Newsletter - Febuary 2007

Dear friends of Yellow Bike,

Another month goes by and we are busy as ever finishing our satellite shop, planning our 10th birthday party, and working on securing a new space for our main shop.  We are excited not only about the progress and future of our organization, but also about the general momentum that is picking up to promote transportation cycling in Austin. 

The City Bike program is under new leadership and making a great deal of progress towards the goals of the Bicycle Plan.  We're impressed by the degree that the City Bike program is involving the cycling community and its vital experience biking on Austin's roads. 

Many organization within the cycling community are working more closely than ever before.  Yellow Bike Representatives are excited about working with other groups active in the cycling community, such as the City Bike Program, Austin Cycling Association, Bicycle Advisory Council and the Bike Safety Task Force.   We are also deepening our connection with the cycling community by inviting people from diverse backgrounds to serve on our Representative Council, the body that focuses on the long term planning and goals of our organization.

This month the Austin City Council made an announcement on its ambitious and proactive plans to reduce the effects of global warming.  While there was nothing in the announcement about initiatives to get more people on bicycles, we feel confident that a City that embraces its environmental responsibility will not ignore the strength of transportation cycling as a solution to this world-wide problem. 

In short, we are hopeful that Austin will soon be a world class bike-friendly city and that the world will be healthier for it.   Deepest thanks to all those involved in making this a reality.

-The Yellow Bike Project

HUMAN-POWERED SATELLITE SHOP MOVE SUCCESSFUL!! WATCH VIDEO - On Saturday January 27th, the contents of the Wheatsville satellite shop were stowed and transported by around 40 bicycles and tricycles equipped with trailers, panniers, and backpacks to the new Treasure City shop. In only 2.5 hours the entire contents of the shop had been packed, transported 3 miles ( view map), and unloaded at the new shop. It is inspirational what 40 people with a few pedal machines can do in so little time. Thanks to all participated in making the move possible.

Megan, who helped with the move, made an excellent video chronicling the event.  Click here to watch the video: Austin Yellow Bike Shop Move.  Thanks, Megan.

• Education Chair - John Thoms is one of the original founders of Yellow Bike and is a Teacher at Peirce Middle School.
• Transportation Chair - Jennifer Duthie does transportation research at UT and is an active transportation cyclist.
• Community Chair - To be determined.
  

SCREENING OF B.I.K.E. AT THE ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE BENEFITING THE YELLOW BIKE PROJECT - The drafthouse has generously offered to donate 20% of its proceeds from the screening of B.I.K.E. (2007-03-25 9:45pm) to The Yellow Bike Project.  B.I.K.E. is an exploration of the Black Label Bicycle Club and the wider tallbike subculture that has grown up around it.  We encourage everyone to come out to enjoy the film and help support Yellow Bike.  Click for Showtimes at the Alamo Drafthouse | see the trailer.

SPECIAL CUB SCOUT CLASS - Yellow Bike Volunteers are leading a shop on February 25th to help a group of C ub Scouts earn a merit badge while learning about bike maintenance and repair.

A GUIDE TO CYCLING ADVOCACY IN AUSTIN - This month, we decided to demystify where decisions about cycling in Austin are discussed and made, and more importantly, what you can do. We hope that this guide enables individuals to take a more active, grassroots role in the future of Austin cycling.

CITY COUNCIL - Last year's proposed mandatory helmet law was abandoned after strong opposition from the the local cycling community, many of whom came out and spoke at the August 24th, 2006 city council meeting. If you missed it and are not sure why cyclists opposed mandatory safety devices for themselves, we'd recommend watching the video available at the Austin History Center. There is also more information at Bicycleaustin.info)

BICYCLE SAFETY TASK FORCE - The outcome of the proposed helmet law was that the city council set it aside in favor of establishing a Bicycle Safety Task Force to take a deeper look into all bike safety issues. The latest word is that it has been set to convene on March 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall in the Boards and Commissions Room (#1101). with representatives from city council, the bicycle program, local cycling organizations, law enforcement and the medical community.

CITY OF AUSTIN CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN - The mayor recently signed off on this plan to set the standard among cities nationwide by powering all City facilities with 100% renewable energy, converting the entire city fleet of vehicles to alternative fuels and electric power, and implementing greenhouse gas reduction plans in every City department by 2020 (Read CPP announcement).

URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION - The UTC advises the City of Austin on Transportation related matters. It meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6pm in City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room (#1101) and meetings are open to the public (View UTC website).

CITY BICYCLE PROGRAM - Established in 1994, the purpose of the Bicycle Program is to integrate bicycles into the transportation system of the City of Austin. In 1996, Part I of the Austin Bicycle Plan was passed, followed by Part II in 1998. The Plans are available online and though very comprehensive, little has been implemented. The current program coordinator, Annick Beaudet is committed to revising and implementing it, and has been very responsive to public input.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM - The Program provides federal  funds to TXDOT to substantially improve the ability of primary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely, to encourage healthy lifestyles at an early age and to improve air quality around public schools ( Program page | Local program contact)

BICYCLEAUSTIN - BicycleAustin is a clearing house for local bicycle issues, laws and information. If it isn't here, it probably never happened. The email discussion list is a great source of information.

BICYCLE ADVOCACY COUNCIL - The BAC is a group of concerned citizens interested in improving bicycle facilities and establishing policies which encourage bicycle transportation in the Austin area.  This is to be the primary cycling community input and feedback for the the City Bike Program.

LEAGUE OF BICYCLING VOTERS - The LOBV was established by cycling advocates in 1997 to oppose the first mandatory helmet law and promote safer biking in the Austin area. It reconvened in 2006 to oppose the second proposed helmet law and is an excellent source of information on why mandatory helmet laws should be opposed.

AUSTIN CYCLING ASSOCIATION -  ACA is 1,500 member recreational cycling organization that regularly promotes children's cycling safety and education. Last year they began advocating a broader safety and education program for the City of Austin.

YELLOW BIKE PROJECT - YBP is a 10 year old, all-volunteer community bike shop, that recycles unwanted bikes and educates over 100 cyclists in bike maintenance an repair every week.

AUSTIN CRITICAL MASS - The monthly bicycle ride to celebrate cycling and to take back the streets began in San Francisco in 1992, and quickly spread to cities all over the world. Critical Mass appeared in Austin in October 1993 and meets on the last Friday of every month at 5:00pm on the UT West Mall where it meets Guadalupe (between 22nd & 23rd Streets, at the fountain). Recent rides have had a carnival feel and featured costumes, bicycle stereo systems, tall bikes and dog trailers.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS - There are many other service, recreational, educational, transportation organizations that create the rich cycling community that exists in Austin.  Many of them are listed on BicycleAustin or in the Austin Bike Culture Wiki