News
Special BIKE MONTH May Meeting
When: Thursday, May 23th, 2013, 7:30pm
Where: 1 Pine Street, Montclair Fire Department Headquarters
May is National Bike Month and as the weather gets nicer, its easier to find ways to make active transportation part of our everyday lives.
Bike&Walk Montclair’s May Meeting theme is ONE LESS CAR. Join us on May 23 at 7:30 at 1 Pine Street in the Community Room of the Montclair Fire Department.
We will have speakers who have gone car free as well as Township Engineer Kim Craft discussing the bikeabillity of Montclair.
SAY YES! Become part of Montclair’s vibrant walking and biking community. Light refreshments will be served.
We’re challenging all of our members to come to the meeting and bring a friend who is new to the organization. Each new “friend” will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a an amazing Montclair Moves! Gift Basket at the conclusion of the meeting.
For more info, contact Norma Tassy, BWM Executive Director
info@bikewalkmontclair.org
BIKE TO WORK DAY is Friday, May 17
Bike&Walk Montclair is encourages YOU to participate in National Bike to Work Day this Friday.
Walk or bike to Bay St., Walnut St. or Watchung Ave. train stations for free stuff! As part of National Bike to Work Week, volunteers will greet you and cheer your Bike to Work efforts! Come on, give it a try!
May and June EVENTS
There’s a lot going on! Check out our EVENTS CALENDAR and don’t miss the great spring events line up!
Potholes Messing up Your Ride?
When you’re driving, potholes are bad, but when you’re riding your bike, they can be treacherous. Montclair Township fixes potholes as they’re reported – so get ta gettin’ and call in those potholes!
Montclair Townhship Pothole Dispatcher
973 509 5711
Let’s PLAY!
MONTCLAIR MOVES!
Yesterday, students across Montclair participated in National Bike&Walk to School Dayand crossing guards from end to end were greeted with
Mt. Hebron Fitness Challenge
thank-you cards, flowers and hugs. Nine of Montclair’s public schools participated in the event have indicated that going Car Free to school will become a regular focus throughout the year. Students, parents and staff met the Car Free Challenge by walking, bicycling or taking the bus to reduce traffic, make less pollution and be totally healthy.
The real champions of Walk & Bike to School Day are the parent Health & Wellness liaisons who organized events in at Montclair’s public schools and the parents and teachers who set great examples by walking alongside the kids. There to carry signs, serve healthy snacks and water, and give prizes, these great folks showed up early to promote the health benefits of actively getting to school on one’s own power. And the kids were so excited to learn that they could make it on foot or by bike “all the way from my house!”
Mount Hebron School added a fitness challenge to the day’s events. Their goal was getting more people on bike and foot, fewer cars on the roads, and a little activity before school to boost moods and brain power.
Guess What? There’s MORE!
Hillside Walks, Bikes & Pogo Sticks to School
The New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center is your one stop shop for all you’ll ever need to keep it up year round. In fact, because National Bike&Walk to School Day fell during NJASK, the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center Regional Coordinators have organized ANOTHER Bike&Walk to School event week to accommodate all the schools who chose not to participate during the testing! From May 20-24, even more students and parents all over New Jersey will be walking and bicycling to school! Check out the NJ Walk and Bike to School Week page to find out more about how to keep up the momentum! Regional coordinators are on hand to help you.
What’s NEXT?
This is where the sneaker and bike tire meets the road! Each Montclair Public Middle and Elementary School participated in workshops this past fall and spring as part of Montclair Township’s Safe Routes to School Program. Workshops helped to define assets and barriers to walking and biking in each school neighborhood and culminated in an Action Plan with many great ideas for getting active on the way to and from school. For more information on your school’s Action Plan, contact Alex Kent, Montclair Safe Routes to School Coordinator at akent@montclairnjusa.org
Feedback!
Holly Korus-Jenkins, Hillside Parent
What started out 2.5 years ago as a small group of rebel parents, when biking to school was “not allowed”, as of today we could not fit all of the bikes on the racks. We were locking them to rails, trees and the flagpole.
Norma Tassy, Bike&Walk Montclair Executive Director
We had great energy this morning. Tons of walkers, bikers and really engaged volunteers. Would love for this to be happening in all the schools.
Jennifer Savitch, Hillside Parent
Most wondrous day ever!!!! Loved hearing Mr. Chiles giving direction to kids on bikes… “Just lock em where you can! To the signs and trees!!”Great weather great turn out and great support.
Joe Dioslaki, Mt. Hebron Parent
This was my first time helping out. What an adrenaline rush!
Gray Russell, Montclair Township Environmental Coordinator
We all had a great time this morning: 15 + bicycles parked at the racks, and scores of kids were walkers; we gave out lots of stickers, flair and fruit and snacks; kids jumped rope and signed the poster - A splendid time was had by all. Weather was PERFECT. Principal, Assistant Principal and Phys Ed teachers including Norma Tassy from Bike&Walk Montclair. Overall it was a stone soul picnic!
