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

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

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.

One thing we want to do IN ADVANCE of Bike to Work Day is conduct some rides from the Oldtown/Downtown core to different parts of the city (and even into Derby). If you are willing to lead a group or want to ride along, please contact John Thompson (558-5158, John.Thompson@Start-Thinking.com, Twitter: @thompsonline).

Here is some tentative information on the rides. Stay in tune with this website, the Facebook Group and Twitter (@BikeWichita and hashtag: #BikeWichta) to get more details on the group rides and other events as information becomes available.

TENTATIVE: On May 18th (date tentative) plan on a Commuter Bike Route Discovery Tour (name tentative) with your choice of rides on one of 5 primary routes (number tentative) led by experienced Commuter Bike Guides (title tentative). The Bike Guide(s) on your chosen route will point out route options, obstacles and solutions as we take a 30 to 45-minute ride from a common starting point at the Downtown YMCA (location tentative) to a turnaround point on the edge of town. Riders can then proceed to their homes or return to the Downtown YMCA – possibly on an alternative route that differs slightly from the outboundleg of the ride.

A lot of people have joined Facebook in the last year. It should be easy to share when and where people are riding – on all days, not just Bike to Work Day. Please tell your friends about the group and encourage them to join us.

Ride safe!

Studies show that although more than half of the U.S. Population lives within five miles of their workplace, lack of knowledge and incentive has deterred many from commuting by bike. 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.

Start-Thinking believes participation in Bike to Work day has multiple effects locally. The event is in-line with a green initiative that Start-Thinking believes to be important concept in daily life. Bike-to-Work also encourages a healthy lifestyle.

The 2005 census labeled Wichita as one of the 10 worst cities for commuting by bicycle. Encouragement and participation in Bike to Work day could help to lift that stigma. It will also help to educate both commuters on bike and in cars, on the benefits and safety required to change the Wichita community.

Bike Wichita is the source for Bike to Work day locally or more information and discussion join the Bike Wichita facebook group.

The new lanes on both eastbound and westbound Mt. Vernon are a welcome addition to Wichita’s neighborhood streets. They run from Broadway west to the river, are very well marked and signed and the new pavement is smooooth.

Give them a try and let the City know what you think.