| From the Executive Director |
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As I've commuted by bike to our new Richmond office this week, I've enjoyed the fresh morning air and had time to reflect on all that May held for our organization.
 It was a whirlwind month for BikeWalk Virginia! We kicked off with the May is Bike Month Proclamation at the Capitol then zoomed through organizational activity and change. BikeWalk Chapters and members participated in many Bike to Work Day initiatives across the state including those in Norfolk, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Williamsburg, and Martinsville; the Tour de Chesapeake in Mathews was enjoyed by many; and amidst all the fun, the BikeWalk headquarters moved from Williamsburg to our new home in Richmond on May 22.
Where are we heading this month? June promises to be just as exciting! Bike Virginia, our largest fundraiser, begins on the 20th. It's just around the corner and final preparations are under way. Take some time off to join in the fun by volunteering or riding.
June also promises to be busy for our staff as they work on the October 4-7 Governor's Conference, the Safe Routes to Schools initiative, the Activate Martinsville-Henry County program, the Virginia Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Guide, VDOT's Virginia Bicycle Advisory Committee, and discussions with two groups interested in starting BikeWalk Chapters.
Your participation in BikeWalk events, donations, and memberships allow BikeWalk Virginia to do advocacy and education on the state and local levels. Our staff members sit on many advisory boards and state level committees working to assure a safe and accessible Virginia for non-motorized transportation and recreation. Funds also help cover costs of local level chapters that have been very active improving communities around the state. Thank you for helping our organization to do this important work. Hope to see you out on the road, the trail, or the water in June!
Dr. Kimberly Likens Perry
Executive Director
BikeWalk Virginia
BWV Richmond HQ Contact Info:
BikeWalk Virginia's headquarters has moved to 4801 Hermitage Road, Suite 101, in Richmond (23227), just across the street from Bryan Park. The office telephone number is 804-261-0507 and the Fax number is 888-308-9427.
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| Successful Bike Month Kick Off! |
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Riders from all over Virginia gathered at the Virginia Capitol in Richmond on May 1 to celebrate May is Bike Month.
The Governor's May is Bike Month Proclamation was read by Deputy Commissioner Ralph Davis, who rode his bicycle to the Bell Tower to greet riders on behalf of Governor Timothy Kaine.
In the photo in the Executive Director's note above, Allen Turnbull (left), former executive director of BikeWalk Virginia, and Kimberly Perry (right), current executive director of BikeWalk Virginia, welcomed Deputy Commissioner Davis (center) to the event.
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| BikeWalk Roanoke Ride & Rodeo |
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| AWA Chapter Fits 100 Helmets |
 Volunteers with BikeWalk Virginia's Active Williamsburg Alliance gave away bicycle helmets and talked to childen and families about how to properly fit and wear helmets during two family-friendly Bike Month events. Eighty helmets were distributed during the 12th Annual Pedal the Parkway ride and 20 helmets were given away at the 2nd Annual Children's Bike Ride on the Virginia Capital Trail. The AWA volunteers also adjusted helmets worn to the events by bicyclists to ensure a safe fit.
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| Bigger, Better Annual Conference Set for October 4 to 7 |
The City of Richmond has partnered with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to merge the Virginia Recreation and Park Society Annual Conference with the Governor's Conference on Greenways, Blueways and Trails. The BikeWalk Virginia Annual Conference is also a part of this event. Due to the merger, there will be a wide range of new sessions and workshops on land and water trail development and management. Along with new faces, there will be many opportunities to build your professional network.  The venue is the Greater Richmond Convention Center and the large Exhibit Hall will allow new interactive exhibits. Mark your calendar and register today. |
| Complete Streets Act of 2008 |
Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) took an important step on May 1 for safer, better designed streets by introducing the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2008 into the U.S. House (HR 5951). The bill would make sure that roads built and improved with federal funds safely serve everyone using the roadway, including pedestrians, bicyclists, bus riders, as well as people with disabilities.  On the Senate side, Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) signed on as first Republican co-sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, S2686, the Complete Streets Act of 2008, as introduced by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Thomas Carper (D-DE). This is the first time that comprehensive complete streets bills have been introduced in the House and Senate. |
| FHWA: Traffic Trend Down |
 The Federal Highway Administration graph of nationwide traffic volume trends shows a general leveling off of traffic volume through 2007 and a decreasing trend in 2008. Monthly data for Virginia reveals a 3.3 percent decrease in traffic volume in March 2008 when compared to March 2007. |
| In the News |
Bicycles Pedaling Into the Spotlight J. Matthew Roney, Earth Policy Institute, May 12, 2008 The world produced an estimated 130 million bicycles in 2007-more than twice the 52 million cars produced.
