Central Oklahoma Bike to Work Day 2006
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- Online Survey Results
- Event Information
- Survey Prize Winners
- New Bike Law
- Other Information Sources
- Contributing Partners
- Contact Us
Event Information
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG), METRO Transit, the City of Oklahoma City, City of Norman and City of Edmond coordinated the second Central Oklahoma Bike to Work Day event on Friday, May 19, 2006.
Central Oklahoma Bike to Work Day 2006 is part of a national campaign to promote bicycling as a healthy and efficient transportation alternative. The League of American Bicyclists has recognized the month of May as National Bike to Work Month since 1956, and National Bike to Work Day annually offers metropolitan areas the opportunity to call attention to the benefits of bicycling and to increase safety awareness among bicyclists and motorists.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Bicycle Society led the way for each of the five “group rides” in Oklahoma City in which each group converged at Bicentennial Park totaling around 135+ participants. Bicyclists came from the State Fairgrounds, Will Rogers Park, Woodson Park, Douglass Park, and Trosper Park.
Brown’s Bakery, Aspen Athletic Club, and SONIC, America’s Drive-In were the main sponsors for food and drink at the Oklahoma City event. A METRO Transit bus and trolley were at the event to allow people to practice using their new bicycle racks.
Hal McKnight, Wheeler Dealer Bicycle Shop, was the master of ceremonies and provided a great introduction to the event. Speakers included Councilmembers Willa Johnson, Sam Bowman, Ann Simank, and State Representative Trevor Worthing. Sam Bowman praised the city as OKC will be hiring someone to work specifically on planning bicycle lanes.
- State Fairgrounds to Bicentennial Park
- METRO Transit Bus Routes - METRO Transit is equipped with new bike racks.
Norman
The Norman Ad-hoc Bicycle Advisory Committee along with members from the Bicycle League of Norman led three group rides totaling 65+ participants. Evenly distributed, each group converged at Andrews Park. Norman Regional Hospital and SONIC, America’s Drive-In sponsored food and refreshments. Central Oklahoma Regional Transit (CART) brought a trolley to the event to allow people to practice using their bicycle racks.
Mayor Harold Haralson and Councilmembers Rachel Butler & Cindy Rosenthal spoke about how Norman has recently opened a community dialogue designed to develop a strategic vision for future of the City of Norman. The May 18 kickoff meeting showed a large interest in improving on-street and off-road bicycle facilities. Councilman David Hopper also took time from his job at OU to support the event. Jim Corder, from Norman Regional Hospital, spoke about the issue of bicycling and health to avoid heart disease. Bill Dragoo, Norman Ad-hoc Bicycle Committee, spoke about Committee’s responsibility to update the 1996 Norman Bike Plan and inspired everyone to take that next step of make bicycling a part of their life.
- Norman Group Ride Routes
- OU CART Bus Routes - Bike & Bus with METRO Transit / CART
Edmond
ECO EDMOND led the group ride from UCO to Festival Market Place. This was a fantastic event because of the amount of city involvement. About 50+ participated including the City Manager, City Attorney, Councilman Wayne Paige, and loads of City employees. We must all thank the City of Edmond for allowing its employees participate and for showing its support for bicycles on the streets!
Mayor Saundra Naifeh and Councilman Paige were the main speakers. Lots of food and drinks were provided by SONIC, America’s Drive-In, McAlister’s Deli, and Panera Bread.
- University of Central Oklahoma to Festival Market Place ( 26 W 1st St )
- METRO Transit Bus Routes - METRO Transit is equipped with new bike racks.
Other Communities
If you would like to coordinate a Bike to Work Day event next year in your city, details can be found online at www.bikemonth.com or contact the Central Oklahoma Bike to Work Day Coordinator at biketowork@acogok.org .
Survey Prize Winners!
The
New Oklahoma Bike Law
The same day as our Bike to Work Day event on May 19, Governor Brad Henry signed a powerful new bicycle law. The law:
1. Re-defines 'bicycle' for the purposes of the state's vehicle code, eliminating restricting wheel sizes and configurations
2. Eliminates confusing language as to where bicyclists should ride on the road
3. Eliminates the state mandate to ride on sidepaths/sidewalks
4. Eliminates the mandatory side light requirement for bicycles (not reflection)
5. Establishes a minimum safe-passing distance of three feet and sets up fines (in addition to other citations and penalties for manslaughter, improper use of a motor vehicle, etc.) for a motorist who injures or kills a cyclist.
Oklahoma is now the third state to have a safe-passing law and the second to back it up with specific fines. Arizona and Utah are the other states with safe-passing laws, with Arizona having specific fines. Advocates in other states can now use Oklahoma's law for legal precedence to aid them in their work. The law was passed with the help of a strong push from the Oklahoma Bicycle Coalition.
(BicycleLeague News, League of American Bicyclists: April 24, 2006)
For complete text, please visit http://www2.lsb.state.ok.us/2005%2D06bills/sb/hb2926%5Fsflr.rtf.
More Bikeway & Trail Information
- OCARTS Existing Bicycle Facilities Map
- Oklahoma City Trails System and Funding Status Map
- Oklahoma City Trails Facilities
- Locations of Oklahoma City parks
- Oklahoma Bicycle Society Route Maps
- Bike Routes around Norman
Other Information Sources
Further information regarding the national Bike to Work campaign and promoting bicycle friendly communities can be found on the Web at the following links:
- Bike Month 2006
- League of American Bicyclists
- Bicycle Friendly Community Program
- Bikes Belong Coalition (small grants)
- Association of Bicycle & Pedestrian Professionals
Contact us
Association of Central Oklahoma Governments
21 E. Main Street, Suite 100
Oklahoma City , OK 73104-2405
PHONE: 405-234-2264
FAX: 405-234-2200
Notice: Bicycling is a rigorous physical activity. Even conditioned and experienced cyclists have succumbed to injury or death while riding. Riders should be physically fit and cleared by their doctor to do physical activity.
Participants in Central Oklahoma Bike to Work 2006 are responsible for their own safety. The decision to participate in Bike to Work Day is up to the rider. The City of Oklahoma City, City of Norman, City of Edmond, and the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments are not responsible for injuries or damages sustained by persons or property. Many routes in the metro area experience significant amounts of automobile traffic. Please obey all traffic rules to ensure a higher degree of safety.
Contributing Partners
David Allen, Photographer |
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All American Fitness Express 24/7 1282 NORTH INTERSTATE DRIVE NORMAN , OK 73072 PHONE: (405) 364-9494 |
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THE ATHLETIC VILLAGE 2437 W MAIN STREET NORMAN , OK 73069 Phone: (405) 364-5096 |
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BOYERS FITNESS CENTER 1610 W LINDSEY ST NORMAN , OK 73069 Phone: (405) 321-8369 |
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CORK & BOTTLE 16502 N WESTERN AVENUE EDMOND , OK 73003 Phone: (405) 341-9463 |
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EARTH NATURAL FOODS & DELI 309 S FLOOD AVENUE NORMAN , OK 73069 Phone: (405) 364-3551 |
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FLAT TIRE BURGERS |
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HI PERFORMANCE BOARD SPORTS
1107 ELM AVENUE NORMAN , OK 73072 Phone: (405) 329-7279 |
KIDOODLES TOYS 3700 W ROBINSON ST NORMAN , OK 73072 Phone: (405) 360-8697 |
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Norman Tree Board |
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OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE 1000 NE 10TH ST . OKLAHOMA CITY , OK 73117-1299 http://www.health.state.ok.us |
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