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  • 9 Jan 2013 3:09 PM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)

    ADOT’s bicycle and pedestrian plan rolls out public comment period

    Agency wants to hear from community members as plan enters final phase

    As walking and bicycling for transportation and recreation steadily grows in popularity around our state, the Arizona Department of Transportation continues to advance its Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan to improve safety and multimodal travel options.

    ADOT is working on finalizing an update to the plan, which was first established in 2003. Beginning today, everyone has the opportunity to share their thoughts on the draft final report by filling out an online comment form and providing input. The draft final report and comment form can both be found here. The web address is http://www.azbikeped.org/studyupdate/documents.asp. The public comment period runs until Feb. 8.

    “We’re calling on the public and members of the bicycling and pedestrian communities to provide us with their ideas on the 24 recommended strategies that are outlined in the draft final report,” said Michael Sanders, ADOT’s bicycle and pedestrian program coordinator. “It’s this kind of feedback that allows us to refine the goals and objectives of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and continue our work to develop changes in safety, infrastructure, and education, as they apply to our state highway system.”

    The recommended strategies fall into three categories: plans and policies; education, enforcement, encouragement and evaluation; and bicyclist and pedestrian infrastructure. All of these strategies are aimed at building on programs and policies that first began in 2003 with the launch of ADOT’s first comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

    The updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is expected to be finalized this spring. Last summer, more than 1,800 people responded to a survey during the first phase of public involvement for the plan update. The end of 2012 also brought the finalization of the Bicycle Safety Action Plan, a task defined in the 2003 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The final report for the Bicycle Safety Action Plan can be found here:   http://www.azdot.gov/mpd/systems_planning/PDF/BSAP/Final.pdf.

    ADOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was developed as part of a federal long-range bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways plan. It is also part of Arizona’s Long Range Transportation Plan, also known as “What Moves You Arizona.”

    The web address for the draft final report and the comment form is http://www.azbikeped.org/studyupdate/documents.asp. For those who don’t have access to a computer and would like to request a mailed copy of the comment form, you can call (602) 712-8141 or send your request to ADOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program at 206 S. 17th Avenue, Mail Drop 310B, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Those who wish to take the survey can also print and mail the form to the above address.

  • 7 Jan 2013 3:05 PM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)

    Are you trying to stay up to speed with the RTCA Trails Master Planning Process? We hope you are and want you to have all the info. This Google folder will be full of supporting documents, meeting notes and anything else associated with the process. If you can not find something contact us or the FS. This folder can also be found in the Reference Documents Menu Subfolder. 


    cate_bradley@nps.gov

    jmburns@fs.fed.us

    president@vvcc.us

  • 29 Dec 2012 11:40 AM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)

    Great rides this New Years Day about the Verde Valley!!!! Many miles logged today and many more smiles. If you had a resolution to ride more............ you will succeed, we live in AZ and have a great riding community where it is possible to find good company and weather nearly every day of the week! 2013 will be a great year of riding!!!!!!!!

    Looking to start the year off right? Here are some of the local rides to to get your fix.

    Road ride from the Red Rooster Cafe in Old Town Cottonwood - Meet @ 10am CONTACT - KEVIN DIX - 928-202-1338

    Mountain ride from the Bike and Bean - Meet @ 2pm CONTACT - SHOP - 928-284-0210

    Mountain ride from Over the Edge Sports - Meet at 12am for "Hungover on Hangover" CONTACT - SHOP - 928-282-1106 (Advanced Ride)

  • 19 Dec 2012 11:38 AM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)

    U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

    U.S. Forest Service                                                              

    Coconino National Forest

    www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino                                               

    www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF

    www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest

    For Immediate Release

    October 5, 2012

    Public Affairs Contacts:

    Brady Smith, Coconino National Forest, 928-527-3490

    Brienne Magee, Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-527-8290

    Connie Birkland, Red Rock Ranger District, 928-203-7505

    December 20th Meeting for Red Rock Trail Planning

    Sedona, AZ –Join us December 20, 2012 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for the third trail and ecosystem protection planning meeting. This meeting will be held at the Hilton Hotel on Ridge Trail Drive in the Village of Oak Creek.  

