When people say "transportation" or "traffic" do they automatically think only of cars and other motorized vehicles? Well, good news: a study of traffic and transportation in downtown includes this line on the first page of the executive summary: "Goals for decreasing the vehicle miles traveled (VMT), reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing the reliance on the single occupancy vehicle and maintaining a flexible, sustainable transportation system are important for the future."

I just received this tidbit from a co-worker http://bicycledesign.blogspot.com/2008/07/trek-stop.html

Well folks the Seattle to Portland ride is getting closer. I'm really excided. This will be my 2nd STP and I'm just as excided as the 1st one. You would of thought I would of learn from the 1st ride but I'm kind of thick headed so here I go again. I'll be riding this year without my son so I'm hopeing to meet up with some people that I usally see at every organize ride here in Spokane. I have forgotten there names but mine is Bob just incase you recognise my name. I usally not to hard to find.

Much of the below isn't much news to most of us who cycle regularly, but here it is as reported in the current issue of Road Bike Rider, an online newsletter.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors has adopted a resolution that bicycling should be integrated into the country's transportation, climate, energy and health policy initiatives. The resolution makes interesting reading, as it provides solid reasons why cities should support cycling. Two examples: ". . . bicycle commuters annually save on average $1,825 in auto-related costs, reduce their carbon emissions by 128 pounds, conserve 145 gallons of gasoline, and avoid 50 hours of gridlock traffic; and . . . 10% of global oil production goes solely toward fueling America's cars and trucks, and the U.S. could save 462 millions of gallons of gasoline a year by increasing cycling from 1% to 1.5% of all trips. . . ." The entire document is on the League of American Bicyclists website. Scroll to "Resolution Submitted to the United States Conference of Mayors" after clicking here.

Apple Charlotte Cooking Company is doing a donated fundraiser dinner for Pedals2People next Sunday night, June 22.

It's limited to 30 guests and they are at at 22 now -- so if you are interested, take a look and RSVP in the next day or two.

The full explanation for the event is at http://www.pedals2people.org/AppleCharP2PJune.pdf.

But in a nutshell: it's a New Orleans-Style dinner with off-the-grill andouille sausage and chicken jambalaya; muffaletta; red beans and rice; corny jalapeno sweet cornbread; and bourbon chocolate cake. Beer, wine, and ice tea is also included.

Go to http://www.bikecommuters.com/gas-saving-calculator/ to see just how much greener your world is when you commute via bike--the green in your wallet, that is.

I get pretty decent gas mileage on my 7-year-old Honda Accord. With gas at $4.04/gallon, and a short trip to work, I save around $175/year by commuting every day via bike (although I do shift to bus when it's incredibly snowy, and that cost isn't included in this).

I received a note from a friend of mine about the frequent encounters he has on the Centennial Trail with truly rude cyclists. He has an idea for a "Slow down, shout out" campaign to address trail etiquette among those cyclists who need a reminder. I'm sharing the idea here in hopes you'll all lead by example, and show people cycling courtesy to counterbalance these others.

The League of American Bicyclists provides e-alerts on federal issues related to cycling. One current issue concerns a proposed change that would provide equity in tax provisions for bike commuters, similar to what other commuters already receive. Another is about the "National Bike Bill," which has passed the House and needs Senate sponsors.

Go to www.bikeleague.org to sign up for these alerts and to read more on these issues.

Bicycle Commuter Benefit on House Tax Extender Bill

This is posted on behalf of a friend of mine who works at AmericanWest Bank.

The short story:

There's a discussion under way on our Google Group, biketoworkspokane (look it up and join!) about cycling on sidewalks.

Eileen Hyatt posted a great link to research demonstrating how dangerous it is for everyone when cyclists ride on the sidewalk. See http://www.bikexprt.com/bikepol/facil/sidepath/sidecrash.htm.