2016 Summer Newsletter
THANK YOU to all of our members, volunteers, sponsors and contributors!
Your support is essential to achieving safer communities for everyone.
A little KINDness Goes a Long Way...
Dear Please BE KIND supporter:
Thank you KINDly for your continued support. Through your generosity Please BE KIND to Cyclists has, for over 10 years, been an industry leader in raising awareness and educating the public on shared roadway use among drivers and vulnerable users, particularly cyclists. Among our successful campaigns, are Rally for Safe Roads, in which visual representations of the Safe Passing and Hands-Free laws are displayed on outdoor media, and Cyclists V.I.P., which educates cyclists on best practices while riding. These two programs have been instrumental in educating citizens about the shared responsibility of roadway use. Additionally, for the past two years, BE KIND, through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation, developed DriveKind RideKind, a multi-media campaign targeted at creating generational change among roadway users. The campaign has been delivered throughout the State of Texas and has been incorporated into Driver Education courses. It is through your KIND support that we have come a long way.
Now we look to the future of creating a safe environment for vulnerable roadway users. On May 19, 2016, the City of Austin approved a resolution to adopt a Vision Zero Action Plan, a traffic safety concept aimed at reducing all traffic injuries and fatalities by 2025. BE KIND is proposing to the City that we, as industry leaders in education and awareness, would be the ideal organization to spearhead the education component of Vision Zero.
We are asking for your generosity to help us as we launch this year’s Rally for Safe Roads campaign. The campaign cost is $10,000. In April, we participated in Amplify Austin to raise the funds for the campaign but unfortunately fell short. Now we turn to you for help in launching Rally for Safe Roads. If each BE KIND member were to donate $4 we could generate the cost for the campaign. The concept, “Four of a KIND” will generate the necessary monies to have the Rally for Safe Roads run for a third year in a row, thereby continuing our efforts. Also, continuing the campaign would demonstrate that our organization is at the forefront of advocating for the safety of vulnerable roadway users. Consider foregoing that cup of coffee and donate today!
BE KIND supporter, your continued support has been instrumental in creating a culture change among roadway users. You truly exemplify how “a little KINDness goes a long way.” Thank You.
Thank you KINDly for your continued support. Through your generosity Please BE KIND to Cyclists has, for over 10 years, been an industry leader in raising awareness and educating the public on shared roadway use among drivers and vulnerable users, particularly cyclists. Among our successful campaigns, are Rally for Safe Roads, in which visual representations of the Safe Passing and Hands-Free laws are displayed on outdoor media, and Cyclists V.I.P., which educates cyclists on best practices while riding. These two programs have been instrumental in educating citizens about the shared responsibility of roadway use. Additionally, for the past two years, BE KIND, through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation, developed DriveKind RideKind, a multi-media campaign targeted at creating generational change among roadway users. The campaign has been delivered throughout the State of Texas and has been incorporated into Driver Education courses. It is through your KIND support that we have come a long way.
Now we look to the future of creating a safe environment for vulnerable roadway users. On May 19, 2016, the City of Austin approved a resolution to adopt a Vision Zero Action Plan, a traffic safety concept aimed at reducing all traffic injuries and fatalities by 2025. BE KIND is proposing to the City that we, as industry leaders in education and awareness, would be the ideal organization to spearhead the education component of Vision Zero.
We are asking for your generosity to help us as we launch this year’s Rally for Safe Roads campaign. The campaign cost is $10,000. In April, we participated in Amplify Austin to raise the funds for the campaign but unfortunately fell short. Now we turn to you for help in launching Rally for Safe Roads. If each BE KIND member were to donate $4 we could generate the cost for the campaign. The concept, “Four of a KIND” will generate the necessary monies to have the Rally for Safe Roads run for a third year in a row, thereby continuing our efforts. Also, continuing the campaign would demonstrate that our organization is at the forefront of advocating for the safety of vulnerable roadway users. Consider foregoing that cup of coffee and donate today!
BE KIND supporter, your continued support has been instrumental in creating a culture change among roadway users. You truly exemplify how “a little KINDness goes a long way.” Thank You.