Alex Kent, Montclair Township Safe Routes to School Coordinator
Bike&Walk to School Day was a big success! Lots of kids and helpers. The Gym teachers did a great job with the fitness challenge and we left the banner up so that people could see it all day.
Dr. Jill Sack, Mt. Hebron Principal
Our Walk and Bike to School Day was a great success! There were many more bikes in our bicycle rack today. We had lots of students outside in the sunshine, participating in fitness activities first thing this morning. Thanks to all the parent and community volunteers who helped organize this event, especially Laura Torchio and Alex Kent. Special thanks to the Physical Education teachers for leading the jump rope and step challenge.
LET’S GO CAR FREE!
On May 8, 2013, as part of Bike&Walk MONTCLAIR MOVES!, all Students, Teachers and Staff are CHALLENGED to go Car Free for a day!
Rain Date: May 10, 2013
Did you know that just a little physical activity before school boosts your brain and your mood? Ditch the car and walk, bike or bus to school. You’ll be doing your part to be more fit, clear your mind, reduce your carbon footprint, and have fun! Join students and parents from across the US and celebrate the benefits of walking and bicycling! And don’t forget to thank your crossing guards with a card, drawing, coffee or hug!
The reason we promote biking and walking to school is to prevent the national epidemic of obesity. 30 years ago, most kids walked or biked to school. Today it’s less than 10%. More importantly, studies show students who walk or bike to school arrive more alert and ready to learn. And it’s FUN!
How can we go CAR FREE for one day? Walk, bike or bus to reduce traffic, make less pollution and be totally healthy. Let’s be the #1 Walking and Biking Community!
This is where the rubber meets the road! Each Montclair Public Middle and Elementary School participated in workshops this past fall and spring as part of Montclair Township’s Safe Routes to School Program. Workshops helped to define assets and barriers to walking and biking in
Andrea's kids pledge to remind mom to drive safe!
each school neighborhood and culminated in an Action Plan with many great ideas for getting active on the way to and from school. For more information on your school’s Action Plan, contact Alex Kent at akent@montclairnjusa.org
Be VISIBLE and PREDICTABLE! Cyclists must wear helmets and follow road rules: ride on the right, in a straight line, signal stops & turns and be courteous. Walkers stay on the sidewalks and cross at intersections. Be sure to watch this 7 minute video called Enjoy the Ride!
And if you drive, please do so with care. Click this link to take the Bike&Walk Montclair Courteous Driving Pledge.
Get your Courteous Driving Magnet by contacting us at info@bikewalkmontclair.org.
“I pledge
to drive within the posted speed limits; stop at all stop signs and red traffic lights; stop for pedestrians in crosswalks; be courteous to other road users; put down the phone; leave enough travel time so I don’t rush; choose to drive less; and to prominently display the Bike&Walk Montclair Courteous Driving magnet on my vehicle.”
Bike&Walk MONTCLAIR MOVES! on Foot
As part of the town-wide Eat.Play.Live…Better! movement, Bike&Walk Montclair is helping to coordinate neighborhood walking groups. The Walking Group Program is designed to support and encourage groups to walk together to improve health, enjoy our local parks and shop at our local business districts.
Liz Walks the Talk! 
For the past 2 years, Liz Brady, Walking Group Coordinator, has been working with the Partners for Health Foundation to get walking groups going in Montclair. There are currently over a dozen Walking Groups in action – to join one, check out the list HERE. And if you want to walk, but there’s not a group near you, Liz will help you get one started!
A New Walking Group is Formed
Twenty-five enthusiastic walkers showed up for the inaugural walk of the Montclair NAACP Walk Challenge Group. Th
ey met at Hurrell Field in Glen Ridge on May 1st a 5pm. They were given pedometers and log sheets to make reaching the goal of regular and continued walking a little easier. The group will continue to meet on Wednesdays. On May 8th they will be at Nishuane Park.
Walking is the number one activity people report for getting the recommended amount of physical activity. Walking with friends and colleagues helps you to stay motivated and continue walking as a life-long health behavior. Be a part of Bike&Walk MONTCLAIR MOVES! and put your feet on the street!
For information on participating or starting a walking group, reach out to Liz Brady at liz.brady13@gmail.com.
Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice!
Your Invitation to Shape the Future
You are cordially invited to join Together North Jersey, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and Essex County on May 9, 2013 for a PARTICIPATORY PUBLIC WORKSHOP, to gather input for plans that will help shape the future of the entire North Jersey region.
Yours is a vital voice in determining the course of the community’s future. This workshop will give you the opportunity to share your ideas about how best to plan for the future: how to build stronger communities and local and regional economies with better access to transportation, housing, jobs, and educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.
