Advocacy

Events & Issues

Regional & State

Arizona Designated as a Bicycle Friendly State at the Bronze Level

An email from Jeff Peel, Program Specialist, Bicycle Friendly America (LAB) to MIchael Sanders, ADOT, announced that our fair state has been awarded the designation of being a bicycle friendly state at the bronze level.  The following is a the text of the email announcement.

"Congratulations!  The League has designated Arizona as a Bicycle Friendly State at the Bronze level. This decision involved careful review of your application and consultation with local cyclists.

"This award is presented only to states with remarkable commitments to bicycling.  You should be very proud of this accomplishment. Please share this with your with your colleagues across the state and advocacy community. The League will be releasing a national press release on this on May 1st and looks to work with you to help promote this accomplishment. Please hold your public announcement of the award until May 1st.

"You will also be receiving feedback in a few weeks from the League of American Bicyclists on what you can do to Arizona more bicycle-friendly as well as the actual BFS award.

"Your designation will be due for renewal in May of 2013. At that point your community will be reevaluated so we urge you to make as many improvements as possible in the meantime! Of course, if you wish to renew sooner than that please do. We look forward to seeing the community's progress."

"Once again, accept our congratulations on your tremendous efforts to create a truly Bicycle Friendly State."

AZ State Legislature

In the past, Tucson cyclists have had some discrepancies with the Tucson Police Department and Sheriff’s Department on legal issues related to bicycling. Our community has been working diligently with law enforcement officials and legislators to resolve the issues through education and legislation. A Tucson representative failed to pass a House Bill to allow bicyclists to make rolling stops at stop signs. This would have accomplished little toward our overall cycling needs. We need a set of rules to fully define safety. Towards this goal, our own Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee (TPCBAC) has been working with Tucson Representative Nancy Young-Wright and the Arizona legislature to build and enact a more comprehensive Bill, HB 2546.

Now, it is our responsibility to show our support! Write your representative; talk to your friends; ride responsibly. Here is an example letter I have submitted. Feel free to use it or compose your own.