It’s time to provide feedback on the City of Asheville’s implementation of shared streets and temporary parklets. The City is calling this new survey, “AVL Shares Space 2021 Survey.” It’s your chance to weigh in on the land use portion of the City’s COVID-19 pandemic response. Keep reading to see our list of suggested responses to their survey; you can take the survey by clicking this link. The survey is open through Sept. 20, 2021.

As background, AoB published a series of articles and letters to push the City to roll out a network of slow speed streets, commerce/pedestrian zones, and parklets. This call included a petition that circulated broadly, signed by 8 Organizations, 34 Businesses, and 220 Individuals. Of the three ideas, the City mostly delivered temporary parklets. Here are our background materials for your review:

• Interview: Explaining Commerce Zones and Low Speed Streets
• Low Speed Street Network and Circulator Map
• Petition: “Pledge of Support for Changes to our Streets”

AoB encourages you to respond to the survey and incorporate our suggestions into your response in order to further advance the prioritization of moving people safely throughout our city. AoB provides survey guidance for a limited number of questions as not all questions deal with issues of active transportation and user safety. 

Asheville on Bikes’ Recommended Responses

Below are screenshots of the questions and AoB’s recommended responses. Please complete the survey and share our guidance throughout your circles to intensify support for continued investment in active transportation facilities. 

Initiatives 1 & 2 ask for your input regarding “Shared Streets and/or Temporary Parklets”

The 3rd question of Initiatives 1 & 2  asks: “Have Shared Streets and/or Parklets impacted your experience of feeling safer and in alignment with public health guidelines during COVID-19?”

Answer: “Helped me feel much safer” The goal is to highlight that people oriented streets promote safety. 

The 4th question of Initiatives 1 & 2 asks: Have Shared Streets and/or Parklets influenced your decision(s) to access local goods and services during COVID-19?

Answer: “It very much encouraged me to access local goods/services,” because the goal is to highlight the connection between shared streets and business. 

The 5th and 6th question of Initiatives 1 & 2  asks “What do you like most about the temporary Shared Streets and/or Parklets?” and “What do you like least, what would you change.” 

Answer: The city has prioritized the safe and predictable movement of pedestrians above all other modes through a tactical urbanism approach. I encourage the city to continue this program and expand on it by working with a variety of partners (like Asheville on Bikes) to design, build, and implement more space for the safe and predictable movement of people.  

Answer: So far, “AVL Shares Space” is limited to just the central business district and focused on supporting businesses. I encourage the city to intensify its shared streets approach and build a series of  shared street networks to connect  neighborhoods into downtown and to each other to encourage biking and walking throughout Asheville. Emphasize ADA and inclusive design. Embrace the need of people who are differently abled. Consider Asheville on Bike’s circulator concept and build a variety of quick build complete streets into Asheville so that people aren’t overly reliant on cars to get into town. 

Question 7 of Initiatives 1 & 2 asks: “Are you supportive of continuing the Shared Streets and/or Parklet program longer term?

Answer: ‘very supportive,’ because shared streets are something that should transcend the pandemic. Let city leaders know that pedestrian facilities and safety are a long term asset to our community. 

Question 8 of Initiatives 1 & 2 asks: “If you are supportive of continuing the Shared Streets and/or Parklet program longer term, how much of a factor is the COVID-19 pandemic?” 

Answer: “Not at all a factor,” because it’s critical to document that shared streets are valued beyond the pandemic. We want our streets to work for people for the long run and not just the short term pandemic restrictions. 

Question 9 of Initiatives 1 & 2 asks: “Would you like to see Shared Streets and/or Parklets other locations in Asheville? If so, where?” 

Answer: “Yes, I’d like to see shared streets expanded throughout the City to areas like West Asheville’s Haywood Rd, the River Arts District, and Biltmore Village. I’d like to see the City embrace Asheville on Bike’s Circulator concept which would allow for more walking and biking into the city as that concept creates pathways for active transportation. The current plan is inadequate because it does not include any slow streets or traffic calming to create safer transportation connections for me to go to and from my neighborhood to reach the places I need to go. Integrate AoB’s circulator concept to build a network of shared streets into town from surrounding communities.