The Details
Where: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Campus Center Atrium University Heights
Address: 150 Bleeker Street Newark, NJ
Time: 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Bonus: A light meal will be served and, if necessary, translation services will be available. Special activities on relating to community development and planning will be held for kids – so please bring them too!
Click: Click the Flyer to save and send to all your friends!
The workshop is hosted by the City of Newark and Essex County on behalf of the NJTPA and Together North Jersey , an ambitious regional planning effort that aims to improve opportunities throughout northern New Jersey by improving regional connections and decision-making. We are hoping to have a broad and diverse representation from across the County; your participation will make a critical difference.
We look forward to seeing you at the workshop, and in the meantime if you have any questions or requests, we urge you to contact Miriam Salerno, Outreach and Communications Specialist for Together North Jersey, at miriam.salerno@ejb.rutgesr.edu or 848-932-2876 .
Together North Jersey is a voluntary partnership of counties, cities, towns, non-profit organizations, businesses, educational institutions and State agencies that have agreed to work together to develop a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development ( RPSD ) for 13 North Jersey counties, and is funded by a grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program.
Miriam Salerno
Swap Report
by Stephane Mortier
Where does one typically find a free bike? Hand-me-downs, “freecycle” locations, and we’ve all gone “shopping” on Montclair’s bulky waste days! But now there’s a new gig in town. For the first time ever, Bike&Walk Montclair ran a Community Bike Swap event in conjunction with the Hillside Community Swap on April 26-27, 2013.
This old-fashioned community event resonates with so many – both on the donor and the recipient side. Typically held 3 times a year at Hillside School, Jane Marcus, Swap Organizer, created a Montclair tradition where folks can both unload new or gently used items and also score some awesome loot. This year, Bike&Walk Montclair Trustees Stephane Mortier and Dickson Lane worked with Jane to bring bikes into the mix!
Bike&Walk Montclair collected twice as many items as expected – over 30 bicycles plus trikes, trail-a-bikes, scooters and an indoor bike trainer. All but one went to new homes in Montclair, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, West Orange, East Orange, Newark, Jersey and Hillsi
de. Even the few rusty bikes went to people who wanted to tinker with them and bring them new life.
Participation by enthusiastic volunteers was greatly appreciated and was critical to the success of the event. They came and helped exactly at the right time, making the event run so smoothly. While waiting for the event to start, the first couple in line spared the husband to help moving the bikes from storage to the tents. Big thanks to Bike Swap volunteers!
One happy customer is grateful for the Community Swap tradition. In a note to Jane the next day she said, “Thank y
ou so much for all your hard work!! Our family really appreciates it. We [are] also very grateful to Bike[&Walk] Montclair! We were able to get a tag-along for our daughter. They will be happy to know we are already using it. See you in October! [for the fall swap]“
Thank you Gail Prusslin for documenting the day with photos! Gail donated two children’s bikes and said, “Letting go is not often easy, but happy to see the smiling faces of the kids who will now ride the bikes that were my daughters – donated to the swap today. I guess it’s about time, as my youngest will turn 20 on Tuesday.”
In addition to the Hillside Community Swaps, Bike&Walk Montclair will be conducting another bike swap this June at the Bullock School. Check back for more details, dates and times!
Traffic Skills 101 – Transforming Cyclists into Experts
This course will teach you how to “drive” your bike in street traffic. This class is designed to teach adult cyclists how to use a bicycle with confidence and competence for pleasure, utility and sport under various street, climate, terrain, and traffic conditions. You’ll learn your role in traffic, savvy bicycle handling, emergency maneuvers, and some basic maintenance.
When: Friday, May 3, 7 – 9 pm
Saturday, May 4, 9 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Montclair Fire Headquarters
1 Pine Street
Montclair, NJ 07043
Cost: $50
Register: Sign up by clicking HERE. Space is limited
The class is organized into three progressive levels, each building on the knowledge and skills gained in the previous level.
1. The Basics
- The Bicycle
- Maintenance
- Clothing and Equipment
- Bicycle Handling
2. Bicycling in Traffic
- Your Role in Traffic
- Avoiding Crashes
- Hazard Avoidance Maneuvers
3. Enjoying the Ride
- Riding Enjoyment
- Ride Etiquette
- Helping Motorists Share the Road
- Take the Bike&Walk Montclair Courteous Driving Pledge!
The League of American Bicyclists’ Traffic Skills 101 Course is the prerequisite to becoming a League Certified Instructor. Ready to take your knowledge a step further and teach? This is how.
For more information, contact:
Dickson Lane, LCI
dickson@expresslane.biz
973 280 9686
League of American Bicyclists’ Smart Cycling Program
web www.bikeleague.org
When you’re driving, potholes are bad, but when you’re riding your bike, they can be treacherous.