Outreach
In honor of 10 years of service as Co-Founder and Executive Director, Al Bastidas receives the City of Austin Distinguished Service Award. Please BE KIND is pleased to announce the completion of the 2016 Community Partnership with Capital Metro. The campaign ran from April 1-June 30, 2016. (learn more) 
Drop in for a visit!
Stop by our Downtown office and tell us hello, we love having guests. 805 W. 10th St., Ste 300 Austin, TX 78701 |
Awareness and Education
DriveKind RideKind presented at the Education Service Center-Region 6 Driver Education Workshops throughout Texas. Please BE KIND will continue conducting outreach at various locations throughout the state. (read more) 
Tragedy Assistance Program
PBK remembers the 2014 SXSW tragedy and all cyclists injured or killed in crashes. (read more) 
Members, Volunteers and Sponsors
Who are the businesses and individual leaders in the community who help make the roads safer? You are! (learn more) |
Amplified KINDness
This was the first year for Please BE KIND to Cyclists to participate in Amplify Austin. THANK YOU to all who donated! We appreciate your continued support.
In total, your generosity helped raise $2,146 to support our roadway safety awareness campaign, "Rally for Safe Roads" which will take place during National Bicycle Safety Month in May.
Our goal was to raise $5,000 to help fund the campaign that will prominently feature three messages on 30 Capital Metro transit buses in the Austin metropolitan area. We continue to seek the generosity of people like you who have made an investment toward reducing injuries and fatalities of cyclists, motorists, pedestrians and vulnerable road users. A little KINDness goes a long way...
Amplify Austin is a 24-hour online giving day. This year the event raised $8,533,840 to help support over 600 nonprofits in the Travis County area.
In total, your generosity helped raise $2,146 to support our roadway safety awareness campaign, "Rally for Safe Roads" which will take place during National Bicycle Safety Month in May.
Our goal was to raise $5,000 to help fund the campaign that will prominently feature three messages on 30 Capital Metro transit buses in the Austin metropolitan area. We continue to seek the generosity of people like you who have made an investment toward reducing injuries and fatalities of cyclists, motorists, pedestrians and vulnerable road users. A little KINDness goes a long way...
Amplify Austin is a 24-hour online giving day. This year the event raised $8,533,840 to help support over 600 nonprofits in the Travis County area.
DriveKind RideKind Around Texas
Since January 2016, Please BE KIND has delivered the DriveKind RideKind program to Driver's Education Instructor Workshops held throughout the state. Cities visited include El Paso, San Marcos, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Houston and Lubbock.
Pat Bastidas, Program Manager, and Robby Silva, Project Assistant, have educated instructors on how to utilize DriveKind RideKind as part of their curriculum. In addition to presenting to Driver Education instructors, Pat and Robby were presenters at the Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference and the Teens in the Driver Seat Conference.
For more information, or to schedule a presentation of DriveKind RideKind, please visit www.drivekindridekind.org.
Since January 2016, Please BE KIND has delivered the DriveKind RideKind program to Driver's Education Instructor Workshops held throughout the state. Cities visited include El Paso, San Marcos, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Houston and Lubbock.
Pat Bastidas, Program Manager, and Robby Silva, Project Assistant, have educated instructors on how to utilize DriveKind RideKind as part of their curriculum. In addition to presenting to Driver Education instructors, Pat and Robby were presenters at the Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference and the Teens in the Driver Seat Conference.
For more information, or to schedule a presentation of DriveKind RideKind, please visit www.drivekindridekind.org.
Upcoming DriveKind RideKind Presenations:
July 30, H.O.T Cyclists 100k-Brownwood
Aug. 9, ESC Driver Ed. Workshop-Huntsville
Aug. 10, AAA Distracted Driving Summit-Austin
Aug. 27, Bike Austin Ciclovia-Austin
If you would like to receive a presentation, please contact us!
July 30, H.O.T Cyclists 100k-Brownwood
Aug. 9, ESC Driver Ed. Workshop-Huntsville
Aug. 10, AAA Distracted Driving Summit-Austin
Aug. 27, Bike Austin Ciclovia-Austin
If you would like to receive a presentation, please contact us!
