Chicago Cubs owner, AIDS United president, Trek Bicycles Founder join Board

PR Newswire

CHICAGO, March 21, 2011

CHICAGO, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — World Bicycle Relief, a Chicago-based not for profit that provides quality bicycles to people living in sub-Saharan Africa recently welcomed Todd Ricketts, Chicago Cubs owner; Mark Ishaug, president of AIDS United; and business owner Elaine Burke to its Board of Directors.

This coal seller's next purchase will be a World Bicycle Relief bike bought through a micro-finance program. They appreciate the durability of the bicycles because loads can weigh up to 250 pounds. The bicycle enables them to bring more goods, faster and to further markets. It is an inexpensive sustainable choice to aid in economic development. Photo by: Leah Missbach Day

“We are very grateful and excited to have Todd, Mark and Elaine on our Board, each of whom are passionate business and organizational leaders, and will help guide our vision for World Bicycle Relief into the future,” said F.K. Day, founder & president of World Bicycle Relief.

Ricketts joined the Chicago Cubs’ Board of Directors in 2009 when he and his siblings acquired a controlling ownership interest of the club from the Tribune Company.  Among other businesses, Ricketts also owns the Higher Gear bicycle shops in Wilmette and Highland Park, IL. Mark Ishaug is the president of the newly formed AIDS United, a not for profit whose mission is to end the AIDS pandemic in the U.S.  He was the former president of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago 1998-2011, and has worked and studied extensively in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Elaine Burke, a former teacher, has been a long time supporter of World Bicycle Relief. Elaine and the Burke family have made a huge impact on the global bike industry through their creation and development of Trek Bicycle Company.

Recently listed as one of Barron’s Top 25 most effective philanthropists, World Bicycle Relief has distributed 75,000 specially designed, culturally-appropriate bicycles to students, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs in Asia and Africa, which have improved the lives of more than 700,000 people. Specifically, World Bicycle Relief bikes help students get to school, connect healthcare workers to patients living with HIV & AIDS in rural areas and enable farmers to carry heavy loads while transporting goods to market.  Compared to walking, biking is four times faster and allows five times the carrying capacity, significantly increasing productivity and service range.

“A bicycle is a gift of time. In developing countries a bicycle can mean the difference between getting to school, to a doctor or making a living or not,” says Day. ”What we have found in Africa and are working to change is the fundamental gap that exists between the availability of quality, sturdy and culturally appropriate bicycles and the millions of its residents living at the bottom of the market.”

By partnering with other relief groups and using existing supply chains, World Bicycle Relief has created an efficient, sustainable method for delivering aid to high-risk populations that offers not just a means of transportation, but access to independence and livelihood.

For more information visit: www.worldbicyclerelief.org.

Other World Bicycle Relief Board members include: Brian Benzer (Chair), Director of Corp. Development, SRAM Corp.; Stanley Day, Founder, President & Chairman, SRAM Corp; Michael Herr (Treasurer), Chief Financial Officer, SRAM Corp.; Johan Bruyneel, Sports Director/Trainer, responsible for nine Tour de France victories; Bob Perkowitz, serial entrepreneur, founder/president EcoAmerica, partner, Arqua Equity Partners, LLC, and managing partner, Viva Terra, LLC and ecoSalon, LLC.

SOURCE World Bicycle Relief

Web Site: http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org

What direction will cycling in Vancouver take in 2012?

My latest article for Granville Online:

“It started in July 2009. The creation of a separated, protected lane for cyclists on the Burrard Bridge turned out to be just the beginning of Vision Vancouver’s ambitious plan for increasing cycling in Vancouver. In 2010, the addition of separated lanes on Dunsmuir and Hornby Streets not only created more protected routes for cyclists, they also added fuel to the fire, in what became a fractious and heated debate over the allocation of road space in the city.

