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Lawrence Central Rotary Club set to Unveil New Bike Racks at Van Go, Inc.

September 25, 2012 /

Van Go, Inc. is this year’s recipient of an artfully designed bike rack sponsored by the Lawrence Central Rotary Club. The ribbon cutting for the bike rack will be held Thursday, September 27 at 4 pm at Van Go, 715 New Jersey.

The rack, funded by LiveWell Lawrence, was designed by Rockhill and Associates and was envisioned to complement the building’s architecture. The racks include concrete bases with steel tops with to secure the bicycles. The design was fabricated over the summer and was installed in August.

The new rack will be highly used by the Van Go’s teens, which frequently use bikes for transportation to and from their work at Van Go. Biking gives the teens independence as well as helping to instill healthy living habits.

This is event is free and open to the public.

More information available at:

http://lawrencecentralrotary.org/

http://www.van-go.org

Kansas Opts Out Of Recreational Trail Funding

September 11, 2012 /

Here’s a repost of an article from Kansas Cyclist .

According to RailsToTrails.org, Kansas is one of only two states in the nation to “opt out” of the federal Recreational Trails Program, which provides funding for the “development and maintenance of trails for all users, prompting not just safe and healthy access to the outdoors but highly needed economic and tourist activity.” States that do not participate will see their money diverted away from off-road trails to a general transportation fund.

Here’s how the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy described the process:

Among the many challenges our movement faces under the new law is the opportunity for governors to opt out of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by notifying the Federal Highway Administration of their decision to do so.

The groundswell of support for RTP was tremendous! More than 10,000 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy supporters, joined by countless others spurred on by partners organizations, asked their governors not to opt out of RTP.

The results exceeded anything we could have anticipated. Of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, only two states opted out of the program!

And even in those two states, we have not given up hope. In Florida, our staff has negotiated with top officials to minimize the impact of this decision, securing commitments to fully fund recreational trails from other programs. And Kansas was in truth quite a surprise, after we had received tentative confirmation the state would not opt out. We will continue working with state officials there to improve future outcomes.

Here as the reaction from StreetsBlog:

By the way, you can give a long, resounding “boo” to Kansas and Florida, the only states that have chosen to opt out. Especially Florida, the most dangerous state for pedestrians, which once again shows itself to be exceptionally backwards on transportation issues.

What’s The Matter With Kansas?

This brings to mind a quote from the 2005 book, What’s The Matter With Kansas?, where author Thomas Frank writes:

The Rails-to-Trails program, regarded everywhere else in the union as a harmless scheme for family fun, is reviled in Kansas as an infernal design on the rights of property owners.

And famous Kansas, William Allen White, wrote this in an a 1896 essay (also titled “What’s the Matter With Kansas?”): “Go east and you hear them laugh at Kansas; go west and they sneer at her; go south and they ‘cuss’ her; go north and they have forgotten her. Go into any crowd of intelligent people gathered anywhere on the globe, and you will find the Kansas man on the defensive.”

Mixed Signals

This opt-out does come as something of a surprise, since Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has been a long-time supporter of trails (at least in words).

In 2009, then-Senator Brownback talked up the tourism potential of Kansas, mentioning biking trails, horseback riding and opportunities for people to get out and enjoy nature. “We’ve seen a step-up increase, and I think if we can become more accessible consistently, I think you’ll see more people come.” (Brownback Backs Biking Trails)

In 2011, Governor Brownback “said he wants hiking, biking and horseback riding trails with easy access.” But, according to the article, “Gov. Sam Brownback says he wants more tourism and outdoor opportunities in Kansas but doesn’t want the government to pay for it.”

Earlier this year, Governor Brownback presided over a ribbon-cutting on a newly-completed section of the trail near Council Grove, announcing his full support for the trail during the dedication ceremony.

And now this.

What’s the matter with Kansas, indeed…

What’s Next

This opt-out is a blow to Kansas trail development, for sure, but it’s hardly the last word on the subject.

All of us need to contact our elected officials and voice our disappointment with this decision. Tell them we value trails, both as recreation and transportation. Tell them we want more trails, better trails. Tell them we want government to help, not hinder, trail development. Tell them that when we have the opportunity to expand trails, we should embrace it, not spurn it.

Support your local trail-building organizations — Central Kansas Conservancy, Kansas Trails Council,Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy, Prairie Travelers, Sunflower Rail-Trails Conservancy — with time, money, commitment. These volunteers cannot go it alone, especially with the antipathy and threatsfrom Kansas governments.

Get involved. Take advantage of opportunities to learn to advocate more effectively for what we believe in: Bicycle Advocacy Training Opportunity in Kansas City, Oct. 19-21

LBC – Octoginta

August 26, 2012 /

Come to Lawrence, Kansas October 13-14 and join the Lawrence Bicycle Club and hundreds of other cyclists for the traditional wind-up event of the year. Sign up early; entrance is limited to the first 1,000 riders. In its 43rd year, the Octoginta is truly a fall classic. So come join the festivities this fall. It’s never been better!

Known as one of the best rides in the Midwest, the 2012 Octoginta promises to be another great end-of-season ride. The Lawrence Bicycle Club prides itself in going the extra mile to give you the best SAGs and support along with the gorgeous fall foliage that combine for a ride you’ll never forget.

The Sunflower Bike Shop and all of the Sunflower employees will again be providing a full breakfast with all of the trimmings at their expense as a part of their sponsorship of Octoginta. You won’t want to skip this SAG unless you were hoping to lose weight on the ride.

