MassBike Update: New Job Opportunity, More Bikes!

Written by Boston Biker on Dec 16

Massbike update below:

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Before you even read the rest of this Quick Release, take two minutes and support MassBike’s work by donating to our Winter Appeal right now!
In this edition, we update you on our legislative advocacy efforts, recap Springfield’s recent public meetings, invite you to our annual meeting, and encourage you to use a 20% off promo code (DEC13) for our online shop.

If you enjoy MassBike’s Quick Release, please join MassBike today. Add your voice to the thousands of bicyclists who already look to MassBike to protect their rights and promote their dreams of making Massachusetts a safer, more enjoyable place to ride!

Thanks as always and happy riding,
The MassBike Team

MassBike Is Hiring: Programs Director

MassBike has dramatically expanded its program offerings over the past two years, with a focus on education and technical assistance. We need an experienced manager with knowledge of bicycle planning and advocacy to help us deliver top-notch services. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to have a direct impact on bicycling across the Commonwealth, and to take our programs to the next level!

The Programs Director is responsible for the Bikeable Communities Program, and also oversees the Education Program.

 

Check out the full job description here.

Legislative Update: MassBike ED Urges More Bike Funding

Yesterday, the House Bonding Committee held a public hearing onH.3763, also known as the Transportation Bond Bill. This bill is one of the intermediate steps in securing more funding for transportation infrastructure, including bicycling and walking facilities. Back in April and May, there was a major push to increase the amount of funding the state dedicates to transportation. Now the state needs the Legislature to give it the authority to issue bonds to actually fund building roads, bridges, transit stations, multi-use paths, and everything else.

 

The good news is that the Governor’s proposal includes almost $430 million for bike/ped infrastructure is in the bond bill. The bad news is that even if this allocation in the bond bill survives the legislative process, the funding is not “real” until it is included in the budget. Nonetheless, we are working hard to make sure that this provision makes it to that next step. To that end, MassBike Executive Director David Watson testified; click here to read his full remarks.

 

When we get to the budget debate, we may need your help to push our legislators to fully fund biking and walking, so stay tuned for an Action Alert. In the meantime, we will continue working with other organizations and our legislative partners to make sure biking and walking are an important part of the funding discussion.

 

Read more here…

Springfield Residents Discuss How To Improve Streets

VACA Youth Gathered Around A Neighborhood Map

Last week, MassBike held three public meetings in Springfield to get input on barriers to biking and walking in the city, and thoughts on what our priorities should be to improve the streets. These public meetings were hosted by Live Well Springfield’s community partners,  Gardening The Community (GTC),  Mason Square Health Task Force (MSHTF), Vietnamese-American Civic Association (VACA), and Caring Health Center. MassBike brought large maps, distributed surveys, and led the discussion to generate ideas for making things better.

 

There will be one more public meeting held in Metro Center some time in January (the details are still being finalized). If you cannot make the public meetings, then please feel free to give your input here.

 

The attendees were candid and informative about the barriers they face every day when biking or walking. Attendees from GTC and MSHTF highlighted the need for better bicycle facilities. Gardening The Community is an organization that grows food on an urban farm and then delivers the food via bicycle to customers. Because of this, they are keenly aware of the deficit of bicycle facilities in the city. In particular, they highlighted I-291 as a barrier which cuts Springfield in half (I-291 is an urban highway connector from the Mass Pike to I-91). There was also a more general desire for better separation and protection from motor vehicle traffic.

 

Read more here…

MassBike Annual Meeting Is Just Around The Corner

The board and staff of MassBike invite you to our Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 19th, from 6-9 PM. This year, we’re having an Open House at our office (171 Milk St, Suite 33, Boston, MA 02109).

From 6-7 PM, the MassBike Board of Directors will hold a businessmeeting, where Executive Director David Watson will review our 2013 accomplishments and preview our 2014 plans. Then socialize and enjoy pizza, Harpoon beer, and more. Food is generously provided by the event’s sponsor, Jason & Fischer. This is a great chance to meet others in the bicycling community working to make our rides safer and even more fun!

The event is free and open to the public, but a $5 donation is suggested.

Please RSVP to [email protected] or here so we know how many people to expect and get enough pizza. Our office space is limited so be sure to RSVP as soon as possible to reserve spots for you and your friends!

MassBike Holiday Sale Begins!

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With a large inventory of t-shirts, cycling apparel and accessories MassBike is your one stop shop for all your holiday gift needs. As a special gift to you we are offering20% off all merch during the holiday season with promo code DEC13, in addition to the deep discount that members already get on all MassBike merchandise.

 

So check out the MassBike online store and be sure to pick up a water bottle,

t-shirt, jersey, or map today!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers make up a huge part of our success, so we want to make volunteering with us even better. Anyone who volunteers ten hours of their time will automatically earn a MassBike membership!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7th: MassBike Volunteer Night5:30 – 8:00 PM | MassBike Office | 171 Milk St, Suite 33 | Boston, MA 02109

Come join us for free pizza and cold beer (generously provided by Harpoon) at our upcoming volunteer night, which is a great opportunity to help your state-wide bicycle advocacy group while having a good time and meeting great people.
Volunteers help MassBike send out our monthly membership renewal reminders, prepare membership packets, and help out with other activities as they come up.

Be sure to RSVP to [email protected]!

MassBike Calendar<

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

• 10:15 AM 17th annual Ciclismo Classico Jingle Ride in Arlington

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16

• 6:00 PM Public Meeting: Boston, Proposed Redesign of Union Street and the “Blackstone Block” (Connect Historic Boston)
• 7:00 PM Public Meeting: Chicopee, Signal and Intersection Improvements along Memorial Drive and Broadway project

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

• 6:00 PM Public Meeting: Boston, Revised Design for Causeway Street and Staniford Street (Connect Historic Boston)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19

• 6:00 PM MassBike Annual Meeting (Boston)
• 6:00 PM Public Meeting: Boston, Commercial Street Redesign (Connect Historic Boston)
• Public Meeting: Worcester, bridge reconstruction project of Belmont Street (Route 9) over Interstate I-290

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7

• 5:30 PM MassBike Volunteer Night (Boston)

Check the MassBike Calendar for the latest 

information on events in your area:

http://massbike.org/newsevents/

Members are an essential part of our success and are the driving force behind what we do at MassBike. Not a member yet? Join here. Thank you for your support!<

Sincerely,
The MassBike Staff

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