Nickel City Graphics Presents: Three Green Options – Workshops, Bad News, and Bike Rides
By Henry Raess, Community Outreach Coordinator, Green Options Buffalo
Workshops and bad news and bike rides, oh my!
There are three new developments in the realm of local bicycling that we’d like to share: Ladies’ Nights and Workshops at Green Options Buffalo; giant leaps backward for bicyclists, pedestrians and environmentalists; and a Big Fat Bike Ride!
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The Green Options Buffalo Community Workshop is excited to announce the beginning of monthly Ladies Shop Nights and Workshops.
Ladies Nights will be held on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 6-9pm, and are meant to facilitate a collaborative learning environment where female cyclists and others—looking for something a little different than the usual male-dominated vibe of the shop—can come to practice bicycle mechanics, share skills, volunteer, purchase used parts and refurbished bicycles, and discuss the awesomeness of all things bike-related.
Open shop rules apply, therefore anyone wishing to work on a personal bicycle or project must be a Green Options Buffalo member or purchase a day pass. Memberships start at just $25 dollars for the year and can be purchased at the shop or online at greenoptionsbuffalo.org. Day passes can be purchased at the shop for $5. As always, learning through volunteering is encouraged and free, and volunteer hours can be applied toward earning a membership.
Also taking place each month is an ongoing series of workshops to teach cyclists about specific aspects of bicycles, cycling, maintenance, and repair. Examples include workshops on brakes, drivetrains, wheels, tune-ups, and commuting. We want to include cyclists of all ages, so there will be a Bikes for Tykes workshop on Saturday, April 28th, for children ages 4-10 and their parents or guardians. The kids will even get to take a bike home! For details, check out the calendar at the GO Buffalo website.
A scene from Bikes for Tykes
All Ladies’ Nights and workshops take place at the Green Options Buffalo Community Workshop located at 98 Colvin Avenue on the corner of Colvin and Linden.
If you have any questions about Ladies Night, monthly workshops or the Community Bike Workshop in general, or would like to register for a workshop, email our Shop Manager at stacy@greenoptionsbuffalo.org or call (716) 320-0193.
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So, about those giant leaps backwards for cyclists, pedestrians and environmentalists: There is currently a bill in congress called the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7) that proposes to undo decades of work on bicycle and pedestrian awareness, safety, programs, and infrastructure, as well as making it easier to clear the way for building highways and pipelines. The Southern Environmental Law Center says, “This bill is less about creating jobs and more about giving the green light to the oil industry and road-builders.”
The parts of the bill that will directly affect people who walk and bike in Buffalo are:
- Eliminates or diminishes Transportation Enhancements by making the program optional. These are things like safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists and environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff.
- Repeals the Safe Routes to School program, reversing years of progress in creating safe ways for kids to walk and ride bicycles to school.
- Allows states to build bridges without safe access for pedestrians and bicycles.
- Eliminates bicycle and pedestrian coordinators in state Departments of Transportation; these positions have been federally mandated since 1991.
As you can see, this bill is bad news (unless you own huge oil companies or massive general contracting firms). Fortunately, some representatives are taking action to prevent this abomination and there are ways you can help. The simplest thing you can do is click here to learn a bit more, find your representative and sign the petition to restore funding for cyclist and pedestrian safety, programs and infrastructure.
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Finally, a call to all cyclists: Buffalo’s 2012 Mardi Gras parade will once again be led by a Big Fat Bike Ride! Bring your bikes and show your support for the cultural arts of Buffalo by not just riding in but leading this year’s parade! The event, organized by Give for Greatness, will benefit dozens of local organizations by raising awareness, funds, and opportunities for arts and cultural groups. Create a costume, decorate your bike and mark your calendars: we will meet behind the Albright-Knox art gallery on Tuesday, February 21st after 4pm and begin the parade promptly at 5pm. This is a fun, unique way to show the strength of our bicycle community and support the arts and culturals that make Buffalo a great place to live.
Green Options Buffalo is always accepting donations of bicycles and parts as well as welcoming new members and volunteers. Feel free to give us a call, email us, or come by the shop. More info available at: www.greenoptionsbuffalo.org