Now, with the Vision Vancouver-dominated council having created a separated lane system running through the downtown core, they’re claiming it’s time to step back and take stock of the situation before launching any new initiatives. In fact, no major changes to the existing network are expected to be introduced before the next civic election. But, what might we expect after voters go to the polls, if another cycling-friendly council is installed at City Hall? Three central figures in the debate say planning, education, and communication are as important as painted lanes and concrete barriers in building the bike lane ahead.”

Complete article at Granville Online – Beyond the Vision for a pedal-happy Vancouver

Congratulations John!

Getting around the city? It may end up being the toughest event of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Metro Vancouver commuters are facing nearly two months of road closures and traffic challenges.  But, there’s one way to avoid the chaos. Consider biking to work. It’s easier than you think and way more fun than fuming in traffic! Join MEC and the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) Thursday, Dec. 3rd, 7pm at the Vancouver store (130 West Broadway) for great advice on:

Getting Your bike Ready
The Best Gear for Winter Riding
Safe routes in the City
Riding in Traffic
Realistic Expectations

The one hour presentation will be followed by a short question and answer session.

Are you going to be stuck in traffic, jammed onto overcrowded transit, or enjoying the peaceful, healthy experience of biking to work? Get the information you need to make the best choice for your daily commute.

“There’s no doubt that cold and wet weather can be a barrier to winter bike commuting,” says VACC representative Lisa Slakov. “The commuter stations are a way to reward those year-round cyclists who stick with sustainable transportation choices. They are also a great place to provide advice on equipment, clothing, and safe routes for those who are just starting out.”

In addition to the extra commuter bike stations, the VACC is offering riding workshops designed to help those looking for an easier way to get around during the 2010 Olympic Games. Workplaces and other organizations can take advantage of the program’s sensible advice on safety and equipment, promoting realistic expectations, and offering potential cycle commuters the moral support they need to overcome perceived barriers.

“How do I get started? Not being able to answer that question seems to be the biggest roadblock to those wondering if biking to work is right for them,” says Slakov. “Our workshops help people find the right answers. With the Winter Olympics coming and road closures soon to be affecting many parts of the region, we want people to know that getting to work by bike is a great way to avoid the frustration of traffic jams and transit overcrowding.”

WINTER BIKE TO WORK COMMUTER STATIONS

Date: Friday Nov. 20
Location: Central Valley Greenway at Gilmore Way (Home Depot)
Time: 07:00-09:00

Date: Thursday Nov. 26
Location: SW corner of Burrard Bridge
Time: 16:30 – 18:30

Date: Friday Dec. 4
Location: Cambie and 10th Ave (West side of Cambie)
Time: 07:00-09:00

Date: Thursday Dec. 10
Location: Frances/Union bike route between Fell Ave and Kensington Ave
Time: 16:30 – 18:30

Date: Friday Dec. 18
Location: Ontario and 33rd, Vancouver
Time: 07:00-09:00

Date: Tuesday Dec. 22
Location: Union and Main (Adanac/Union bike route)
Time: 16:30 – 18:30

For more information on getting your organization involved in Bike to Work programs, please visit: http://www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca/

WINTER BIKE COMMUTING WORKSHOPS

For more details on the Winter Bike Commuting Workshops, including how your company or organization can participate, visit http://vacc.bc.ca/cycling/cycling.php?pageID=39#2 or contact the VACC office:

Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition
Phone: 604-878-8222
Email: admin@vacc.bc.ca
Website: www.vacc.bc.ca

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Contact: Chris Keam
ckeam@telus.net
604-780-6125

Why New York Enticed Translink Chief
When Translink CEO Tom Prendergast starts running NYC’s transit system, he’ll have a visionary ally in Janette Sadik-Khan.
By Chris Keam

Translink’s challenges are once again in the spotlight, with a damning ministry report preceded by last week’s announcement that CEO Tom Prendergast is leaving Vancouver to become the president of New York City Transit. The reasons for Prendergast’s decision, rumored and official, include Translink troubles and Big Apple opportunities. But one largely unmentioned reality that surely played a role in Prendergast’s decision is the powerful compatriot he will have in Janette Sadik-Khan. (Read the full article)