LexRides

[metro biking]

Tim and Fellow Lexington Cyclists,

I appreciate Tim posting the Rails to Trails link requesting your signature on the petition to AAA. Having our voices heard in support of balanced transportation systems - including those for cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users - is important for the quality of life especially in metro areas like Lexington.

With this request as background, I'd like to say that the Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is seeking participants for the upcoming year's monthly meetings.

You don't necessarily have to attend the meetings, but if you could find about two hours of time in your monthly schedule to support BPAC's efforts, it could be a tremendous boost. It would allow us to strengthen our voices to counter what makers are hearing about how the auto should be returned as the focus of transportation programs.

In metropolitan areas like ours, there are other options.

Something as simple as noting and submitting locations where cycling, even sidewalk, conditions could be improved would be beneficial.
With the new administration entering office, now could be a crucial time for improving Lexington's future livability standards. Help us to make sure Transportation and other infrastructure officials understand about balancing non-motorized and transit options with automobile facilities.

Further, I am pleased to say that Morry LaTour, current chair of the Mayor's Committee for Citizen's with Disabilities and outgoing chair for the Bluegrass Council for the Blind has agreed to serve as co-chair on BPAC.

If you read Bruce Burriss' recent article in Business Lexington about Lexingtonians' efforts to improve conditions for the impaired, you know how highly Bruce thinks of Morry's efforts.

I could not be more pleased that Morry has agreed to continue to give of his time and advocacy efforts to help with the BPAC even more than he has in the past.

Here's hoping to see you at a BPAC meeting in 2011. We meet the first Friday of each month at 12 noon in the 7th floor conference room of the Phoenix Building, 101 E Vine. Simply check in at security and let them know you are there for BPAC. Bike racks are located at the door!

As always, thanks for your consideration...
Mike
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Metro Biking