Take action against weakening of DOT bicycle accomodation policy AASHTO wants to weaken US DOT bicycle accommodation policy Contact your State Department of Transportation Last Friday, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) released a letter and supplemental document, which asked the US Department of Transportation to weaken their guidance on accommodating bicyclists and pedestrians. The supplemental document, submitted as part of a formal review of regulations, asks that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) withdraw their guidance on the meaning of “due consideration” of bicyclists and pedestrians to make it easier for states to ignore the needs of non-motorized travelers. AASHTO prefers the weaker “consider where appropriate” to allow states to avoid having to justify failure to accommodate bicycling and walking. This request is misguided. At a time when cities are building entire bicycling networks for the cost of one mile of urban four-lane freeway, bike projects are putting people to work, and benefiting business, this is not the time to move backwards. When more and more states – 23 and counting – are embracing Complete Streets policies, AASHTO should be a leading voice in shaping holistic and comprehensive transportation systems, not resisting them. In fact, AASHTO’s own 12 year-old Bicycle Guide, due to be up dated this year, says that bicyclists and pedestrians can be expected on any roadway they are legally allowed to operate and therefore should be accommodated. Click here to TAKE ACTION NOW!

Team tactics will also play a role in the women’s race. Luna is probably the best positioned team with a three-person strong line-up including Catharine Pendrel, Georgia Gould and Katerina Nash. It will be tough for anyone to beat them, but watch out for riders like Lea Davison (Specialized), who’s been on fire this year, and Kelli Emmett (Giant), who is traditionally a strong performer at Sea Otter. All of them will face the speed and power of both Katie Compton (Rabobank-Giant) and Willow Koerber (Trek World Racing) in their first major domestic cross country race of the season. And last but not least, Subaru-Trek is a perennial contender with Heather Irmiger and Emily Batty. “There is a lot of road on the race track and grass, too, but the grass rides like singletrack,” said Compton to Cyclingnews at the pre-race press conference. “It’s going to be a tactical battle with the three Luna women and it’s all about who gets to the downhill first. I’m hoping there is a headwind.” It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Compton at Sea Otter – she last raced here in 2007. The Sea Otter is drawing a strong field of North American racers, but what is missing this year is an international contingent. Nearly all of the top Europeans are skipping the extra travel to Sea Otter and instead are heading directly to the first UCI World Cup in South Africa next weekend.

Monday Night Women’s Ride First Ride: April 11th Starting location: Willy Bikes West Departure time: 6pm About the ride: Women only! Led by experienced ride leader Sarah Newmister. The ride is a no-drop ride, although depending on the night, the ride may split-up into multiple groups. Ride time: 1-2hrs. Pace: Easy to Moderate (but really depends on the mood of the group) Terrain: Moderately flat to rolling.