Bike Lanes in Wichita

If you’ve ridden down 1st and 2nd streets recently, you’ve probably had the chance to test out the new bike lanes. These lanes should remind drivers to slow down and move over to the left when cyclists are present. They are also a great way to raise awareness of this alternative mode of transportation.

What are your thoughts on the bike lanes? Where do you hope to see them in the future?

Topeka Bikeways plan being developed

Topeka is starting the planning for commuter bikeways. Read this article from the Topeka Capital Journal: Bikeways plan being developed | CJOnline.com.

Based on the article, it seems that Wichita is quite a bit further down the planning path but there seems to be s0me momentum in Topeka and a focus on changing transportation habits from driving to cycling.

I think WAMPO has done a great job developing plans and asking for public input. It is up to the politicians to fund the plans, however, which means YOU need to tell the elected officials and City Manager that bicycle pathways need to be a priority.

Douglas Design District businesses offering discounts to bikers on June 26

If you are looking for an excuse to ride your bike tomorrow head on down to the Douglas Design District and check out some of these great specials being offered to those who ride their bike.

Dear  “I Bike Douglas” Supporters,

“I Bike Douglas” May 22, 2010, was a great success with over 300 in attendance. Out of the registered participants, 98% said they prefer to shop local and would attend monthly “I Bike Douglas” bike-in events.

To keep the momentum going, Douglas Design District is sponsoring monthly “Biker’s Specials”. On June 26, ride in to your favorite place to eat or drink in the DDD and get a special just for YOU. Watch  the  event page at www.dddwichita.com for updates on participating businesses.

Douglas merchants providing “Biker’s Specials” :

Cero’s Candies – 1108 E. Douglas
Chocolate Covered Banana’s

College Hill Deli & Catering - 3407 E. Douglas
10% OFF any menu item!

Fresh Roast Coffee Company – 3700 E. Douglas #2
Glycogen Pit Stop (Two Shots of Espresso for $2 Bucks) $2

Harry’s Uptown – 3023 E. Douglas
Two Wheeler Special – Chicken Fajita Wrap: $6.50
Includes swiss cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, chips
Beer Specials – Corona & Don Equis: $3.00 each

Jeanne’s Cafe – 4733 E. Douglas in Lincoln Heights
Mini Chicken Fried Steak Dinner: $6.95
Includes mash potatoes, vegetable, salad and roll

Monica’s Bundt Cake – 1328 E. Douglas
Ride in for a FREE bottle of water or a banana with purchase.
Available only during “I Bike Douglas”

Don’t forget to put out your “I Bike Douglas” yard signs if you have one! Looking forward to seeing “I Bike Douglas” bikers on Saturday, June 26th!

Sincerely,

“I Bike Douglas” Committee

Teaching Kids To Ride

Q: Is there an organization or camp that teaches kids to ride bikes in the Wichita area?

Commuter Bike Ride

Here’s a short video from Tuesday’s Commuter Bike Rides. Enjoy!

Bike to Work Day Tomorrow

Tomorrow is Bike to Work Day. The weather is shaping up to be a great day, so you’ll have no excuse to miss this opportunity to ride in style. Tell your boss you might be a little late in the morning because you are making an effort to lift the stigma that Wichita is one of the worst cities to commute by bicycle.

Don’t forget to meet up in Old Town Square from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to network with other bicycle enthusiasts. The first 50 cyclists who ride over there will receive a FREE Chipotle burrito. Free inspections will be held by local bicycle shops including Lee’s Bike Shop and the Bicycle Pedaler. Bike MS, The Bike Cave, and Bike/Walk Alliance will be on hand to tell you what they are doing to help the bicycle community grow in Wichita.

The League of American Bicyclist has designated Friday May 21 national Bike to Work Day. Start-Thinking is encouraging individuals in the Wichita community to Bike to Work. Bike to Work is annual event that is part of Bike Month.

Commuter Bike Ride Tuesday, May 18

Which route are you going to take? Meet at the Central YMCA at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18. Commuter guides will take you along one of the following routes. You have the option to return with them, leave the route along the way to head off in your own direction or be picked up by a friend or family member at any point along the route.

Here are the Five Route Maps:

Route 1 Northwest: Keeper of the Plains, Riverside Park, Cowtown, Museums on the River, Twin Lakes area, Sedgwick County Zoo and Park, Warren Theatre West, New Market Square, YMCA West Branch – Led by commuter cyclist Scott Dyer, Jeff Usher and Bob Blinn

Route 2 K-96: Via Christi-St. Francis, Coleman, York, USD259, Grove Park, Chisholm Trail Park, (WSU), Koch, Pioneer Balloon, LSI, YMCA (K-96 & Woodlawn), Bel Aire – Led by commuter cyclist John Thompson

Route 3 East Central: Wesley Hospital, Wichita Clinic, Towne East, CCH, YMCA, Hawker-Beechcraft, Andover’s Central Park, Andover YMCA – Led by commuter cyclist Greg Standifer

Route 4 Southeast: Linwood Park, Cox Communication, Via Christi-St. Joseph, Cessna Park, Cessna-Pawnee, McConnell AFB, Boeing, Spirit, (return route past Towne East) – Led by commuter cyclists Dean Smythe and Rick Moss

Route 5 Southwest: Delano, Friends University, Newman University, Cessna-Wallace, Case-New Holland, (return route past YMCA) – Led by commuter cyclist Larry Bennett

Wichita Updates On-Line Bike Path Map

The City of Wichita has recently updated the on-line bike path maps. Click here to see them.

Need Commuter Routes?

Finding a commuter route from home to work or any point to point in Wichita just got easier. On Tuesday May 18th at 5:30pm, experienced commuter riders will guide five different rides from Downtown Wichita to the corners and edges of Wichita. They want to show you good routes and help you find your way.

Meet at the Downtown YMCA at 402 N. Market at 5:30pm and join a guide and a group on one of the following routes:

Northwest Wichita: Riverside, Zoo Blvd., West 21st St.
Northeast Wichita: College Hill, WSU, 29th & Oliver, Chisholm Creek Trail, 29th & Webb
East Wichita: 1st St. / 2nd St., Douglas & Webb, 13th & Webb
Southeast Wichita: Canal Route,  Spirit Aerospace, Derby
Southwest Wichita: Delano, Friends University, K-42 corridor, Pawnee & West, Cessna

Route guides will return to the Downtown YMCA. Riders have the option to return with them, leave the route along the way to head off in their own direction or be picked up by friends or family at any point along the route.

Join us for a nice evening ride.

Apr 26 Evening Ride

Meet at Start-Thinking, 916 E. Douglas at 5:00pm for an evening ride Monday April 26. The current plan is to ride a route towards southwest Wichita. This ride will not likely be a straightforward route as we’re working on a new route but join if you like adventure.