Community Bicycle Congress

“Pedal Power” Helps Boise City Earn Top Ranking

gknight — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:05:33 +0000

Citing the city’s “cycling-centric” culture, Men’s Health Magazine listed Boise at #1 among the nation’s top cities for men in 2012. To arrive at its ranking, the magazine used 38 criteria – from air quality to unemployment – but highlighted bicycling, and the ease of bicycle commuting, as deciding factors. Magazine editors were impressed to learn that 220 miles of bike lanes, and 46 miles of designated bike routes, run through Ada County.

Bicycle Congress founder George C. Knight was interviewed for the article. Read more here

Bicycle Friendly Business List Nears 500 Members; Two New Awards in Idaho

gknight — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 22:22:26 +0000

In its most recent awards cycle, the League of American Bicyclists recognized 71 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFB) for their role in pedaling America toward greater prosperity and making their businesses welcoming to bicyclists. This round of awards pushes the total number of BFBs to nearly 500 businesses in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Newly listed businesses in Idaho include

Kittleson & Associates, Boise (Silver award)

Drake Cooper, Inc., Boise (Bronze award)

As of this news release, Idaho boasts ten recognized Bicycle Friendly Businesses (one Gold, five Silver, four Bronze awards); three Bicycle Friendly Communities (two Silver, one Bronze); and a Bicycle Friendly University (Silver). In addition three businesses have received Honorable Mention in virtue of their applications.

Read Kittleson & Associates’ press release here

Read the League of American Bicyclists’ press release here

Ada County Steps Up to Silver

gknight — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:55:38 +0000

Citing a strong and ongoing commitment to safety and bicycle facility expansion on the part of Ada County, today the League of American Bicyclists announced that the county has been elevated to Silver status among Bicycle Friendly Communities.
“This is wonderful news and confirmation of Ada County’s status as a great place to bike and ACHD’s role in promoting and expanding cycling opportunities,” said ACHD President Rebecca Arnold, herself a bike rider. “We support riding for recreation and alternative transportation, which improves our air quality and decreases congestion on the roads.”
The addition of three miles of on-street bike lanes, the creation of three miles of unpaved greenbelt, and the introduction of shared lane markings on six miles of roads and green bike lanes at intersections – innovations that increase driver and rider awareness and, therefore, safety – demonstrated the county’s commitment to cycling.
Since voters approved the Ada County Vehicle Registration Fees in 2008, ACHD has earmarked about $4 million a year for expanded bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Read the entire press release here

Spring Ahead: League Recognizes Three More Bicycle Friendly Businesses in Idaho

gknight — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:08:14 +0000

Today the League of American Bicyclists announced 67 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses, who join the ranks of local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies that are transforming the American workplace. Included among the new honorees are three from Idaho:

Ada County Highway District office, Boise (Silver medal)

Idaho Mountain Touring, Boise (Silver medal)

Blaine County Recreation District, Hailey (Honorable Mention)

More than 500,000 American employees now work at a Bicycle Friendly Business, thanks to visionary leadership in the private and public sector.

Read Ada County Highway District’s press release here

Read the League of American Bicyclists’ press release here

Cycle Learning Center Helps Boise State Climb to Silver

gknight — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:37:45 +0000

As announced today by the League of American Bicyclists, Boise State University became a Silver medalist among Bicycle Friendly Universities for a range of impressive programs, including a new Cycle Learning Center. “The Cycle Learning Center provides a central, hands-on learning environment that empowers campus users to bicycle through education programs, instructional clinics and support services,” said JC Porter, Assistant Director of Transportation at Boise State.

Read the entire press release here

Four Workshop Participants Receive Bicycle Friendly Recognition

gknight — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:40:06 +0000

On September 14, 2011 at the Interbike trade show in Las Vegas, the League of American Bicyclists announced a record 111 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFB), including

Boise Bicycle Project – Idaho’s first Gold medal recipient
Idaho Power Company – the state’s second Silver medalist, joining previous honoree Healthwise, Inc.
Microsoft Boise – Bronze medal, joining previous Bronze awardees REI Boise and NIFC (the National Interagency Fire Center)
CTA Architects – our host for the walking tour during the 2011 BFB Workshop, received Honorable Mention

All four Idaho recipients participated in the 2011 Bicycle Congress.

League of American Bicyclists president Andy Clarke said, “We are happy to recognize these businesses for their investment in bicycling as a vehicle for improved employee health, social responsibility and economic growth. Some of the most successful companies in the world are showing that investing in bicycling is not only good for health and sustainability but also the bottom line.”

Currently, there are 344 awardees in 40 states that span a wide range of industries from hospitals to the financial service industry. Idaho’s first honoree was J-U-B Engineers of Coeur d’Alene (Honorable Mention, 2009).

To apply or learn more about the free BFB program, visit the League of American Bicyclists online at bikeleague.org/businesses.

