Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage - Winter Bike Fest @ BP (TONIGHT)

Written by admin on March 5th, 2010

The BCA Winter Bike Fest is only a few days away. This Saturday, March 6th from
6:30-8:30pm at the BP Energy Center, BCA will host its first annual Winter Bike
Fest. If you are not sure where the Energy Center is, this link provides a
helpful map: http://www.pnwis.org/Ch_AK/BP_Map.pdf.

The Winter Bike Fest includes:

- A screening of the award winning movie “Fat Bike” from Anchorage’s very own
Carl Battreall.

- A presentation by winter extreme cyclist pioneer Roger Cowles about his trips
to Nome on the Iditarod Trail. It’s a fascinating story of innovation,
adventure, and determination. It’s also a story about the impact of the
incredible powers of Mother Nature during our intense Alaskan winters. In 1989,
four men wondered if it would be possible to ride the Iditarod Trail by
bicycle, in the middle of the Alaskan winter. They decided the only way to find
out, would be to try. Now fast forward to 2010, where we can purchase snow
specific bikes at any one of a number of local bike shops. But twenty years
ago, if you wanted a snow bike, you had to build your own. And that’s just what
Roger Cowles did. A four wheeled snow bike. The quadracycle performed so well,
he built a six wheeled bike the next year, and raced skiers in the 1990 Nome
Odyssey. It was the precursor to the worlds longest winter ultra race, which
became an annual event starting in 2000. Since then, only thirty racers have
made it all the way to Nome. Come here more about his winter bike adventures.

- And a Most Visible Bicyclist contest. So come by bike and show us all how you
stay lit.

- We will also be given out door prizes and prizes for the contest winners,
thanks to kind donations from Chain Reaction Cycles, the Bicycle Shop, Sunshine
Sports, REI, Paramount and Speedway Cycles. Prizes include Bike Glow lights,
blinkie bike lights, bike clothing and a gift certificate for $100 to the
Bicycle Shop.

Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage
www.bicycleanchorage.org
info@bicycleanchorage.org

Posted in Uncategorized | No Responses »

Final Decision on Anchorage Bike Plan Delayed until March 23rd.

Written by admin on March 1st, 2010

Dear Bicycle Enthusiasts,

I apologize for multiple emails about the upcoming hearing and creating
confusion about the process. Unfortunately, developments today have resulted in
the Assembly continuing the hearing to March 23rd.

Around 2:00pm today the e-mails started flying regarding last minute questions
raised by the Mayor’s office concerning the Plan. On Friday afternoon, the
Mayor had acknowledged that he supported the Bike Plan. This afternoon we
learned that the Mayor has new questions for the drafters of the plan and would
like to conduct further “senior staff” review. Consequently, the Mayor has
requested that the Assembly continue the public hearing to March 23rd. The
Assembly will still hold a public hearing on the Plan tomorrow but BCA will not
testify until the 23rd, so we can be fully apprised of the outcomes of the
“senior staff” review and respond as necessary. That said, BCA will attend the
hearing tomorrow and provide bicyclists with answers (to the extent we can).

We are disappointed by this latest development. To hear of this at the 11th
hour is disconcerting from a public process standpoint. It is sure to create
confusion and frustration with the public. It is unclear why the Mayor’s office
elected to wait until the 11th hour to continue the hearing to the 23rd. The
Plan has been available for review for many months and all questions or
concerns could have been addressed in a timely manner to avoid this unneeded
delay that only frustrates the public and raises questions about how the public
can be meaningfully involved. However, we still remain encouraged by the
support the Assembly has shown for the adoption of this Plan.

If you are unsure about whether you can make the 23rd Assembly meeting, please
come tomorrow and testify (you can only testify once). We will be on hand if
you have any questions. Due to the change in events, BCA encourages any
interested party to testify before the Assembly to show their support for the
Plan and its implementation.

Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage
www.bicycleanchorage.org
info@bicycleanchorage.org

Posted in Uncategorized | No Responses »

ABC Board Letter to Support Anchorage Municipal Bike Plan 2010

Written by admin on March 1st, 2010

Arctic Bicycle Club

A Non-Profit Corporation

P. O. Box 230130

Anchorage, AK 99523

Hotline: 566-0177

Web Site: www.arcticbike.org

Feb 25, 2010

Anchorage Assembly

C/O Municipal Clerk

P.O. Box 196650

Anchorage, AK 99519-6650

Re: Anchorage Bicycle Plan

Dear Members of the Assembly:

The Arctic Bicycle Club submits these comments in support of the Anchorage Bicycle Plan (the “Plan”). The Arctic Bicycle Club is the oldest and largest cycling organization in Alaska. Formed in 1982, The Arctic Bicycle Club averages over 400 members annually. The Club organizes and supports a variety of cycling events in South Central Alaska each year, including over 35 road bike races, 20 mountain bike races, and 70 touring events. The Club organizes Alaska’s largest bicycle event — the Fireweed 400, and the largest women’s bike event in Alaska — the Bike for Women. Our members are dedicated to enjoying the sport of cycling, and supporting every effort to make cycling a safe, accessible activity in our community. The proposed Plan promotes these same goals.

The Plan will promote bicycle safety and encourage a healthy lifestyle through recreational and utility (commuting) cycling. A primary goal of the Plan is to increase the number of bike lanes, and join together the “gaps” in the existing bike infrastructure. Cyclist are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident while riding on a sidewalk or multi-use path than in a bike lane. Other safety measures in the Plan - including education, improved signage, and maintenance - will help reduce bicycle and pedestrian/traffic encounters, and make bike routs safer for everyone.

The Plan will encourage a healthier lifestyle for many Alaskans by increasing the number of, and access to, bike routes. There are several obstacles currently facing Anchorage residents when they consider riding their bike to work, or riding around the neighborhood for exercise. It is difficult to get from some parts of Anchorage to midtown and downtown locations because cyclists are often forced to ride in heavy traffic, often with no shoulders, and endure scowls and profanity from motorists. In spring, cycling is discouraged because existing bike lanes and trails are not swept of winter gravel (very hazardous to cyclists) until late June or July! By creating clearly marked bike lanes and providing easy access to them, and maintaining bike routes, more residents are likely to ride their bikes.

Several of our members have been involved in the drafting of the Plan. We appreciate the opportunity to provide input on the Plan, and encourage the Assembly to give it full support.

Arctic Bicycle Club

Board of Directors

Ed Sniffen

President

Posted in Information | No Responses »

Pedals for Africa: Anchorage to Valdez to Anchorage—7 day ride

Written by admin on February 25th, 2010

Anchorage to Valdez to Anchorage—7 day ride

Would you like to do something amazing? You could embark on an Alaskan adventure and be helping school children in Malawi and Ethiopia at the same time. By participating in a 7 day bike ride through Alaska, you can make a difference. This ride has all that Alaska has to offer; beautiful mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and of course great adventure.

VALDEZ RIDE 2010 FACTS

START DATE: July 17, 2010

FINISH DATE: July 23, 2010

NUMBER OF DAYS: 7

TOTAL NUMBER OF DAYS RIDING: 6

TOTAL NUMBER OF REST DAYS: 1

MILES: 365

NUMBER OF RIDERS: 10

REGISTRATION FEE: $50.00

MINIMUM FUNDRAISING AMOUNT: $1600.00

REGISTRATION CLOSES: May 1, 2010

To register contact April @ 907-306-6526
april@pedalsforafrica.com

Minimum amount needed to raise: $1600.00 (this covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and accommodations, a ferry ride from Valdez to Whittier, and many bikes to schools and healthcare facilities in Africa that need them!!!) -PLUS- $50.00 non-refundable registration fee

Miles: Approximately 365 miles. Average miles per day will be 52 with one 84 mile day. There will be one rest day in Valdez after the 84 mile day. A support vehicle will be available.

Accommodations & Meals: 1 night at a private residence, 2 nights in a school, and 3 nights in “Alaska” style lodges. Breakfast, lunch, and 6 dinners will be provided. Bikers will be responsible for all drinks, desserts, and all meals on the rest day as well as any extra activities.

