INTRODUCTION
Where
Do I Start?
President's Message
GSW Welcomes You
Welcome to the May – June issue of Pedal Talk. This month I’d like to talk about the National Bike Summit that I attended last March. First and foremost, I would like to thank the board of directors for spending your money to pay for my registration. I think that you got more than your money’s worth. My primary reason for attending was to receive your award from the American Bicycle League for the Region 1 Club of the year. Although the award was presented to the GSW, we all know that the work being recognized was done by the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire. Linda Gould, the Executive Director of BWA-NH also attended the summit and we both took the stage to receive the award. As time and space permit, I’ll tell you much more about the sessions that we attended, but for right now, I would like to tell you why I think you should join the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). This list has been shamelessly lifted from the LAB’s website. Feel free to check out their web site (www.bikeleague.org)and find reasons of your own why they are worth supporting.
We protect the rights of cyclists.
We create better cycling environments.
We promote cycling as the option of choice.
You can create bicycle friendly communities.
You will receive all the benefits of membership.
We provide a charitable deduction.
We will use your donation wisely.
Feel free to accuse me of drinking too much of the Kool-Aid. I admit it. I did and I’m proud of it! Here’s one example of what the League does for us. How often have we complained about the poor quality of the roads we ride on, or the lack of respect we get from motor vehicles? Now you can do something about it. The League is actively campaigning to get congress to support the Complete Streets Act of 2008. This act would allow all users equal and safe access to America’s rights of way, our public roads. It would also ensure that our rights of way are designed and built so that all users may access them safely. Linda and I personally asked all 4 of New Hampshire’s elected representatives to support this legislation. Their responses were favorable; hopefully they will follow through on their offers of support.
Another reason to join the LAB is a free subscription to Bicycling magazine. This magazine is full of information on health and fitness, which can help improve your bike’s engine (yes, that’s you). Also included are riding tips. Live vicariously from tales of others about their adventures on far away roads. My favorite articles are the ones about new bikes. I can drool over bikes that cost more than many cars, as well as ones that are more affordable. Please check out their web-site and send them a check. If you’re a cyclist, you should be a member. I am. Are you?
Spread the Word, Cycling is Cool!
Bill Kennedy
President, Granite State Wheelmen
P.S. If you didn’t get it on the list-serve, check out http://www.dothetest.co.uk. It’s a very effective bike safety commercial. Help spread it around. Thanks.
