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Hi Cycling Friends,

Here is a BIG exciting update on Burlington Bikeways -- a young non-profit dedicated to the development of a Burlington to Champlain Islands bike path along the old Rutland Railroad "Island Line."  Burlington Bikeways will also be developing other cycling facilities and loops in the Burlington area such as our "Cycle the City" loop.  Let me know if you want to help out!


BIKE FERRY FINAL APPEAL CLOCK TICKING
Environmental Court Judge Meredith Wright issued her final decision in mid-June permitting the operation of the bike ferry.  While her preliminary ruling had been out for weeks, Burlington Bikeways and the Town of Colchester asked the Judge to reconsider her blinking light condition in the Windemere neighborhood.  We are happy to announce that the judge dropped this condition without a hearing!  Now that this issue has been settled, the 30 day appeal clock is ticking.  If the Colchester opponents do not appeal this decision to the Vermont Supreme Court in the next 10 days, we will be home free.  We fully expect that the necessary improvements can be made this summer and start operating in September!  


ISLAND LINE DEVELOPMENT FULL STEAM AHEAD
Burlington Bikeways has secured two grants to launch the full-development of the Island Line -- a new cycling corridor along the old Rutland Railroad corridor from Burlington to the Champlain Islands.   These two grants will enable Burlington Bikeways to hire 1.5 FTE staff people and open an office this summer or early fall. (see below)


BUILDING THE MOVEMENT: STAFF AND OFFICE
Currently, we have a 1/2 time staff person (Brian Costello) and no office.  In a month or so we should have 2 staff people and a great office.  Burlington Bikeways will be moving into a gorgeous space in the Wing Building on the Burlington Bikepath.  Many thanks to our board member Melinda Moulton for her generous offer!  THIS SPACE IS LARGE.  WE ARE LOOKING TO HAVING LC BIKEWAYS CO-LOCATE WITH US.  IF OTHER GROUPS ARE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF A PRO-BIKE CENTER, PLEASE CONTACT CHAPIN.


CYCLE THE CITY GUIDE RECEIVES FUNDS FOR REPRINT
Burlington's 10-mile interpretive cycling loop, "Cycle the City," was such a hit in its first year that over 10,000 guides were distributed.  After the initial drop this spring, we are down to the bare minimum.  We are happy to announce that VTrans has awarded us with a generous grant.  The CCMPO has said that they also may likely contribute.  


THANKS TO OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS!!!
A big thank you to all the board members who helped get Burlington Bikeways off the ground.  It has certainly been a year of growth for us.  Trying to quickly develop the Bike Ferry and Cycle the City while creating an organization had certainly had its stresses, but we are making great progress!  Thanks to Pat Miller from North Star Cyclery and Ed Moore from Burlington Business Association who will be leaving the board.  Your energy and perspective were well appreciated!  


NEW BOARD MEMEBERS NEEDED.  ARE YOU INTERESTED?!
Burlington Bikeways is looking for interested cycling advocates to join our board.  Anyone interested should call Chapin Spencer (864-2974) or Brian Costello (864-0424) for more information.  Current board members include Marc Companion, Amy Bell, Maja Smith, Glenn Eames, Hugh Brady, Margo Schips, Brian Costello and Melinda Moulton.


Happy cycling,

- chapin

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