July 16, 2010 arrive in Anchorage and assemble bikes.

Day 1: Anchorage to Knik River Lodge (63 miles). Spend the remainder of the day at Knik River Lodge relaxing or participating in the many activities available including a jetboat ride down the Knik River or aerial glacier viewing. A delicious dinner and breakfast will be served in a yurt.

Day 2: Knik River Lodge to Sheep Mountain Lodge (64 miles). Spend the rest of the day relaxing, hiking, taking a tour of the glaciers, or soaking in the hot tub. Dinner will be at the Lodge.

Day 3: Sheep Mountain Lodge to Tolsona Lake Resort (56.5 miles). Spend the rest of the day relaxing, hiking, or fishing, or enjoy the sauna and hot tub at their spa. Dinner will be at the Lodge.

Day 4: Tolsona Lake Resort to Tonsina River Lodge (54 miles). Spend the rest of the day relaxing in their Russian sauna, soaking in the hot tub, or schedule a massage. There is also fishing, aerial sightseeing, and hiking. Dinner will be at the Lodge. Russian food is their specialty.

Day 5: Tonsina River Lodge to Valdez (84 miles). Lodging will be at the Valdez Junior High School.

Day 6: A rest day in Valdez. There are many activities available from hiking to kayaking and many more.

Day 7: Board the ferry in Valdez to Whittier. Bike from Whittier to Anchorage (60 miles). The trip ends at April’s house.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Responses »

The ABC Needs your Alaska Riding Photos for Website Redo

Written by admin on February 19th, 2010

As many have noticed, many of our existing images in the artwork are over 10 years old, so the Arctic Bicycle Club is seeking submission of photos of ABC Event, and Alaska cycling that could be used on the redo of the ABC website.

We need a good variety of road racing, mountain racing, cyclo-cross, winter, and recreational/touring rides from South Central AK’s popular mountain and road riding trails.

Please submit any that you have to media @ arcticbikeclub.org as soon as possible as we need them to begin our website re-build in the end of March. If you wish to send them on CD, or DVD; please email for the address to send them too.

Thanks!

Posted in PSA, Uncategorized | No Responses »

Anchorage Bicycle Plan to Go Before Assembly March 2nd, 2010

Written by admin on February 19th, 2010

Arctic Bicycle Club Members,

There will be a public hearing of the Anchorage Bicycle Plan on Tuesday, March 2^nd, 6:00 p.m. at the Loussac Library. The goal of this plan is to make Anchorage a more cycling friendly city.

It will be CRITICAL to have hoards of cyclists come to the hearing and to contact the Assembly members to encourage their support of the plan. The link to the plan is included below as well as talking points from the Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage (http://www.bicycleanchorage.org/wordpress/).

Janice Tower

ABC Board Member

THE PLAN: http://www.muni.org/Departments/traffic … t_0809.pdf

Posted in Uncategorized | No Responses »

ABC Bike Swap - April 10th, 2010 at AT&T Sports Complex

Written by admin on February 19th, 2010

Download and Reprint the Flyer : 2010bikeswap_flyer

Posted in Uncategorized | No Responses »

ABC Board Meeting Minutes February 17th, 2010

Written by admin on February 19th, 2010

PO Box 230130, Anchorage, AK 99523-0130 www.arcticbike.org

Dedicated to promoting bicycling safety, education and sporting activities

BOARD MEETING

February 17, 2010

ATTENDANCE: Ed Sniffen, Tom Peichel, Janice Tower, Jim Baker, Tim Berntson, Christopher Souser, Rose Lahti (guest)

Website: Christopher chose 4 local and 3 out-of-state web designers to be considered for the design of the ABC website. The board set a budget of $X,X00 to $X,X00 for the web design. Christopher will investigate the options further and report back at the next meeting.

Ed will contact Tony Reynolds and see if we can transfer ownership of the arcticbike.org domain to the ABC.

The Board discussed the online membership feature and whether it would be possible to have one system in place to sell memberships. Currently the Road Division’s website can take memberships. Ed and Christopher will meet with Bill Fleming to find out how best to set up online membership to anyone wishing to join the club.

