With spring around the corner it is a great opportunity to get our fifth grade students thinking about the bicycle as a way of getting places (for fun or for transportation). Check out the cool national poster contest below...

Each state will have three winners (1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd) with the first-place winner receiving a bicycle, light and helmet. Plus, there will be one national winner who will also receive a three-day all-expense paid trip (for two) to Washington, DC for the 2013 National Bike Summit. The winning national school will receive ten branded bike docs (bike parking for 20 bicycles) and the Hub system, an active transportation tracking system. The theme is “Bicycling Takes Me Places”.

The state coordinator is Lynne Mutrie, 503-329-6469, lynnemutrie@comcast.net. Additional information and entry forms, www.sariscyclinggroup.com/postercontest.

The deadline for submission is March 1.

Dear Walk+Bike community and new friends,

Come join us in Bend, Oregon June 21-23 as Oregonians interested in Walk + Bike to School and Safe Routes issues come together for an event that will give you an opportunity to access training*, learn best practices, network with others working on these issues, and work with us to create a strong state network. You are all invited to the Second Annual Oregon Walk+Bike to School Retreat.  Please forward this invitation to others who may be interested!

Please register by March 30^th for the low price of $10/day (plus a $2 processing fee). Registration is limited to 100 participants due to space, so please register early to ensure your participation. Click HERE to register. 

Here is some information to get you started:

• Cost for the retreat is just $10/day plus a $2 processing fee and includes printed material, trainings, networking, and light snacks.
• Travel and meals are not included but we are working to secure $75 reimbursement scholarships provided to approximately 30 attendees on a first come first serve basis.  We will have more information in March.
• Professional Development Unit Certificates are available, check with your district to confirm requirements.
• If you are interested in carpooling or room sharing, please use the Walk+Bike Retreat Bulletin Board. 

The basic agenda is: 
Thursday, 6/21/12:

• 9:00-11:00am: Bike Safety Educators Statewide Debrief. This event is happening in conjuncture with the Retreat and is open to Retreat Participants.
• 12:30-4:00pm: Part 1 of the Bike Safety Education Curriculum and Traffic Safety Training.
• 4:30-6:30pm: Welcome, networking, identifying and prioritizing goals exercise.

Friday, 6/22/12:

• 8:00 am-5:00 pm: Trainings*
• 6:00-9:00pm: Networking Event

Saturday, 6/23/12:

• 9:30-11:30: Walk+Bike Network Annual Meeting and Statewide Partnership discussion. Topics include setting goals for the next year, reviewing last year’s goals and progress.
• 12:30-2:00pm: World Café networking and brainstorming activity.

*Friday Trainings: (more information about trainings can be found at http://eugenesrts.org/orwalkbikeretreat)

Part 2: Bike Safety Education Curriculum and Traffic Safety

Neighborhood Navigators Curriculum: Environmental Education

Encouragement Event Panel Discussion

Fundraising and Action Plans

Advocating for your program

Walk+Bike Encouragement Events

We are working to get retreat participants discounts for restaurants and lodging.  We will send more information to registrants as we get it nailed down!  Thanks for your excitement and encouragement in getting this retreat off the ground.  We hope to see you there!

Best,
LeeAnne Fergason, Bicycle Transportation Alliance
Kim Curley, Commute Options 
Shane MacRhodes, Eugene Safe Routes to School
Lynne Mutrie, Oregon Safe Routes to School
Scott Bricker, Scott Bricker Consulting

Rachel Burdon, Kaiser Permanente

John Chism, Portland Safe Routes to School

Ever notice how we always seem to get a streak of sunny and mild days in February?

Well, January is done and right on cue, the forecast is for a week of balmy weather. Sure, March and April will rain like cats and dogs, but let's enjoy this respite from winter's lash.

Bulbs have begun sending their green shoots skyward and the fragrance of blooming viburnums greeted me on last night's ride home. 

If you consider yourself a fair weather cyclist, why not pick a couple of days to bike commute while the weather is good? You'll get a mini-shot of vitamin D and the spring-like weather will be good for your spirits.

If you're sticking to transit, why not hop off the bus a few stops early and enjoy the scenery while getting a bit of extra exercise?

Let us know if you need help with a transit or bike commute route plan.

Seven day forecast image courtesy of KATU