Early Registration Deadline is September 30, 2012
For more information
Contact: Justin Graham

Saturday, October 13

7-8:15 a.m. – Time Trial

Registration is between 7-8:15 a.m. Start of the Octoginta Weekend by testing yourself in “the race of truth” – an individual time trial! Classes available for all ages and skills.

Riders start at one minute intervals and race over the flat out and back 10 km. (6.2 mi.) course. This event will also serve as a fund raiser for the Free State Racing Team.

Location: Parking and registration at the KDOT materials lot located at the intersection of E 1750 and N 1400 Roads 2 miles east of Lawrence.

Entry Fee: $20 except age 10-18 FREE! Pre-registration information is available athttp://freestateracing.com. Event held under USA Cycling (USAC) permit. All USAC rules apply. All participants must have USAC annual license or purchase one-day license for $10.

Contact: Curtis Martell, http://freestateracing.com.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Pre-registration

Come down to South Park on Massachusetts Street, between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. to register and pick up your packets. Beat the Sunday morning rush and register on Saturday!

9:30 a.m. – Tour de County

Enjoy this 30-mile round-trip ride through pastoral Douglas County. Return for brunch at downtown Lawrence. The ride departs from the South Park, with a SAG at the halfway point. Helmets are required. Fee: $5

2 p.m. SWAP Meet

Looking for something? Want to get rid of something but can’t quite bring yourself to throw it away? Come to the SWAP meet at South Park and go home happy.

Sunday, October 14

7 a.m. Ride-day Registration & Check-in

Late registration & check-in begins at 7 a.m. at South Park on Massachusetts street.

8:30 a.m. – Ride Start

The mass start begins at 8:30 a.m. at South Park on Massachusetts street. Please be registered and checked in before this time.

Another beautiful route has been chosen for this year’s 80-mile tour through northeast Kansas. In addition to the 80-mile ride, there will be a shorter route around 50-miles. View the fall colors as you bicycle scenic country roads.

The route will be patrolled by County Deputy Sheriffs.

Sunflower Bike Shop’s SAG has become famous for its breakfast fare of bacon, sausage, eggs, french toast and extras sure to fuel up the hungriest cyclist.

The Lawrence Bicycle Club will be serving the traditional minestrone soup and sandwich lunch acclaimed as the best of any ride in the Midwest. Lunch will be served at Broken Arrow Park at the end of the ride.

Cycle Works will be performing emergency repairs.

Long Sleeve T-shirt

Cost: $20 each.

Thinking about riding a bike again – Pick up “Just Ride” by Grant Peterson

August 9, 2012 /

Just Ride Cover

Just Ride is a book by a reformed racer Grant Peterson who’s commuted by bike every day since 1980. The book is described that “in th

e same way that Michael Pollan’s slim bestseller Food Rules brought a gust of common sense to the everyday activity of eating, Just Ride is a revelation. Forget the ultralight, uncomfortable bikes, flashy jerseys, clunky shoes that clip onto tiny pedals, the grinding out of endless miles. Instead, ride like you did when you were a kid—just get on your bike and discover the pure joy of riding it.”

In 87 short, two-to-three page chapters, it covers:

Riding: Count Days, Not Miles; Corner Like Jackie Robinson; Steer with Your Hips, Shift with Your Legs
Suiting Up: The Shoes Ruse; Ponchos—the Ultimate Unracer’s Garment
Safety: #1 Rule—Be Seen; Helmets Aren’t All They’re Cracked Up to Be
Health and Fitness: Why Riding Is Lousy All-Around Exercise; Saddles Don’t Cause Impotence; Drink When You’re Thirsty—Not Before

Also includes chapters on Accessories, Upkeep, and Technicalities as well as a final chapter titled “Velosophy” that includes the essential, memorable thought: Your Bike Is a Toy—Have Fun with It.

Grant Petersen is the founder and owner of Rivendell Bicycle Works and writes the Rivendell Reader. His writing and opinions have been featured in major bike and outdoor magazines, including Bicycling, Outside, and Men’s Journal. He’s commuted exclusively by bike since 1980, and lives with his family in Walnut Creek, California. His website is www.rivbike.com

It’s a really quick, good read for those of us who sit behind computers more than we should and dream of getting out and going for a ride more — like when we were kids.

Wanted: Volunteers to count bicyclists, pedestrians in Lawrence, Eudora Sept 4,5,6

August 8, 2012 /

Phil Minkin, left, and Carey Maynard-Moody volunteered to count passing bicyclists and pedestrians in 2009 at Ninth and Louisiana streets. Photo by Mike Yoder

Below is a repost from this WellCommons article by Karrey Britt:

One. Two. Three. … 120, 121, 122 …

Volunteers are needed to count bicycles and pedestrians next month in Lawrence and Eudora.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization and the city of Lawrence will be conducting counts from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, and from 10 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Rain dates have been scheduled for Sept. 13 and Sept. 15.

Those interested in volunteering are required to attend one of the following training sessions:

• Sept. 4 — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Carnegie Building conference room, 200 W. Ninth St.

• Sept. 5 — 11 a.m. to noon, Carnegie Building conference room.

• Sept. 6 — 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Kansas Union’s Pine Room, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd.

• Sept. 6 — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Eudora Community Center, 1630 Elm.

Volunteers who received training in previous years are not required to attend a session.

The data collected will assist city and regional leaders in estimating usage and demand for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The counts also will be used to track the region’s progress on increasing the use of nonmotorized transportation, strengthen grant applications to leverage additional federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, evaluate existing projects, and help determine the location of future investments.

To sign up visit www.lawrenceks.org/mpo/volunteer.

For more information, contact Jessica Mortinger, transportation planner, at 832-3165 or [email protected].

Ride Lawrence