    The Red Rock Ranger District, in partnership with the City of Sedona and the Big Park Council, are seeking to create a non-motorized trail plan that will reflect local values and recreation needs and promote regional benefit while protecting the resources that draw people to this special area. This is the third in a series of monthly meetings to update the trail plan for Forest lands near Sedona and Big Park.  All members of the public are welcome. Your voice, values, and ideas are vital for this collaborative planning effort.  

    Agenda for the December 20th meeting will include:

    ·      Forest Service “trail facts” and standards

    ·      Discussion of what works and what doesn’t work about the trail system for trail users

    ·      Discussion about what information is needed to assist the planning process and who will gather it

    National Forest trails in the Red Rock area are used by over 600,000 people each year. Trail popularity and use continues to increase particularly for hiking and mountain biking. What will the future of our trails be? What new trail opportunities are appropriate? How can trails be sustainably maintained into the future? These are some of the challenges that can be addressed by this planning process. For more information about the trail planning process please call Jennifer Burns at 928-203-2900 or go to our website at www.fs.usda.gov/coconino click

  • 17 Dec 2012 11:36 AM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)

    As the weather warms and gas prices rise, some folks may be considering transportation alternatives to their automobile. Riding a bicycle is a great way to reduce expenses, improve health and fitness, reduce air pollution and lessen traffic congestion. Cycling can be a joyful reminder of childhood pleasures.   The feel of wind and speed, changing of unobstructed panoramas, and the mobility and accessibility cycling affords are a few of these joys. Though a bike may not be suitable for every task or commute, it is appropriate for many. Traveling to work, school or running errands on a bicycle can be enjoyable provided you make the proper preparations.

    Understanding a bit of bicycle history and physics can make your transition to a morehuman-powered lifestyle enjoyable and safe.   The pedal-driven bicycle was invented inthe 1860s, decades before the automobile. Today there are more bicycles worldwide than cars. In mechanical terms, the bicycle is the most efficient form of human-powered movement. On flat ground, a cyclist traveling 10-15 miles per hour uses the same amount of energy as a person walking. Much of the work done by a cyclist goes into pushing air aside. The air resistance is proportional to the square of the rider’s speed. Thus, traveling at higher speeds requires more effort from the rider. When going up a hill, the cyclist works against gravity to build up potential energy which is then released when coasting down the hill. Fortunately, most bikes are equipped with gears, so a rider can maintain a comfortable cadence regardless of mild wind and hills.

    So how does one prepare for commuting by bicycle? First, note that bicycles are designated as vehicles in all 50 states. Thus riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motorized vehicles.  Generally bikes should not be ridden on sidewalks.  Riders should also use bike lanes when available or ride to the right side of the road.

    Some things to consider before riding are:  safety, weather, travel route, your physical needs, and your equipment. A short trip to a friend’s house doesn’t require much planning. You will probably just hop on your bike and go. Daily commutes to work, school or the store can become fairly routine. You  should review various routes and settle on one based on travel time, your fitness level and how safe you feel riding with other traffic that uses the route. For instance, a route through neighborhoods, although longer, may be better for beginners, than a shorter route along a highway.  Watching the weather is important if you plan to be on your bike throughout the day. It may be sunny and warm when you leave in the morning, but very different when you return home. Better to have rain protection and not use it than get wet. Traveling longer distances will require even more planning. You will need to keep your body fueled. Carry water and some energy bars. Keeping your bike well maintained will eliminate most breakdowns, but you still have to be prepared for a flat tire. You should carry a spare tube, air pump and a few tools on any long ride.  The prickly nature of many Southwestern plants makes thorn-resistant tubes, tube liners and tube sealants an important consideration. Gloves and sunglasses can add to your comfort, but a helmet is a must for all rides. You may want to attach a carrier for small packages so that your hands are free for steering the bike.  If riding between dusk and dawn, your bike needs to have rear reflectors and headlights.  A bell or horn is also recommended.

