FLCC> Bike to work update 5/3

[Wayne Gottlieb]

Here's an update on the May 16th bike to work plan. 
I'm sending this to FLCC and CYCC.   Please forward it
to other appropriate groups.  thanks  Wayne

In a nutshell, it is our goal to get as many people as
possible biking on May 16.  This will be done by
identifying several routes where people will be riding
to work.  Hopefully they will be joined by many others
who occasionally bike to work or have been thinking of
biking to work.  We're hoping that they will be more
likely to join a large group for safety.  We're trying
to publicize the event as much as possible.  This will
be done through list serves, radio and newspapers.  

Here's what's taken care of:

Publicity: David Hill is interested in writing a story
and interviewing commuters beforehand Andrew Tutino
will consider printing my letter to the editor  (see
below).  Gene Endres will do his yearly Bike to work
radio show.  

Information:  I'm sending out occasional updates. 
Andrejs Ozolins has put a Bike to work Day page on the
FLCC page describing the routes. 

Routes:  There are currently 4 routes in mind. 1)
Brooktondale to DeWitt, 2) Danby to LACS, 3) Down 89
into town and 4) Harford road to Ludgates.  

Prominant people:  Ron Acerra DeWitt Principal,
Principal of LACS, Jim Dennis (possible), Mike
Ludgate, Gene Endres.  I don't want to presume one
person's "prominance" over any others, but those
listed seem to be well known.

Here's what still needs to be done:

Routes:  More routes need to be identified, especially
routes that are used by large groups of people and
that are used by prominent folks.
Send info on the route, the time you would be leaving
and how many people ride that route to me
wgottlieb at yahoo.com

Publicity:  PTA list serves would be good ways to get
the word out to parents who would like to bike to
school with their kids.  Radio stations could be
contacted (WHCU, eg) and other newspapers could be
contacted.  Word of mouth would be a great way to
spread the word.  Let friends, family and people at
work know about the day and set up group rides. 

Free Coffee:  Somebody suggested that Gimme Coffee
might give out free cups of coffee to bikers on that
day.  I don't think anybody has asked.  

Community leaders invited:  As far as I know the
Mayor, IHS principal, CU president, IC president,
school board members, council members and prominant
business people have not been invited yet.  Does
anybody have connections?  

Letters to the editor:  Send letters to the editor to
the Journal.  Perhaps you'd like to describe your
enjoyment of bike commuting or your reasons for
biking.  

Here's my letter:

"May 16th is National Bike to Work Day. Since its
inception in 1956, it’s gone largely unnoticed, but
with increases in fuel costs, and an increasing
awareness of environmental issues, this may change.
Several routes around Tompkins County have been set up
to celebrate the day.  Each route will include leaders
of Ithaca schools, government and business (go to
http://www.flcycling.org/ for details). Many who have
thought about bicycling to work to save on fuel and
maintenance costs can give it a try on May 16th.  
Similar bike to work days all over the country have
shown that new participants become regular bike
commuters.  Bicycle commuting leads to better health,
and saves time and money.  In addition, the community
benefits from lower road maintenance costs, less
traffic and reduced pollution.  Not everyone can bike
to work, but everyone benefits from increased bike
commuting, and everyone can participate.  Motorists
can try to be aware of the increase in bike traffic on
that day.  Be patient and give a friendly wave as you
pass.  You can also participate by taking a bus,
walking or reducing your driving.  Some busses have
bike racks allowing commuters to bike part way to
work.  Employers can provide showers, incentives and
bike racks to encourage cycling.  If you plan to
participate, take a test ride before the 16th.  Wear a
helmet, and follow the rules of the road.  Have you
been considering bike commuting lately? Give it a try.
 You may never go back. "     






  


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