Greetings BTA Members,
The staff and board of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance look forward in 2010 to working on our mission of creating healthy and sustainable communities by making bicycling safer, convenient and more accessible for all. Major initiatives we are working on include:
Hiring our next Executive Director
We’ve kicked off our search process looking for the next great BTA Executive Director. Know any strong candidates? Link them to the Job Posting on our website.
BUILD IT: Support the Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030
This is a critical moment in Portland’s history and we have the opportunity to prove that a 25% bicycle mode share is possible in America.
The plan is great- now we need Portland’s elected leaders to fund the plan and BUILD IT. Dollar for dollar, public investment in this plan provides a tremendous return for our whole community, not just bicyclists. Learn more at www.portlandbikenetwork.org.
Preparing for the 2011 Legislative Session
The legislature will be making critical decisions about transportation and bicycling in 2011. The BTA will present a legislative package, including a vehicular homicide law, to make Oregon safer and more convenient for bicyclists.
Statewide Advocacy Focus
We’re making great progress in our statewide advocacy efforts through our work funded by the Northwest Health Foundation. We’ll be focusing our efforts in Washington County, Eugene, Bend, Salem and the Rogue Valley, working with BTA members in those communities to share best practices, build partnerships and get more folks safely on bikes around the state. Contact Susan Peithman for more information.
Increased member engagement
We are planning a variety of opportunities for members to meet and discuss bicycling issues with staff and board. Mark your calendar for:
Portland Member Forums: Meet with staff and the BTA Board of Directors to discuss bicycle issues that matter to Portland residents. More details on meeting time and location will be posted on the BTA website.
February 25th
June 3rd
Annual Member Gathering: Come to a celebration with all BTA members. Get an update on important issues and enjoy one another’s company. Everyone is welcome! Fall 2010.
Statewide Member Forums: Members are invited to meet the BTA’s Statewide Adovcate Susan Peithman and BTA board members to discuss issues important to their communities.
February 25th in Salem
April: Rogue Valley
May: Eugene
June: Bend
September: Tigard
Get involved and make a difference with our Board Committees.
Help the Advocacy Committee develop and communicate the BTA’s objectives as an advocacy organization in a strategic and effective manner. Contact staff member Michelle Poyourow or board member Jim Middaugh for more information.
Help the BTA’s Legislative Committee develop and implement strategies to improve state legislative policy for bicycling and bicyclists. Contact staff member Susan Peithman or board member Doug Parrow for more information.
Alice gets fresh!
The eagerly anticipated Alice B. Toeclips Awards and Fundraising Event will be held on Saturday June 5 at the Bison Building, NE 9th and Glisan in Portland. With a stunning new venue as a backdrop we are planning an exciting and enjoyable evening with some special surprises. Come prepared to have a good time and help us raise more money than ever before to support the work of the BTA. Check the BTA website for more event information. To help out (and we need a lot of help) contact Lisa Anguilla, Alice event manager.
Walk + Bike to Baseball
Friday June 11 at PGE Park. Bring the whole family and celebrate the end of another successful year of youth education and encouragement statewide! Look for details for ticket sales in the spring at www.walknbike.org.
Bike Commute Challenge
All September with the awards party in early October.
On behalf of the BTA staff and board, thank you for your continued support in 2010.
Sincerely,
Mary Roberts
BTA Board Chair
