BACA Minutes 2008

Over 45 people present Ron Rizzardi called meeting to order.

Bicycle Friendly Award present to the BikeRecycles Program of Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN). Representatives Matt, Cody and Katy accepted the award. The program help has BikeRecycles program -open on Sunday Matt, Katy, Cody - in high school. Help fix up bicycles.

Claibanne Williamson and Coreen Frasier reported on the National Trails Symposium to be held November 15-18, 2008.Bikes are needed. If you have a bike to lend, bring it to River Trail Bicycle Rentals. We also need flat pedals & helmets. Coreen reported on other volunteer opportunities. ABC & BACA will have a Central Arkansas Cycling community table at the Symposium Expo. Volunteers are needed to staff the table.

The Close the Loop Task Force will meet November 17th at 7:00 p.m. at Creegans in NLR. The CTL Task Force brings together all interested users of the River Trail to provide a cohesive voice to complete the Trail.

Kelly Wilhite, Executive Director City Parks Conservancy reported that the City Parks Conservancy Board of Directors passed a resolution in September for renovation of Rock Island Bridge. It advocates & encourages parties involved to finalize completion of the Rock Island Bridge for a bicycle-pedestrian Bridge. There is a November 10th meeting of City Council, which we hope to get moved to November 24th. She wants BACA members to go to meeting en masse to show support. We need to be at the November 24th meeting. BACA members should wear their yellow BACA shirts to City Council meeting. BACA supports the resolution. BACA members should wait for an e-mail announcement to see if the meeting has been moved to November 24th and to see what action we want BACA members to take.

Main Speaker - Susan Dollar from Metroplan. Dollar explained Metroplan’s Operation Bottleneck. They have received over 3000 responses regarding transportation issues in Central Arkansas. Images were sent where congestion was experienced. Of the 3000+ responses, 2600 were through the Internet. Drop-in meetings were held in Pulaski, Lonoke, Saline & Faulkner counties. About 200 people stopped by. Most responses were from Pulaski County. They got lots of info about local areas, e.g., areas around schools (picking up kids). Bicycle safety & congestion issues were also asked about. Dollar was impressed by the thoughtfulness of responses about how we should fix the bike safety/congestion issues. People suggested better signage, striping, adding bike lanes, and education programs. Once they get all the information processed, Metroplan will share it with the Highway Department (which is a member of Metroplan) & with the cities & counties that are members of Metroplan. Metroplan is in the process of developing Metro 2030 plan. The information will be divided into 3 big baskets: At one end, projects that are very expensive & probably will not be done in the foreseeable future; at other end, projects that can be done quickly & at low cost (e.g. signage, education programs); in the middle, projects planned through a planning process. BACA has member on Metroplan’s Transportation Advisory Council

There were a number of comments about bicycle projects. Most of the comments dealt with the idea of “complete streets.” They will look as those separately. There were suggestions that Metroplan have available on its website a way for people to make comments. Right now, Metroplan doesn’t have good data on bicycle commuting. greencentralar.org.

What can Metroplan do? It is the federally designated metropolitan planning association and is responsible for coordinating transportation planning in the area. It is responsible for addressing all transportation modes - cars, public transit, bike ways, pedestrian - in an integrated and seamless network. It works on a 20 year horizon, which is done every 5 years. Metroplan pulls specific projects for the State to do which go to transportation improvement projects. They have projects with actual money attached to them which Metroplan will fund.‘Vision plan - how want region to grow ; here is how much money it will cost” Metroplan picks out projects that their members can expect to work on in five years.

Metroplan gets some Surface Transportation funds (STP). It is divided 70/30 - 70% goes to projects that are regionally significant while 30% goes to cities, counties,. Pulaski County chose to designate its money for the Millennium Trail. They can spend the money on eligible, local priorities. Metroplan does have a regional bike plan.

With regard to the results of the Project, connectivity, maintenance issues were of importance to bicyclists. In some counties, people wanted more buses with bike racks. The results will be on website & Metroplan will have public meetings.

Ron announced that Brad Joseph received LCI certification.

December 6 & 7th there will be holiday parades in Little Rock and North Little Rock.

November 21st - final Cruisin’ in the Rock.

Meeting adjourned.

Judy Lansky, Secretary

About 25 people present. Ron Rizzardi called the meeting to Order.

The Natural State Expo sponsored by the Arkansas Sustainability Network is October 11, from 9 to 4. BACA will have a display there centering on bicycle commuting.

City of North Little Rock applied for Bicycle Friendly Community Award but did not receive any type of award. . Fayetteville got honorable mention. Tom reported that the primary fault with application for Bicycle Friendly status was that the application was not adequately completed with regard to all five areas.

