We were lucky enough to catch up with David Marks of Plano Fun Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming event happening on August 7, 2010

How long has the event been around and how did it start?

This is the second year of the event. I am a member of the Plano Sunrise Rotary. Several members of the Club ride and we thought that a bike ride
would be a great way to work in the community.

What was the motivation behind starting this event and who benefits from it?

We were looking for ways to support organizations in the community that we have not been able to support. This year, the Plano Fun Ride benefits Relief Nursery of Collin County, a child abuse prevention organization.
What is unique about Relief Nursery is the Prevention model it is based on. The organization looks to keep families intact, preventing the children from going into Foster Care by facilitating a safe family environment.

How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?

The funds are used to support the organization’s Child abuse prevention program. Last year, we also were able to share the proceeds with the Plano Children’s Medical Clinic.

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?

Our Steering Committee is made up of 5 key individuals, focusing on Sponsors, Volunteers, Route Planning, Event Logistics. This year was unique in that we planned for a longer set of routes into Collin County, but ran into key logistical issues that we could not overcome. We had to close our
67 and 47 mile routes this year. But hey, we are way ahead in planning for next year!

As we did last year, we are working within one municipality; Plano. This simplifies (but still not simple) the planning process. Our largest expense
is the Police participation. I’m not sure you can ever have enough volunteers. We have volunteers assigned to various duties including Planning,
Registration, Site Setup, Tear Down, Rest Stops, and Road Crew. In all, we have 57 volunteers, but anyone interested in helping, please contact us. We’ll put you to good use!

Which was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?

This is the second year so it is hard to say. Each one is like your children, both different but you love them both. Last year we put on a
family ride and had two routes; 5 and 10 mile. Everyone had a great time (even though the rain cut the event short). This year we changed start/stop locations and expanded the routes to include a 31 mile ride. I would like to answer that question after this event.

What’s the average number of riders per year who finish the race?

Last year we had 159 riders, mostly families. This year we are planning for 300 riders with the expanded route. Next year when we expand further to include the 47 and 67 mile routes, we expect to double that again.

How many riders do you medically assist during the average race?

Last year we had one individual that had to be taken to the hospital for chest pains. It turned out to be nothing and he was OK.

What was the worst accident you had in this event?

We haven’t had one, and I would like to keep that record going.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

The Relief Nursery of Collin County is working to keep families together. We offer a hand up, not a hand-out. Prevention is not only best for the
fabric of our society (keeping families together in a safe environment), but is it cost effective, as well. Each child that goes into Foster Care costs
the taxpayer $670 per month (payment to the Foster parents). That’s $16,000 per year for as long as the children are in foster care. The average Relief Nursery program duration is 17 months. At $4,600 per year, per family, the cost is $6,500 for the duration of the family’s Relief Nursery program. Foster care is paid with your tax dollars, Relief Nursery is funded through private funding, donations, and fundraisers such as this. Come on out and support the cause.

How many port-a-potties do you have?

At the rest stops that do not have rest rooms, we will have two
port-a-potties. We will have three at the start/finish.

Any celebrities joining the ride/walk?

No

Additional stuff you would like to let folks know about this years ride?

Each time I go out on the routes to review the course, I get jazzed. The courses are really a nice ride. The beauty of the shorter family routes is
that parents can introduce their children to the joys of organized cycling in a semi-controlled environment. The longer route is for Tweeners. Kind of like us. Each rider get’s a free t-shirt and we’ll be grilling up free lunch for when you are done.

Thank you David for granting this quick interview and we hope we can catch up with everyone at the event.

Click here to view the event details for the Plano Fun Ride

By Catenya McHenry of KXAN.com
Click here for Original Article

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Texas state troopers are finding a new way to fight crime: Patrolling on bikes instead of in cars.

They now have a new perspective on crime, and a new way to fight it.

“You are there and able to see more. You obviously are a lot more quiet and not as obvious,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Gabe Huber.

“It’s kind of like the difference between an old television and an HD,” says Eric Brackelsberg, DPS bike patrolman. “Your perspective is so much more vivid. It’s a whole new way of patrolling.”

In October 2009, DPS officials decided to take six officers out of their patrol cars to send them cycling, patrolling the Capitol complex on bikes . In less than a year the program is showing huge success. There are now 13 officers cycling the complex and more importantly, they’re presence and crime fighting is working.

“”It’s approximately a reduction of 50% of the crime, and the majority of crimes is crimes against property, criminal mischief, burglary to vehicles,” said patrol and security operations captain Laurencio Saenz.

Cindy Whitney

AMARILLO, TEXAS – ProNews 7 has been telling you about cycling advocate Cindy Whitney. She was tragicilly killed on US 87, just south of Canyon, by a driver not paying attention and reaching for his cell phone on Saturday morning. The 54-year-old was being safe riding with a group of cyclists, practicing for next weeks MS ride when she fell victim to a 24 year old who made one bad decision.

Cindy Whitney was the last bicyclist that anyone would think of when it came to a tragic fatality. She’ll be missed tremendously by us and certainly her family her husband Rod, and her daughter. “I think she was matriarch of cycling, the cycling community, and she helped organize many cycling events on and off the bike,” said Kenneth Graham from Old Tascosa Cycling and Friend of Cindy’s.

With this loss leaves the question of safety amongst motorist and cyclist, and the rules of what to do to be safe on the roads, starting with cell phones. ” It’s a reminder to all of us if were a bicyclist or not, these tools of communication are wonderful to have, but there hugely addictive and very distractive to motorist. We need to turn them off and put them down,” said Kenneth Graham.

Graham also has some rules for bicyclists, stressing the importance of wearing a helmet or riding in a group when out and about on the streets. Graham continued saying, “ride flowing with the traffic, ride in a straight line so motorist know what your intentions are. Use hand signals when changing lanes and making turns.”

And for motorists, Graham has some tips for you as well, so both groups can share the highway together accident free. “Pay attention why your behind the wheel, and get to your destinations safely and not have an accident. Put your cell phone down and keep both hands on the wheel as often as you can,” said Graham.

By Kale Steed of Connectamarillo.com
Click here for Original Article