Club Jerseys: The board will look at producing a club jersey for the 2011 season. Tom Peichel offered to take on the project.

Bike Swap: Christopher will design a poster to advertize the bike swap which will be on Saturday, April 10^th from noon to 4:00 p.m. (setup 12:00 to 1:00; sales 1:00 to 4:00) at the AT&T Sports Pavillion, 11111 O’Malley Centre Drive. Janice will contact the media to get it advertised in the paper. Janice will post announcements on various forums and notify the bike shops to come.

ABC Event Poster: Ed will coordinate an overall ABC poster which will include all ABC events: road, mountain, recreation, cyclocross. Special events such as the Fireweed and the Cyclocross race clinic may be included.

Directors and Officers Insurance: Ed is looking into purchasing D&O insurance to protect ABC board members from liability. The premium will probably be $X,X00 to $X,X00.

Sticker: Janice will get off her butt and order stickers to be given to ABC members. White background, rounded edges.

Next Meeting: Thursday, March 18 6:15p.m. at Guido’s.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Responses »

RFP for ABC Website Redo

Written by admin on February 4th, 2010

Request for Proposal:
Arctic Bicycle Club Website Makeover 2010
1st Round of Responses due no later than Midnight February 16, 2010

Send all responses to Media @ arcticbikeclub.org

Domains:
ArcticBikeClub.org, Arcticbike.org, ArcticBikeclub.com, ABC-Cycling.com

General Requirements:

Page Content Overview:
1. Individual Division Pages
a. Road Racing
b. Mountain Racing
c. Recreation & Touring
d. Cyclo-Cross

2. Hidden Admin Section via Sub-Domain that would:
a. Have basic non-hard coded database driven access controls to be able to enter.
b. Ability to Access Membership reports returned in an easily printable format.
i. Basic Query returning: Name, Address, Phone, Join Date with control date being a required parameter to run the report.
ii. A search by name function that would return all results if found.
iii. The running of a report would generate a log in a table with username used, IP address, and what report they ran.

3. Page(s) with General Alaska Cycling Information
a. Section with Alaska & Anchorage Bike Related Law
b. Section Displaying Google Map of trailhead / race locations.
c. Section with other Cycling Events
4. Mailing List Sign-Up Page
5. Contact Form
6. Form & Document Download Section
7. General Information Page with FAQ Section
8. Photo Gallery
9. Links Page
10. Calendar Page

Technologies:
1. Uses existing Linux Web Hosting
2. Framed
3. Fast Mobile Phone Web Support (Adobe Flash free on the main page), mobile version being optional/bonus.
4. Support for Image Gallery, preferably using SmugMug or the “Gallery” web hosted application.
5. Uses Existing WordPress Blog; ‘The Chainletter’
6. Integrated Twitter Widget scrolling the last 5-10 twitter posts of ArcticBikeClub’s twitter feed.
7. Google Calendar or Equivalent Integration
8. Online Membership Sign-Up with Checkout/Payment.
a. Online database (mySQL) of those transactions minus the payment information other than the amount.
b. Upon Completion of the process generate a “Membership Card” onto the screen that they can print.
9. A Donate Form / Button
10. Contact Form that would use a ‘Captcha’ and support multiple email addresses in a drop down so content could reach right person initially. Support for Attachments on some email addresses.
11. Mailing List Sign-Up form via yet to be determined Mailing ListServ (one that supports email subscribe / unsubscribe)
12. Possible future support of 1-2 side framed banner ads.
13. Individual Division pages ‘content’ pages would be easily maintainable by someone with limited web experience, but be framed by main page.
14. Google Map Integration using a saved Google Maps or Google Earth KML file maintained by club.
15. Ability to add another section of the website within general page framing without additional graphic art or contracting just to add a link to the menu.
16. All pages would contain Google Analytics (info will be provided) so accurate statistics can be kept.

