A bicycle tour of Arlington’s Central Library and six of the library’s seven branches takes place on Saturday, April 19 at 9:30 a.m. (Plaza Branch Library is not open on weekends.) Riders will start their ride on the Quincy Avenue side of Central Library. No pre-registration is required. The total circular route will cover some 29 miles but there will be options for a shorter excursion. Participants will receive a special Arlington Reads gift package. Due to the length of the ride, this activity is not recommended for children under the age of 12 unless accompanied by an adult. THIS EVENT WILL NOT BE HELD IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER.

from the Safe Routes to School National Partnership newsletter, via Jakob Helmboldt and Barbara Duerk

On Monday, March 3, 2008, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced Senate bill S. 2686, The Complete Streets Act of 2008. The Complete Streets Act of 2008 was introduced to ensure that all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users as well as children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities, are able to travel safely and conveniently on streets and highways. The bill would require that state DOTs and MPOs develop complete streets policies for the use of federal funds.

Co-sponsors and supporters of S. 2686 are essential – please call or write to your Senator today to gain their support. [continue reading…]

March 2008 was a deadly month for Virginia cyclists, with two fatalities. Both were hit from behind.  Neither driver was cited.

15 year old Stephen Caleb Smith of Orange allegedly turned left across traffic when he was struck from behind. Because he was wearing headphones, he may not have heard traffic behind him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Read another newspaper account.

In an similar incident, David Mark Toliver from Pennington Gap was struck from behind when he allegedly changed lanes. He died from his injuries a day later. According to an officer at the scene, “He had cans in the basket on his bike and may have seen some in the median and was going to pick them up.”

In 2007, Virginia had 7 cycling fatalities statewide.

This video of some basketball players shows brilliantly how we don’t see what we’re not looking for, but we do see what we are looking for — so we need to watch for cyclists. Courtesy of Transport for London, via Boingboing.