Steve Rosvold’s Post

Comments welcomed https://lnkd.in/edFmJtux This article highlights the campaigning by IWGB - Cycling branch to secure improved terms and conditions for cycle instructors. https://lnkd.in/epzuJJKi Who we are We’re the Cycling Instructors’ Branch of IWGB. (For the uninitiated, cycling instructors teach bike control skills and safe road riding to adults and children. We also teach cyclist awareness courses to professional drivers, run all-ability cycling sessions and teach beginners to ride.) Our branch started in London, where the cycle training industry has been established longest, and where we now represent a significant percentage of the instructor workforce. As the government’s Bikeability programme goes national, we’re recruiting more and more members across England. Why we’re here Cycling instructors work on casual contracts, are poorly paid and are vulnerable to management “initiatives” to push costs and risks onto workers. There’s been no pay rise for decades. Instructors were hammered by the Covid pandemic and the industry is struggling to retain experienced instructors, let alone recruit new ones. We’re passionate about the job, but many of us can’t afford to stay in it. In November 2019 we decided that enough was enough, and formed a branch with IWGB. ..............

The Maryland Classic, the only professionally sanctioned race in the United States, announced it would postpone this year’s race due to the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Organizers said the race would be back in 2025. Let’s hope so – but given the hits road racing has taken in the United States over the past decade, it’s unlikely. The Maryland Classic has suffered one concussion after another. The race was postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID and now delayed again due to the accident (the timing of the Olympics also contributed to the decision… typically, teams would fly to Canada for two major races, but those events were pushed back a week making it unlikely teams would send riders to stay in North America for two weeks). Nevertheless, the 2022 and 2023 races proved exciting. It attracted top teams, including Israel – Premier Tech / Israel Cycling Academy EF Pro Cycling Lidl-Trek among others, and allowed American cyclists, including Scott McGill, Riley Sheehan, Tyler Stites, Quinn Simmons, and Neilson Powless, to compete against the world’s best Europeans. The course also proved to scramble the race—very hard in the early going along the punchy climbs in the Baltimore suburbs and exurbs followed by four 7.5 mile loops in downtown Baltimore. And the past two years, it was VERY hot and humid. This is one area where USA Cycling could step up and encourage lawmakers at every level of government to fix our roads and bridges--and do it now, not 10 years from now. Very sad... and for Baltimore and US cycling, let's hope the race bounces back in 2025.

We don’t need to be professionals to sample success and fulfillment. I recently had the exhilarating experience of participating in my first cycling event—a 28-km fun ride on a closed highway from Lekir Toll Plaza (no toll payment required). Reflecting on this journey, I realized that the experiences I gained from cycling offer valuable lessons for us as a person, leader, and team member! 🗝 Asking Myself "WHY Do I Participate?" As a casual or recreational cyclist, participating in my first cycling event with my little foldie bike was an adventure. I joined to explore, experience cycling on a closed highway, and simply to have fun trying something new. The event's 28-km fun ride category perfectly matched my cycling level, making it a Choice I want. 💪🏻 The POWER of Friendship and Support Sharing the ride with my running and cycling clan, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones reminded me of the power of community. Sampling the food and local delicacies of Sitiawan was a delightful bonus! 🥳 The OUTCOME of My Ride I completed the 28-km ride within the cutoff time and enjoyed every moment. This enjoyment was evident in the photos and videos captured by the organizers and friends. Witnessing these moments made me realize how contented I was throughout the ride. Seeing all 3,000 cyclists who participated in the event, we each came with an intent, a "Why."  Everyone gained something extra from the event, even those who didn’t achieve their aimed results. The lesson here is that by showing up and participating, we all become champions. Fulfillment is a result of our own mindset. #BigChangeSmallSteps #INsideOUTwithLily #LeadChangeHEARTWay #mqTraining #change #positivity #resilience #leadershipcoaching #coach #cycling #wcecenturyride #rhbbank

Dear Members and Supporters,   I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are gearing up for another exciting year of track cycling. As we close out the year and reflect on our progress, I’m thrilled to share updates on the Northeast Velodrome and what’s ahead for 2024!   A Big Thanks to Our Supporters First and foremost, thank you for your incredible support during our recent fundraising campaign. Because of your generosity, we are closing in on our fundraising goal, which will significantly enhance the velodrome experience for everyone. If you haven’t already, there’s still time to contribute here: https://lnkd.in/ebKU3cja. These funds are pivotal to ensuring the velodrome remains a vibrant hub for cyclists of all levels, fostering community, competition, and camaraderie.   Looking Ahead As we established New England Track Cycling, we identified key areas to focus on for next season. Here’s a snapshot of our progress and goals: Expanded Access: We’ve secured a 365-day annual lease, effective October 1 through September 30, at no additional annual cost. This ensures more access for programming and events. Facility Improvements: Much of the facility has been restored to pre-karter operations. We are planning noticeable updates like clearing out used tires and enhancing spectator visibility in turns 3 and 4 by removing those boards. Annual track surface maintenance is also in the works. Streamlined Scheduling: We’re already developing next year’s calendar to better address scoring, official availability, and special events. Improved Certifications: A consistent curriculum and a regular schedule for certification sessions are in development. Community Growth: Efforts to boost our social media presence and promote cycling are yielding great results.   If we can achieve these goals, we will have successfully met our objectives for our first year as New England Track Cycling.   Join Us for an Info Session Stay tuned for details about an informational meeting we’re planning before year-end. This will be a great opportunity to share developments and plans for next year.   Thank you again for your passion, dedication, and belief in what we’re building together. None of this would be possible without you. Let’s keep up the momentum and make the 2024 season a standout!

