~sources Valet Bike Parking as Fund-raiser . Guarded bike parking, a requirement for large bus/train stations and shopping centers in Holland, have high labor costs. However, orie of Eugene's bicycle groups found valet bike parking last summer at large outdoor music events and festivals was welcomed and much used by area bicyclists. An added benefit, besides the ful) of doing it, was the money helped fund further bike projects! Bicyclists deposited their bikes with _the attendants (volµnteers) and received a claim check. Three hundred portable bike parking stands (donated by Burley Design Cooperative), snow fencing surrounding the area where.bicycles were parked, and several enthusiastic volunteers was all that was needed. Plastic clip-on bike kickstands would probably work for standing up the bikes, if there is no one with the skill or ·money to weld portable stands. They also might be easier to transport to the site compared with metal racks. Call Allan Hesch if you want suggestions for setting up such a service in your city, (503) 342-2366. University of Washington Bicycle Education , In Seattle, an electrical engineering ·professor, Bill Moritz, has created an academically-oriented Center for Human Powered Transportation at the University of Washington. A Human Powered Transport~tion series of courses began in the Spring of 1993. The course's multidisciplinary ' approach involved engin~ers, planners, psychologists and other professionals in the completion of a bike facility desig_n project. It included developing survey techniques and promotional programs, analyzing safety information and creating nonmotorized transportation plans for local agencies. The Center hopes to serve as a clearinghouse for information about bicycle transportation, develop comprehensive bike/pedestrian education and safety programs, and· create a Human Powered Transportation journal. To send donations or to find out more, write to Prof. William Moritz, Human Powered Transportation, College of Engineering FI'-10, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. · 98195, or call (206) 543-6049. Music to your ears? The ever prevalent screeching car engines, thundering lawn mowers and earsplitting leaf blowers raise one's stress level. Yet noise pollution is rarely addressed as a health hazard in this country. In Holland, on the other hand, the government has set a goal, to be reached by 2016; to reduce noise levels in front of houses by 25% by limiting parking in residential areas and increasing train travel. Another option is to get even with Bicycle Choirs that sing and ride ·simultaneously. For info about harmony building on the go, contact Greg Furlong at (416) 469-9594 of the Toronto Bicycle Choir. . The Dutch government's strong bicycle programs fascinate me. If you have similar feelings, perhaps you'll enjoy the Page 40 RAIN Summer 1994 Volume XIV, Number 4 new 30-page report on the Dutch Bicycle Master Plan called "Bicycles First." The plan is attempting to increase bicycle kilometers traveled by 30%. Available from the Ministry of Transport, POB 20901, 2500 Ex Den Haag, Netherlands. Showers and lockers San Diego's ri~e-sharing agency is now loaning out bike lockers for a 3-month trial period, after which users are allowed to buy the lockers. And Arlington, Virginia joins the national trend toward requiring that new develqpments install showers and lockers. Legally Blind Bicycling Eyecycle, started in sunny Sru:ita Monica, California, gives legally blind people a chance to experience the wonderful sensations of bicycling via tandem rides. For i11fo about the twice-monthly summer rides in Santa Monica or to start your own branch, call Claudia Polska at (310) 207-4154, or write to 1714 Armacost Ave., Suite 2, Los Angeles, CA · 90025. A similar program started last summer in Eugene on the third Saturday of the summer months. Burley Design Co-op donated two tandems and Counterpoint another. They are always looking for more sighted captains (front) and legally blind stokers (back)! To join in the fun, contact the Eugene Bike Program, (503) 687-5298. Anti-Gas Guzzl,er Campaign The nationwide Gas Guzzler Campaign plans to encourage the retirement of fuel-inefficient automobiles, as well as energy-wasteful driving practices. If you'd like to find out more~ write to The Gas Guzzler Campaign, c/o The Advocacy Institute, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036. Amidst the chaos of adapting to new national boundaries, the Czech and Slovak Traffic Club is trying to ensure that young republics don't follow the western model of dependence on the automobile. However, since promoting sustainable transportation systems is difficult, tbey're asking for donations. Besides financiai contributions, they need desktop publishing and other transportation planning software. If you'd like to help, contact them at Cesky a Slovemsky dopravni Klub, Jakubske nam.7, CS-602 00 Brn (Czech/Slovakia) FAX+42-5-22-428. Women's Groups Is your local women's race cycling underfunded? When did you last get a female bike mechanic? Several groups are working to improve women's place in the bicycling world.
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