Bicycle Friendly Business Workshop

gknight — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 03:07:06 +0000

Thirty-four individuals representing various businesses, agencies and organizations gathered at the Owyhee Plaza on Wednesday morning, April 20, for an interactive session that also featured a field trip to CTA Architects. Participants in the workshop represented eleven different businesses; ten different agencies of federal, state or local govenment; and seven different advisory or advocacy groups. Also in attendance was Idaho Senator Eliot Werk. Each person in attendance received a copy of LAB’s Blueprint for a Bicycle-Friendly America. To supplement the Blueprint, Bill Nesper ran through a PowerPoint presentation of the Five Es. Following a short mid-morning break, the group walked across Grove Street to visit the offices of CTA Architects, where we were given a look at how CTA has adapted its workspace to encourage cycling.

The group expressed interest in continuing to communicate. An e-mail discussion group has been created for the purpose. Questions? Contact us via e-mail at bicyclecongress@boisestate.edu

Bicycle Friendly University Workshop

gknight — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 22:13:59 +0000

Boise State University was among the first to apply for the new designation. Those who cooperated in compiling the university’s application, along with managers from Boise State offices that oversee the “Five Es,” convened on Wednesday afternoon, April 20, to talk about future directions. Because the audience was comprised almost entirely of Boise State University personnel (the lone exception was ITD’s Maureen Gresham), this workshop concentrated on an inventory of “next steps” that would help the university move toward Silver and higher recognition. The workshop included commentary from LAB representative Bill Nesper, and a walking tour during which we visited the original Bike Barn; the Pedestrian Priority Zone; Brady Bike Pen; and site of new Cycle Learning Center. Arranged according to the Five Es, here are recommendations that came out of the workshop.

Evaluation and Planning

user satisfaction survey (good examples can be found at UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, Stanford)
implement Alta Plan
do bike counts

Enforcement

targeted enforcement of bicycle laws both on campus and along feeder routes

Encouragement

implement a bike sharing program
tie staff and faculty into Student Recreation Center programs
build awareness of where to shower and get clean clothes
get upper administration involved; interest them in advancing to Silver, Gold, Platinum
roadside service: people can get this for their cars (lockouts, dead batteries) why not for their bikes?

Engineering

connect gaps
establish more covered bicycle parking
achieve standardization of bicycle parking
work on University Drive; get more bicycle facilities on the pavement
take steps so that CLC becomes campus bicycle hub
develop bicycle-friendly gateways to campus
in cooperation with ACHD, improve level of service for bicycles on campus access routes, especially Kootenia/Protest

Education

integrate planning for bicycles with M.A. in planning program
implement a “Dorm Challenge” (example from Stanford)
University 101 course should introduce people to the resources that exist for cycling on campus
include an overview of bicycling resources in new student orientation
make bike map widely available
develop more bicycle education for people that drive University vehicles

Questions? Contact us via e-mail at bicyclecongress@boisestate.edu

League Presents Awards at Bicycle Congress Session

gknight — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:48 +0000

On Thursday, April 21, Bicycle Congress participants gathered to celebrate Bicycle Friendly Business recognition for three pioneering businesses, all located in Boise. Awards were presented to

Healthwise, Incorporated (Silver)

REI Boise (Bronze)

National Interagency Fire Center (Bronze, from 2010)

Bicycle Friendly America Workshops

gknight — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:08:29 +0000

Through its Bicycle Friendly America campaign, the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) honors the work being done by states, communties, businesses and universities who encourage a more bicycle friendly atmosphere for citizens, employees, customers and students. The program recognizes innovative bike-friendly efforts and provides technical assistance and information to help our communities, companies and organizations become even better for bicyclists. On April 20, Boise State University will host two workshops aimed at helping participants achieve recognition as bicycle friendly organizations.

Bicycle Friendly Business Workshop: 8:15 a.m. to Noon, Wednesday, April 20

A Bicycle Friendly Business is one which actively supports bicycling for transportation and recreation. There are many such businesses in our community, yet few have sought recognition from the LAB. In order to help local businesses realize their potential for award, Boise State University has invited Bill Nesper, director of Bicycle Friendly America programs, to present this half-day workshop. There is no fee for participation. This workshop will be held in downtown Boise at the Owyhee Plaza, Regency Room.

Bicycle Friendly University Workshop: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 20

Bicycle Friendly University programs, launched in October of 2010, will provide incentives, hands-on assistance, and award recognition for colleges and universities that actively support bicycling for transportation and recreation. Boise State University was among the first to apply for the new designation, and now wishes to help jump-start the process for candidate institutions around the northwest. There is no fee for participation. This workshop will be held in the Boise State Student Union Building, Simplot A Ballroom.

Related activities April 21 (Thursday morning)

Details of these activites to be announced.

Questions? Contact us via e-mail at bicyclecongress@boisestate.edu