Legislative Action – Please Act Now
LD 1333 – The Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s top legislative priority for the 2009 session is passage of L.D. 1333, “An Act To Establish Climate and Energy Planning in Maine.” This comprehensive bill addressing global warming and wildlife habitat protection also requires the adoption of a Complete Streets policy that ensures Maine roads are safe and accessible for bicyclists, pedestrians and all other users. A quick overview of the bill with talking points and regular updates can be found on the BCM Web site. Click here to find your legislators and their contact information.
April 24 – Green Streets Day!
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Great Bike Swap in Portland promises to be bigger than ever. Come to the swap to buy used bikes and bike gear in good condition and/or to sell items. Experts will be on hand to help with pricing and fit. This year’s swap will feature refreshments, mini-workshops, a bicycle trivia contest and other entertainment. Start looking in your basement or garage for unused bikes that can earn you some extra cash. 10am-2pm, USM Sullivan Gym, Falmouth Street, Portland.
April 29 – Public Workshop on Franklin Arterial
The Franklin Street Arterial Study Committee will be holding a design workshop at Ocean Gateway on Wednesday, April 29th from 6:40 to 9:40 pm. The goal of the workshop is to update the public on the work of the study committee, help set community priorities for what the Franklin Street corridor could be in the future, and to generate design ideas that will move us towards those goals. The interactive workshop will focus on developing solutions for the corridor that maximize opportunities in a variety of areas, including: motor vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle service, economic development, open space, public transportation, land use, urban design, environmental quality, and neighborhood connectivity.
Join this exciting work. At the Franklin Reclamation Authority workshop held 2 years ago residents Revisioned the corridor. This time, with Maine DOT and the City of Portland at the table, we will be working on the blueprints for what the Future Franklin Street corridor might look like. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online at:
http://www.portlandmaine.gov/franklinstreetarterial.htm (The Ocean Gateway building is located two blocks east of Franklin Street on the waterfront, at the corner of Thames and Hancock Streets.)
Your chance to learn more about how to get around on your bike! Wednesday, April 29, 7:00 PM, Back Bay Bicycle, 333 Forest Ave , Portland ME 04101. Donation: $2.00 per person – Please RSVP.
The League of Young Voters fourth annual ReEmergence party! Each spring, about 300 young people join LYV for this exciting event to celebrate local arts and music, and to educate and engage their peers on local issues. This year’s theme is “Carnival of Earthly Delights,” highlighting Earth Day, the environment, transportation issues, going green, and more. It will feature bobbing for green apples, access to local CSAs, and a piñata. Also host ng a number of local DJs, musicians, poets, dancers, and performers. The magic will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Portland Company Complex (Fore St. by the Portland Yacht Services). GREEN STREETS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HOST TABLE AT THIS EVENT – if interested, please e-mail: portlandgreenstreets@yahoo.com
May 2nd – East End Neighborhood Cleanup
If you live in the East End it’s chance to meet neighbors & clean up your sidewalks & streets. Saturday, May 2nd, 9am-12pm (rain or shine). Meet at the East End Beach Parking Lot. Bring a pair of gloves! Questions? E-mail jillsady@gmail.com
May 8 – Happy Trails Big Bash and Silent Auction
Portland Trails’ annual party and fundraising auction! “Happy Trails” is scheduled for the evening ofFriday May 8th, 2009 at The Portland Club on State Street in Portland. Delicious hors d’oeuvres from Black Tie Catering, desserts from Izzy’s Cheesecake, great live music by Big Chief, and more than 200 exciting silent auction items! For more info…
May 8, May 14 – Free Bicycle Safety Instructor Training Course – REGISTER NOW
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine, in cooperation with MaineDOT, will offer a free, one-day course at two locations during May to train teachers, police, medical professionals, health educators, parents and volunteers how to most effectively teach bicycle safety to children. The Bicycle Safety Instructor Training course will be held on May 8 in South Portland and on May 14 in Augusta from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Topics covered will include child development and bicycling, helmet fit, dressing for safety, bicycle equipment safety check, rules of the road, basic driving skills and safety maneuvers and incorporating bicycling into your curriculum or program. A portion of the course will take place on bike. Participants must bring a bicycle in good condition and a helmet that fits. Lunch will be provided. Please register atwww.BikeMaine.org. Confirmation and details about the location will be sent prior to the class. For more information, please call (207) 623-4511.