In addition to our own programs we also attended conferences, summits, forums and events to listen to experts and network with community leaders. By being a part of the discussion we can share our experience as well as incorporate new information and cutting edge approaches in our programs.
Al Bastidas Recieves the City of Austin Distinguished Service Award
Al Bastidas was honored with the City of Austin's Distinguished Service Award on Thursday, March 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers in a ceremony that included guest speakers former Austin Mayor Bruce Todd, Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo, and Austin Fire Chief Palmer Buck. Mr. Bastidas was recognized for 10 years of service to the Austin cycling community. The award was presented by Austin Mayor Steve Adler.
Through grassroots efforts, Al and a team of dedicated members and volunteers have successfully raised awareness and education, encouraged harmony and behavioral changes between all road users. Among the most successful initiatives contributing to the reduction and prevention of crashes during Al's tenure was the creation and completion of the DriveKind RideKind educational video produced in collaboration with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The video is currently being used by driver education schools and defensive driving classes to complement driving education curriculums throughout Texas. Other major accomplishments include the creation of the Cyclists VIP Program and Cyclists Tragedy Assistance Program (TAP) aimed at educating and providing assistance to cyclists, and the creation and distribution of over 25,000 iconic, trademarked, Please BE KIND to Cyclists bumper sticker which can be found on cars all over the US and in other countries.
Al Bastidas was honored with the City of Austin's Distinguished Service Award on Thursday, March 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers in a ceremony that included guest speakers former Austin Mayor Bruce Todd, Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo, and Austin Fire Chief Palmer Buck. Mr. Bastidas was recognized for 10 years of service to the Austin cycling community. The award was presented by Austin Mayor Steve Adler.
Through grassroots efforts, Al and a team of dedicated members and volunteers have successfully raised awareness and education, encouraged harmony and behavioral changes between all road users. Among the most successful initiatives contributing to the reduction and prevention of crashes during Al's tenure was the creation and completion of the DriveKind RideKind educational video produced in collaboration with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The video is currently being used by driver education schools and defensive driving classes to complement driving education curriculums throughout Texas. Other major accomplishments include the creation of the Cyclists VIP Program and Cyclists Tragedy Assistance Program (TAP) aimed at educating and providing assistance to cyclists, and the creation and distribution of over 25,000 iconic, trademarked, Please BE KIND to Cyclists bumper sticker which can be found on cars all over the US and in other countries.
Please BE KIND and Capital Metro enter into Community Partnership
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On Feb. 18, 2016, Capital Metro approved a request from Please BE KIND to enter into a partnership. The Community Partnership Campaign featured the DriveKind RideKind logo on 3 Buses and 50 Placecards, and ran from April 1st thru July 1st 2016.
DriveKind RideKind was jointly developed by Please BE KIND to Cyclists and the Texas Department of Transportation. The program aims to promote safe driving practices by motorists as they share Texas roads with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. 
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Bike to Work Day
On May 20th, Please BE KIND hosted a refuel station at Bouldin Creek Cafe as part of Bike to Work Day. With favorable weather there were lots of riders who took to the streets and stopped by to show support. It's great to meet so many people who strive to make biking a regular part of their lives. |
Reaching Out Through Social Media
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Facebook
With nearly 6,300 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! 
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PBK Remembers the 2014 SxSW Fatalities
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This year marks the 2 year anniversary of the tragic event that occurred during the SXSW Music Festival. On March 21, 2015, Please BE KIND to Cyclists installed a permanent memorial to provide a place for anyone to gather and show respect for the four people that were killed by a driver fleeing police on March 13, 2014. The memorial is located at 10th Street and Red River.
Hatch Workshop donated a white obelisk, that is slightly over six feet high. It stands in the shade beneath an oak and a mountain laurel, at a grassy patch. Affixed to it is a plaque with the names of the people killed in the horrific crash:Jamie West, Steven Craenmehr, DeAndre Tatum, and Sandy Le. Please BE KIND to Cyclists honors the victims in memoriam, and invites its members to reflect on the event that took place on that fateful day |
Ride of Silence
Please BE KIND served as the ride organizer for the twelfth annual Ride of Silence on, Wednesday May 18, 2016 in Austin. The ride honors cyclists that have lost their lives or been injured while sharing the road with motorists.