Publication Alert! 📢 📣  With two great contributors, Ruth Conroy Dalton and Christopher Boyko. #cycling #policies #England Cycling initiatives aim to boost cycling rates, and final reports following these initiatives often highlight their success. But how effective are they in the long term? This paper aimed to answer this question by focusing on a case study in England. "Cycling Demonstration Towns" (CDTs) was a programme supported by the UK Government. Initially, six medium-sized towns were selected to invest money and advance cycling through different approaches, including infrastructure improvements, bike hire schemes, and school-based cycling programmes. The programme was active from 2005 to 2011. We revisited one of these towns, Lancaster, after more than a decade, and conducted surveys with residents, interviews with council staff, and repeated the cycling counts from 2022, which were initially done during and right after the CDTs programme, to see the changes in numbers. Our results show the positive influence of the CDTs programme on cycling rates and the perspectives of cyclists in #Lancaster . However, after the programme's completion, progress has been somewhat gradual, highlighting specific areas in need of improvement, particularly infrastructure and safety measures. The results give an important message to #policymakers : while programmes and interventions are crucial for cities in the short term, it is essential to consider how to sustain the success of such programmes once they have ended to ensure a lasting positive impact. Otherwise, these interventions may only positively impact the environment for a short period. https://lnkd.in/dT_BQdPR

🚲 Mayors Challenge Fund (MCF) – A56 Chester Road to Talbot Road Cycling and Walking Improvements 🚧 As a Trafford resident, I am pleased to see this scheme moving forward (One Trafford / Trafford Council / Amey). I was puzzled that it’s classed as an interim scheme…. But guessing it’s because the separation is with “wands” (proposed traffic separator posts providing separation between the cycle track and main road). Possibly the message could be better managed…. £2m for some wands.. is what the “haters” might say?! 🚘 Personally I have no problems with the (infamous!) cones now and when they were first introduced.  However, I never drive this route at rush hour so don’t feel qualified to comment on reduction in capacity! 🚶♀️ I need to studies the GAs in more detail, but good to see decent facilities proposed on a “main road” which connects into other schemes. 🐘 Refreshing to see the “elephant in the room” being tackled head on “The while proposals appear to offer “little driver benefit” to drivers there is consensus that they will result in improved and safer cycling and walking facilities which does encourage modal shift away from driving”  🗺 Some thoughts on the “maps” of the phase 2 proposals on the Trafford website (link in comments below!)… having the chainage and chainage markers is an unusual choice.  Do the public know what it is, or is it just adding clutter?  Also the key is a bit much… I suppose it’s tricky providing the appropriate level of detail for various parties and all information needs to match.  ✨ In conclusion, great to see more quality active travel schemes!  My view, can’t just make “life more difficult for motorists” here needs to be viable alternative, and this goes some way towards it. #ActiveTravelGM #A56 #A56ChesterRoad #Stretford https://lnkd.in/eZMcpzpw

I really get confused on how to get more people to adopt cycling.   🚲 Do cycling events like cycle rallies? These require financial resources that increase as per the scale of the event. 🚲 Do cycle races on different categories and terrains help? (Whether these are organized/recognised by CFI or other private / smaller organizations is not the question) 🚲 Do weekend or morning/ evening group rides with cycling groups help? 🚲 Do online challenges, platforms and loyalty points help? 🚲 Do our social media posts with messages on being car free/ climate friendly help? 🚲 Do cycling infrastructure help? [But this is a chicken and egg problem – people (from relatively privileged sections of the society) say we need safe cycling lanes to cycles and government asks where cyclists or the demand is or bring in more cyclists?] 🚲 Do academic research, advocacy, articles, videos, social media posts on the need and importance of cycling help? 🚲 Does cycle tours and cycling adventure work? 🚲 Do cycling awards help? 🚲 Do celebrity (politician, sportsperson, actors, singers, etc) videos and posts on cycling help? 🚲 Do the advertisements by the cycle manufacturing brands help? 🚲 Do the free cycle distribution schemes by governments for school children in different states help? 🚲 Do the inter city competitions or campaigns (eg India Cycles4Change, har ghar cycle, etc) launched by government depts. help? 🚲 Will policies on active mobility or cycling alone help?   Did I miss anything? However, if all of these contribute in one way or the other, how can we work together in concerted efforts to make large scale difference?

