t participate, but Rylee took the one-mile ride. by Karrey Britt

From left are Rahul Desai, Alyssa Wrightsman, Jessica Stockham and Mark Stockham, all of Lawrence. They rode eight miles during the Lawrence Community Bike Ride on Saturday, July 16, 2011, that started at the Rotary Arboretum. It was the first bike ride they had taken as a group. They said it was a fun, well-organized event and they loved the free T-shirts. by Karrey Britt

Timothy and Jessica Cole, of Eudora, and their three children, Molly, 10, Ryan, 8, and Anna, 5, participated in Lawrence’s first Community Bike Ride. They took the three-mile route, which they described as fairly flat with a nice view. Everyone had a bicycle, except Anna who rode along with dad. The children enjoyed the water misters after their ride to keep cool from the hot, humid weather. Jessica said they try to bike at least twice a week. by Karrey Britt

Ed Heinen, 66, and his granddaughter Jordan Nations, 10, both of Lawrence, rode at least three miles during the Community Bike Ride. Ed often goes on bicycle rides with his grandchildren. They didn’t know about this bicycle trail. Ed said, “Now, I know another good place to come back and ride.” by Karrey Britt

Bob Swan, left, Sienna Leon and her daughter, Marina Profeti-Leon, 5, work on fixing a bicycle tire during the Community Bike Ride at the Rotary Arboretum. Sienna, who is from Italy and in Lawrence for the summer, was lending her air pump to Bob. by Karrey Britt

From left are Zach Bradburn, Richard Falley and Ali Edwards, of Lawrence. They are getting ready to ride eight miles during the Community Bike Ride that started in the Rotary Arboretum. The three have been taking bicycle rides on Monday evenings. This was their first time to ride along the South Lawrence Trafficway bicycle trail near Clinton Lake. by Karrey Britt

Melissa Hoffman, and her son, Braden, 7, foreground, attend the Community Bike Ride. Braden, who just got a new bicycle, was gearing up for the one-mile ride. He rides several times a week. by Karrey Britt

Ron and Carolyn Crawford, both of Lawrence, rode eight miles during the first Community Bike Ride in Lawrence. They both are exercise enthusiasts, often participating in Red Dog’s Dog Days workouts, bicycling and running. Crawford said some of the hills on the eight-mile ride were challenging, especially in the hot, humid weather, but she had fun. by Karrey Britt

A child uses her feet to help her balance as she learns how to ride without training wheels during the first Community Bike Ride hosted by the Lawrence Central Rotary Club Saturday, July 16, 2011, at the Rotary Arboretum. by John Young

Three-year-old Ida Harrington carries her training wheels to the side of the sidewalk after having them removed from her bicycle during the first Community Bike Ride. by John Young

Bicyclists get ready to take off during Lawrence’s first Community Bike Ride on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at the Rotary Arboretum. There were three rides: one mile, three miles and eight miles. by Karrey Britt

LiveWell Lawrence provided a $7,500 grant to the rotary club, which is focused on increasing bicycling in the community. The bicycle ride is just one of the club’s initiatives. It also has established a website called RideLawrence.com — which serves as the clearinghouse for all bicycle activities in Lawrence. It also has commissioned local artists to create unique bike racks and three have been installed in the community.

Marilyn Hull, facilitator of LiveWell Lawrence, said it was good to see so many families participate in the community’s first bicycle event.

“We were hoping that we would get folks who would just get the cob webs off the bikes and pump up the tires and get out here and remind themselves how much fun it is to ride,” she said. “I think it’s really important to have events that are noncompetitive.”

Lawrence Community Bike Ride Saturday July 16 — Fun for the Entire Family!

July 5, 2011 /

Lawrence Central Rotary, LiveWell Lawrence, Ride Lawrence and a host of others present a FREE community bike ride Saturday, July 16th 2011 to promote cycling as a part of a healthy lifestyle at the The Rotary Arboretum at Clinton Park (by the YSC Soccer fields)

Here's more info:

9AM to 11AM
Arrive early to register or download the registration forms below.

Three Rides to choose from (all using trails)

1. ONE MILE EASY LOOP
2. THREE MILE FAMILY RIDE (To the Clinton Lake overlook and back)
3. EIGHT MILE RIDE
(To Langston Hughes Elementary (SAG stop) and back with an extension option to head out to 1-70 and back for a total of about 12 miles with SAG stop.)