    Bicycles can be part of a mixed-mode commute. Cycle to or from a bus stop, then use the bike rack on the bus and complete your journey. Some folks may want to ride a bike to work, but then need a car during the work day. Maybe your employer has company vehicles available for use during the workday. If not, perhaps, you could leave your personal vehicle at work and bike between home and work. 

    What about getting hot and sweaty? Some places of employment have shower facilities, but most commutes are not long enough to necessitate a shower.

    Where to park your bike during the workday is another issue. Many places have bike racks, some places have bike lockers, and some workers keep their bikes in their office. Bikes are expensive, so secure your bike in a safe location.

    If you’re in the market for a new bike for your commute, there are some important factors to consider. Today’s bicycles are engineered for a range of different purposes. You can choose from mountain bikes, street bikes, hybrids, racing bikes, comfort cruisers and more. Getting the design that fits your purpose will help to ensure better performance and more enjoyment from your cycling experience. Getting the right bike means considering factors such as your size and weight and the route you are likely to use for going to work and other places. Your answers will narrow down your options and help determine the bike that suits you best. You can find great information on the Internet, as well as from talking to your local bike shop and test riding some of the models they have available.

    As your level of fitness and cycling experience increase, your bicycle commutes will feel less like work and more like recreation. The sensory experience on a bicycle is much greater than inside the bubble-like environment of a car. You will see more along the road from your bike than you will from your car. The sunlight, sounds, smells and air movement will make you feel more connected to the earth. You will also interact more with people you encounter along the way. Ultimately, cycling is about freedom, and bicycling provides transportation freedom to almost everyone, regardless of age or income.

  • 12 Dec 2012 11:34 AM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)

    BOD Agenda

  • 8 Dec 2012 11:32 AM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)


    Come join us at Crema for a Christmas Party that starts at 6:30 December 18th. Everyone bring a dish + Crema will be supplying a few dishes and keeping beer wine and beverges for sale. Prior to the party road and mountain rides will head out from Crema at 2pm. The board will meet at 5:30 for the December Board meeting and then into party time @ 6:30. See everyone there!!!

  • 7 Dec 2012 11:29 AM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)

    Notes from the meeting are up in case you missed the meeting

  • 5 Dec 2012 11:25 AM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)


    UPDATE: New meeting location and time for a more efficient hike to the work site and avoidance of weather. Meet Wednesday the 19th of December 11:30 @ CR Ranch 2nd Entrance Coyote Crossing Rd. Meet and sign in. The Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition is sponsoring a work day on the iconic Hiline Trail. Come help keep the Hiline trail at its best.

    Volunteers need to come prepared and bring with them: a helmet if available, sun glasses, work gloves, drinking water, sun screen, a hat, long sleeved shirt, long pants, and wear boots with ankle support. We will be out for a good day of work and fun.

    For more detailed information on locations and to share your interest, please call F. Adrian at 203-7531 or email her at fcadrian@fs.fed.us

  • 4 Dec 2012 11:27 AM | Kevin Adams (Administrator)

    Subaru-IMBA Trail Care Crew: Cottonwood, AZ

    Great news the Trail Care Crew is coming to Dead Horse State Park February 21st to the 24th. VVCC applied jointly with the the RRRD and will be working on the new Lower Bones Trail. Come join in the fun! Also any city, gov and forest folk from Verde Valley cities/agencies are urged to come to the presentations and trail building to learn the value of better trails. 

    The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew, on the road since 1997, is IMBA's grassroots educational program and an authority on sustainable trail building practices. Two teams of professional trail experts travel year-round throughout the United States and beyond, leading trail work sessions, meeting with land managers and working with IMBA-affiliated clubs and the communities they serve to improve mountain biking opportunities. The Trail Care Crew program has inspired great volunteer trail work across the U.S. and abroad - a big help to government agencies and land managers who have limited funding for trail construction and upkeep. As a direct result, there are now thousands of new and improved trails in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and several European countries.

    REGISTER




The VVCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2003 (incorporated in March 2004) to promote road and mountain bike advocacy in, and around, the Verde Valley of Northern Arizona.


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