Initiative 4 focuses on the use of sidewalks 

The 3rd question of Initiative 4 asks: “What do you like least, or what would you change about outdoor dining (or merchandise) on sidewalks?

Answer: When business extends onto the sidewalk, it often obstructs or limits pedestrian movements therefore as this initiative continues, greater emphasis should be placed on the pedestrian experience. Prioritize universal design principles so that shared streets work for those who are most vulnerable and differently abled. 

The post Call To Action: Respond to City of Asheville’s “AVL Shares Space 2021 Survey” appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

There will be two meetings discussing the plans and introducing how to provide feedback with our new online survey.  The two meetings will be the same, there is no need to attend both. The virtual meeting times are:

• Wednesday, August 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (This meeting will be recorded and posted with the survey on the Close the GAP project page for anyone who wants to listen at their convenience) Meeting link

• Friday, August 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Meeting link 

Additionally, the Transportation Department would like to meet with neighborhood groups to discuss what the GAP Plans can do for you and hear your comments. Please contact Lucy Crown at lcrown@ashevillenc.gov to find out more information about the plans and to organize a time to meet with your neighborhood. 

“People ask me why it is so important to provide feedback for a plan that doesn’t directly lead to construction,” said Lucy Crown, the Greenway Planner for the City of Asheville, “Master Plans are guiding documents that help staff in the Transportation Department organize, prioritize and queue projects up for construction. If you would like better pedestrian facilities in your neighborhood, it is important to get it on the master plan now. If a project is not in the master plan, it is unlikely to be constructed. It is really important for staff to know what desires and concerns neighborhoods have regarding their transportation needs. YOU know more about your neighborhood streets and walking than anyone else, that is why it is so important we hear from you!”  

Find a copy of this press release on Asheville City Source.

Close the GAP Survey Now Open

The planning process, known as the Close the GAP, will identify a network of the pedestrian, greenway, and accessibility networks for our community as well as programs and policies to support it. The City of Asheville combined these plans because the pedestrian network will be a stronger one if the three aspects: Greenways, ADA transitions, and Pedestrian networks are planned at the same time.

Asheville residents are encouraged to take the Close the GAP survey to provide ideas and input for the street and greenway plan updates. The survey is now available to take online here.

The post Residents invited to virtual meetings on Asheville greenway and pedestrian master plans this week; survey to open too appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

A number of instances of cyclist harassment have been reported to Asheville on Bikes and law enforcement this summer, most notably Buncombe County resident Bill Miller’s hit and run experience. Due to this rise in cyclist harassment and the growing aggression surrounding these events, it’s more important than ever for Asheville cyclists to stay safe and vigilant while biking our city’s roads.

Harassment is defined as “aggressive pressure or intimidation.”

Cyclist harassment by the numbers

In 2014, North Carolina was ranked one of the top 10 most dangerous states for cyclists. And though Asheville has gained a reputation as a cycling mecca, harassment of cyclists has been increasing in Asheville and Buncombe County over the past decade. Consider the following events:

North Carolina has been ranked one of the top 10 most dangerous states for cyclists.

You may remember in 2018 when an Asheville cyclist was forced off the road by a motorist who was trying to pass her in oncoming traffic. The driver, who was charged with a misdemeanor, verbally threatened the cyclist through the window of his pickup truck as he forced her into the grass. 

You may also recall the Asheville cyclist who was punched in the face at the intersection of Sand Hill Road and Sardis Road back in 2017. Thankfully, the incident was caught on camera by another driver, although the assailant was merely charged with simple assault. 

Then there was the 2009 incident where a former Asheville firefighter shot and nearly killed an Asheville cyclist because he thought the child bike seat his son was riding in was unsafe. The assailant got away with serving just 4 months in prison and paying $1,200 in medical expenses.

