National Bike Summit 2010 - March 9-11, 2010

From the League of American Bicyclists:

National Bike Summit 2010
National Bike Summit 2010

National Bike Summit 2010 - Building on 10 Years of Progress

Bicycling has come a long way in the last 10 years. Our movement has grown larger and more effective; the number of people riding is growing in almost every community in the nation. We need more people on bikes more often, and the reasons just keep on growing. Whether it’s obesity, health care, climate change, air quality, energy independence, traffic congestion, economic development or quality of life issues – bicycling has got to be part of the solution. In 2010, Congress and our Federal agencies will be setting national targets and goals for 2020. They will be writing transportation, climate, health care, natural resources and other critical pieces of legislation that will shape our future. Bicycling must be prominently featured in these important pieces of legislation, documents, funding streams and programs.

Ten years ago, the first National Bike Summit brought just over 100 advocates and industry leaders to Washington, D.C. – this year we need to be closer to 1,000 participants to make a strong impact. Join us and speak up for bicycling; discover how your voice can truly be heard. Help the League of American Bicyclists celebrate 10 years of progress, and help us propel into a new decade of the bicycle!

For more information, contact the League of American Bicyclists at 202.822.1333, bikeleague@bikeleague.org, or www.bikeleague.org.


San Diego's 1st Annual Tweed Ride - December 12th

Photo by Esteban del Rio.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
By Carly Studer

Just when San Diegans thought that they would never have a chance to wear that tweed jacket or scarf they bought on impulse, a community event is coming to San Diego to prove them wrong. TWEED RIDE is a bicycling community event where San Diego cyclists forego lycra and don their most dapper antiquarian apparel for San Diego's first annual event. Similar events have taken place in cities like London, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Boston. Rain or shine, participants will help demonstrate that cycling is appropriate for everyday life and leisure. Starting around teatime, the leisurely ride ends at The Station Tavern at 2204 Fern St. where you can wet your whistle and grab a bite to eat.

While there may be a misconception that bicycling is for children or racers, San Diego has a growing amount of residents that have the bike bug. SANDAG estimates that there are currently over a half million bicycle trips everyday in the San Diego region. Bicycling is good for your health, for the environment, doesn’t create noise or fumes, obstruct space – and makes you happy. The TWEED RIDE is one way to show the utility and joy of riding.

The TWEED RIDE is for fun, but it is also meant to show that cycling is appropriate and sustainable for everyday errands, commuting, and leisure - and it can even be done in nice clothes. San Diego has one of the best climates for cultivating a sustainable infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. The TWEED RIDE is one of many fun events that encourages cycling for as a less-polluting, healthy, and fun alternative to motorized travel. We live in a era where individuals are stopping and looking at the input the contribute to the environment, and also care about the world they are leaving for the future. TWEED RIDE embodies the spirit and characters of the cyclists in San Diego and the billions of utility riders around the world. An event like this shows their good-hearted nature, but also is reminding the rest of the community of the impact they could be making.

For more information, visit sdbikecommuter.com, or contact Esteban del Rio at edelrio[at]sandiego.edu or Sky Boyer at veloculture[at]gmail.com.

Also, visit:

San Francisco Tweed Ride
The Washington Post covers D.C.'s Tweed Ride
Dandies and Quaintrelles
Boston Tweed Ride
Tweed Ride Philadelphia


This Saturday: Mid-City Bike Blast Ride for Human Rights

bikeblast1212Consider this a good warm-up for the 1st Annual San Diego Tweed Ride.

In recognition of the anniversary of the Declaration of Human rights, this month’s bike blast is sponsored by the City Heights Human Rights organization. We will meet at the City Heights Farmer’s Market at 43rd and Wightman at 10 AM: bring a bell and wear white! We will ride around the Mid City area, spreading awareness and having fun! Bring your neighbor, bring your friends, bring your kids! It will be a slow 5 mile ride. We will do our best to keep up with everybody, but remember you are on your own. When we come back to the Farmer’s Market, (around 12 noon) there will still be plenty of time to support our local vendors. See you there!


A Holiday Toy Ride to Benefit El Cajon Children

From the San Diego Union Tribune:

Cyclists are being asked to join a holiday toy ride tomorrow by the La Mesa Bicycle Racing Club.

Cyclists carrying donated toys will ride from a La Mesa coffee shop to the East County Boys & Girls Club in El Cajon, where the gifts will be dropped off.

The group will meet at 8 a.m. at Cosmos Coffee Shop, 8278 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa, then bicycle to the club at 1171 E. Madison Ave. in El Cajon. A support vehicle will be available to transport larger toys. Toys can be dropped off at the coffee shop for those who cannot participate but want to donate a gift.

The La Mesa Bicycle Racing Club is a group of recreational cyclists who support a variety of racing, social and community service events. For more information, go to bikebuddies.org.


Press Conference announcing the Del Mar Greenway

From our mailbox:

You’re invited to a press conference announcing the proposed Del Mar Greenway, which would run along the south edge of the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  This new public access will provide more green space for pedestrians and cyclists and enhance our natural wetlands for wildlife and waterfowl.

WHERE:
Riverpath Del Mar
2240 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar, CA

WHEN:
Wednesday, December 2
10:00 a.m.

WHO:
State Senator Christine Kehoe
San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price
Del Mar Mayor Crystal Crawford

Please join us!

To RSVP, call Senator Kehoe at (619) 645-3133.

To view a map with directions to the event, click here.