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

TRAINING WHEEL TAKEOFF
Experts help kids who are ready to take off their training wheels in a safe and fun environment
SAFETY ZONE
Safe Kids® will help facilitate bike-riding safety demonstrations and provide useful tips for riders and parents

Helmets are required to participate.

(there will be some available – so come out even if you do not own one)

To download the required release forms click the appropriate links below. Everyone participating in the event must have a release. (We will also have them on hand the day of the event.)

CLICK HERE for the Adult Release form
CLICK HERE for the Minor Release form (Parental consent required)

A hearty thanks to the following organizations for helping us put this event together:

Lawrence Fire & Medical to provide free bike helmets!

April 26, 2011 /

Bikes, scooters, roller blades and skateboards all require helmets in Lawrence. To help in keeping kids safe while cycling, local youth can get a free helmet at the April 30 Helmet Fair. Children must be present at the fair to receive a helmet and be fitted because proper fit is important to the effectiveness of a helmet. By wearing helmets while biking or on other wheels, serious head injuries can be reduced by as much as 85-percent.

The 2011 Helmet Fair will be held in conjunction with the University of Kansas Spring Game. The helmet fair will be held on the KU Campus, Lot 91, southeast of Memorial Stadium between Spencer Museum and the football practice fields, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Youth ages 15 and under, accompanied by an adult, can be fitted for a bike helmet, while supplies last.

Volunteers will come together on Saturday, April 30 to provide Lawrence youth with custom fitted helmets and lots of safety advice. Kids can get a helmet custom fitted, ride on a street course, ride in bike rodeo, and learn about bike trail etiquette and swimming from experts. A fun zone featuring inflatable interactive games will also be present in Lot 91.

The Kansas Football Spring Game will kick off at 1 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.

If kids are unable to attend this year’s helmet fair, they may be fitted for a helmet at any Fire Medical Station.

Lawrence reminds motorists and bicyclists about safety in sharing the road

April 25, 2011 /

With spring in the air, the City of Lawrence announces that May is National Bike Month and May 16 – 20 is Bike to Work Week. The City of Lawrence would like to encourage all residents to experience the benefits of bicycling to work during this time and reminds bicyclists and motorists to safely share the road.

Bicycling is an inexpensive, convenient way to stay fit and healthy. The benefits of bicycling to work are numerous:
The annual cost of operating a bike is just 2.5% that of a car. (American Public Transportation Association)
Cycling is a moderate, low-impact, aerobic, physical activity suitable for all age groups. Since 25% of all trips are within a mile of home, it’s ideal to ride a bicycle for good health. (The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety)
Just three hours of bicycling per week can reduce a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke by 50% (League of American Bicyclists)
Cyclists are vehicle operators and have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. When sharing the road with bicycles, be aware that cyclists are less visible and quieter than other road users and more vulnerable.

The City of Lawrence recommends the following for motorists to help keep everyone safe:

Yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
Never pass and turn across the path of a moving bicyclist. Slow down and turn behind the cyclist.
Allow at least three feet of passing space between you and the bicycle.
Do not blast your horn when approaching a bicyclist – you may startle him/her.
Do not accelerate to pass cyclist when approaching a stop sign.
Bicyclists must also follow the rules of the road including these additional tips for safety:
Obey all traffic rules, signals and stop signs.
Use head and tail lights at night and always wear your helmet!
Do not ride on downtown sidewalks.
Never ride more than two abreast.
Always ride with the flow of traffic.
Always use hand signals when turning.
Do not ride with headphones.

For more information visit: www.lawrenceks.org/share_the_road.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) has recently worked to actively talk to bicyclists in the community and have been fitting bicycle helmets on children in April and May. Members attended the Baker Community Wellness Festival/Health Fair and assisted in fitting 155 children with helmets sponsored by Safe Kids Douglas County and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical.

The BAC had a table at Earth Day where members solicited comments about bicycling in the community. These comments will be used by the BAC to gauge support and develop programs to improve bicycling in Lawrence and Douglas County.

