I Ride! Bicycling in the Maricopa Region

Click below to view the I Ride! video; presented by the Maricopa Association of Governments. The CAzB has a non-voting seat on MAG’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee, through which we provide cycling community input regarding MAG Bike/Ped policy, funding of projects and ways that MAG can improve accommodation and education of bicyclists and motorists in an effort to create a true multi-modal transportation system in Maricopa County.

Valley 101 on Bicyclist's rights

Arizona Republic "Valley 101" tackles bicycle laws in today's column. In Valley 101, columnist Clay Thompson offers his look at life in Arizona, and answers questions about living here.

I am confused about the rights of bicyclists on the road where there is no bike path. I always thought that when cycling, you should ride single file, especially when there is no bike path and there is a lot of traffic. I am amazed that many of these groups ride all over the road in their groups, not heeding traffic.

This is a tad confusing.

First of all, the rules of the road say that bicycles should be treated pretty much like any other vehicle on the road, but they also pretty much have to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicles.

However, Arizona law — ARS 28-815 — says bicyclists travelling at less than the current normal speed “shall not ride more than two abreast” unless they are on bike paths or sections of road especially set aside for bicycles.

There also is a statute that says if you are going much slower than the normal flow of traffic on a two-lane road and at least five other vehicles back up behind you should pull over as soon as possible. But that rule does not mention bicycles.

Here's what I think:

First of all, keep your eyes open around bicyclists, just as they need to keep their eyes open around you.

Secondly, I see bicyclists riding more than two abreast, but I've never seen them doing so on a two-lane road.

Assuming you're not in labor or bleeding copiously, what's your big hurry?

Life is short. Stay chilled and you'll get around them sooner or later.

Reach Thompson at clay.thompson@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8612.

Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists Seeks Executive Director

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists (CAzB) seeks an experienced and passionate bicycling advocate for a “hands on” Executive Director position. The Executive director will be expected to do/achieve the following:

• Support and continue to develop and refine the Mission of the CAzB.
• Along with the Board and Officers, build and coordinate an effective statewide organization of mostly-volunteer bicycling advocates.
• Expand fundraising capabilities of the CAzB.
• Communicate effectively and frequently to the bicycling community and general public the mission and goals of the CAzB, as well as participate in public meetings, educational opportunities, bicycling advocacy conferences and similar opportunities to advance the mission of the CAzB.
• Participate in transportation planning opportunities as an advocate for bicyclists.
• Participate in opportunities to favorably influence off-road access and opportunities for mountain biking and cyclo-cross riders.
• Play a lead role in representing the CAzB to the bicycle industry.

Requirements and qualifications for the position

• The Executive Director will be expected to work 30-40+ hours per week, DOQ and upon agreement with the Board/Officers as to job scope and goals.
• Compensation will be $3,000-$4,000 per month for the tenure of the position (expected to be at least 12 months), as agreed with Board/Officers.
• Commitment to the CAzB Mission: The Executive Director must be committed to the Mission of the CAzB, but also will work to continue to develop, refine and adjust that Mission along with the Board, Officers and members.
• Prior experience as a bicycling advocate with the CAzB or another state/regional organization is highly preferred.
• Business/project management experience and a documented record of accomplishment is highly preferred.
• Fundraising experience, grant/proposal writing and an ability to recruit additional volunteer staff are a plus.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are required. The ability to represent the CAzB competently in media opportunities is required.
• Leadership and coordination skills, especially as applies to a non-profit volunteer organization, are required.
• The ability to delegate, follow-up, push projects forward and to get the job done where there are gaps in organizational capabilities is required.

Please submit a resume tailored to the above requirements to by August 31, 2010 to: Bobb@cazbike.org

For questions regarding the above, e-mail the above address or contact Bob Beane at 480-861-7750.

Open Letter to All Arizona Bicyclists from the CAzB

What is the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists? What do we do?

Why a membership drive? Why now? Why is it important to you?

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists (CAzB) is the leading bicycling advocacy and education resource for bicyclists in Arizona. We are affiliated with the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking and Walking.

Here are just a few of the activities we have participated in recent months and continue to do:

Read more »

CAzBike Membership Meeting: July 19, 2010

Next meeting: Monday July 19th, 2010. 6:00PM.
Location:  Boulders on Broadway Bar and Grill (map)
530 W. Broadway in Tempe AZ 85282, 480.921.9431

Special to the AFN: Sharing the road with motorists

The following "special to the AFN" (Ahwatukee Foothill News) written by CAzBike president Bob Beane was published on 7/7/2010. Click to read the whole piece:

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