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THE DNA OF A BFC 

Steve Clark of the League of American Bicyclists visited 77 communities last year, riding the streets and talking to planners and advocates. He came out with some insights that every biking and walking group in the country should read. 

He said that "things like a Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan, staff to implement the plan, and a strong network of bike facilities, policies and ordinances that will help institutionalize safe cycling" are key building blocks for a bicycle-friendly community -- indeed, they comprise "the DNA of a BFC." But only if they're implemented with passion and rigor, and not just checked off a list. Cities (and the advocates themselves) must not view bicycling as a "special-interest activity" but "as part of a larger effort to make streets more livable, communities more vibrant and places more accessible for the benefit of all."

And those advocates need to be bold. "When I go into a city I look for signs of healthy tension," Steve says. "If the bike organization leaders have only positive things to say [about city officials], and yet it’s clear that conditions for bicycling and walking are far from ideal, something is wrong." The advocates' job, he emphasizes, is to make the city bike coordinator look moderate. "The key is to be respectfully relentless," he writes.

Steve highlights the important role of bike shops in pushing advocacy and infrastructure forward. And he encourages advocates to view opposition as a sign of success, not an invitation to retreat. 

Check out Steve's whole article. It's a good read.

INFRASTRUCTURE INLET

The bike route on historic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles now abruptly stops outside of Needles, California -- and the only alternative (I-40) prohibits bikes. 

BIG PICTURE BOULEVARD

Biking and walking advocates from around the country -- but especially from Texas, Ohio, St. Louis, and the Southeast -- now have a new flock of Streetsblogs to keep them up-to-date on all the latest where they live. 

Los Angeles Walks steering committee member Alissa Walker talks to L.A. Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne about the mayor's Great Streets Initiative and other "profound and dramatic" walkability advances in the city.

Cascade Bicycle Club wrestles with structural (c)(3)-vs.-(c)(4) issues any advocacy organization can relate to.

Philly advocates call for a citywide bicycle registration program to deter thefts or at least make it easier to recover stolen bikes.

MassBike's new executive director presents 10 reasons why Boston is about to become America’s best bike city.

The Napa Valley Vine Trail's chief route planner is now the executive director of the Vine Trail Coalition.

Shiloh Ballard, one of Silicon Valley Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and a recognized “Woman in Leadership” will be the new executive director of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.

ADVOCACY AVENUE

Though it touts the importance of active transportation, California Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget reduces funding for it by $14 million.

Fire departments' opposition to roadway narrowing often puts them at odds with biking and walking advocates, but not this time. The San Francisco Fire Department Commission has passed a Vision Zero resolution, committing to help eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2024.

LEGISLATION LANE

Tailgating bill passes (while others get passed over) in Virginia legislative session.

City of Savannah unanimously adopts Complete Streets ordinance.

Houston is inching its way toward passing a Complete Streets policy, too -- or so hopes Bike Houston.

Pima County Bond Advisory Committee moves to include Living Streets Alliance's $25 million Pedestrian Safety & Walkability Proposal in the next county bond election.

PROGRAMMING PROMENADE

How Bike Pittsburgh is revamping its program to bring businesses along on the ride toward a more bike-friendly city.

GET A JOB

Sports Backers in Richmond, Virginia, seeks an Active RVA director.

Bike Austin is looking for a new executive director.

MassBike is hiring a part-time communications coordinator. 

Want to be the next executive director at Queen City Bike in Greater Cincinnati?

The Wisconsin Bike Fed is looking for Share and Be Aware Ambassadors as well as Bike/Walk Safety Instructors.

The Livable Streets Alliance in Cambridge, Mass., is hiring an executive assistant.

Bikemore in Baltimore is looking for a new executive director. 

Are you the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition's next outreach coordinator?

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is hiring three bike-share ambassadors and a street team leader (and street team members).

The state and local biking and walking advocacy movement is growing. Check out the Alliance for Biking & Walking job board for listings all over North America.

TRAILER

The news you've all been waiting for: Ladies and gentlemen, your 2015 RAGBRAI route.