Category: News

The city of Tucson was found 1/3 responsible for a $40M judgement in the death of a teenaged cyclist. Jose Rincon was killed by DUI driver Genda Rumsey in 2008. “A lawyer for the family argued successfully that the city was partially at fault because of the poor design of the road. City Attorney Mike Rankin said the city will appeal”

Arizona Daily Star, Feb 13, 2010, 40 Million awarded in teen’s death

In May, the $40M award was later reduced to $12M by Pima County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Lee. It was also revealed that the victim’s family had offered to settle with the City for only $950,000 before the trial but the city rejected that offer and instead preferred to take their chances at trial. Their reduced portion would be $4M. [azdailystar]

Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists Seeks Volunteers at All Levels

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists is actively seeking potential volunteers from both our current membership and the bicycling community to contribute to achievement of our goals and objectives during 2010. A number of opportunities for key contributions exist, and may range from participation on individual projects to ongoing advisory roles to board and officer positions.

Interested parties are requested to e-mail with level and/or areas of interest to cazbike@cazbike.org. Please include a short description of bicycle-related background including advocacy or leadership experience, if applicable.

You can view the latest Sprocketeer online here.

to be removed.

“For the sake of open space”
Cave Creek Bicycle Festival
Your Passport to cycling the Desert Foothills
November 13, 14 and 15, 2009
…more info…

To the Membership, Prospective Members and Partners of the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists,

Recently, the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists held board of directors and officer elections. During that process, I was elected your CAzB president, which I consider both an honor and a challenge …read the rest of this message

Elections for the Board of Directors was held at our annual meeting September 21, 2009. We wish to thank all of those nominated.

The Coalition would like to express their deep gratitude to those Board members who are stepping down: Gail Hildebrant, Rich Rumer, Sharon and Radar Matt. Best wishes, and thanks for your years of effort on behalf of all Arizona cyclists!

Board Elections

The following incumbent members were re-elected to another two year term:

• Gene Holmerud
• Bob Jenson
• Peter Mather
• Charlie Sobczak
• Alison Van Uum

And the following new members were elected to two year terms:

• Bob Beane
• Dennis Dempsey
• Sheila Foraker
• Mike Kitchen

Awards

The following individuals were recognized for a variety of contributions:

• Bob Beane & Rich Rumer : Organizing and running the Memorial Ride for Safety
• Lisa Cozetti : for publishing our newsletter, the Sprocketeer
• Ed Beighe: Web
• Sharon & Radar Matt: Education
• Rita Walter: Outreach

Officers

The new board elected officers of the corporation at the executive meeting October 6, 2009

• President: Bob Beane
• Vice President: Dennis Dempsey
• Vice President: Bob Jenson
• Vice President: Gene Holmerud
• Treasurer: Gail Hildebrant (acting)*
• Secretary: Sheila Foraker

* will remain until position permanently filled.

This information can now be found at Membership page, “Corporate Documents”

Membership

On August 13, City of Phoenix Traffic Engineer Kerry Wilcoxon and Coalition Board Member Gene Holmerud were interviewed by Nick Richert of KillRadio.org. Kill Radio is associated with KPFK-FM Los Angeles which is operated by Pacifica Foundation, an independent, listener-supported (alternative) organization.

Kill Radio has a number of cycling oriented programs, specifically at 10AM, for two hours on every Saturday is regular program “Bike Talk”. Kerry & Gene’s interview was broadcast on August 15 as part of that show.

Nick and his associates had heard comments questioning the bicycle friendliness of Phoenix, so he decided to find out. Kerry is the City Traffic Engineer most responsible for land and intersection design, and is himself a cycling commuter. Gene is a League Cycling Instructor and concentrates his efforts on Bike Ed and Rail/Cycle issues.

The program begins with introductions and then Nick asks “How is Phoenix rated?” Although Phoenix does not have a LAB rating as do other nearby cities, Kerry outlined the efforts of the city and Gene discussed our education efforts.

City efforts:

• We have a grid system where section streets (mile apart) and collector streets (in-between) either have bike lanes or lanes are planned
• City advocacy was lost during the recent budget adjustments cut the Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator position. To be restored when economics allow.
• Council districts do vary as some Council members are more supportive.
• Light Rail, although a multi-city endeavor, is very supportive of cyclists.
• Looking to integrate Bus routes and Bike Paths into Google mapping.
• Recent “traffic calming” street re-design has improved bicycle use.
• Major difficulty is that Phoenix “grew up” in the automobile-is-king era, now we’re trying to retro-fit.
• Model cities are Portland and others in Northwest part of US, the Tempe and Scottsdale.
• Wants to thank the cycling community for their strong input over the years.

Bike Ed:

• Making it safer to use the streets by learning skills, and following the laws, wearing bright clothes and driving consistently.

LISTEN TO THE SHOW via KPFK ARCHIVES (look for Bike Talk, 8/15/2009)
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