Press release : Bike Baton Rouge Parks over 400 bikes at April Festivals
4/18/16
Baton Rouge, LA
By the end of the Louisiana Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 17, Bike Baton Rouge volunteers parked a total of 409 bikes through FestForAll, Blues Fest and Earth Day.
Bike Baton Rouge provides free Valet Bike Parking at these and other events. The 409 bikes parked through April broke Bike Baton Rouge’s previous bike parking record for the three festivals combined.
Bike Baton Rouge Parking Coordinator Doug Moore said, “By providing free, conveniently-located bike parking, we hope to encourage people to bike to the festivals downtown instead of driving. It is our hope that after biking to a festival, people might choose to bike to school, work, or other places as well.”
The 409 bikes parked represents over two-thousand car miles saved (assuming a five mile round trip) and immeasurable social, environmental and health benefits. The Bike Baton Rouge Bike Corrals were visited by several local dignitaries including Baton Rouge mayor Kip Holden who quipped, “When people tell me to take a hike, I tell them I’d rather bike!”
Bike Baton Rouge’s attention now turns to their annual Mike Bitton Awards ceremony, to be held at the Firehouse Gallery at the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge (427 Laurel Street) on Wednesday April 27, Bike to School Day (May 4) and Bike to Work Week (May 16 through 20)
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola
225 571 2906
bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
Press release - Bike Baton Rouge applauds passing of SB 171 from Committee Hearing
4/13/16
Baton Rouge, LA
Bike Baton Rouge was extremely pleased to see Senate Bill 171 passed with overwhelming support by the Senate Judiciary Committee C on Tuesday, April 12. The bill, which increases penalties for motorists who kill or maim vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists due to careless driving, was amended slightly before being passed, complete with three committee members choosing to co-author the bill.
“It’s really a fantastic result, we could not have imagined greater support from our Senators,” said Mika Torkkola of Bike Baton Rouge. “That Senators Colomb, Mills and Carter chose to co-author this bill speaks volumes about how much this bill means to these senators and their constituents, and of the bill’s chances of passing both through the Senate and the House.”
Several Bike Baton Rouge members were present to offer support and testimony in favor of the bill, joining pedestrians, runners, motorcyclists and users of mobility aids from around Louisiana. The bill is modeled on similar bills that have already passed successfully in nine other states (Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington)
Over a hundred walkers, runners and bicyclists participated in a combined walk/run event in support of the bill that was organized by Bike Baton Rouge and Varsity Sports on the Monday evening before the hearing.
On behalf of its members and of all bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users in Baton Rouge and Louisiana, Bike Baton Rouge would like to thank Senators Smith and Hilferty, the original authors of the bill, Senators Colomb, Mills, and Carter, new co-authors of the bill, and the rest of the Judiciary Senate Committee C for moving favorably on this important piece of legislation.
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola
225 571 2906
bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
Press release - Bike Baton Rouge and Varsity Sports support SB 171 with Run / Ride event
4/11/16
Baton Rouge, LA
Bike Baton Rouge and Varsity Sports will be holding a short three mile Run / Bike Ride event on Monday, April 11th beginning at the State Capitol. The events are being held to raise awareness for Senate Bill No. 171 which will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee C on Tuesday, April 12th. SB 171 aims to increase penalties for motorists who kill or maim vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists due to distracted or dangerous driving.
“We hope that the members of the Judiciary Committee will see our event and recognize the number of bicyclists and runners there who support this bill so strongly that they’re willing to come out be counted,” said Mika Torkkola, of Bike Baton Rouge.
The run, which is put on by Varsity Sports, a running store with a location in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, will begin at 5:30 pm, and the bike ride, organized by Bike Baton Rouge, will take to the same route at 6:00 pm. Both events are open to runners and bicyclists of all ages and abilities. Bicyclists are asked to make sure they have front and rear tail lights per Louisiana law.
Senate Bill No. 171 will be heard starting from 9:30 am on Tuesday, April 12th. Both Bike Baton Rouge and Varsity Sports members will be present at the hearing, representing Baton Rouge and Louisiana bicyclists and runners respectively.
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola
225 571 2906
bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
Press Release - Bike Baton Rouge statement on Senate Bill No. 171
4/08/16
Baton Rouge, LA
On behalf of thousands of bicyclists in Baton Rouge, Bike Baton Rouge would like to voice our support for the proposed Senate Bill No. 171 to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee C on Tuesday, April 12th. The bill in question increases penalties for motorists who injure or kill other road users due to distracted or dangerous driving. It would provide much needed protection for bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and all other road users who are not traveling inside a motor vehicle.
