BMC Seeking Volunteers for New Positions

 Advocacy  No Responses »
Sep 292009
 

The Bike Michiana Coalition is seeking persons to fill two new formal roles in our organization: a volunteer Membership Coordinator and a volunteer Grant-Writing Coordinator. Job descriptions of the two positions are below along with the contact persons.

A more organized membership and grant-writing capacity will help BMC take its activities to the next level in scope and effectiveness in the Michiana Community.

All of us on the BMC board, committees and in affiliate groups are volunteers. The passion of these cyclists, and their willingness to take turns leading the peloton of our Coalition have been the simple reason for our success so far. Thank you for helping us continue to grow as an unstoppable team of citizen-cylclists.

Please forward this notice to any person you think may be interested and qualified.

Sincerely,

Jeff Nixa, President
Bike Michiana Coalition

Continue reading »

They’re known for pizzas, and they refill your water bottle for free.

 Facilities, Routes  1 Response »
Sep 272009
 

Joe Dits, the popular South Bend Tribune columnist, has unearthed another cyclist’s and walker’s gem: the Nickle Plate Trail. This 13-mile rail-trail extends from Peru (about 65 miles south of South Bend, Ind. and 68 miles north of Indianapolis) to Cassville, a dot on the map just north of Kokomo. Continue reading »

Utility bikes now at Walmart: $110+tax

 Uncategorized  3 Responses »
Sep 202009
 

Have you ever wondered to yourself:  Why are useful bikes so expensive?  How is the human transport movement going to catch on if the only cheap bikes are crappy 60-pound dual-suspension 27-speeds?

I, for one, have had this persistent dream that Walmart would carry a cheap steel Chinese utility bike.

I’m thinking 26″ wheels, huge tires, enclosed singlespeed drive, coaster brakes, rear rack, front basket, fenders, spring saddle, kickstand.

Turns out they do now! Huffy 26″ Men’s Nel Lusso Cruiser.

Unfortunately they’re only available online, although they ship it free to stores. This one is, though, for $130 plus tax: Schwinn Men’s 26 Delmar Cruiser.

Of course the bearings will be maladjusted and the sizing sketchy, so everyone’s first shot should obviously be The Avenue Bicycle Station.  But for those Americans unlucky enough to not have a used bike specialist like The Avenue in town, it’s encouraging to see Walmart branching out to this new market.  I hope they make a ton of cash, and push prices even lower in years to come!

URGENT: Senate Vote TODAY (9/16) Could Eliminate Biking Funds

 Advocacy  5 Responses »
Sep 162009
 

UPDATE: Amendment 2370 was withdrawn, and Amendment 2371 was defeated (see comments)!!!

Your voice is urgently needed. The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on eliminating walking and biking funds TODAY, September 16.

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy learned yesterday that Senators Tom Coburn (Okla.) and John McCain (Ariz.) have issued amendments to the FY10 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. Their changes specifically attack funding for rail-trails, bicycling and walking.

Please take a minute right now to call your senator and ask him or her to vote against Amendments 2370 and 2371 to H.R. 3288.

Amendment 2370 would prohibit the use of federal funds for pedestrian or bicycle facilities, efforts to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife, or other specified Transportation Enhancement (TE) projects if the Highway Trust Fund cannot cover unfunded highway authorizations.

Amendment 2371 would allow states to eliminate spending on TE, the nation’s largest funding source for trails, walking and bicycling. Congress currently sets aside a portion of federal funds for TE to support these projects in all states.

This is truly an all-hands-on-deck moment. Please act now—call your senator and ask him or her to vote against the proposed amendments. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Announcement has instructions for how to contact your Senator.
RtT

 Older Entries