May 12 – 2009 Active Communities Conference: Walking, Biking, Physical Activity and the Built Environment – REGISTER NOW
Participants will learn what “active community environments” means for Maine’s large and small communities, how investing in active community environments can result in benefits to the local economy, and the planning and funding processes and resources available. There will also be sessions on Safe Routes to School encouragement programs. Plus a chance to meet other people from across the state working hard to improve their communities. Harraseeket Inn, Freeport; Free.
To register visit: http://www.mcdregistration.org/currentregistrations.asp?CAT=STATE&STATUS=ACTIVE
Who should attend: public health, safety, planning, economic development and public works professionals, citizens, municipal officials and others interested in learning more! Keynote Address: “Creating Healthy and Successful Communities in Challenging Times”, Todd Litman, founder and executive director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute. Todd has written or co-written (with public health, transportation, planning and other partners) several guides and technical manuals dealing with transportation and land use planning issues. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops. His presentations range from technical and practical, to humorous and inspirational.
Presented by Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Maine Department of Transportation, Maine Department of Conservation, Maine State Planning Office.
May 14 – Community Celebration of #7 Falmouth Flyer Extended Service
METRO Bus and the Town of Falmouth are having a community celebration to kick off extended service. Thursday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m, O’Natural’s in Falmouth (beverages and light snacks available). Please RSVP to Denise Beck – dbeck@gpmetrobus.com
May 11-15 – Commute Another Way Week
Bicycle Coalition of Maine and GoMaine co-sponsor this annual, statewide event that encourages alternatives to driving. Commute Another Way Week promotes carpools, vanpools, public transit (bus, ferry and rail), bicycling and walking as cost-effective, healthy and enjoyable alternatives to driving alone to work. Friday, May 15 has been designated as National Bike to Work Day. Why do it? Because healthy, economical and environmentally-friendly transportation choices means energy savings, improved health, less stress, higher morale and more money saved for commuters and employers. Try one commuter mode of travel or a different one each day. The more days you try the more chances you have to win big prizes… genuine United States Savings Bonds in amounts ranging from $50 to $1,000! Register today atwww.CommuteAnotherWayWeek.org… it’s fast, easy and free!
May 15 – 17 – Get to Worship a Greener Way Weekend
An invitation to people of all faiths to travel to worship that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on foot, by bike, public transit, or carpool – see our post for more info. Co-organized by Portland Green Streets and the Portland Bike Commuter Meetup – special thanks to sponsors Gorhman Bike & Ski, Ernie’s Cycle Shop, and community host the Cathedral of St. Luke.
May 17 – The Blessing of the Bicycles
Bring your bike to an ecumenical service at St. Luke’s Cathedral, 12:30pm – ala similar celebrations in other cities – see our post for more info. Co-organized by Portland Green Streets and the Portland Bike Commuter Meetup – special thanks to sponsors Gorhman Bike & Ski, Ernie’s Cycle Shop, and community host the Cathedral of St. Luke.
May 19 – Bicycle Coalition of Maine Spring Fundraiser
Eat Pizza and Love Your Bike at Flatbread’s, 5-9 pm! See more info here.