Montclair Township fixes potholes as they’re reported – so get ta gettin’ and call in those potholes!
When: Thursday, April 25th, 2013
Where: 1 Pine Street, Montclair Fire Department Headquarters
Bike&Walk MONTCLAIR MOVES!
Eat. Play. Live...Better! Walking Groups
Our THEME this year is Bike&Walk Montclair Moves! and it’s all about getting active – both physically and through advocacy. By using our voices and feet we can change the world – one step, one rotation, one conversation at a time.
Come enjoy a spring evening with Bike&Walk Montclair next week, Thursday, April 25th at 7:30pm at the Montclair Fire Department Headquarters at 1 Pine Street. On tap this month: WALKING! We will focus on walking as part of of a healthy lifestyle with some exciting guest speakers. Topics this month will include:
- Wellness Benefits of Walking
- Update on the Safe Routes to School Town Wide Initiative
- Starting and Being Part of a Walking Group
Although this month’s focus will be on Walking, there is tons of news about Biking too! Get up to date on recent successes in our Smart Cycling Bicycle Education Program and the first ever Bike Swap to be held at Hillside School coming up on April 27. We want everyone to be a part of Bike&Walk Montclair so we’ll have numerous opportunities for leadership and volunteering.
May is National Bike Month so mark your calendars for a jam-packed calendar for rides, walks and other events including:
- May 4 – Bike&Walk to Montclair Film Festival Block Party
Bike&Walk MONTCLAIR MOVES! Gift Basket
- May 8 – Go CAR FREE for National Bike&Walk to School Day
- May 17 – Stop by Bike&Walk Energizer Stations on National Bike to Work Day
- May 26 – Experience the Gardens of Montclair by bike – our first Tour des Fleurs!
Montclair Moves! Challenge
We’re challenging all of our members to come to the meeting and bring a friend who is new to the organization. Each new “friend” will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a an amazing Montclair Moves! Gift Basket at the conclusion of the meeting.
Hope to see you on Thursday, April 25!
Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
Spring 2013
Bike&Walk “Montclair Moves!” into its second decade with a bike-basketful of news and events to shift the organization into high gear. Thanks to a generous grant from the Partners for Health Foundation, we’re able to build capacity, develop an action plan and expand our reach into the community. We’re gonna need a bigger basket…’cause here’s what we’re putting in it:
The Signing of The Contract! Pictured L to R: Laura Torchio, Rika Alper, Norma Tassy, Jerry Fried
Our First Staff Member! – We’d like to introduce Norma Tassy, lifetime Montclair resident and community pillar, as BWM’s first Executive Director. Norma has an extensive background in human resource management, recruiting, and training and she and her family “walk the talk” of bikes and feet on every street. Says Norma, “I am so unbelievably happy to have been chosen to lead an organization I believe in. And to be able to do it in the town that I love makes it all the more thrilling!”
Rika Alper, BWM’s new President, shared the enthusiasm. “Norma brings positive energy and a wealth of knowledge about the Montclair community and will help us address our organization goals as we plan for 2013 and beyond!”
Montclair Moves! Initiatives – Some of the great things the Partners for Health Foundation grant will fund in 2013 are: walking groups, a part-time walking group coordinator, biking events, bicycle repurpose & repair & swap, expanded bike education, a bike&walk-friendly business campaign, town wide bicycle parking, and more. All these projects are designed to make it easier and safer to walk or bike in daily life.
Montclair Moves! in May – May is National Bike Month, so mark your calendars for fun activities to get your bikes and feet on the streets. Here’s the lineup of what’s in the works:
• May 4: Bike&Walk to Montclair Film Festival Block Party;
• May 8: Go Car Free for National Bike&Walk to School Day;
• May 17: Stop by BWM Energizer Stations on National Bike to Work Day
• May 26: Experience the Gardens of Montclair by bike — our first Tour des Fleurs!
Bike&Walk Montclair is more than the “Tour de Montclair” – After 10 years of organizing and hosting the popular community “Tour de Montclair”, bike ride, walk and festival, BWM volunteers are shifting gears and resources to work with their new Executive Director to expand bicycle and pedestrian awareness and improvements in the community. We hope to galvanize members and volunteers around advocacy, education and initiatives this year so that we can make the Tour 2014 bigger and better than ever!
Get Involved! Bike&Walk Montclair’s 2013 theme is “Montclair Moves!” and it’s all about getting active – both physically and through advocacy. By using our voices and feet we can change the world – so let’s do this. If you’ve participated in the Tour, Bike Classes or other BWM events during the last 10 years, this is your call to get more involved so we can keep these popular community traditions coming year after year. Our goal is to increase membership to 2017 by 2017. It’s so easy. Just click here to renew or become a member – $40/family, $25/individual or $15/student or senior.
For more information on Bike&Walk Montclair Moves! and more, contact info@bikewalkmontclair.org.
