Local Motion of Burlington, Vermont - a non-profit promoting cycling, blading, and walking.

End of the Season Benefit Bake

Thanks to everyone who came out to our End of the Season Benefit Bake! We had a great time and we hope you did, too. A big thanks to our hosts at American Flatbread! Check out our Photo Guestbook from the evening.

International Walk to School Day

At least 18 schools in Chittenden County were buzzing this past week as kids, parents, teachers, and community leaders joined schools from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day on October 8th. Children from these schools, with enrollments of over 6,800 kids altogether, joined millions of children from the U.S. and 42 countries in walking to school.

Children, with parents, teachers, school administrators, and little brothers and sisters walked from home or were dropped off by bus to participate in "walking school buses" on a beautiful, crisp fall morning. Governor Douglas walked with the Milton Parade. Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss joined Edmunds Elementary School. The weather was great and everyone had fun!

Funding from VTRANS and the CCMPO through Local Motion and the Safe Routes to School program helped make it possible to coordinate activities on this big day. We walked for safer and improved streets, to promote healthier habits, to conserve the environment, and because it was fun! International Walk to School events encourage a more walkable world – one community at a time.

Local Welder Teaches Bike Recycle Students

Kirk Williams showing ACE students how to weld Bike Recycle Vermont would like to recognize Kirk Williams of KW Designs, for donating his time and expertise to work on a special project with several BRV students. Jake and Chad, students at Essex High School’s ACE program, have worked with BRV for nearly a year and a half.

Kirk assisted the students in designing and building a bicycle sidecar. The construction phase necessitated the use of grinders, welders, and torches, giving the students some hands on experience. Thank you Kirk!

Wilson Skinner and Michael McDonald test ride the new sidecar. UPDATE: These two are currently approaching ~~Pennsylvania~~ Columbus, Ohio, on their cross-country pedal to the West Coast (not with the sidecar, though!).

Residents Call for Safe Streets

In the wake of two car-bike hit and runs in September, Local Motion and residents are calling for safer streets. 120 people attended a "safe streets rally" on Sept 16 where the Burlington Mayor and Police Chief supported Local Motion's 5-Point Platform for Safe Streets:

Comprehensive education campaign for walkers, cyclists and motorists
Lower speed limits in residential areas
Reporting reckless driving and biking
Targeted enforcement of all modes
Personal responsibility

The kick-off meeting to implement the plan is Oct 30. Contact Chapin (chapin@localmotion.org) to get involved.

Calcutta Fundraiser for Rose Long
Oct 25, 6pm Cocktails, 7pm Dinner
St. John's Club, Tickets: $40
Limited seating, purchase tickets soon at Local Motion (1 Steele St, 652-2453) or Saint John's Club (9 Central Ave, 864-9778)

Healing Process: The youth hit in South Burlington was released from the hospital soon after the 9/9/08 collision and is apparently fine. 20-year-old UVM student Rose Long was hit the day before and has had a longer road to recovery. Rose needed over 12 hours of facial and dental reconstructive surgery, but is now home getting back into the swing of things. Some dental costs will not be covered by her insurance. UVM's Cycling Team set up a website to raise funds for Rose Long's recovery. Over $8,500 has been raised to date from 200 donors.

Contribute to Rose's medical costs: www.roselong.com
Read Rose's blog about her recovery: roseglong.blogspot.com

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