May 31 – Eighth Annual Women’s Ride for Heart Health – REGISTER NOW
This all-women ride is suited for all ages and fitness levels, with distances of five, 10 and 25 miles. The ride offers beautiful views of the countryside and coast. Free yoga, massage therapy, nutrition presentations and heart health exhibits for participants. Proceeds benefit the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s safety education programs. For more information or to pre-register, go tohttp://www.bikemaine.org/womensride/index.html or call (207) 623-4511. The fee will be announced on the website. 9 a.m. at L.L. Bean’s Casco Conference Center, Casco Street, Freeport, Maine
Veranda Street Bridge Closure Coming Soon (Maybe June) – Bikes, Pedestrians Take Notice
The Veranda Street Bridge (which crosses over an active railroad bed below and serves as a major connector for bike commuters and pedestrians between central Portland and East Deering and Falmouth) will be closing for repairs over the summer – most likely starting in June. The project will provide for a shuttle bus detour for pedestrians, running on the half hour for a fixed number of hours a day (yet to be determined). However, it is not clear the buses will come equipped with bike racks and cyclists are encouraged to find alternate routes. The Portland Bike Commuter Meetup had a discussion about alternatives over the winter (see thread here for more details).
June 7 – Tour de Cure of the American Diabetes Association – REGISTER NOW
Enjoy the beauty of coastal Maine as you cycle past the Kennebunk beaches – 25K, 50K, 100K or the new 100 mile ride! Register online by April 23 at www.diabetes.org/tour
July 10 – 12 – 21st Annual Maine Bike Rally
Three days of bike rides in beautiful western Maine and the Mount Washington Valley for all levels of cyclists. Based at Fryeburg Academy, the rally features more than 30 rides of five to 100 miles plus a full weekend of family entertainment, including a bicycle parade, ice cream social and much
more. Camping and meals are available, all at an affordable price. Click here (http://video. google.com/ videoplay? docid=-715103575 7255248813& hl=en) to see a video of the rally. For more information, please visit Fryeburg Academy, 745 Main St, Fryeburg, Maine (http://www.bikemaine.org/mainebikerally/index. html ) or call (207) 623-4511. Fees will be announced on the website.
July 25 – Eighth Annual Maine Lobster Ride & Roll
The state’s most scenic and tastiest bicycle ride follows country roads and the rock-bound coast. The fully supported ride includes four distance options: 16, 30, 50 or 100 miles. Cyclists can look forward to a freshly made lobster roll lunch (tuna and veggie options available) and live Tour de France coverage at the end. The Maine Lobster Ride & Roll supports the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s safety and education programs. Rockland District High School, 400 Broadway, Rockland (http://www.bikemaine.org/lobsterride/index.html) For more information, please visit the site or call (207) 623-4511. Fees will be announced on the website.
Control MDOT Spraying of Your Roadways
No Spray Agreements are available for landowners abutting roadways, railroads and utilities. Parties who participate agree to remove brush adjacent to their properties in lieu of herbicide treatments. To request a No-Spray Agreement, call Maine DOT at 207-624-3000.
In the Maine DOT Roadside Brush Control Program, powered spraying is prohibited in the following areas: within 100 feet of wells and springs; 150 feet of parked vehicles; 100 feet of animal pastures; 150 feet of occupied buildings, homes or playgrounds; 100 feet of organic farms, pedestrians, bicyclists or picnic tables; or within areas defined by Maine DOT No-Spray Agreements.
To report violations of these buffers, call the BPC at 207-287-2731 (24-hr answering service).
Saturday or Sunday Getaway to Boston on the Train!
Early Bird Special! Early risers are rewarded on Saturdays and Sundays. Pay just 50% of the full adult fare when departing on train 690 and returning on 695, 697, or 699. Tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance of travel. Please reference promotion code v175. Some blackout dates and restrictions may apply. SEE ALL DOWNEASTER DEALS – CLICK HERE
Donate a Bike to the CBC in Biddeford
The Community Bicycle Center in Biddeford needs gently used bikes for its programs that teach bicycle repair to youth and community members. Email the center to find out more about the types of bikes that they can use.
Cushman Transportation Consulting, LLC - sarahcushman.com 