Experienced Grassroots Advocate Will Lead Statewide Bike Advocacy Group at Time of Growing Popularity in Bicycling

The MassBike Board of Directors has named well respected community advocate Galen Mook as the organization’s new Executive Director. Mook will take over helm of the statewide advocacy organization in July as Massachusetts is seeing an explosion in growth of the number of people biking for fun, exercise, commuting, and competition. Cities and towns are responding to this demand by increasingly investing in safer street design and expanded multi-use paths.

A response to the recent press release from the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan on the crash that killed Bernard "Joe" Lavins in October 2016:

By RICHARD FRIES

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced earlier this week that there would be no charges against the driver who drove his 18-wheel tractor trailer over Bernard “Joe” Lavins in Cambridge’s Porter Square on October 5, 2016.

The following is  a press release from the office of District Attorney Marian T. Ryan:

Investigation into October 5, 2016 Fatal Bike Collision in Cambridge Complete

CAMBRIDGE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that the investigation into the October 5, 2016 fatal bicycle crash that occurred on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge has been completed. 

Autonomous Vehicle Fatality: a Wake up Call (by T4MA, MassBike, and WalkBoston)

On March 18, an autonomous vehicle (AV) killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. Initial evidence suggests that the backup driver was distracted, and the vehicle did not make any attempt to avoid the collision. This should serve as a wake-up call. We believe that with the right policies and procedures in place, autonomous vehicle testing can be safe. However, it is clear that at least in some conditions, this is not yet the case.

Have you traveled with your bike? Maybe you visited Pennsylvania where there is a 4 foot passing rule for motorists overtaking cyclists. How about Arizona? The traffic cameras there discourage motorists from running red lights. If you haven’t biked in China, perhaps you’ve bought a toy truck made in China. All trucks in China have side guards, so toy trucks made in China also have side guards.

Senator Brownsberger and Representatives Rogers and Hecht have authored a bill alongside advocates from various organizations such as the Vision Zero Coalition, Livable Streets, WalkBoston and the Boston Cyclists Union, and MassBike. An Act to reduce traffic fatalities (formerly S.1905/H.2877, now due to a new draft can be found as S.2362 with an updated House bill number coming later this week) was reported favorably on from the Joint Committee on Transportation and now will move onto the Ways and Means Committee.

From the office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito:

Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation Committing Over $1.4 Billion to Climate Change, Environmental Protection, and Community Investments

Projects Will Continue the Baker-Polito Administration’s Strong Leadership on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Environmental Stewardship

Richard Fries Steps Down as MassBike Executive Director

Richard Fries will step down as executive director of the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition, better known as MassBike. Having served as executive director for three years, Fries will retain a position on the organization’s Board of Directors.

At MassBike's second Bike Advocacy Boot Camp on Saturday, February 10, leaders in DIY activism, advocacy, and education will come together for a day of panels and discussion. The day long event provides an intensive conference and workshop designed to engage and educate local advocates. 

The following is a press release from the Baker-Polito Administration:

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $1.5 Million to Design Northern Strand Community Trail
Funding Will Produce Design and Construction Documents for Trail Construction

LYNN – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the commitment of at least $1.5 million to fund designs for the Northern Strand Community Trail in Everett, Lynn, Malden, Revere, and Saugus. The funding, awarded through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Gateway City Parks Program, enables the design of the trail, development of bid-ready construction documents, and receipt of all necessary construction permits. When completed, the trail will span ten miles and run through the communities of Everett, Lynn, Malden, Revere, and Saugus along the rail bed of the former Saugus Branch Railroad. 

Re-Founder of Transportation Alternatives Speaks on 21s Century Activism

The keynote speaker for the Second Annual MassBike Boot Camp will be longtime transportation advocate Charles Komanoff of New York City.

“Charlie’s work - in cycling, energy and transportation - has been nothing short of profound. Rarely do we find people who have such cache as both an academic and an activist,” said Richard Fries, executive director of MassBike. “I’ve followed his work for decade and completely understand why mayors and governors respect this person.”