Bike news & bits

May is National Bike Month. Included here are some bike resources and news, both old and new: 

BikeErie for all things Bike+Erie. Info for all levels, including beginners and just checking it out. I'd recommend visiting both their Facebook page and website.

Why Dutch Bikes are Better (and why you should want one)  Cycling in The Netherlands is popular among all ages, and so is the comfortable sturdy model that is preferred for getting around.  Check out this video in praise of this comfortable, functional approach to bicycling.
Active Transportation Plan for people who walk and bike in Erie PA (draft) "Active Erie is an active transportation plan to improve conditions for people walking and bicycling in the City of Erie. We envision a network of streets that are beautiful, comfortable, and safe community spaces where people want to be, whether they are walking, riding a bike, taking transit, or driving a vehicle." 

Lake Erie CycleFest 2021  taking place in Erie July 30 through August 1. "Four distinct rides will guide cyclists of all ages and abilities around Erie’s vast terrain – along sandy beaches and through old growth forests, across our vibrant downtown and our rolling country hills... event proceeds from Lake Erie Cyclefest will benefit local charities. The 2021 beneficiaries are Asbury Woods, Because You Care, Erie Downtown Partnership and Presque Isle Partnership."

Meadville transit agency launches Bike Share in May Crawford Area Transit Authority has launched a bike share program. Bike Share is a service in which bicycles are made available for shared use to individuals on a short term basis. Info and to offer support: Tim Geibel at tgeibel@catabus.org 
Warren named Pennsylvania’s ‘Best Bicycling City’ (YourErie 5/19/2021) "Sutton said there were four criteria for cities to be ranked to be ranked: Overall bike friendliness, bike commuting prevalence, prevalence of bike incidents, and DUI and passing violations. According to Insurify, Warren joins cities like Denver, Colo.; Portland, Ore.; Austin, Texas; and Charlotte, N.C. as the safest cycling cities in their state, which provide a boost in tourism, according to Dave Sherman, executive director of the Warren County Visitors Bureau." 

Bike share program launched in Meadville

Meadville now has a bike share program, launched this month by the area's public transit agency.
Crawford Area Transportation Authority (CATA) launched the bike share program this month.

From the CATA website: 

"Bike Share is a service in which bicycles are made available for shared use to individuals on a short term basis. Bike share systems allow people to rent a bike from a 'dock' and return it at another dock belonging to the same system. Docks are special bike racks that lock the bike, and only release it by smart phone Bluetooth control.

"Bike Share is a service in which bicycles are made available for shared use to individuals on a short term basis. Bike share systems allow people to rent a bike from a "dock" and return it at another dock belonging to the same system. Docks are special bike racks that lock the bike, and only release it by smart phone Bluetooth control.

"Bike Share programs are not just limited to big cities. Bike Shares can be effective in smaller, rural communities to increase mobility and provide options for people who do not want to drive. As the public transportation provider for Crawford and Venango Counties, CATA is excited launch a bike share program for the Meadville area. CATA begin the program in May 2021 with 8 bikes available at 4 different locations. 12 more bikes and more locking locations will be added in the upcoming weeks! Download the Koloni app to create an account and ride!"

If you are interested in sponsoring bikes or supporting the Meadville Bike Share program, email Tim Geibel attgeibel@catabus.org

Visit https://www.catabus.org/meadville-bike-share

Updates - May 6, 2021

Today I spoke with Ed Torres, Director of Fixed-Route Operations at EMTA . I asked him for updates, and also clarifications of issues.

LAID-OFF DRIVERS. Are they being called back? Ed said "nothing is set in stone but once we need them we'll be calling people back." They won't know specifics till after drivers take their scheduled vacations, which are coming up soon. They may also need drivers for the school year

WILL SUNDAY SERVICE RETURN? Ed said even before the pandemic that ridership was low. Sounds like this remains up in the air for now.

ROUTES

• Presque Isle Express is returning
• Route Upgrades coming around June 12. Routes 25/30 and 21/28 will each have an additional trip added on Saturday.