Ron reported that North Little Rock Resolution 08-150 passed. That would extend the River trail by connecting Campbell Lake Trail and the Industrial (between Arkansas Surgical Hospital & ADEQ). The trail easement from ADEQ is matched by one on its common boundary with Arkansas Surgery Hospital. Ron reported that the alderperson from North Little Rock Ward 3, Gary Gaines, voted against the resolution. Gaines also voted against the paving of the bike/pedestrian trail along Military Drive from MacArthur to Donovan Briley Drive. He has stated publicly in the past that the people of Ward 3 are opposed to adding to our trail system in NLR and that he will continue to oppose same. He believes bike trails inconvenience the residents of Ward 3 and that there are not many people interested in biking living in Ward 3.Gaines also opposes converting the UP RR track to a trail as it as he claims is a waste of public funds when these funds could be used for other purposes in his Ward BACA will have campaign in Ward 3 to educate people about bicycling.

Tom Ezell reported on upcoming LCI and commuter education programs. A Road I class is set for October 17-18 at Community Bicyclist. This is a nine-hour class aimed at basic bicycle transportation and traffic skills. A bicycle commuting workshop is set for October 24 at Community Bicyclist. This is a three-hour follow-up class to Road I which focuses more on biking as a basic means of transportation, carrying stuff on your bike, and safe bike route selection and planning.

The League of American Bicyclists will be holding an LCI Training Seminar in Bentonville, AR on December 5-7 to certify those who want to become League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) Preston Tyree, the League's director of education, and Andy Clarke, LAB's executive director, will be the trainers for this course. We've all been waiting for one of these classes to be held locally, so now it's at least here in Arkansas. To take the course, you need to be an individual League member, have passed the Road I course with a score of at least 85% on the written and 90% on the road test, and sign up for the seminar at the LAB web site. The course fee is $200, which covers your course materials and training and your first year's liability insurance. (Annual renewal is whatever level of LAB dues you're paying, plus $25/year for your insurance.) The deadline to sign up for the Seminar is November 5, 2008. This is a firm deadline, since after that date you probably won't have time to get your course material, complete the pre-course written exam, and get ready to practice teach at the seminar.

The Critical Manners ride is tomorrow afternoon at 5:30 p.m., starting from the parking lot at the Arkansas Arts Center, and wandering around the downtown area for about an hour before we go look for a place to eat. Bike helmets necessary, lights are highly recommended since it's getting dark a little earlier these days. This marks one year that we've had the Critical Manners program going on, our 12th ride anyway.

The Adventure Cycling Association will be holding a meeting for local members and those interested in the organizations programs on November 13, 2008, at River Trail Rentals. Time is tentatively 6 p.m. Adventure Cycling is a non-profit organizations founded in 1973 with over 44,000 members across the world. They provide services and support for people to travel by bicycle (maps, gear, tours, publications and programs). Many of us may be familiar with them through the "Adventure Cyclist" magazine that comes out every other month or so.

Steve Bentley reported on the Close the Loop Task Force .The first meeting was in July and participants wanted to get a feel about the players involved. They decided to meet with the mayors, and the Clinton Foundation. A number of people from the Task Force met with Stephanie Street, Debbie Shock and Jordon Johnson from the Clinton Foundation on October 1st. The Task Force seeks to include other Trail users in an effort to complete the River Trail, and primarily to urge conversion of the Rock Island Bridge to a bicycle/pedestrian Bridge. Representatives of the task force included Jenn Shaw representing the BDB Foundation; David Holsted, with Tour de Rock; Gary Lamb with CARP, Steve Bentley with BACA, and Jim Connor representing in-line skaters. Bryan Day, Assistant City Manager for Little Rock, was also present at the meeting. The Clinton Foundation is committed to building the Bridge. The Clinton Foundation wants to continue an open dialogue with us; but they are not at the point to give a date as to when the Bridge will be completed. Mayor Stodola has sent the Clinton Foundation an ultimatum. The Foundation is obligated to build in exchange for getting the land from the City of Little Rock . Mayor Stodola would have constructed completed in 2011 or 2012. Once ground is broken the Bridge can be completed in 15 months. Steve also reported that the estimate for building the loop that ties the Medical Mile to the Titus Trail is about 17 million. The trail from the Medical Mile to the Train station is being looked at. The City still has to get approval from Union Pacific Railroad for the Right of Way. The Task Force has developed a logo to put on a long-sleeved t-shirt. These will be available for sale once they are made. We hope to wear the t-shirts at the Trails Symposium and other events to promote closing the loop. Steve stated that the Task Force is looking at December as the next time frame for some activity. Steve said that the meeting with the Clinton Foundation people ended on a positive note.