Most recently, we were informed of a few other incidences of harassment towards cyclists, including the following story:

Abby and Austin’s story

Just after 11 am on July 31, 2021, AoB’s Executive Assistant, Abby Walker, and her husband Austin were riding single file up a long stretch of hill on Turkey Creek Road, when a man driving a Honda CR-V began screaming at the group out of his car window. The man and his young child proceeded to follow Abby and Austin, berating them with obscenities as they climbed. 

The driver cursed at Abby and Austin, and prevented them from escaping by refusing to move his vehicle from the road.

When the pair eventually found a driveway to pull into, the driver got out of his car and proceeded to tell Abby and Austin that they were “creating a dangerous situation” and being “disrespectful” because they were cycling. The man told them that biking was not considered “transportation” but rather “a hobby.” When another vehicle stopped to make sure the cyclists were okay, the man told her she should mind her own business and leave them alone. He continued cursing at Abby and Austin and prevented them from escaping by refusing to move his vehicle from the road.

Warning: This video contains explicit language and aggression.

It is clear that aggression and violence towards cyclists is a serious problem in the Asheville area, and dangerous motorists aren’t always prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Migration to Buncombe County, coupled with urban expansion into previously rural areas, has created a growing tension between motorists and cyclists. 

What to do if you’re harassed 

The unfortunate truth is that if you ride a bike in the Asheville area, you may experience harassment. While you may not be able to avoid confrontation with motorists, there are a few actions you can take if you are harassed:

1. Contact local law enforcement. If you are threatened by a motorist in any way while biking, immediately call 911. While this may feel like overreacting (and the driver very well may tell you it is), you never know when a situation is going to escalate out of control and necessitate a police officer.
2. Keep yourself safe. If you are threatened by an aggressive motorist, maintain your physical safety by being prepared to get off your bike and away from the aggressor, or biking away to a safe distance (unless you are injured). Do not engage the motorist, and use concise, neutral language (like Austin’s responses in the above video) to diffuse a situation, or say nothing at all.
3. Document as much as you can. Make a concerted effort to get the motorist’s license plate, vehicle make and model, and his or her physical description. If you’re unable to get this information yourself, ask a bystander to record this information. If you have a smartphone or other recording device, take video and/or photos of the incident to share with authorities. Also, try to collect the names and phone numbers of any witnesses present.
4. File a report with law enforcement. Once the authorities have arrived and you are safe, file a police report.
5. Fill out our Road Violence Report. Help AoB gather information about aggressive interactions between motorists and cyclists in Asheville by filling out our Road Violence Report. This data will help us raise awareness around bike safety and prosecute irresponsible motorists.

Take these steps to stay safe on the road

Practicing proper bike safety, like fitting your bike with lights and riding responsibly, can help prevent and mitigate some (but not all) dangerous motorist-cyclist interactions. To ensure your safety during every ride, make sure you:

• Wear protective equipment. More cyclists are starting to wear a combination of front and rear lights and video cameras to make themselves seen, and to record any adverse events with motor vehicles. And, of course, always wear a helmet!
• Claim your space. If you don’t have a bike lane, bike advocacy organization Bike Law suggests in their Ride Guide that you should ride far enough towards the center of the lane to make it clear to motorists that they must move into the next lane to pass you. If you’re not used to road biking, this may seem dangerous; however, a motorist is more likely to try to pass you when they shouldn’t (resulting in you getting hit or run off the road) if you try to ride on the shoulder or in the gutter. Riding closer to the center of the lane also makes you more visible to motorists, which is especially important when crossing driveways and intersections.
  
  Remember, cyclists have the right to the full width of the road (except interstates and highways) as long as they follow traffic laws, and drivers are legally required to give you 3 feet of room when passing.

For more bike safety information, read up on our tips for developing safe bike riding habits, and consider signing up for Buncombe County’s Cycle Smart bike safety course.

Asheville on Bikes is dedicated to increasing bike safety

Asheville on Bikes has been advocating for safe biking conditions and bike infrastructure for over 15 years. Learn more about our mission and how to get involved on our website. As always, stay safe and enjoy the ride!

