Bike Right�
December Newsletter
Greetings!
 

Need a Last Minute Gift Idea? 

Are you still trying to find that perfect last minute gift for your bike riding friend or loved one? Try renting a NJ Transit Bike Locker!

 

A NJ Transit bike locker will not only protect their bike from being vandalized or stolen, but they are also a great way to keep a bike dry and protected during inclement weather. At 6� feet long and over 3 feet wide, each bike locker can comfortably fit any standard bike frame as well as your bike gear. 

 

All of our lockers are located at stations along the Morris Essex NJ Transit Rail Lines and can be rented for 6 months or one year periods for only $7.50 per month!

 

For more information or questions about availability and locations please call 973-267-7600 or email BFeeney@TransOptions.org.

 

BICYCLE HERO 

This month we'd like to salute our youngest Bicycle Hero to-date, sixth-grader Finn Holovacs from Sparta!

Finn is an avid bike rider who feels a sense of accomplishment every time he hops on his limited edition Gary Fisher mountain bike and pushes himself to go farther and faster. Earlier this year he thought that he could get that feeling every day if he were to ride his bike to school but unfortunately, Finn was disappointed to learn that his school has a policy in place that bans students from bike commuting! 

However,this tenacious middle-schooler is determined to open the eyes of his local officials and is working hard to convince them to not only change the policy but also to possibly install bike paths to make the trek safer. Since the beginning of the school year, Finn has made a presentation on biking to school to his local school board and has had meetings with his local state senator as well as with business owners in Sparta. Although progress has been slow, Finn's message is resonating in his community and he is hopeful that his presentations and meetings will soon have an effect.

The students at Finn's school are fortunate to have a strong bike advocate like him to help them achieve a more bike friendly place to study. In this day and age of fossil fuel dependency, bans on bike commuting are not all that uncommon. Some may be surprised to learn just how many schools in New Jersey, as well around the country, have banned students from riding to school.

When asked why biking to school such an important issue for him, Finn replied: 

  

"Biking can give students proper exercise on the way to school. They are more alert and it can make it easier for them to learn when they are alert. That is why I'm trying to make this idea work. Also, I'm trying to do this to help my community to know the love of biking that I feel."


TransOptions couldn't agree more and is working hard this coming year to continue to educate students and community members across northwestern New Jersey about the benefits biking to school brings as well as how students can ride to school safely through our Safe Routes to School program. Last year we were able to educate and encourage thousands of children of all ages with our custom designed classes and events and this year we are looking to reach even more!

If you would like to learn more about how TransOptions can help your school become more bike or pedestrian friendly, contact Linda Bartek-Smith at lbarteksmith@transoptions.org or call 973-267-7600.   

 

Are you a Bicycle Hero or do you know of a Bicycle Hero who can inspire our 1,000 subscribers to bike more?

 

Contact BFeeney@TransOptions.org to apply and tell us why! 

BICYCLE RESOLUTIONS 

As we wrap up another successful and fun-filled year here at TransOptions we want to share with you just a handful of our New Years' bike resolutions.

            1. Ride more often for errands.
            2. Invite a friend who doesn't bike or rarely bikes to go for a ride.
            3. Beat my own personal longest distance ridden in one day of riding.

What are your bike resolutions for 2013? Visit our facebook page and comment on our wall! 

DECEMBER BIKE QUIZ 
 
In 1969, approximately 50% of children walked or biked to school. What is the percentage of kids who walk or bike estimated to be today?
 
    A. 6%         B. 13%
    C. 25%       D. 41%

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