In August of 2015, the Center for Disease Control released a report ranking Louisiana third in the nation for bicyclist deaths per capita. Fifteen percent of Louisiana traffic fatalities take the life of a pedestrian, bicyclist or other Vulnerable Road User. It is an unfortunate truth that bicycling or walking in Louisiana can be a dangerous activity.
The legal means to penalize those motorists who make it dangerous are few and far between. It is all too common for drivers who are involved in crashes that kill or maim pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists to escape prosecution entirely, such as the case of Baton Rouge resident Gordon Mese, who was riding a bicycle when he was hit by a driver who ran a stop sign in August 2015. Gordon suffered severe injuries and was forced to close his business while he recovered, while the driver who hit Gordon escaped with just a fine for running the stop sign.
Senate Bill No. 171 is modeled on similar bills which have already passed in nine other states. Each has proved to be successful at both decreasing injury and fatality rates amongst the most vulnerable of road users and increasing penalties on drivers who choose to break the law.
We are of the opinion that Senate Bill No. 171 is a common sense law that will do a great deal to help protect the pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists of Louisiana. We urge the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee C to pass Senate Bill No. 171.
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola
225 571 2906
bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
Press Release - Festival Season
Press release
Bike Baton Rouge to provide free bike parking at April festivals 3/23/16 Baton Rouge, LA Bike Baton Rouge will provide free valet bicycle parking services in downtown Baton Rouge throughout April at Fest for All, the Baton Rouge Blues Fest and the Earth Day Festival. Bike Baton Rouge volunteers will park and monitor the bicycles in a secured area that is provided by festival organizers. “When it comes to getting to a festival in downtown Baton Rouge, there’s no better way than by bicycle,” said Mika Torkkola of Bike Baton Rouge. “You don’t have to deal with traffic, you don’t have to worry about where you’re going to park your car, and best of all, you just hop off your bike and you’re already at your destination.” Each festival will take place at or near North Boulevard in the Town Square area of downtown Baton Rouge. Biking to a festival on a weekend is a simple first step for anyone interested in riding a bike around Baton Rouge. “We recognize that not everyone is going to be comfortable with riding a bike to work or to school,” said Torkkola, “but there are times, like at these festivals, when getting around on bike might make more sense than driving, even for folks who don’t consider themselves to be bicyclists.” Bike Baton Rouge has provided free bike parking services in downtown Baton Rouge since 2006. Bike valet services will be available at each festival from opening time to half an hour after closing. Earth Day will also feature a children’s bicycle safety course, with bicycles and helmets provided.
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola 225 571 2906 bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
Press release - Bike Baton Rouge provides valet bike parking at Fest for All
4/4/16
Baton Rouge, LA
Bike Baton Rouge volunteers, providing free valet bike parking services at Fest for All, parked a total of one-hundred and twelve bikes during the weekend’s event according to Bike Baton Rouge board member, Mika Torkkola. “We had a great time, we saw a lot of people out enjoying the nice weather.”
“If each bike trip saves a five mile drive, we helped keep five-hundred and sixty miles worth of travel green, healthy, and fun,” Torkkola added, “and with weather this nice why wouldn’t you want to be outside?”
Bike Baton Rouge’s valet bike parking will return next weekend for Blues Fest, and the following Sunday for Earth Day
Bike Baton Rouge has provided free bike parking services in downtown Baton Rouge since 2006. Bike valet services will be available at each festival from opening time to half an hour after closing. Earth Day will also feature a children’s bicycle safety course, with bicycles and helmets provided.
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola
225 571 2906
bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
Press release - Bike Baton Rouge to provide free bike parking at April festivals
3/23/16
Baton Rouge, LA
Bike Baton Rouge will provide free valet bicycle parking services in downtown Baton Rouge throughout April at Fest for All, the Baton Rouge Blues Fest and the Earth Day Festival. Bike Baton Rouge volunteers will park and monitor the bicycles in a secured area that is provided by festival organizers.
“When it comes to getting to a festival in downtown Baton Rouge, there’s no better way than by bicycle,” said Mika Torkkola of Bike Baton Rouge. “You don’t have to deal with traffic, you don’t have to worry about where you’re going to park your car, and best of all, you just hop off your bike and you’re already at your destination.”
Each festival will take place at or near North Boulevard in the Town Square area of downtown Baton Rouge. Biking to a festival on a weekend is a simple first step for anyone interested in riding a bike around Baton Rouge.
“We recognize that not everyone is going to be comfortable with riding a bike to work or to school,” said Torkkola, “but there are times, like at these festivals, when getting around on bike might make more sense than driving, even for folks who don’t consider themselves to be bicyclists.”
Bike Baton Rouge has provided free bike parking services in downtown Baton Rouge since 2006. Bike valet services will be available at each festival from opening time to half an hour after closing. Earth Day will also feature a children’s bicycle safety course, with bicycles and helmets provided.