The post Harassment Against Cyclists is on the Rise in Asheville. Here’s What You Need to Know. appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

Here are what a few of our participants had to say:

“It was a pretty day and nice to see lots of people out on bikes in green.”

“It was a super fun day! We came from Boone to do it. I also liked some of the signs along the way like the tongue twister going up the big hill.”

“Good to see participants from the other bicycle advocacy groups helping out.”

“It was fun to do for the first time. I loved having the route on my phone that talked to me. The checkpoints were fun to find and well spaced.”

Bike of the Irish 2021 would not have been possible without the help of our local partners!

Local businesses that served as checkpoints along the Bike of the Irish routes opened their doors to a number of BOI participants. Here are just a few of the quotes from our checkpoint partners on the day of the event:

“[We saw] steady traffic of visitors. Many stuck around for a complimentary beverage and asked about our bikes and service.”

“Lots of excited participants checking out our spot for the first time!”

“We decided to not play a large role this year and not be there in person because of COVID, but AoB made it very easy for us to display our board and play a small part! Looking forward to doing more in the future.”

And finally, we would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s Bike of the Irish event.

Cruisers:

Best Overall

Team: Team Agan
Members: Steve Agan, Maggie Agan
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/64125793

City Centric:

Most Points in the Least Amount of Time (this includes checkpoints and bonus points)

Team: ‘O Bear
Members: Ed Broadbear (solo)
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/64116882 

Runner Up and Best Photographs

Team: Leslie’s Team (Team Leslie)
Members: Kristy Carter, Wade Rogers, Leslie Houde, Bronie Reynolds
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/64121752

Best Team Name

Team: Very Hungry Catermillers
Members: Wes Miller, Kristi Miller, Brent Miller, Nicole Miller, Trenton Miller, Bellatrix Lestrange
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35410139?privacy_code=osb3QyLKNYJpFcWi

Rough & Rowdy:

Most Points and Most Elevation (this includes checkpoints and bonus points)

Team: Riley and Luke
Members: Luke Paulson and Riley West
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/64117321

Most Points and Least Amount of Time

Team: Zoller
Team Member: Jason Zoller (solo)
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/64136576

Best Team Name & Best Costume

Team: Irish I Was at the Pub
Members: Garrett Burrell, Monty Burrell, Juanelle Burrell
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/64126884

The post Bike of the Irish 2021 (COVID-19 Edition) Winners appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

About Abby

Abby and her husband Austin moved to Asheville in the spring of 2003. The mountains, the people and the endless opportunities to ride bikes was too much of a draw to keep them away. Asheville quickly became home as she settled into life as an elementary teacher and then became the mother of two. While her children were young she started and managed a community garden in West Asheville for 10 years and then went on to create and teach FEAST classes at Francine Delany Charter School. Whether mountain, road, gravel or racing cyclocross, she gets as much time as possible on her bikes. She is also an invested member of the cycling community and has been a supporter of Asheville on Bikes since its inception. What really excites Abby is bringing people together through bikes, As much as she enjoys helping to promote and racing cyclocross for the i9 Masters Team, she is truly inspired by coaching the local NICA Mountain Biking Team, leading a local Women’s Mountain Bike Ride and as an ambassador for Kitsbow. Her all-around involvement in the cycling community ensures that she gets to encourage and connect those to a shared passion for bikes.

Abby and AoB

For the last two years, Walker served on AoB’s board of directors and chaired the events committee while serving on the development committee. She was instrumental in transforming AoB’s community rides to conform to social distance requirements and essential to AoB meeting its end-of-year funding goals.

In her staff position, Walker will support AoB’s executive director with a focus on event planning and membership management.

Be on the lookout for Abby at the upcoming Bike of the Irish on Saturday, March 20th. Legend has it, she’ll be sporting her “Rainbow Connection” kit.

The post AoB Welcomes Abby Walker as Executive Assistant appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

What’s your favorite type of riding?