Rides will also took place in over fifteen other countries including China, Italy, Brazil, Israel, Canada and Sweden. The Ride of Silence originated in Dallas, Texas when Chris Phelan organized 1,000 cyclists to ride in silence to honor his friend, Larry Schwartz, who was hit and killed by a school bus mirror.
Please BE KIND served as the ride organizer for the twelfth annual Ride of Silence on, Wednesday May 18, 2016 in Austin. The ride honors cyclists that have lost their lives or been injured while sharing the road with motorists.
Rides will also took place in over fifteen other countries including China, Italy, Brazil, Israel, Canada and Sweden. The Ride of Silence originated in Dallas, Texas when Chris Phelan organized 1,000 cyclists to ride in silence to honor his friend, Larry Schwartz, who was hit and killed by a school bus mirror.
In Memoriam
Donations were made in honor of the following: |
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We would like to recognize our new and existing corporate sponsors!
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Castle Hill Fitness
Castle Hills Fitness strives to "foster a community that celebrates a person's individual journey towards a higher quality of life." Click on the link to learn more about addressing your fitness needs. 
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Lifetime Spines Chiropractic
At Lifetime Spines Chiropractic, you can expect an "environment of tranquility and comfort." Click on the link and start gaining an optimum level of health. 
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National Trial Law
A HUGE thanks to National Trial Law for their continued support for 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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Meet New Staff Member: Robby Silva
Robby has been involved in the nonprofit sector for over 10 years. His experience includes providing legal audits, incorporating nonprofits, board development and fund development. He has served as a board member for a variety of organizations in both the private and public sectors. Robby arrives at Please BE KIND with enthusiasm for the mission and hopes to make a lasting impact in the cycling community.
Show Your SupportOver 400 people have shown their support in the last two years for Please BE KIND to Cyclists by donating through our membership program and we appreciate every drop. There are limitless options for becoming a donor, from a single contribution to a recurring monthly donation or simply buying a bumper sticker, it's up to you to pick the terms.
Giving is easy through Amazon's Smile program that simply donates a portion of the sale to whatever non-profit you designate... automatically! All you need to do is to use smile.amazon.com when you shop and tell them where you want your donations to go, that's it.
Merchandise Summer SaleFor a limited time all merchandise listed on the online store will be 20% off. Hurry now to get these items at a great price! Enter code: 2KIND
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Volunteer Spotlight: Mariah Mercier
Mariah Mercier is a jack of any trade she picks up for five minutes. She currently specializes in dynamic marketing by designing creative solutions for businesses looking to diversify their presence through web, visual, and print media. In case that vague description lost you, here’s the layman definition – if your business needs something done, Mariah will figure out how to do it and do it in a really awesome way.
A lifelong computer nerd, Mariah became a New York City trained actor in the hopes of increasing her social appeal but ended up just becoming a moderately cool mix of communication, creativity, technical know-how, and caffeine. This diverse skill set allows Mariah to bridge the gap between left and right-brained people/businesses/strategies through her catchall understanding of mechanics and artistry. She’s kind of a professional people person, too. Mariah’s career goal is to see everyone, but especially artists, fulfill their potential by learning to market their skills and successfully fill their niche in the world market and is planning her own startup to catapult that vision. This goal – to see everyone succeed at what they love – is at the heart of each project she works on. Volunteer OpportunitiesPlease BE KIND to Cyclists appreciates your continued support. We are excited to continue the mission of promoting safety among all road users. Among our efforts is the continuation and expansion of the DriveKind RideKind campaign. A lot of time and effort goes into our mission, and there is still so much to be done. That's why we're writing to ask you if you could spare some time to work with us as a volunteer.
Please BE KIND to Cyclists is seeking volunteers who would like to participate. People involved will have the chance to truly make a difference in this organization and to take their involvement as far as they wish. We are currently in need of volunteers to assist with the following tasks:
Take a moment to visit our volunteer page and join our mailing list to stay up to date on volunteer opportunities. |
