Politics? Again? Damn, I thought that was over!

I guess all the political fervor of the last few months has been infectious, because everywhere I go all the bike geeks I know are fired up over something or other. Here are a couple examples of some peoples doing stuff beyond blathering on about politics over a lonestar at a ride...

It always warms the cockles of my heart to see someone else get all rant-y about bike shit in an email or on a website. Rob D'Amico is one of Austin's first and foremost flag-wavers for all causes bicycle-related, and last Saturday he sent out this letter to a rather comprehensive list of local bicycle community movers and shakers (thanks for not putting that behind a bcc: Rob, I've got y'all now). Here's what he has to say:

The time has come. And not yet gone again.

"Catapult"

It's the key word for the next step in Austin bicycle advocacy. As you may recall from the meeting with the city's new transportation director and head of public works, the City of Austin is ready to hear from the bicycle community about significant projects that we would like for the next budget "cycle."

With that in mind, the time has come to catapult Austin to at least up to par with other similar-sized U.S. cities who have taken dramatic steps in encouraging bicycling with significant investments in facilities, public education and incentives. We need bold, visible improvements that demonstrate the city's commitment to bicycling.

Examples would be a Nueces Bike Boulevard, a Waller Creek Tunnel Bikeway, a Commuter Club, a Downtown Bike Zone with added climbing lanes and booster lanes, and a "Light the Night" for Bike Safety Campaign. All in the next three year to five years.

After this initial hyperbole, I'll keep it short and simple. Here's what we--you and LOBV--want:

1) A quick and decisive—but comprehensive--public input process from the bicycling community that defines the top five major investments for bicyclists within the next three years. Unlike other public involvement projects of this scope, we do all the work, not the city.

2) A unified front and presentation of these five "signature" projects or programs to city leaders.

3) An agreement from a unified front of bicyclists that we expect a quick, decisive and comprehensive response to the bicycling community's top priorities for major investments. Anything less will result in protest.

And here's what "I" want you to do:

1) Respond to this email by saying, "Will do."

2) Show up for a "mini summit" to brainstorm the top 11 ideas for major investment projects and programs to present to the bicycling community. Date TBA.

3) Sign a letter to the city as a leader of your organization noting that we are initiating this process.

4) Reserve your calendar for the morning of Tuesday, January 13.

5) Buy one pack of your favorite incense (stick variety). We'll explain later.

And finally, I'll end with some hyperbole.

Bikes will save the world. They will save you. They are the be all and end all. Nothing but good can come from bicycles. Put everyone on a bike, and all our problems are solved. Don't be afraid. You're already on the bus.

TWANGKATHUD! That's the sound of CATAPULT… don't worry about the "thud."

Rob D'Amico
League of Bicycling Voters
President
512-627-1343
f: 512-682-9013
http://www.lobv.org

As you can see he's got quite a few ambitious ideas, and I'm insanely curious as to what the whole incense thing is all about. Color me intrigued, Rob. If any of y'all want to know what he's going on about, drop him a note and maybe he'll let you in on his master plan.

Next up is something I'm doing. It's not a sure thing, but I submitted my application for one of the 2 open alternate positions on the Bicycle Advisory Council. Of course the application had a few fields related to stuff like "education" and "volunteer activities"; the first I have none of and the second I need to do more so we'll see how it goes. The meeting where they discuss the applicants (and at which we can plead our case) is meeting this upcoming Thursday, so if you've always wanted to go to a Bicycle Advisory Council meeting but never got around to doing so, the time is now. If nothing else it'll be mildly entertaining to see them rip my application to shreds.

This has been going for a while now, but I really wanted to highlight this local bike initiative again:

Elliot and Marcus, the dynamic duo who run the show over at Austin Bike Blog have are waging a 2-man campaign for bicycle infrastructure via their petition. They've come up with a website to get the word out through the intertubes, but they're also doing it the old-fashioned way with a pen and clipboard for all you "Shimano 600 or die!" bicycle curmudgeon types. I did the paper signature thing at the Tour de Fat, but if you think any of this sounds like a good idea, put your name down. They've already amassed a considerable number of signatures and it only takes a few seconds, so here's an easy two-step program to recommend to all your cycling friends:

1) Read what they're about

2) Sign it if you like

Ta-da! Instant activism, and no teargas was involved.

Finally, the city is in the process of updating their bicycle master plan. It's over 12 years old, has only been about one third implemented, and is REALLY getting to be long in the tooth. Thankfully change is in the air, and it seems to be getting applied to the master plan. Keep your ear to the ground, I'm sure you'll hear more about the city's updates as they actually come up with them...

Back to Fallout 3.