CycleMobility

Sun-Sentinel/AP: More Americans Commuting by Bicycle

2006-05-18T09:19:00.000-04:00

The AP and Sun-Sentinel choose a positive spin on bicycle commuting...

By Terence Chea
The Associated Press
Posted May 17 2006

SAN FRANCISCO · Fed up with sitting in traffic and paying more than $50 to fill his tank, Scott Morrison ditched his gas-guzzling pickup and started biking to work.

Rain or shine, Morrison now bikes the six miles from his home in Fairfield, Calif., about 45 miles northeast of San Francisco, to the packaging plant where he works as a machine operator. Six months after switching to two wheels, he feels more relaxed and healthier, having lost nearly 50 pounds.

"Every time I get on the scale, it's like I'm getting rewarded for riding to work," said Morrison, 38. "The two biggest complaints people have are not having enough money and obesity. I'm taking care of both."

As gas prices climb to record highs, more Americans seem to be abandoning their cars and biking to work to save money at the pump. This week, as cities across the country celebrate National Bike to Work Week, advocates are promoting bicycle commuting as a way to trim transportation costs, get in shape and help the environment.

Continued at http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-zbikework17may17,0,5689316.story

Miami Herald 5/18: South Florida Commuter Challenge

2006-05-18T08:53:00.000-04:00

Events today encourage alternative transportation

By Miami Herald staff

browardnews@MiamiHerald.com

Businesses, transportation and municipal leaders as well as thousands of South Florida commuters will participate today in the 2006 South Florida Commuter Challenge.

Participants will use an alternative means of transportation during their morning commutes, and will otherwise support the South Florida Commuter Challenge's goal of reducing traffic congestion and commuting costs.

Some people will carpool, walk, use Tri-Rail, vanpool or ride bicycles.

Continued at http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14609273.htm

Miami Herald: Few trading cars for pedal power

2006-05-18T08:38:00.000-04:00

A recent Miami Herald commentary...

Miami Herald, Monday May 15, 2006: Few trading cars for pedal power

With gas at $3 per gallon, bicycling to work would be easier on the wallet. But few do it.

BY FRED TASKER

ftasker@MiamiHerald.com

On an average weekday morning, Juliette Albernas, who lives in Shenandoah, takes her two kids to school by biking with them to the Coconut Grove Metrorail station.

...

They're denizens of a brave new world of out-of-sight gas prices who have traded their cars, trucks and SUVs for pedal power.

But they're few and far between. Even in sunny South Florida, one thing soaring gas prices haven't done is get many more people to bike to work.

Continued at the Miami Herald...

Ride of Silence - May 17, 2006 @ 7PM

2006-05-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

<>From: http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

Date: May 17, 2006
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: At over 200 U.S. locations and six other countries

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

The purpose of the ride is to:

HONOR those who have been injured or killed

RAISE AWARENESS that we are here

Ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET
On May 17 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.

The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride, which is being held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

If there is a Ride of Silence in your area, we encourage you to join them.

+++++++++++++
Local (South Florida) Rides:
(See also http://www.rideofsilence.org/locations.php#FL)

Sunrise

Contact:	Celia Conti <--Send email
Distance:	10 miles
Notes:	Markham Park 16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise 33326 954-389-2000 Celia Conti 954 830-0098

Boca Raton

Contact:	Barry Hersh <--Send email
Distance:	11.1 miles
Notes:	Patch Reef Park, 2000 NW 51st St., or Yamato Road

Miami
<>

Contact:	John Voss <--Send email
Distance:	12 Miles
Notes:	Wednesday, May 17th, 2006. Hobie Beach, Key Biscayne. Registration begins at 5:30 pm). Ride starts at 7:oo pm

miami

Contact:	alberto jr ordunez <--Send email
Distance:
Notes:

CycleMobility Blog Now Online!

2006-05-17T11:26:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the CycleMobility blog! Attending the Bike Miami discussion yesterday inspired me to add a blog to go with our main site (CycleMobility.org).

We'll be posting on this blog regularly, so be sure to come back soon!