What we will provide:
1. Payment for services provided at agreed upon rate or contract amount.
2. Linux Web based hosting with PHP and mySQL support.
3. Arctic Bicycle Club Logo Graphics
4. Any image hosting required.
5. A ListServ account, based on recommendation of developer.
6. The setup of mySQL databases and credentials as required.
7. Google Calendar Shared Calendar Link(s)
8. Google Maps Link with Map Locations
9. Google Analytics Information for Integration
10. Will license applicable web page widgets, etcetera if proof of concept is provided in another page a developer has themselves built or can provide POC using demonstration version.
11. Sign-Up for any payment services required.
12. Photos for use on the website.
13. Credentials for staging and development of website on alternate URLs. All hosting credential will be revoked at end of project completion.
14. Future reference for developer if so desired.

What we will not provide:
1. We will not purchase developer development tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrater, Dreamweaver, etcetera. The developer is expected to have these things already.

Required Response Criteria: (Any Response Not Containing All of the following May be Eliminated and No Response Provided)
1. Your name, full contact information (address, phone, email) and city you would be working out of to complete the project.
2. Example of at least 3 websites that you have done from scratch in the last 12-18 months; not just performed updates or modifications.
3. Example of at least 3 websites that you have performed the integration of the above mentioned technologies.
4. Examples of your Graphic Design work, or the name and example work of the graphic designer(s) you would use for this project.
5. A list of technologies and programs you expect to use, including a list of services we would have to sign-up for and software we would have to license.
6. A rate at which work would be done at, or fixed price for the work; as well as forms of payment accepted and any deposit required.
7. An expected time to complete the project.
8. Elaboration, Limitations on your experience with above requirements.

Deliverables:
1. A functional website that will be self-maintainable by the club in the future.
2. Project Completion within clubs desired timeframe / deadline.
3. All original source code, application projects (i.e. Dreamweaver,Illustrator , Photoshop PSDs), images, and non-flattened graphics used for the project will be delivered on CD or DVD within 15 days of project completion.
4. If developer during the course of the project has to license a piece of software, that it be done in the clubs name and that license turned over to the club at the termination of the project.

Thank You, we look forward to your response.

/CRS

Posted in Information | No Responses »

Anchorage Bike Plan to go before Assembly on March 2, 2010

Written by admin on January 21st, 2010

There will be a public hearing of the Anchorage Bike Plan before the Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday, March 2^nd at 6:00 p.m. at the Loussac Library. It will be vitally important to achieve critical mass of cyclists at this meeting. If you cannot attend, PLEASE send an email message to your assembly member in favor of the bike plan. Attached is a list of talking points.

Here is the link to the draft plan: http://www.muni.org/Departments/traffic/AMATS/Documents/WEBAnchBicyclePlan_PublicHearing%20Draft_0809.pdf

ASSEMBLY MEMBERS:

Chris Birch 346-3265 chrisbirch@gci.net
Matt Claman 350-3105 mattclaman@gmail.com
Dan Coffey 274-3385 274-4258 dancoffey@gci.net
Harriet Drummond 279-7763, 279-7788 harrietdrummond@alaska.com
Chair Patrick Flynn 278-8462 flynnpp@muni.org
Elvi Gray-Jackson 343-4118, Gray-JacksonE@muni.org
Vice Chair Mike Gutierrez 382-5972, gutierrezM@muni.org
Jennifer Johnston 346-1087, jjohnston@gci.net
Debbie Ossiander 688-2308, 343-4113, ossiander@gci.net
Sheila Selkregg 338-3636, selkregg@yahoo.com
Bill Starr 694-5060, 343-4114, 350-5481, starrwe@muni.org

Talking points for Anchorage Bicycle Plan compiled by an ABC Member.

