Bike Path Funding For Your Town

As the great article on Politico, "Cities Forge Own (bike) Paths" begins, "It's a familiar path: As demand for bike and pedestrian projects skyrockets, federal funding shrinks."

NY, NJ, CT all did choose to keep their recreation trails funding whole, which is of course great news for the the folks who use these paths!

What if we also take fundraising into our own hands? Bikepath Country helps to raise money for municipalities in order to maintain, restore and expand the current bike path infrastructure. Not only does this funding go to support repair and expansion of bike paths, but also to adding water fountains, park benches, restroom and maintenance of local parks and other community spaces.

Bikepath Country was established to help preserve and expand this country's bike path system, as well as to promote a clean and healthy environment for the community. Through the use of socially responsible advertising, municipalities are able to raise money specifically for their parks and recreation department.

Although demand is on the rise, we can't just rely on government funding to ensure we are providing safe bike paths, walkways, and parks to our communities! Get involved in your community, email municipalities (at) bikepathcountry.com or call 855.4.BIKEPATH (855.424.5372) for more info!

On bikepathcountry.com you can also find health and fitness tips. And, before you leave your house for a ride log on to map your ride, and get accurate cycling directions. Oh, and if you'd rather take those directions with you, we got an App for that! Try out our free Bikepath Country App available for iPhone, iPad and Android users. Take it for a spin, and let us know what you think!

Stay Active This School Year

The unofficial end of summer is here. The kids are back to school, which may mean more sitting at desks for them, and more sitting on the couch for you? But, back to school doesn't have to mean back to the couch.

Bike To School
Not everyone lives in an area where biking to school is an option. But, if you do, and you have the opportunity, why not make it part of the routine to ride with your kids to school. Then you can either ride on to take care of some minor errands, or head back home, hop in the car and off to work you go.

Before/After Dinner Ride
Summer might be winding down, but the sun is still shining. Plan to take a family ride after school (after all the homework is done of course!). Or plan for an early dinner and take an after dinner ride. Of course your kids may want to 'ride with their friends'. Well, maybe their friends parents ride too! The more the merrier!

Weekend Fun
Of course not everyone lives in a bike friendly environment. Maybe rides during the week are hard to squeeze in. Why not start a Saturday or Sunday morning family bike ride tradition. Throw the bikes on a bike rack and go explore your local parks and paths. More and more safe cycling routes and bike paths are popping up all over the country. It's up to us to use them! Find a local ride near you!

Share your tips for keeping the family active during the school year!

Too Close For Comfort: Can Cars and Bikes Share the Roadway?

As cities and counties across this country work to become bike friendly, the issue (concern) of bike safety makes headline after headline. In some instances we see a 'battle' between the drivers and the bikers. Well, today I had quite the ironic 'near accident' experience while out for a ride.

It was a beautiful morning, and I decided today was a perfect day to take a ride to Nyack. So I got ready for the trek and off I went. Of course I wasn't the only one with this idea, it was cycle city on 9w!!! I was quite impressed with how well cars were sharing the road. I usually get quite nervous as the big trucks go flying by. I didn't even get honked at! Side Note: I know there is also a big debate whether or not beeping is helpful, and for matters of disclosure, my opinion is, PLEASE DON'T BEEP AT ME (or yell out your window).

As I neared an intersection by Rockland Lake, I saw an oncoming car waiting in the left turn lane. The light was still green so I pedaled on. I was moving at a pretty fast pace, at least a fast pace for me (I'm no super cyclist. In fact I get passed by all of them!! Slower than most and steady is my style). As I got even closer to the light (close enough for the driver of the car to look me in the eyes), the light turned yellow. This car hesitated, but then at the last second decided it was going to go. I of course was forced to immediately brake in the intersection to avoid being flattened into the pavement.

As the car drove past, I noticed his bike rack. A sigh, a head shake, and a chuckle. Of all the cars on the road, I thought, the one that almost hits me is a 'fellow' cyclist. Ironic, or probably a rather common occurrence. The best part was that after making his turn, he slowed down, and turned his head. Probably looking to see if I survived his stupidity.

That lovely driver decided he didn't want to get stuck at the light, so regardless of how safe it was, he was making that left hand turn. We all make decisions, and it just proves that when behind the wheel, even a cyclist can forget what it's like to be on a bike.

P.S. If you've never taken a ride on 9w, I'd suggest trying it! It's a gorgeous ride, with plenty of views of the Hudson. Hilly, yes, quite! But a really enjoyable ride! Map Your Ride before you go!