March - April 2005

Last month, I wrote that the 5BBC promotes bicycling by getting people on their bicycles and out there riding, but is not a lobbying and advocacy organization. But I also pointed out that we don't have to be dispassionate about the sport we love. There is a lot going on out there that affects bicycling.

In late January, the 5BBC Executive Board got word from member Joshua David that the NYC DOT is looking seriously at a bike lane that would go up Eighth Avenue from West 14th to West 39th Streets. By the time you read this, a letter to Community Board 4 asking them to consider approval of the 8th Avenue Bike Lane will be posted at 5BBC.org, and I'll run it in May/June.

I had a couple of reactions to the discussion about the statement, and what form it should take. The first one was, whatever happened to the good old days, when we had geeky conversations about derailleur and hub sets? The second one - if we endorse a bike lane, are we advocates?

I originally thought so. But several of my fellow bikers convinced me that 5BBC can take an impartial role in informing you about what's going on, without having the "advocacy" label stuck on us.

In this issue, there is coverage of a 5BBC General Meeting presentation by the NYC Parks Department's Jennifer Hoppa on the City's successes in building the Greenway system. Your positive response to Jennifer, and the 8th Avenue Bike Lane discussion led me to plan an article on a whole list of related subjects. That includes improved bridge access and repairs, a look at both sides of how to ease the Critical Mass dispute before we find ourselves applying for City permits for 5BBC day rides, and website links and other resources on how to get involved for those who choose to.

Of course, with a full-time job, family and social obligations, the newsletter, and even doing the occasional bike ride, I'm too busy to do it myself. The Board is stretched pretty thin too. Seriously, does anyone want to take the plunge to research and write such a story? Let me know.

See you on the tarmac!
Peter Engel
Newsletter Editor, 2005
newsletter@5BBC.org