Over 45 people attended the September 4, 2008 BACA meeting. Ron Rizzardi, President, stated that additional people are needed to assist with the Big Dam Bridge 100. BACA will have a booth at the Expo. The Natural States Expo, sponsored by the Arkansas Sustainability Network will be October 11, from 9-4 at the Statehouse Convention Center.

Presentation of Bicycle Friendly Award to the Richard Sheppard Arnold United States Courthouse by Judy Lansky. The award was accepted by the Clerk of the Court, James McCormack, who stressed that the General Services Administration deserves the credit. The building is part of a green building program for federal facilities, and bicycle racks are part of that program. McCormack also discussed the other “green” aspects of the building.

Presentation on the National Trails Symposium by Pam Gluck, Executive Director of American Trails and Terry Eastin, co-chair of the National Trails Symposium. About 1000 people from around the world will be attending the symposium to be held in Little Rock, November 15-18th. The Big Dam Bridge and the Medical Mile were the impetus to bring the Symposium here. Gluck stated that Terry Eastin, who has worked tirelessly for trails, is the 3rd reason to bring the Symposium to Little Rock. BACA members Gene Pfeifer, Ken Gould, Jess Askew and Rob Lambert are state honorary advisors. BACA member Lynn Warren is organizing workshop effort. BACA members Claibanne Williamson and Coreen Frasier are on the planning committee and are in charge of volunteers. BACA and Arkansas Bicycle Club are also Club. BACA &ABC - sponsors.

A presentation by BACA/Bike Friendly Community Committee members was made to the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce about the River Trail and the Clinton Library Bridge. The Chamber was informed that the Bicycle Friendly Community Committee was available to help. It is hoped that Mayor Stodola will announce that the Clinton Foundation will have a timeline to finish the Rock Island Bridge conversion.

Report by Tom Ezell. Tom, Julie Jackson, Willa Williams are LCI’s. and are sponsoring Bicycle Commuting classes on September 19th and October 24th, and three Road I classes. On the 1st Wednesday of every month, there is a critical manners ride, departing at 5:30 p.m. at the Arkansas Arts Center. Willa is starting the Hot Wheels 100 program. Kids up to 19 years of age can participate in logging miles before the BDB100 and do the last 14 miles at the BDB 100.Those who participate will get an extra goody bag from 4-H.

Suggestion that we get the City Board to allow us to make presentations at the Board meetings of the bike friendly awards, as well as issue a press release about the award.

Julie Jackson, a Park Ranger at Central High reported that she is leading bike tours, including a Trail of Tears ride. The principal chief of the Cherokee Nation will join that ride.

Steve Bentley reported on BACA’s Close the Loop task force. Members of the Task Force met with Mayors Stodola and Hays. The Task force is trying to get Clinton Foundation to give date to finish the Rock Island Bridge.

Meeting adjourned. Judy Lansky Secretary

About 45 people present. Ron Rizzardi, BACA President, called the meeting to order.

(1) Gordon Fisher reported on Cruisin’ the Rock. This is an opportunity to display your bike along with motorcycles. It will be on May 16th at the River Market Pavilion.

(2) Build Our Bridge Campaign: Ron reported on the campaign to convert the Rock Island Bridge into a Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge. Several years ago we were told that the Clinton Presidential Center had the money to convert the Rock Island Bridge. The cost of the Bridge, originally projected to be $5 million, is now closer to $10 million. The Foundation has spent about $500,000.00 working on the project and we are told that the Foundation remains committed to completion of the project. The Foundation states that it will continue to actively work to secure funding for the Bridge.

We believe it is time to take positive action to urge the Foundation to live up to its promise to build the bridge. BACA supports the Build Our Bridge campaign. www.buildourbridge.com. In particular, BACA has adopted the following principles in support of the Campaign: (1) That the Foundation establish a reasonable timeline to complete the bridge conversion; (2) that the Foundation pursue by its own initiative funding for the bridge conversion from all available revenue sources; and (3) that there non-intrusive public and private lobbying for the bridge conversion with specific regard to positive interactions with the Foundation and the public.

(3) Ron reported that we are looking into having valet bicycle parking at Riverfest.

(4) Report on the various Bike to Work Month activities planned: (a) Commuter Challenge between Mayors of Little Rock and North Little Rock and Donnie Van Patter and Dyron Hamlin on May 5th; (b) National Bike to Work Day on May 16th. There is an announcement of that on the jumbotron at the Chamber of Commerce, posters have been made and distributed; items have been donated for a drawing at the River Market; (c) Lance Armstrong Livestrong Ride on May 7th; (d) Ride of Silence on May 21st; (e) Chainwheel will have a bike commuting workshop on May 8th..

