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There are certain questions for which the only response is a smile. At this time of year we are frequently asked, “are you enjoying the down time?” It’s a logical question when the weather outside is better suited to skiing and movie watching, but as many of you know the season for walking and biking never really ends. This month we wanted to take you behind the scenes to see how we weather the winter and to celebrate those for whom the season knows no bounds. And there are still many opportunities for everyone to get outside – and get involved. From local candidate forums to new appointments for town committees, now is the time to make your voice heard!
Emily, Executive Director, Local Motion
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Bike Recycle Vermont’s Big News
Bike Recycle Vermont (Local Motion’s community bike shop) has spun-off from Local Motion and is merging with Old Spokes Home to form a new social enterprise!
Ten years ago, Ron Manganiello had a life changing idea: to refurbish bikes for individuals in need.Ron founded Bike Recycle Vermont, and as demand outgrew his time and garage space, he turned to Local Motion for help. For the last seven years, we’ve been proud to give Bike Recycle Vermont a home as a program of Local Motion.
Today, Bike Recycle Vermont has once again become an independent organization, joining forces with Old Spokes Home to create a new social enterprise: an independent bicycle-focused non-profit based in Burlington’s Old North End. Local Motion is delighted to support them as they come together for bikes and social justice.
This strategic merger is part of a national trend to harness for-profit revenue to support a non-profit social mission. Both Bike Recycle Vermont and Old Spokes Home shop locations in the Old North End will continue serving the community and their growing customer base, sharing staff and collaborating on programs.For an in-depth look at what this merger will offer, read this lovely Seven Days article.
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Wrenching Rhythms
It’s mid-January on the Burlington waterfront. Single digit temperatures and a cold northwest wind quicken the pace of the walkers, runners, and occasional cyclists that pass by our Trailside Center’s door on the Burlington bike path.
The leisurely stride that is characteristic of a warm July afternoon is now a head-down, destination-focused deliberateness in motion.
The Trailside Center door swings open. Seth’s vision blurs behind fogged lenses as he wheels his bike inside. After peeling off layers of winter insulation, he fetches a cup of coffee and joins Zach at the bench…
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Safe Harbor – By Brian Costello, Coordinator of the Island Line
We had a lot of admiring comments about our new docks out at ‘The Cut’ on the Colchester Causeway this summer – especially on the days when gusts topped 40mph and we were still able to dock the bike ferry with barely a bump. Their 5′ draft proved to be exactly what was needed to provide safe harbor for the bike ferry, and finally operate a reliable service connecting the causeway between Colchester and the Islands in all conditions…
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Is Winter Riding your Thing? Send Us Your Photos and Win!
To round out this month’s issue of what happens in the winter, it’s now your turn. Our winter bicycle commuter photo contest is still open, and your winter bicycle commuting photo could be worth $250 in bicycle gear!
We’ll be accepting photo submissions until March 1 and doing a random drawing for prizes in January and February. Join the growing group of folks, people like 5-year-old Reya, who don’t ride out winter, they ride IN winter. Show us your winter bicycling chops!
Want some inspiration? Check our facebook album to see the great photos that people have been sharing.
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Are You a Nighttime Ninja? We Can Help
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Somewhere in the photo is a person and two dogs. Clue: look in the street, right in front of the oncoming car. It’s like a Where’s Waldo, but at 25 mph! (Photo taken in Burlington’s Old North End by our roving reporter team.)
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Did you know that even wearing all white doesn’t help much with keeping you visible at night? And those of us with dark jackets–well, we’re like everyday ninjas, darting invisibly into traffic, terrifying the folks driving the heavy metal vehicles.
But! We have good news for the ninjas among us! While wearing all-white might seem like a good idea (although most of us aren’t Mark Twain or the Stay Puft Marshmallow man who can carry off a timeless “all white” wardrobe ), a much better idea is to wear even a small piece of reflective material to increase your visibility.
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Before You Vote, Join the Conversation
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| Residents supporting improvements for walking and biking turn out at City Council |
So much is happening before the vote on Town Meeting Day, March 3rd.
If you would like to see improved sidewalks, bike lanes, trail connections and so much more to support walking and biking for you and your family, join the conversation today!
In Burlington: you can get involved at:
1) AARP Mayoral Candidate Forum on Feb.10, and by reading the Mayoral Candidate Questionnaire.
2) Look out for the Burlington Walk Bike Council‘s upcoming questionnaire to all candidates.
3) Go to your NPA (neighborhood planning assemblies) meetings where candidates are discussing issues and you get to ask your questions.
This is your opportunity to ask the questions you want answered, and to share with candidates why walking and biking is so important to you.
Around the State: Ask the questions that are important to you. Do your elected officials support investing in walking and biking? What are the top priority issues for you? Tell us what is going on in your town!
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Commuting Code of Conduct – By Peter Burns, Practical Biking Trainer
In days of old, when knights errant went on quests, they had a code of conduct, a code of chivalry that guided their actions. Because there is no real enforcement of bike laws (although there should be), and in places the law is ambiguous, we all have to come up with our own rules for bike riding.
My code of conduct has evolved over the years and I will confess that in the past I have run red lights and blown through stop signs, putting myself in danger and disregarding the rights of other road users. As we ride we are not just deciding where to ride, we are constantly making ethical decisions about how we ride. On a bike it is easy to cut corners, use sidewalks and run red lights. The question is what kind of bike rider do we want to be?
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Two AmeriCorps Positions Open!
Local Motion is looking for an Americorps Volunteer and Member Engagement Coordinator. This AmeriCorps position will play a key role in inspiring a greater diversity of people to join and/or volunteer for our organization, as well as in equipping our members and volunteers to engage effectively with the full diversity of our community. [Read the full job description here]
We are also looking for an AmeriCorps Community Marketing and Training Coordinator. This AmeriCorps position will play a key role in expanding the diversity of people who use our services, as well as providing all of our “customers” with a richer experience when they engage with Local Motion. [Read the full job description here]
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Great Scott! Great Ice 2015 is Approaching…
 The annual day of wintery fun is on February 6th, 2015 and we couldn’t be more excited! Great Ice is held on the largest skating oval on Lake Champlain City Bay in North Hero. The day is all about getting together with friends and family and enjoying a host of activities including…
Free Public Skating, Bonfire, Sled Dog Rides, Kids Ice Fishing Derby, Over ‘n Back Trek to Knight Island, Ice Bike Racing , Pickup Hockey, Extreme Frisbee, Flapjack Breakfast, Drag Racing, and of course the Great Ice Winter Dance.
[Check out the Facebook Page here] |
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