BAC members will be volunteering their time to assist with helmet fittings at two upcoming events – the LDCFM Helmet Fair on April 30 at the University of Kansas Spring Game and the Eudora Bicycle Safety Fair on May 7th.
Have you seen a copy of our Lawrence Bicycle Rideability Map? Pick one up at City Hall or view it online at www.lawrenceks.org/pds/bikemap.

The City of Lawrence is also recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Bronze Level since 2004. This designation is one with real meaning — it is difficult to earn and important to renew. For more information visit www.lawrenceks.org/pds/tr-bike.

3-Foot Passing and Dead Red Bill to To Be Voted on in Kansas Senate

March 16, 2011 /

Reprint from http://www.kansascyclist.com

The revived 3-Foot Passing bill, as well as the “Dead Red” bill, have been combined in the Senate Transportation Committee, and now face a vote on the floor of the Kansas Senate.

The legislation, Kansas House Bill HB2192, originally dealt with seat belt regulations, but was modified by the Senate Transportation Committee, which dropped the seat belt provisions, and added the contents of House Bill 2058 (HB2058), “Establishing conditions when motorcylists may proceed through red traffic signals” (i.e. the Dead Red bill) and House Bill 2174 (HB2174), “Duty of motorists to maintain 3 foot distance when passing bicyclists”.

Bicyclists attended the Senate Transportation Committee on March 12th in support of the amendment (as related by the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club:

Kaw Valley Bicycle Club lobbyist Bill Lucero testified in favor of amending HB 2192 with HB 2174 (the 3 foot clearance motorists must provide when passing a bicycle). Lucero introduced Michelle Roberts, daughter of former cyclist Tim Roberts who was struck by a car and killed last Sept. 12 outside Topeka. Lucero also endorsed the “dead red” provision in HB 2192. Alan Apel of KVBC then spoke in favor of amending the bill with the 3′ provision. (Please see PDF of testimony). No one opposed the amendment process.

You can read the full text of the resulting bill here.

Here is a message from KanBikeWalk:

The original 3’ passing clearance of bicyclists’ bill and the ‘dead red’ bill were both rolled into HB 2192, the seatbelt safety bill, and approved by the KS Senate Transportation Committee today, March 15. HB 2192 now goes to the Senate floor for a recorded vote. It is NOW time to contact your State Senator to ask their support for this bill making bicycling safer in Kansas.

Again, be very clear you want them to vote for HB 2192 and why. The why can be as simple as to make roads safer for bicyclists, motorcyclists and motorists or you can further explain your support for safer roads in Kansas by codifying the recommendations in the Driving Manual’s for motorists to safely pass bicyclists and discouraging dangerous driving practices and to remedy inconsistent enforcement regarding non-responsive traffic signals and clarifying the expected response of bicyclists and motorcyclists.

How you contact your Senator is not as important as making sure you do. This is your opportunity to make a statement for your safety and the safety of those you bicycle with. This will take you less than 5 minutes, but the effort may make bicycling in Kansas safer for years to come.

Here is the sample letter provided:

Dear Senator ____________

The Senate Transportation Committee has wisely approved HB 2192, which further defines seatbelt regulations, codifies the Driving Manual’s recommendations regarding the minimum passing clearance of bicyclists by motorists and clarifies the procedures for bicyclist’s and motorcyclist’s proper reaction when encountering a non-responsive traffic signal for law enforcement and roadway users alike.

As your constituent and a Kansas bicyclist, I respectfully ask you to vote YES on HB 2192 when it comes to a vote on the Senate floor. This bill will greatly improve the safety of bicyclists across the entire state, making it safer for my family and I to bicycle to work, around _ _ (insert your city/county name) _________ and around the State of Kansas.

Sincerely,
First & Last Name
Your Address
Your City, Kansas Your Zip Code

Just copy and paste the text above, substituting the Senator’s name, as well as your name and address.

You can find your Senator’s email address and phone number from the Senate Roster.

If you’re not sure who your senator is, you can use the Find Your Legislator tool.

Your communication carries the most weight with your own senator, but feel free to contact senators from other districts where you may be employed, do business, have family, travel, or ride. Every message does make a difference.

According to Kaw Valley Bicycle Club president Heath Glenn:

The next step will be a recorded vote in the Senate transportation committee and once approved will go to the Senate floor. We look for this to occur fairly quickly.

If the bill is approved by the Senate, it will go back to the House for consideration.