(5) Lynn Warren reported on the campaign against coal-fired power plants sponsored by the Sierra Club. There is a petition to the Governor to use alternative fuels.

Tom Ezell, BACA Board Member and League Certified Instructor, gave an interesting presentation on Complete Streets. For more information go to www.completestreets.org.

Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Judy Lansky BACA Secretary

About 65 people present. The meeting was called to order by Vice President Coreen Frasier. Members approved the following officers and Board members for 2008-2009: Ron Rizzardi, President; Coreen Frasier, Vice-President; Steve Shepherd, Treasurer; Judy Lansky, Secretary; Judy McDowall, at large Board member (2 year term); and Charlie Hight, at large Board member (2 year term).

1. Connie Fails reported that the winner of a contest sponsored by Specialized Bicycles, Google and a San Francisco company to create a bicycle for improving the enviroment will be in Little Rock for Earth Day on April 26, 2008. The bicycle, called the "Aquaduct" allows individuals in third world countries who don't have access to clean drinking water to transport and filter the water.

2. Coreen reported that a company will be bringing Pedicabs to Little Rock/North Little Rock.

3. Jenn Shaw reported on the Team Rubicon ride to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation on May 7. The Ride will begin at 5:30p.m. and will be about 20-25 miles. Jenn has raffle tickets for some incredible prizes, including a Rubicon bike frame, a Lance Armstrong signed item; and Oakley Livestrong sunglasses.

4. Program: Bicycling's Heroes: In 1992 a lawsuit was brought which ultimately stopped the building of an automobile road from I-430 to Jimmerson Creek. Part of the road which was planned still exists and now serves as a road for bicyclists, walkers, runners and in-line skaters. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit, Alice Andrews, Dave Gruenewald, and Barry Haas, along with their attorney Brian Rosenthal and fellow activists Nancy Clark and Ben Combs discussed the history of the dispute and their strategy to stop the building of the road. Counsel for the City of Little Rock Tom Carpenter and the Army Corps of Engineers Bill Adair, as well as Monica Denham, the law clerk for Judge Howard who decided the case, provided additional insight and information. Through the work of plaintiffs and their allies, the City stopped building the automobile road, the River Trail was ultimately extended, and the area was preserved for the building of the Big Dam Bridge. >br?
At the conclusion of the presentation, BACA presented bicycle friendly certificates to the plaintiffs.

Further announcements:

5. Julie Jackson, a ranger with the National Park Service Central High School National Historic Site, spoke about Sunday rides being sponsored by the National Park Service. There are 7.5 miles long and start at 2:30. For more information call Julie Jackson at 374-1957 or visit www.nps.gov/chsc.

6. A new bicycle shop, Community Bicyclist, is opening on the back side of Tanglewood Shopping Center. The owner, Sam Williamson, will be specializing in touring and city cycles. There is a bicycle rental place on the North Little Rock side at the east end of the Trail. Bruce Thalheimer from Chainwheel announced that Chainwheel is having a bicycle commuting seminar on April 10 from 6-7 p.m.

7. National Bike to Work Day is May 16th. We need volunteers, especially bike buddies.

8. Gordon Fisher announced that bicyclists can display their bicycles at "Cruisin'on the Rock, which will be held April 18th from 6-9 p.m. at the River Market. It will be a monthly event

9. Additional activities include Earth Day on April 26th, and the Commuter Challenge on May 5. Anyone interested in the Road I course for LCI certification can contact Willa Williams or Tom Ezell.

Respectfully submitted, Judy Lansky

About 45 people present. President Ron Rizzardi called the meeting to order.

Jenn Shaw & Charlie Hight presented recipient of Bicycle Friendly award this month to Michael Drake, who serves as director of North Little Rock Main Street Argenta. Michael is responsible for the implementation of bicycle racks on Main Street. He has sought input and advise from the bicycling community.

North Little Rock Mayor Hays was the main speaker. He talked about his desire to connect trails throughout North Little Rock. North Little Rock is starting construction on a trail connection from Burns Park to Military Road to Donovan Bailey. The City has a right of way on Pike Avenue and want to connect to Levy. In addition, North Little Rock is in discussions with Union Pacific Railroad and Camp Robinson about extending the trail along Camp Robinson and the NLR Airport.

He noted that the line on the Big Dam Bridge has helped control bicyclists and pedestrians and that there are not as many problems with dogs on the B.B. as previously. Lisa Farrell and Jim Jackson working on a planned community that will be along the NLR Trial. That section of the Road (now in front of Recovery Centers) will be closed to automobile traffic.