Spots are still open for this Saturday's City Cycling Class!  Click on the link below to register! Not comfortable on the road? Get ready to ride in the city! This City Cycling class covers general bike safety, emergency maneuver skills, legal rights, and responsibilities. It’s perfect for beginners and equally valuable for experienced cyclists that want to brush up on road rules. Dates & Times:  Saturday, April 13, 2024,  10:00AM-1:00PM Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9:00AM-12:00PM Sunday, June 16, 2024, 9:00AM-12:00PM Location:  San Diego County Bicycle Coalition Office, 300 15th Street #100, San Diego, CA 92101 Cost: Free Schedule:   The 3-hour class is broken up into 3 parts: lecture, skills drills, and road riding. Registration:  Register at https://lnkd.in/gMXRyhwf Additional Info:  E-bikes welcome! Class content applies to both regular and e-bikes. The road riding portion of this class is about a 4-mile guided bike ride and we take frequent stops to discuss bike infrastructure and riding skills. Class sizes are limited so register now! Classes are open to bike riders of all ages.  Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or designated guardian, and all youth under 18 must have a parent or guardian drop them off, and sign a waiver. We highly recommend that parents/guardians take this class with their children so they can both learn the skills and road rules and hold each other accountable. Before the class: Make sure your bike is in good working order and ready to ride! Helmets are required and we can provide free helmets by advanced request. This is not a “learn-to-ride” class. #bikesandiego  #downtownsandiego #bikelove #sandiego #bikes #sandiegocycling #bikeride

Do you always say hello to other cyclists on the road? EMBRACING THE CYCLING COMMUNITY: "NOT TOO PRO TO SAY HELLO" There’s something magical about the open road, the rhythmic turning of pedals, and the wind against your face as you cruise on two wheels. Cycling isn’t just a sport or a mode of transport; it’s a lifestyle, a passion, and for many, a community. Yet, amidst this community, a curious phenomenon has emerged: the silent cyclist. You’ve seen them. You may even be one of them. The cyclists who ride past without so much as a nod or a wave. It’s as if acknowledging a fellow rider is a sign of weakness, a mark of the amateur. But we believe it’s time to change that narrative. That’s why we launched our new cycling cap with a bold statement: "Not too pro to say hello." BREAKING THE SILENCE The idea behind this message is simple yet powerful. Cycling is a universal language spoken around the world. Whether you’re riding in the bustling streets of New York, the serene countryside of France, or the winding roads of Flanders, there’s an unspoken bond among cyclists. However, too often, this bond is left unspoken. When you greet another cyclist, it’s more than just a friendly gesture. It’s an acknowledgment of shared passion and effort. A simple wave, a nod, or even just raising a finger from the handlebars can bridge the gap between strangers and reinforce the sense of community that makes cycling special. #NotTooProToSayHello #CyclingCulture #CyclingCommunity Read our blog post: https://lnkd.in/e6ymPQ2a

How would President Biden answer the 50+ Cycling Survey? I smiled when I saw a recent news report that President Biden cycled in Lewes, DE. He seems to enjoy cycling, so I thought it would be great if he would complete the 50+ Cycling Survey, Year 5. I think I’ll ask him. In the meantime and thinking about how he might have responded to the Year 4 survey, I answered some of the questions for him to see how he compares with others generally and men of his age group.  A summary is below, with all Qs and As with relevant charts available at https://lnkd.in/ezAGPWs6 *See the full Year 4 Report at this link: https://lnkd.in/eDB7nfmX *Take the 50+ Cycling Survey, Year 5 at this link: https://lnkd.in/eWaQYmDv ------------------------------ *What is your age? President Biden is one of 385 men aged 76 and older. (page 8 in the Year 4 report) *When did you learn to cycle? (page 82 in the Year 4 report) President Biden most likely learned as a child, but 12% of those responding learned after the age of 20; 4% of these learned after the age of 50. *Are you a Regular or Non-regular cyclist? (page 13 in the Year 4 report) President Biden is probably non-regular, given his current job. He would be one of 309 of men aged 76 and older. *As a Non-Regular cyclists, what factors affect when and where you ride? (page 16 in the Year 4 report) -Personal-Lifestyle factor of While on vacation -Social Relations factor of When there is someone to ride with -Health & Safety factor of To be physically active *Based on the four types of cyclists shows below, which are you? (page 17 in the Year 4 report) President Biden is most likely a Varies by Situation or a Casual and Somewhat Confident cyclist, similar to about 12% of men aged 76 and older. *What affects where you cycle? (page 48 in the Year 4 report) I’m just guessing, but his Secret Service detail is probably the other cyclists who are present, and they are focused on overall safety for the Present. *Do you feel comfortable cycling alone? (pages 54-55 in the Year 4 report) President Biden may, but his secret service detail says he cannot cycle alone. *Has the amount the you cycle changed in the past year? (pages 88-89 in the Year 4 report) President Biden is most likely cycling less often and shorter distances, given his job. *Can you imagine a time when you wouldn’t cycle? (page 96 in the Year 4 report) Since he has continued to cycle when he can, President Biden would probably be part of the 24.2% of those aged 80 and older who expect to continue cycling.