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola
225 571 2906
bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
Press release - Statement regarding Plank Road bicycle fatality
3/17/16
Baton Rouge, LA
Bike Baton Rouge was deeply saddened to learn of the death of a bicyclist following a collision with an 18-wheeler on Plank Road in North Baton Rouge. Bike Baton Rouge would like to extend our condolences to the friends and family of the victim.
Per police reports, the as yet unnamed bicyclists was riding northbound in the southbound traffic lane when he was struck by a turning 18-wheeler at the intersection of Byron Avenue. Unfortunately, collisions involving bicycles travelling against traffic occur with alarming frequency, and Bike Baton Rouge would like to remind all bicyclists that riding against traffic is both an illegal and highly dangerous activity.
“Anyone travelling against traffic is practically invisible to motorists who are preparing to make a right turn,” according to Mika Torkkola, a Bike Baton Rouge Board Member and Certified Bicycle Safety Instructor. “And unfortunately in this case it resulted in the loss of a life.”
Bike Baton Rouge notes that there are very few bike lanes in Baton Rouge, and fewer still in the Northern parts of the city, where many residents use bicycles as their primary means of transportation.
“If the people of North Baton Rouge had bike lanes or other facilities to get around town safely and easily there’d be less reason to engage in such risky behaviour,” Torkkola added, “it’s a largely ignored part of our city and we hope that will change quickly before more people are injured or killed.”
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola
225 571 2906
bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
Press release - Bike Baton Rouge announces meeting dates and new board members
March 3, 2016
Baton Rouge, LA
Bike Baton Rouge, a non-profit bicycle advocacy organization, will hold a general meeting on Wednesday, March 9 to introduce its newest board members and give Baton Rouge bicyclists a look at their plans for 2016. Mark Martin, long time Chair of Bike Baton Rouge, will be joined by Kellen Gilbert, Alaric ‘Ric’ Haag, Doug Moore, Samantha Morgan, Claire Pittman and Mika Torkkola as the new board of Bike Baton Rouge.
“As a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, I’ve been encouraged by all the growth over the past decade. Bike Baton Rouge can be a strong advocate for continuing that growth, which is why I wanted to join the board. I truly love this city and feel it has a lot to offer” said Samantha Morgan.
Mark Martin, founder and current Chair of Bike Baton Rouge, will step down from that position at the end of June. He says he’s proud of what the organization has accomplished and feels he’ll be leaving Bike Baton Rouge in good hands.
“We’ve seen increasing numbers of bicyclists in many parts of Baton Rouge,” said Martin. “I like to think that number will continue to grow.”
Mika Torkkola, a longtime Bike Baton Rouge member, volunteer, and advocate, will take over Martin’s position as Chair in July.
The general meeting will take place at Brew Ha Ha (711 Jefferson Hwy) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9th. Both Bike Baton Rouge members and non-members are welcome at the meeting.
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola
225 571 2906
bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
Press release - Bike Baton Rouge seeking nominations for annual Bicycle Ambassador Awards
February 25, 2016
Baton Rouge, LA
Bike Baton Rouge is seeking nominations for the 2016 Mike Bitton Bicycle Ambassador Award. The honor goes to an individual who, like Mike, has demonstrated commitment, determination and action to make Baton Rouge a better and safer place to bicycle and who inspires the rest of us to do the same. Last year's Mike Bitton Bicycle Ambassador Award went to Dustin LaFont, founder of Front Yard Bikes, Baton Rouge's first community bike shop.
"The Mike Bitton Awards are our biggest event of the year," said Mika Torkkola, Bike Baton Rouge Board Member. "They're an excuse to come out and celebrate the good things that are happening for bicycling in Baton Rouge and to recognize the people who are behind them."
Nominations will be accepted through March 19th, 2016, and can be submitted via email to bikebatonrouge@gmail.com. Nominations should include the name of the nominee, and a brief description of their contributions to bicycling in Baton Rouge. Nominations for this year's Bike Friendly Business and Bike Friendly Professional are also being accepted at the same email address.
"All too often we don't stop and recognize the good things that are going on in Baton Rouge", Torkkola added. "Baton Rouge is a much better place to ride a bike than it was even just a few years ago - and it's largely thanks to the the efforts of the people who will be receiving these awards."
The awards ceremony will be held at the Firehouse Gallery at the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge (427 Laurel Street) on Wednesday, April 27th.
For more information, visit bikebr.org, look up Bike Baton Rouge on facebook, or email Bike Baton Rouge at bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Mika Torkkola
225 571 2906
bikebatonrouge@gmail.com
Bike Baton Rouge is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and has been dedicated to making bicycling trips in Baton Rouge safer and more enjoyable since 2006.