Mayor Hays responded to a number of questions. With regard to Emerald Park, Mayor Hays said the switchback on the east side will not be paved. The bicycle rental concessionaire is open. David Fine, owner of River Trail rentals, introduced himself. He has been open for 2 ½ months. He is primarily geared for the out of town visitor. He has cruiser style bikes, and in line skates. There will be refreshments on the patio, and energy snacks.

The Junction Bridge is on target to open in April or May. Mayor Hays is trying to nudge Clinton Presidential Center about Rock Island Bridge.

The proposed RV park will be at east end of trail, and the integrity of trail will be maintained. There will be about 60 places for RVS and the possible development of a concert/event area. The land is in a flood plane so usage is limited. An RV park is a compatible usage, and a revenue producer for NLR.

Question about expanding the shoulders on Maumelle Blvd. Mayor Hays is not excited about bicycle paths on Maumelle Blvd. He would like 2 trails in Maumelle. One would wind along Crystal Hill and the other would be North of Maumelle Blvd.

Ron reported that we raised about $7600.00 from our annual fundraising campaign. Ron reported on some of our upcoming activities. We need volunteers for Bike to Work Day and assistance with working on developing a new website. We would also like proposals for different bike paths.

We had a successive advocacy effort in changing the language of the State Long Range Transportation Plan to recognize that bicycling is growing and will become a more important means of transportation.

BACA is a voting member of Transportation Advisory Council of Metroplan. The Council is split down the middle as to whether to fund facilities for bicycling. Issue of 430/630 split & where bicycling will fit in. If widen 630, will need to keep trail in tact.

Commuter Tax Benefit law passed the House (about $20/month tax benefit to commute) but was defeated in the Senate.

The League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit will be the first week in March. BACA members Coreen Frasier, Judy Lansky & Ken Gould are going so far. We need more people to go.

May is National Bike to Work Month. During that month we will sponsor a Commuter Challenge, Bike to Work Day, Ride of Silence. The Lance Armstrong Foundation will also sponsor a Livestrong Ride on May 7th.

Ken Gould reported on upcoming BACA meetings in March & April. In March , we will show bicycle videos, including one of Bogota, Colombia film. . In April we will have a program on the original 1992 lawsuit brought to enjoin opening an auto road from Jimmerson Creek to I-430, which ultimately allowed the development of the LR River Trail.

Jamie Brainard from CARTI reported that the Tour de Rock will be June 14th. There will be online fundraising opportunities. Training rides will begin March 9th.

Tom Ezell and Willa Williams reported that Bike Ed courses continue. Road I at Cooperative Extension on Friday night.

Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Judy Lansky, BACA Secretary

About 65 people present. Vice President Coreen Frasier called the meeting to order.

Coreen stated that Steve Weston of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department wanted to remind people to get their applications in for Safe Routes to School grants. Go to www.arkansashighways.com and look under go under programs

Ken Gould introduced our guest speaker, Teresa Marks, Director of Arkansas Department of Environment Quality. Marks spoke about the ADEQ new building which is a green building. It is located in the North Shore Business Park. She hopes to extend access to the North Little Rock River Trail from the parking lot of the building. There are facilities, including bike racks and showers, for employees who want to commute to work. There are also loaner bikes for employees who wish to bike during lunch hour.. Want to do constructed Solar hot water heater in lab; carpeting from recycling material. Marks took a number of questions regarding environmental issues in Arkansas. The Department is looking to alternative means of community.

Announcements: Tomorrow is First Friday Bike to Work day. The Critical Manners ride is held on the first Wednesday of every month. Riders should meet at the parking lot of the Arkansas Art Center. North Little Rock Mayor Pat Hays will be our speaker at the February BACA meeting. Danielle de Preux reported on Arkansas Sustanability Network’s bicycle recyclery. ASN is taking old bikes & fixing them up. They are then provided to people either at a discounted cost or free. ASN has a room to repair bikes and have received donations of tools, bikes, etc. Link to the news link on the website to learn what other materials ASN needs. The recyclery group meetings every Thursday and Sunday at ASN space. Claibanne Williams reported that a bike club has started at UAMS. It is meeting tomorrow at College of Public Health.

Tom Ezell, the BACA Board Education representative, gave a very information presentation on safety issues. Tom is a certified League of American Bicyclists instructor. He talked about riding safely at night. State law requires a white headlight to be seen by 500 feet & red taillight to be seen at 500 feet. It stressed the importance to be visible at night.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Judy Lansky Secretary, BACA