The Virginia Department of Transportation has named John Bolecek as the long awaited Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner.  John officially begins July 11.

John has worked for the US Department of Transportation, where he focused on safety, pedestrian, and bicycle issues.   He also has taught Virginia LTAP courses on bicycle and pedestrian policy, planning, funding, and design, and is certified as a National Safe Routes to School Course Instructor.

During the summer of 2008, John rode his bicycle from Florence, Oregon to Charlottesville, Virginia on a self-supported tour.

The Virginia Bicycling Federation welcomes John Bolecek into his new position, and looks forward his assistance to help make Virginia a top ten Bicycle Friendly State.

In Richmond next Sunday, July 17, don’t miss this special screening of Road to Roubaix, a documentary about the 2007 Paris-Roubaix. It’s a fundraiser for Richmond Cycling Corps, a unique non-profit that provides leadership and personal development to Richmond’s urban youth, through the sport of cycling.

Gather at BlackFinn at 6pm for dinner and drinks on the patio, including RCC drink specials; the movie starts at 7pm. RCC will be leading a group ride beforehand, starting at 4pm. Cost is $10; register at EventBrite.

Read more at RideRichmond.

Tour du Port - Sunday October 9 in Baltimore

If you feel compelled to do some cycling north of the Potomac, we encourage you to participate in the Tour du Port, a “super cool bicycling event promoting a terrific cause,” according to sister bike advocacy organization, Bike Maryland.

The October 9 event, which is Bike Maryland’s major fund raiser,  starts in Baltimore and features  65, 50, 40, 23 and 13 mile rides.

For more details, visit the Bike Maryland website.

House Transportation and Infrastrucuture Chair, John Micah (R - FL)

 A number of action alerts have recently been circulating regarding drastic cuts to bike and pedestrian funding by the current Congress.   

House Transportation Chairman John Mica announced that his proposed long-term federal transportation bill will eliminate dedicated funding for biking and walking — including Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and the Recreation Trails Program — referring to these programs as “not in the national interest.” 

Senator James Inhofe has also discussed similar cuts in the Senate.    

Based on our conversations with Senator Warner and Webb’s offices, we are confident that Virginia’s Senators will work diligently to make sure this does not happen on their side.  

Things aren’t as clear, though, with the House.  

The VBF encourages interested Virginia voters to let their Representatives know that continued dedicated funding for bicycling and walking is a must.  It is a critical part of a safe, accessible and effective transportation system.  Click on this link (provided by our colleagues at Safe Routes) to let your Representative know how you feel.