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Boston Now On Pedal America’s Radar PDF Print
Written by Ira David   
Thursday, 13 August 2009 22:48
On Sunday, August 9, 2009 The New York Times article "Boston Tries to Shed Longtime Reputation As Cyclists' Minefield" featured the city’s strides toward becoming more bicycle-friendly. With Mayor Thomas M. Menino rediscovering cycling and creating Hub on Wheels, Boston is on the right trek.

Though already called the Walking City, newly installed short-range bicycle lanes and pathways are inching Boston toward more activity on two wheels. But one problem the article addresses is the city’s infrastructure. Many streets are just too narrow to accommodate bike lanes.  What’s the mayor to do?  I say tap into the multitude of ivy-clad structures that house some of our nation’s brightest minds.

Boston hosts one of the largest concentrations of colleges and universities anywhere on earth. And with lots of attention being paid to service-learning and the community, I’m confident that talented architectural and city-planning engineering students would jump at the chance to showcase their blueprints for a more bicycle-friendly city. Menino should sponsor a contest for such students, with assistance from their professors, to submit plans.  Offer a tuition scholarship for the winner. Toss in a little grant money. That should inspire students to engage in the community, hop on their bikes, and apply what they learn in class to a real need.  It would help students to build their resumes and portfolios, as well. We can even feature the winner on our program.

With its endless rolling hills, majestic mountains, wineries, historic ports, and fall foliage, New Englanders have an abundance of recreational cycling adventures just outside their doorsteps. And as Bostonians grow to appreciate the fall leaves softly crunching under their bicycle wheels, Pedal America will stand by, looking ahead to bring its cameras and crew to Beantown.  

Let us know when you’re ready.

David
Last Updated ( Saturday, 15 August 2009 16:07 )
 
Great Things Rollin’ Out In Tampa! PDF Print
Written by Ira David   
Sunday, 19 April 2009 21:00

This week at the Bicycle Leadership Conference in Monterey, California I met and bonded with Alan Snel, a travel and adventure journalist who co-founded the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club in Tampa, Florida.

The club welcomes everyday riders who just want to venture out in a t-shirt and pair of shorts, cruise around the neighborhood and catch up with friends at a leisurely pace for 5-10 miles.  

With all the new pathways installed around the Tampa/St. Pete area, Pedal America looks ahead to highlighting the region in one of our first episodes of the series. Check back here for details on when my production crew travels to Tampa. Oh, and to members of the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club: no make-up required.

Last Updated ( Monday, 20 April 2009 14:40 )
 
Welcome To Pedal America!® PDF Print
Written by Ira David   
Monday, 13 April 2009 03:15

The idea for a tv show about cycling came to me on April 22, 2008 while fighting off a head cold. As an avid cyclist with a background in media, education, and fund-raising, I could not think of any better way to synthesize my passions into one dream - to educate the public on the joys and benefits of cycling while inspiring them to ride.

According to a study by Shimano American Corporation, more than 160 million adults have great memories of riding their bicycles as children; and those surveyed could visualize riding as they once did. The study also showed, however, that while Lance Armstrong inspired people to become better individuals and overcome personal challenge, he hasn't necessarily inspired everyday people to start riding once again. Given what I've learned during the past year, that makes perfect sense.

Modern images of spandex, high tech bikes, young die-hards riding air above rocks in the outback and careening down mountains has made the idea of walking into a local, reputable bike shop intimidating for the everyday person who just wants to go out and ride. Our show is for you!

Along with my Emmy award-winning production crew, Pedal America® shows that cycling is fun, affordable, great for the environment, and most importantly, can be enjoyed safely.  While traveling to fun exciting places that all take pride in being bicycle-friendly, we will show you how to know your bike and shop for one; safe places to ride; grow comfortable riding in traffic; and that anyone can experience adventure in off-road biking, even if you've never done it. Did you know there are off-road cycling clubs specifically for senior citizens? We'll also pay attention to cycling's health benefits, nutrition and the environment.  

But we also want to tell stories; your stories.  Whether you ride in urban areas, rural towns, in the mountains, cross-country, or to your local park, we want to hear from you. Share your riding and bike-related experiences, and suggest ideas for our show. Who knows, we might even invite you to appear.

I will let you know when Pedal America begins full production.  Meanwhile, enjoy your time here and check back for updates.

Welcome to Pedal Americaville - your new Homepage for cycling. Cool

David

Ira David Levy

Creator and Executive Producer

(Hey, that little smiley face needs a helmet.)

Last Updated ( Monday, 13 April 2009 12:55 )
 
Join the Pedal Americaville Community! PDF Print
Written by Ira David   
Thursday, 15 January 2009 03:33
 Pedal America wants to build a community. Become a Pedal Americaville resident for free and gain access to:

• behind-the-scenes news
• behind-the-scenes video clips
• access to great prizes
• access to coupons
• the Pedal Americaville blog
• live discussions with the host

Just take 4 minutes to complete our survey that automatically registers you as a Pedal Americaville resident. The survey helps us to provide programming you can expect, trust, and enjoy.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 June 2009 16:59 )