There isn’t a style of riding I dislike to be honest! Like many Midwestern kids, I started out on BMX bikes traveling as far as my legs would take me. As an undergrad athlete I fell in love with mountain biking and the escape it gave me from school and soccer—also what a better place for it than WNC?

As I got older and met my future wife, I started road cycling more and more to the point of racing. Now you can find me racing, commuting to work, playing in Pisgah or pulling my son in his trailer in Bent Creek.

Why Do You Support AoB?

I support AoB because of the work they do to pull the cycling community together. AOB has made extensive efforts to increase access for all pedestrians, whether it be walkers or bikers.

It’s mind blowing that we have so few sidewalks and bike lanes. We have such an active community and one can easily see with the RAD protected bike lane and greenway that if you build it, people will use it!

What would you like AoB to accomplish in the next 5 years?

I hope to see AoB to keep doing what they are doing. Specifically, helping collaborate with local communities and helping get more infrastructure built and maintained to increase access and safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Experience the benefits of AOB membership

Jay may have won our latest raffle, but there are plenty of reasons for cyclists in WNC to join AOB now. You’ll be invited to all of our (in)famous events, connect with the regional cycling community, and have a chance to help shape positive cycling and pedestrian infrastructure changes in our community. Join now!

The post Asheville on Bikes Members Rock! Meet Jay Dore. appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

AoB thanks our 2020 sponsors for their financial support which enables us to move our mission forward:

Winners Announced: 

Cruiser Winners: 

1st Place:

Team – Spider Bike
Team Member(s): Nate Field & Otis Field
00:45min & 17 checkpoints
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/58409098

Runner up (Second Amount of Checkpoints in the Least Amount of Time):

Team – Wagers on Bikes
00:28min & 8 checkpoints
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/58394800

City Centric: 

1st Place: 

Team – Monty Rides Again
Team Members: Dave & Linda Copley
01:46hr & 36 checkpoints( including bonus)
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/58404772

Runner Up

Team – Jim
Team Members: Jim Grode (Asheville on Bikes’ Board Member)
2:43hr & 31 Checkpoints
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/58407802

Rough & Rowdy:

1st Place:
Team – Honda Insight Fan Club (Official)
Team Member(s): Devin Clancy and Nick Bragg
03:55hr & 28 checkpoints
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/58408402 

Runner Up:

Team – Pumpkin Pedaller Fox in Socks
Team Member(s):Christina Montes
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/58414982

Best Costume: 

Team: It’s Pronounced Fronkensteen
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/58417939

Best Team Name:

Team – Bent Creekers
Team Member(s): William Goodson

Pumpkin Pedaller winners will receive a gift from one of these local companies: 

• Oowee Products
• The Runner Box 
• Taco Billy 
• Riveter

AoB has a three pronged approach to our mission – celebration, education, & advocacy. To learn more about our work in education and advocacy, watch “Education & Infrastructure Moves the Next Generation Forward.”

The post Pumpkin Pedaller 2020 Winners appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

Special Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who make our events possible:

Rough and Rowdy:

Most Checkpoints and Elevation

Team Name: Westside Wanderers
Team Members: Karen Ostergaard, Erik Ostergaard, Austin Walker
78.2 miles, 6,405 feet elevation gain, 36 points
@_k_j_o
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56777099

Runner up: Most Elevation

Team Name-Riley West
Team Members- Riley West
64.1 miles, 5989 feet elevation gain, 17 points
@ohitsriley
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56773678?privacy_code=NH6KckzNkIJdQaEA

Best Name, Costume and Photographs

Team Name: Autumn Oddity
Team Members- Christina Montes & Ethan Burns
47.9 miles, 4,466 feet elevation gain, 31 points
@xomontes
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56772533

City Centric:

Most Checkpoints and Elevation:

Team Name: Team SGOT
Team Members: Rebecca Lawton & Trevor
28.9 miles, 2,288 feet elevation gain, 30 pts
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56771222

Runner Up

Team Members- Richie Rozelle & Nick Kroncke
27.3 miles , 1,995 feet elevation gain, 31 pts
@Rozzeller
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56761720

Best Name and Best Photographs:

