Thursday, March 6, 2008

Pro Cycling Tour -- June 5, Reading, PA

2008 CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Be a part of America's Best Professional Cycling Events!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Geared Up to Volunteer? We always have room for helping hands and smiling faces! Whether you’re a die-hard cycling fan or just a fan of the outdoors, you are welcome to join us for one, two, or all three races. Show off your community pride and help us host a safe and memorable Race Day for everyone!

Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling Race Schedule
Allentown, Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Reading, Thursday, June 5, 2008
Philadelphia, PA, Sunday, June 8, 2008

IMBA World Summit 2008
Park City, Utah
June 18-21

Mountain biking enthusiasts from around the globe will gather in Park City, Utah, June 18-21 for the 2008 IMBA World Summit.
IMBA Summits bring mountain biking advocates, land managers, ski resort professionals, trailbuilders, park and urban planners, tourism officials and the bike industry together for collaboration, planning, and celebration.
The Summit will be based at the Park City Marriott. We'll have lots of opportunities for outdoor workshops, guided networking rides, and other field sessions so you can embrace all that Park City has to offer.
Register Here

News
Lodging
Schedule
Agenda
Speakers
Getting There
Scholarships
Pre-Conference Workshops
Cost and Registration
Sponsorships
The Rides
Things to Do in Park City
Partners
Previous Summits

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

A Note From Washington DC

Dear Friends,

I have spent two days learning and networking with the leaders in the bicycle world. Industry, businessmen and woman, advocates and lobbyists, and true kindred spirits surround me in this great city filled with the American can-do spirit. Tomorrow morning I will speak to Congressman Gerlach, Senator Casey, and Senator Spector. I will also take a moment to see Congressman Platts. Your letters to these men as well as to local policy makers, school boards, and to the editors of our local newspapers help me gain support and moment for the excellent mission of WalkBikeBerks. If you have not yet done so, please write your personal story about what WalkBikeBerks means to you. Explain in simple, real life situations how our quality of life improves when we have choice of transportation, when our streets are designed for people first, and when we no longer depend on cars to take us to the park or to our public library. Thank you for the fine work you are doing for the communities of Berks County. I'll see you soon.

~Michele

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

RiverPlace Run '08 -- June 1

June 1 - 3rd Annual Run for the River

5K Race and Fun Run/Walk. Schlegel Park.

Register here: http://www.riverplacepa.com/documents/085kRegForm.pdf

Please share with us all Hiking, Biking, Running, and Walking events that are taking place in Berks County this year, and we will be happy to advertise them on our blog and in our membership newsletter.

Monday, March 3, 2008

The Complete Streets Act of 2008

For Immediate Release: March 3, 2008

HARKIN INTRODUCES BILL TO MAKE ROADS SAFE FOR EVERYONE

To reduce accidents, legislation will create ‘Complete Streets’ to keep motorists, transit vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today introduced The Complete Streets Act of 2008, which would work to promote the design of streets that are safe for all of those using the street— including motorists, bus riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians, including people with disabilities. Between 1993 and 2003, nearly 52,000 pedestrians and more than 7,400 bicyclists were killed in road accidents; studies show that the designing streets with pedestrians in mind may reduce pedestrian risk by as much as 28 percent. Harkin was joined in this effort by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE).

“Making our streets bike and pedestrian friendly is a win-win for us all,” said Harkin. “It not only promotes healthier lifestyles, it lowers the amount of traffic congestion that many people deal with every day.”

A recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that providing more travel options, including public transportation, bicycling and walking facilities, is an important element in reducing traffic congestion. The study reported that congestion was responsible for an annual $78.2 billion loss in fuel during traffic jams in 2005, an increase from $57.6 billion in 2000.

Also, as recently as 30 years ago, up to 70 percent of children were walking or riding bikes to school. Currently, the number has dropped to only 10 percent. Parents report that traffic safety is the main reason they do not permit their children to walk or bike to school. This legislation will make our environment more inviting for physical activity, especially for kids.

Harkin’s proposal has been endorsed by: AARP, America Bikes, America Walks, American Council of the Blind, American Planning Association, American Public Transportation Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, League of America Bicyclists, National Center for Bicycling and Walking, Safe Routes to School National Partnership, Smart Growth America, Surface Transportation Policy Partnership, Thunderhead Alliance, and Rails to Trails Conservancy.


Dominic J. Liberatore
Interim Executive Director
The Thunderhead Alliance

Sunday, March 2, 2008

"Personnel" Changes

Dear Friends,

Please take a moment to review the Board of Directors List to the left. With deep regret, we had to accept the resignation of Claire Young from the Board. She was an excellent Events Coordinator and worked hard to generate a list of Events for 2008 that I'm sure you will all be excited about. Keep watching for updates.

We are thrilled to welcome David Sloyer to the Board to fill the new vacancy. David comes to us with so much to offer. He leads the Reading Trail Blazers, works at Spokes Bike Shop, and is committed to our cause. His energy, passion, and expertise will serve WalkBikeBerks well. When you have a chance, tell him welcome.

In addition, we are thrilled to announce we have a new secretary: Barbara Rowley. We will work with Barbara to help her feel welcome, but I have a good feeling that she will fit right in. She comes to us with secretarial experience and has already jumped right in. In her first meeting with WalkBikeBerks, she recorded minutes and is working on preparing those for us now. Thank you Barbara, and welcome!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Announcing Our Regular Schedule

Again, the most amazing people attended our meeting. Some new faces mixed with some familiar ones. I am always so impressed with the knowledge and experience that our growing membership brings to WalkBikeBerks. Today, we were able to begin our strategies for the year with our focus on county-wide Event Planning, a Safe Routes To School Campaign, and our Membership Drive. Details will soon be posted and advertised throughout the county, so keep visiting to learn more.

To keep updated on meeting schedules and special events, please go to the Reading Eagle Online
Community Calendar at http://www.readingeagle.com/calendar.aspx. We will also work to advertise regularly with WEEU and BCTV. Make sure to call others to encourage them to attend a meeting and to learn more about WalkBikeBerks.

Monthly Meetings:

Holy Cross Church
329 N. 5th Street
Reading, PA

Board of Directors: 9:00-10:30
Regular Sessions: 10:30-11:30

The Last Saturday of Every Month -- Beginning March 29, 2008.

These will be breakfast sessions with coffee and light refreshments.

See You There.