September 30th E-News

Bike Cleveland Releases Bike Share RFP

Good news for fans of bike sharing in Cleveland! After completing the requisite paperwork and getting through all the necessary red tape, we are happy to announce the formal release of the Cleveland Bike Share RFP! The formal request for proposal was sent out to multiple bike share vendors around the country, and is hereby publicly posted. What now you may be asking? Well, bike share companies have until Oct. 19 to submit proposals, followed by a two week review period. A vendor will be selected by October 30th and can start laying the groundwork for a spring 2016 roll out! Read More.

Brecksville Response

By now many of you have probably heard of the tragic crash that claimed the lives of two local area cyclists and sent three more to hospital on Snowville Road on September 17th.

Immediately following the collision, we noticed local media were referring to the incident as an “accident” rather than the more appropriate term “crash.” Some may think we are merely splitting hairs, but words are important and powerful. Calling this an “accident” suggests that nothing could have been done to prevent it, that we are powerless in the face of circumstance, and while saddened, are left to simply wait for another “accident” to happen. Planes don’t have “accidents”, they have “crashes” and we do everything we can to find out why it crashed so we can prevent it from happening again. We need to do the same with crashes on our roadways, and it starts with calling it a “crash” not an “accident.” 

We relayed this message to local media and the Brecksville PD, and immediately saw a change in their language, which is a start. Tired of seeing bicycle/car crashes marginalized and people on bikes failing to get get the respect they deserve, we want to create a cultural change, and that starts with the language we use. 

The other way to facilitate change is to force motorists to take more seriously the responsibility that comes with operating a 2000lbs vehicle. To that end, we are trying to advance two pieces of legislation –  

House Bill 110: legislation that would increase the penalty for fleeing the scene of a crash passed the Ohio House in May, but has been languishing in Senate Criminal Justice Committee ever since.

House Bill 88: legislation that would ban the use of phones in school and construction zones, as well as elevate texting and driving from a secondary to a primary offense. This one has also been sitting idle in the House Armed Services, Veterans Affairs, and Public Safety Committee.

It seems as though our legislators need a push, so let’s help them. Contact your representative and tell them you would like these made a priority.

Upcoming Events

• Oct. 2nd – Bike To Work Day – One of the best ways to grow ridership and membership continues to be through events, and there are a few coming up! The most immediate is this Friday with Bike To Work Day at the Cleveland Bike Rack on East 4th from 7am-9am! Ride in to work, and get some free coffee and bagels to start the day right.
• Oct. 10th (AM) – Bikes N’Brew – Celebrates the kickoff to Cleveland Beer Weekfeaturing fantastic local breweries which you will visit via an unsupported bicycle tour through Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs. There will be 20-ish mile & 40-ish mile suggested route options with cue sheets & maps provided. Limited to the 21 and over crowd and 100 participants, advance tickets are $25 (day of – $35 if available) which includes a tour of Brick + Barrel and up to five samples from various breweries with food stuffs at the end of the ride. VIP tickets also include participation in the keg pull relay – a ride which is not to be missed. This thing is getting close to sold out, so get your tickets now!
• Oct. 9th & 10th – On The Edge Film Fest is taking place at the Breen Center for the Performing Arts in Ohio City. Featuring two nights of adventure sports films, this is not to be missed if you like the outdoors. We will be there serving up delicious beer and wine, with all proceeds from the bar going to fund Bike Cleveland’s advocacy mission. Get your tickets here!