Things are getting hectic in the House as Cross Over looms next week,
and the back log of bills is large so they are being handled very quickly. Every bill that has any fiscal implications whatsoever is being Reported, and then Referred to the Appropriations Committee, which by now has a huge backlog, as everyone seems to be waiting to see what Federal money will be forthcoming from the Stimulus Plan.
The Senate seems to be much less hurried and hectic, and rolling along normally.
Late in the House Session today, Del. Ebbin’s HB 2386, Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalks, got blind sided by a Motion to Re-Refer to Committee, whereupon the Speaker referred it to the Courts of Justice Committee. Since the bill had come up through the Transportation Committee, Courts of Justice is not where we want to see it (particularly since it has a well deserved reputation as a “Killing Fields” committee in the House) and I’ll be surprised if this is not the dead end for it in this session. I think this is the 7th time I’ve been here supporting this type of bill, and this is the first time I’ll have to go to Courts of Justice to support it.
But, over in a late running Transportation Committee session, Del.
Brink’s HB2008, aimed at including the CTB’s prohibition on bicycles,
etc. on Interstates in the Code so violators would be found guilty in
court, finally got straightened out to my satisfaction, [continue reading…]
After decades of burdensome restrictions, cyclists may finally have better access to trails in our National Park system. A proposed rule change at the National Park Service (NPS) will make it easier for individual parks to open trails to bicyclists. But to ensure that it happens this way, it is important that you submit your comments now.
IMBA has taken the lead on this, putting up a page about the issue with links to their own analysis of the proposed NPS rule change, the entire text of RIN 1024-AD72, and of course, a link to submit your comments. Custom-written letters are preferred. IMBA has provided 8 points for mountain bikers to use in writing their letters.
But while IMBA has focused on mountain biking, VBF reminds everyone that this proposed rule change affects bicycling on all roads and paved trails in National Parks too. NPS has not been as supportive of bicycling as we would like them to be — particularly in Virginia, where their jurisdiction includes the Blue Ridge Parkway and the George Washington Parkway, Shenandoah National Park, many other parks and National Monuments, and all the roads and trails within.
Please submit your comments by February 17.
As with all action alerts, please forward this to your mailing lists, and share it in social media.
Carlos Urreta and Joe Philipson will be riding coast-to-coast this spring, with the goal of inspiring 1000 geeks to ride to work instead of driving. Hopefully they’ll go viral and inspire legions of webmasters, bloggers, and Facebook and Twitter addicts to start riding to work and writing about it.
Unfortunately they’ll be passing through Pennsylvania instead of Virginia. But their effort is noteworthy so let’s give them all the support that we can. Why? These guys “get it” — while our big-name bike advocacy organizations are floundering with communications sensibilities that are 25 years out of date.
You can read more about Carlos and Joe, and sign up for updates at Real Geeks Ride, or follow them on Twitter.
Thanks again to The Cycling Dude for relaying the news about Real Geeks Ride.
Don’t forget the National Bike Summit is coming up soon, the networking event of the year for bike advocates. This year’s theme is “Go for Green: Building Bicycling into the Transportation Bill.”
Featured speakers will be:
The highlight of the event, as always, is networking with other advocates and bike industry representatives, and meeting with your own congressmen and senators.
Don’t forget to bring your bike!
Title: Policy Analyst
Salary: Negotiable, dependant on qualifications and experience
Date: January 30, 2009
Reports to: Executive Director
Job Summary: The League of American Bicyclists is looking for two policy analysts to research, compile and present information on a variety of bicycling-related programs and policies. The policy analysts will write model laws, policies and practices; review federal, state and local funding programs; and advise bicycle advocates how to maximize them locally. The job(s) require experience researching hard-to-find facts, strong writing and presentation skills, some travel, and an interest in bicycling/walking. One position will be more media focused (PR experience is preferred) and the other will be more research focused. Both positions will support state and local bicycling and walking advocates around the U.S. The two policy analysts will work closely with a third staff person employed by the Thunderhead Alliance for Biking and Walking, who will be training advocates nationwide on how to implement new policies and programs. College degree required; background in bicycling and/or transportation helpful. Apply to elizabeth@bikeleague.org by Feb. 9, 2009.
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