Another satisfied Bike Ed student

A graduate of CAzbike's Road 1 class offers advice to blogger Justin who complains of the cycling situation here in metro Phoenix. His complaints are not all unjustified -- however, the missing piece is definitely education:

...if you’re new to road cycling, a training course is highly recommended. I’ve been a mountain biker for many years, but had little experience on riding on city roads. So, I took last Fall a free class from the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists (cazbike.) I believe their road safety classes are only offered from the Fall thru the Spring (don’t blame them for not offering them in our sizzling summer heat.) Although the course takes an entire weekend, it is well worth it... The experience has been all but positive so far. I feel now quite confident riding on the road. Like many, I used to use the sidewalks a lot...(Read the whole thread here)

Photo Contest

CAzBike Spring/Summer Photo Contest

We need your photos! Winter is over... and we need a more suitable pic for the home page. Please submit your photographic interpretation of cycling in Arizona in the Spring/Summer -- or any cycling theme. Anyone can submit -- members, non-members, professional photographers and amateurs alike!

The winner

The winning photo will be posted prominently on our home page, along with credit to the photographer. The winner will also receive their choice of a stylish "Get Cranky" black T-shirt; a shocking yellow "Gotta Ride" T; or a Cazbike polar bottle.

Submission Procedure

• Only submit YOUR OWN photos.
• Photos should be in jpeg format, the filesize should be NO LARGER THAN 300Kbytes.
• Simply email your photos as an attachment to ebeighe.cazbikespring09@blogger.com
• (Enter as many photos as you wish, but please only send one per email)
• Please include your name, email, and a suggested caption.

Void where prohibited
Judges ruling is final
Questions? send email to the webmaster

Arizona receives 'Bicycle Friendly State' status

The League of American Bicyclists Announces Arizona
as a Spring 2009 Bicycle Friendly State

Washington, DC - The League of American Bicyclists is proud to announce Arizona as one of the League’s inaugural Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly States (BFS). “The League is delighted to recognize Arizona for its efforts to welcome bicyclists and make bicycling safer and more enjoyable. We applaud Arizona and our other BFS winners for their willingness to invest over the long-term in creating a better, more livable environment for their citizens,” said League President Andy Clarke.” Four states have been awarded the coveted designation and two states received an honorable mention – Washington (Silver), Wisconsin (Silver), Arizona (Bronze), Minnesota (Bronze), Delaware (Honorable Mention) and Maryland (Honorable Mention).

The BFS award recognizes Arizona’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling and its practice of making focused investment in bicycling infrastructure and advocacy.

More info on the League's Bicycle Friendly America pages.