HEALTH

Forty-two (42%) of Alaskan adults do not meet recommended levels of physical activity, and 20% are completely sedentary because they don’t feel safe walking/biking in their neighborhood. The Anchorage bike plan makes walking and bicycling possible to those who are uncomfortable going to the gym, or exercising in general. When people see others out having fun on the trail, they want to join the fun; and
The bike plan will encourage safe exercise close to their home for the two-thirds (66%) of Alaskan adults who are overweight and 36% of K-12th grade students in the Anchorage School District who are overweight or obese. Many of these individuals are or will suffer obesity-related health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure; and
By providing safe access to trails, Anchorage can help reduce the cost of obesity. Obesity costs Alaskans $477 million per year in direct medical costs, including $46 million in Medicare/Medicaid costs, and $9-10 million in costs for State of Alaska employees; and
Health care reform will not produce healthier people unless we can make exercise cheap, easy, safe and convenient for our communities. Walking and bicycling is the least expensive, most convenient and easiest, efficient way for people to meet their 45-60 minutes of recommended exercise. The bike plan will make these two exercise options safe and convenient for all citizens of anchorage; lastly
biking/walking make you sexy!

ECONOMICS

The bicycle plan is a 20 year project with much less expensive chores, like painting bike lanes and signage the first priority; therefore doubling the number of miles of bicycle riding.
A four lane road costs on average $20-80 million PER MILE, the entire bike plan is offering 508 miles of trails for only $109 million spread out over 20 years.
Funding is coming from a number of sources, such as grants, bonds, matching funds, federal transportation funds and stimulus funds. A plan in place is necessary before eligibility for funds is determined. The bicycle plan provides a plan and makes Anchorage eligible for funds.
The Bicycle Plan will be integrated into various other MOA development plans and future transportation projects.

REDUCTION OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION

The reduction in vehicle use that results from travel by bicycle helps to remove some traffic from roadways and
intersections. Bicycle use is higher in summer than in other seasons, helping to relieve traffic volumes when the road network carries the greatest number of travelers. Anchorage’s LRTP states: “The lesson from evidence across the nation is emphatic—capacity cannot be added fast enough to build our way out of congestion. Other strategies are needed.” One of those strategies is to decrease car trips by increasing cycling.

SAFETY

Bicyclists riding in areas without bike paths or lanes are nearly twice as likely to feel endangered (mostly by motorists) as are bicyclists with paths or lanes, and more than four times as likely to be dissatisfied with how their community is designed for making bicycling safe. (2002, National Survey)
The Bike Plan inherently makes us safer, as it’s primary goal is to double the amount of utility biking while reducing crashes by one third. Due to recent improvements in Anchorage’s bike infrastructure, trends are already heading in that direction, as ridership has continued to increase the last few years, and crashes have also decreased. This is evidence that continued improvements will further reduce crashes.

1) The Anc Bike Plan makes us safer because it gives us bike lanes.

Cyclists are 20 times more likely to get hit while riding on a sidewalk than in a bike lane, and twice as likely to get hit while riding on a multi-use path than in a bike lane.
The eight Anchorage roadways where cyclists are most likely to get hit don’t have any bike lanes. Some have no shoulders. Northern Lights is probably the worst one, as the sidewalk is very narrow and full of obstructions to visibility such as large light poles and signs.

2) The Anc Bike Plan makes us safer because it joins up gaps in our existing bike infrastructure.
3) The Anc Bike Plan makes us safer because it includes support for education programs.

The recommended safety education programs include web site information, brochures, PSAs, posters with riding tips, updates to driver’s license tests. These would provide tips to cyclists specifically about how to safely navigate intersections, educating school aged children about safe cycling, and supporting helmet use.

4) The Bike Plan makes us safer through improved signage.

Some sidewalks are marked as bike paths.
Some bike paths are not marked at all.

5) The Bike Plan makes us safer by supporting bike friendly legislation and enforcement.

The Bike Plan recommends Title 9 be updated to reflect utility cycling
It also recommends enforcement of bicycle related infractions.
It also recommends public awareness campaigns to encourage drivers to be more aware of the presence of cyclists.
It also recommends APD monitor and ticket drivers at intersections
It also recommends APD more strictly enforce window tinting regulations.

6) The Anc Bike Plan makes us safer through improving the maintenance of existing infrastructure.

Recommendations are made regarding snow removal in the winter.
Recommendations are also made regarding gravel removal in the summer and also to repair those nasty cracks in the mulit-use paths.

Posted in Information, PSA | No Responses »