Team Name: Your Pace or Mine?
Team Members- Rylee Roquemore & Misty Miller
25.8 miles, 1876 feet elevation gain, 31 pts
@ryleeroq
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56770476

Runner Up Best Photograph

Team Name: Little Debbies Conquer City
Team Members: Mackenzie Kramer & Colin McCormick, John and Karly Haddock
@kenziekramer
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56764779

Best Costumes:

Team Name: Flagella and Anchor
Team Members: Katie Green & Ramin Sadeghian
@insideoutandupsidedown
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56769997

Cruiser:

Best All-Around

Team Name: Yancey’s Fancy
Team Members: Katie, Luca and Herb Yancey,
10.5 miles, 415 elevation gain, 13 checkpoints
@katiemccabeyancey
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56760445

The post 2020 The Fall Out Winners appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

A British researcher recently posed this question to nearly 1,000 men and women of various cycling abilities; the results (available here on Streetsblog USA) reveal some interesting insights into what cyclists, especially female cyclists, need to feel safe and confident riding their bikes.

Protected bike lanes and paths are the preferred option

While all respondents preferred off-road cycling routes to riding on the road, women expressed a stronger preference for bike infrastructure separated from motorized traffic (i.e., park paths or protected bike lanes). This preference remained high regardless of women’s experience level with cycling. In contrast, men with more experience were more likely to favor cycling on the road.

As the Streetsblog article suggests, data like this give clues as to why a gender gap in the cycling community still exists. Fewer women than men are okay with the idea of riding on unprotected on-road routes—the only available option for bike riding in most urban areas—so fewer women ride. It follows that providing more protected bike lanes and other safe off-road routes would start to close this gender gap.

How does this research help us when it comes to improving Asheville cycling infrastructure?

Like in most cities, those we see riding in Asheville are most often adult men. Perhaps it is no coincidence given that our cycling options remain limited to roadways; we would likely see more women and kids riding if they felt they had safer places to ride. In other words, this research indicates that improving our cycling infrastructure could help increase diversity in our cycling community.

The benefits of protected bike lanes go beyond safety—although that is certainly important. Protected bike routes encourage more people of all ages and experience levels to get outside and ride, leading to healthier families, stronger communities, and reduced motorized traffic as more people choose to ride their bikes instead of getting in their cars.

How you can help get more protected bike lanes in Asheville

First, join Asheville on Bikes! Becoming a member is the single most effective way you can help, as the more members we have, the stronger our voice is to affect real change in our cycling infrastructure. Second, come to our events. It’s a great way to get to know other cyclists and build community, not to mention ride your bike! Finally, consider making a donation. Our proceeds go directly to advocacy and education. Thank you for your support!

The post Research Finds Most Women Prefer Separated Bike Infrastructure appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

But 2018 marked Mike’s first foray into summiting and lobbying at the national level. In March, he attended the National Bike Summit in Washington DC, where he met with fellow bicycle advocacy leaders from across the country and capped off the experience by meeting with our U.S. Senators’ and Congresspersons’ staff at a Federal Lobby Day. We asked Mike what it was like to talk shop on Capitol Hill.

What is the National Bike Summit?

The National Bike Summit, put on every year by the League of American Bicyclists, is one of the biggest U.S. conferences for bicycle advocacy. In addition to seminars and workshops, there are several “mobile workshops” which are field trips (via bike, of course) to tour thriving bicycle friendly businesses. There’s also a lobbying workshop to prepare for the Lobby Day part of the summit.

Why did you decide to go to the National Bike Summit this year?

I’ve been following the National Bike Summit from afar for over a decade. Having helped organize the NC Bike Summit for a few years, and attending BikeWalk NC Lobby Day in 2017, it seemed time to step it up to the national level. It was thrilling to finally be there in person. To talk face to face with advocates whose blogs I read or podcasts I listen to was incredible.

It was also a great way to see where AoB stands in regards to other bicycle advocacy groups, many of which have inspired our own work in Asheville. I learned that the majority of local organizations are entirely volunteer based, or maybe have a staff of one, just like Asheville on Bikes—even the largest group might have only 4 to 6 people on staff. It’s very reassuring to know that we’re in a good spot among our peers.

