THANK YOU to all of our members, volunteers, sponsors and contributors!
Your support is essential to achieving safer communities for everyone.
A Busy Summer for PBKTC:With the hot weather finally behind us, we are moving into the final months of the year with incredible momentum:
Members, Volunteers and Sponsors
Our members and volunteers are the core of this organization and we'd like to acknowledge those who have contributed with their time, money or both. Our recent Social Soirée and Be Kind Fall Classic would not have been possible without your help! (learn more) Now is the time to make your final tax-deductible donations before the end of the year. Please BE KIND to Cyclists is a 501-c3 non-profit organization so your cash donations are 100% deductible. Awareness and Education
We have been busy tabling at health expos, summits and events around the state. (read more) |
Outreach
The Social Soirée and Be Kind Fall Classic helped us to get out and connect with people as well as show our appreciation for all the support we get. Through social media and other means we plan to expand our 2015 schedule of events to further engage our supporters and the greater cycling community. (learn more) Tragedy Assistance Program
This Fall we organized a Ghost Bike placement for Christopher Davis who was killed by a vehicle in 2008. Timothy Adams was killed by a distracted driver outside of Georgetown, TX, on Oct 24th and a Memorial Ride is being planned for April. (read more) We are growing!
We have spent the last year working out of one tiny office but by January 1st plan to expand. Drop by our Downtown office and tell us hello, we love having guests. 805 W. 10th St., Ste 300 Austin, TX 78701 |
Austin Bike Fest Oct 25thBikeTexas.org hosted their inaugural "everything bicycle in Austin, Texas," event called Austin Bike Fest. It was a great day to get out and meet the organizations and businesses that help propel Austin's bike scene forward. There was live music, food, drinks and various types of bikes to try out. BikeTexas was instrumental in getting the Safe Passing law passed and continues to push for improved enforcement and infrastructure that protects and promotes cycling. We setup our tent, met tons of friendly people who share our concerns about bike safety, signed up 11 new members and handed out our educational materials.
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Viva Streets Oct 26thOn Sunday, October 26, a two mile route through Mueller became a car-free and tobacco-free playground for thousands of Austinites. Please BE KIND to Cyclists was part of this year's Viva Streets - Austin. In the photo, Al demonstrates and answers questions about our VIP program.
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Health and Wellness ExposPlease BE KIND to Cyclists participated in two health and wellness expos, the LDR Health and Wellness Expo on Oct 22nd and the CSID Health Expo on Oct 29th. At the LDR event we set-up our tent, passed out education materials, gave a VIP class and showed our videos. Our goal was to share information with participants and employees and we had a great time doing just that.
DWI Summit in SAThe TxDOT Texas Impaired Driving Summit, which was in San Antonio on Nov. 4, featured law enforcement officials and safety experts from across the state all talking about the drunk driving problem in Texas and possible solutions.
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Our 2014 annual Social Soirée was a big success with attendees getting a healthy dose of delicious food, great drinks, lots of dancing and all the photos to prove it.
During the beginning of November, we presented our annual fundraiser gala. This time we incorporated the Masquerade theme to make the environment more festive. The event started with fast music from the band, Finger Pistol and exquisite food from Polvos. When everyone was mingling, and enjoying himself, a video caught everyone’s attention. The short film, "Cyclists Are People Too," is a ten-minute long documentary trailer that portrays the lives of three individuals who have lost their lives in a cycling accident, and their family members' thoughts about their decease. The short film, directed by Annie Fuentes and Morgan Mays, was started as a school project. Click on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf_AIRKlVxY to watch the video.
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The event proceeded with a few words from Michelle Cheng a touching speech by John Fusselman, son of one of the victims portrayed in the video, continued with a speech from Chief Police Art Acevedo, some acknowledgements by our founders, Al and Pat Bastidas and closed with a call to action by our Chairman of the Board, Garret Nick.
“I don’t see cyclists here; I only see friends and families supporting.” -Al Bastidas, Founder of Please BE KIND Al expressed his desires to have more bikers become members of Please BE KIND to Cyclists before witnessing any unfortunate events or crashes. The night ended successfully, fundraising over twelve thousand dollars. |
It was a cold and overcast day on November 15, but that wasn't enough to stop this year's pack of riders from participating in the Be Kind Fall Classic. Routes of 30 and 60 miles were available with KIND Bar providing pre-ride snacks and ending with burgers and beers at the finish line. Sometimes the best rides and the most fun is had on days like this where you're surrounding by people who really want to be there and everyone encourages each other to succeed. Thank you to our volunteers and especially to those who showed up to ride despite the weather!
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Facebook
With over 5,600 followers, Facebook is our most popular way to connect with supporters. |
Instagram
Our Instagram page is back in action and updated regularly. Enjoy our bike-inspired images! |
Twitter
We're tweeting so if you prefer the tweet-o-sphere, just click the button bellow to hear us. |
Strava
Join us on a ride or compete with fellow supporters! |
Timothy Adams
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Joe Holan AnniversaryJoseph Holan was an avid cyclist, father of four, husband and son who commuted to work on his bicycle. He kept a blog detailing his thoughts about cycling and it highlights his creativity and positive attitude.
http://advantagebike.blogspot.com/ Joe was hit from behind by a motorist while biking to work on December 17th, 2013. There will be a anniversary Memorial Ride in mid-December to honor Joe and his family, the details of which will be announced soon. |
Volunteer Spotlight: Jenn YagerOn Sunday, December 9th, 2012, a car going in excess of 80 miles an hour on Parmer Lane struck Jenn and her friend from behind to "avoid a cardboard box in the road." She suffered 8 broken ribs, a shattered pelvis, broken clavicle, 7 broken leg bones, fractured neck vertebrae, brain damage, and a destroyed neck artery, necessitating surgery and long-term rehabilitation. The driver was never ticketed and she has had to fight to get any of her medical bills covered.
Jenn has battled through a medically induced coma, numerous surgeries and constant pain to be a consistent presence at the PBKTC office and events, helping in whatever way she can. She is tough as nails, generous and committed to making the roads safer for everyone. Thank you for all your hard work! Meet A Board Member: Ian Tennant
Ian was on the prowl for getting involved in a non-profit that aligned with his goals and interests when he found us. "I hope to increase the education and awareness, as well as promote an equitable relationship between cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike. With the right amount of education, respect, and awareness, I'm hopeful that we can reduce and eliminate the senseless accidents that occur from lack of the aforementioned, while achieving a peaceful enjoyment of this great city for everyone who explores it." Ian is our new Treasurer and draws on his professional experience in wealth management to guide us into 2015.
Membership is GrowingWe are nearing the end of the second year of our membership program and are happy to announce that we have enrolled over 360 supporters! If you are unsure whether or not your membership has expired or you'd like to increase your support, please contact us.
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Volunteer OpportunitiesWe have lots of goals to achieve heading into 2015 and we could really use your help. Take a moment to visit our volunteer page to see a list of current opportunities.
Volunteer Appreciation DinnerAfter all the dust settled from the Soirée and Fall Classic, Al and Pat invited all the volunteers to an evening of relaxing and socializing with dinner, drinks and a fire. We can't thank our volunteers enough and hope to have many more volunteer appreciation events.
Sponsor SpotlightA HUGE thanks to National Trial Law for being a Bronze Level Corporate Sponsor and for supporting the cycling community members who have been injured. Their work sets a precedent for future cases of enforcement and just compensation for their clients.
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