Get involved: Support Tempe’s free bus program

As many of you know, the City of Tempe is trying to expand their free shuttle program to include College Avenue. The Tempe Bicycle Action Group thinks this is a great idea for lots of reasons – decreased traffic, more aware drivers (the shuttle drivers, that is), easy access to the light rail and downtown, opportunity for bike/bus commute combos, etc.

View TBAG’s open letter to the community explaining why it’s critical that we support Tempe’s free bus route expansions. Then read our fact sheet about the proposed routes.

A small but vocal group of cranky College Ave residents has decided that this program is a bad idea. Many of them are using cycling as a scapegoat for their opposition, which we think (based on their published comments to the city) really involves concern about the shuttles bringing in the “wrong” type of people into their neighborhood.

The final decision will be made at a city council meeting this Thursday. We need your help. The mayor and City Council strongly support this program, but need to hear from vocal cyclists and community members to counter the opponents.

This is where you can help. Please join us at the City Council meeting this Thursday, June 28th at 6 pm at the upside-down pyramid on 5th St, just East of Mill. If you would like to make a statement, that would be great. We can give you some talking points, but it’s best to just speak openly about your personal reasons for wanting the shuttle. If you’re uncomfortable speaking, please still join us. It is possible that the Council will ask the audience for a show of hands in support of the project. First round of beers to celebrate the new shuttle is on us!

Let us know if you plan to make it ([email protected]). If you do show up, wear a bicycle shirt if you have one. Carrying in your helmet’s probably not a bad idea either. Bonus points (and beer) for supportive signs.

Please spread the word and bring friends on Thursday. This may end up being a numbers game.

Please support this great program on Thursday!

Tempe Bicycle Action Group Board of Directors
Chris Crosby
Kate Darby
Stan Klonowksi
Mark Neff