Many Devising Cheaper Transportation Strategies
USA Today, May 13 A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds that 84% [of Americans] are consolidating errands or taking other steps to reduce driving. Nearly one-third say they're using alternative ways to get around, including bicycles.
Eco-City Alexandria Includes Complete StreetsComplete the Streets News, May 2008 The City of Alexandria, VA in partnership with Virginia Tech's Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, designed a new initiative, Eco-City Alexandria, to guide the city towards being more sustainable.
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Events |
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June 7
Alexandria-Arlington Community Bike Ride
June 7-8, 2008
June 20-25, 2008
Bike Virginia
Abingdon & Bristol, VA; Kingsport, TN
July 31-Aug. 2, 2008 Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference
Charleston, S.C.
Sept. 2-5, 2008
Seattle, WA
September 13-14
Heart of Virginia Century
Ashland, VA
Sept. 26-28, 2008
Northern Neck RiverRide
Kilmarnock, VA
Oct. 4-7, 2008
2008 Virginia Recreation and Park Society Annual Conference, with the Governor's Conference on Greenways, Blueways and Trails
Richmond, VA
November 15-19, 2008
Little Rock, AR
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| Bike Virginia Sleuth! |
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Be the first person to guess this 2009 Bike Virginia location and win a pair of socks. |
Here is your hint: My walls have told the story of north and south since a time long ago. The voices of the past that I hold were nearly lost to the name of progress but were brought to light and now can be heard by many.
Send your answer to kperry@bikewalkvirginia.org.
Deadline: midnight June 16, 2008.
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At BikeWalk Virginia,
Green is More than a Color
BikeWalk is working to be more environmentally friendly through several initiatives.
In our office we avoid printing unnecessary documents and recycle paper and plastic.
This year we have also implemented green initiatives for Bike Virginia, our largest fundraising event. We will offer recycling at tent city, will use biodegradable cups, and are encouraging cyclists to use their water bottles when possible instead of using disposable cups. Additionally, we have partnered with Terrapass to offer carbon offset options for those who wish to participate.
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BikeWalk Virginia |
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PROGRAMS
When you join us, you support programs that make Virginia a safer place for individuals of all ages and income levels to walk and ride a bicycle.
TRANSPORTATION & RECREATION
HEALTH & THE ENVIRONMENT
By walking and bicycling more often, Virginians are improving prospects for the future, for their health and for the health of the planet.
LOCAL CHAPTERS
Northern Neck,
Thank you!
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| Job Opportunity: SRTS Policy Manager |
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The Bikes Belong Foundation is looking for an energetic and dynamic professional with at least 4-5 years proven success in a senior advocacy/policy/legislative position to work with the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) National Partnership as its Policy Manager. The Policy Manager will work from a home office in Washington DC on government relations, lobbying, policy research and analysis, and report writing to advance the SRTS national movement. Applicants who live outside of Washington DC will be considered if they will move to DC by September 2008. Please visit the Safe Routes to School National Partnership's website for more information. |
| Martinsville Proclaims
Bike Month |
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In Martinsville, Jeannie Frisco (left) of Activate Martinsville-Henry County accepted the City of Martinsville's May is Bike Month Proclamation from Mayor Kimble Reynolds (right). Also last month, a Safe Routes to School Resolution was passed and the city received bike racks for seven sites, increasing bike parking from two locations to nine. |
| June 7 Trail Day Event |
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James City County's National Trails Day event will be held on Saturday, June 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and the Virginia Capital Trail.
The family-friendly event is free and refreshments and displays will be offered by James City County Parks & Recreation, The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center and Performance Chiropractic.
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| To Do This Weekend: |
| Bike, Walk, or Paddle to a Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Site |
Get your gloves and garbage bags, and join helpers of all ages. Work by land or water to Clean the Bay this Saturday, June 7. Advanced registration is recommended, but not required and no experience is needed. |
| Bike Lockers |
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BikeWalk Virginia member Andy Zipser lives in Manassas and takes the Virginia Railway Express to work in downtown Washington. He is also a member of a VRE passenger advisory group and has pitched the idea of having VRE install bike lockers at its suburban train stations since they offer better protection against vandalism, theft and inclement weather. He requests information from other members about bike lockers (acceptance, cost, nuisance factor, etc) that would help him build a stronger case. You can reach him at 202-434-7173, 703-791-2603, or azipser@aol.com. | |
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Chapter President Brent Wiegel (right) and members of 