What workshops did you attend?

Two workshops were especially meaningful in terms of potential to help Asheville on Bikes and the cycling community in Asheville as a whole.

Improving Diversity and Inclusion

An important goal of AoB is to be an inclusive and welcoming organization to all people. However, while we’re a diverse organization in terms of the ages, we’re well aware that we’re not very diverse in terms of ethnicity.

This workshop was extremely beneficial in helping learn new ways to approach diversity, including how to identify our own implicit and unintentional biases in the organization, and how best to reach out to populations that are underrepresented in the AoB membership. Our after school program is one way we’ve made strides in the direction of becoming more diverse. Another idea that I think would do well in Asheville is to hold a series of Bicycle Rodeos—events where we set up simulated courses in different neighborhoods (for example, the Stephens-Lee Rec Center parking lot) to help people hone skills such as how to approach stoplights, turning, etc. One appeal of this idea is that it’s sustainable—once we set up courses, the infrastructure is there. To hold an event, all we would need are volunteers.

Bicycle Tourism & Economic Development

At this workshop, we looked at states, such as Arkansas and Montana, who’ve done a really great job coordinating their efforts to package themselves as bicycle destinations and capitalize on the benefits of being a bicycle friendly community.

Asheville is practically ready-made as a bicycle destination. We have some of the best roads to ride, most interesting and scenic areas to mountain bike, and calendar full of bicycle events geared to a variety of different types of riders, from our Bike of the Irish to high-profile, internationally advertised events like the Haute Route Stage Race. In addition, we have many bicycle-related industries, including Industry Nine wheel and hub manufacturer, Cane Creek Cycling Components, DeFeet who makes cycling apparel, and Fox Suspension, as well as industries that hold appeal for the cycling crowd, such as craft brewing.

We’re doing pretty well on the tourism scene, yet we still have trouble connecting the dots and building a coalition between industry, recreational non-profits, and city and state government to most effectively promote western North Carolina as not only a great place to visit, but an attractive place to invest in because of the economic opportunities bicycling offers in the region. We need to come together and create a communication network and advocate as a significant economic engine in western North Carolina.

Tell us about Lobby Day in Washington DC. What was that like?

The lobby day was my favorite part of the whole experience. We got training on how to lobby effectively to representatives, and the next day we were released on the hill to go from one representative’s office to the other and make our case for why continued investment in active transportation at the federal level is important.

It was so exciting to be there. The arena is so much more intense. You’re actually on the hill, walking by high-profile Senators’ offices. I met with staff of Senator Burr as well as Rep. McHenry, who represents Asheville and areas south and east, and Rep. Price, whose district is in the Durham area. It was great meeting with their staff and to have the opportunity to make our case face to face with those who represent us.

What did you discuss with Congressional staff on Lobby Day?

One main issue we lobbied for was to ensure TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants remain in place for federal transportation planning. Asheville has been a recipient of a TIGER grant, specifically for the current RADTIP project. In President Trump’s proposed transportation plan, TIGER grants are eliminated, but every staff member we spoke with gave the impression that the TIGER program is valued—that was uplifting.

The staff were very receptive to my questions and listened to my concerns. I was impressed with how much they knew about bicycle infrastructure, as it’s a daily part of their lives—DC has two bike-share programs, and protected bike lanes run right up Pennsylvania Avenue. Many staff use their bikes to get around.

Looking back, what do you think is the main benefit of attending a national summit?

Attending a bicycle advocacy summit is a great way to learn how transportation policy and funding works. It can be challenging as an advocacy director to communicate to the community just how complex transportation policy actually is. To stare into the back of the proverbial clock and see all of the cogs and the springs, all the mechanisms that make it work is extremely valuable in helping me communicate more effectively, and therefore advocate more effectively for transportation policy decisions that benefit all road users.

Want to help Asheville become more bike-friendly? Join AoB

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