- Bikeboard - lists.lwvwv.org

House Transportation Bill and Safe Routes to School
by director 20 Jun '09

20 Jun '09

Good morning, I received this information on a new transportation bill being considered in Congress. Interesting aspects that directly address improved bike/ped infrastructure and programs. Nick Update on House Transportation Bill and Safe Routes to School June 19, 2009 Over the past few days, there has been a lot of movement on the transportation bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. On Thursday, June 18, Reps. Oberstar, Mica, DeFazio, and Duncan, who are the lead Democrats and Republicans on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, released a Blueprint of the transportation bill [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102616852275&s=2741&e=001gi-qANuZ0JyRsdDNpJVamlqS…]. The day before the Blueprint was unveiled, US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asked Congress to delay consideration of the transportation bill and to instead pass an 18-month extension of the current law. Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica were very firm in the need to move the transportation bill this year, and indicated that they plan to move forward with consideration of the transportation bill next week. While we do not yet have the text of the legislation, which is expected to be released early next week, the Blueprint provides an overview of the high-level changes the Committee will be looking to carry out. Of primary interest to Safe Routes to School supporters, the Blueprint indicates that the transportation bill will create an Office of Livability within the Federal Highway Administration. The office will administer bicycle and pedestrian programs, including Safe Routes to School and Transportation Enhancements. The office is charged with increasing modal choice, advancing livable communities, and promoting integrated land use and planning. Also under the Office's jurisdiction will be compilation and dissemination of best practices on active transportation, developing better data collection and analysis on active transportation, and requiring that all federal aid projects consider comprehensive street design principles, policies, and standards. The Office will also oversee the creation of the U.S. Bicycle Route System. While the details of any proposed changes to strengthen or expand Safe Routes to School will not be known until the legislative language is released, Safe Routes to School supporters should be pleased to see that the program is included in the Blueprint and is being placed with a new office that is charged with overseeing many other bicycle/pedestrian programs. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership will analyze the language of the legislative text as soon as it is released to assess which elements of our recommendations [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102616852275&s=2741&e=001gi-qANuZ0JxgQ7W1ARRJ0WuG… included, and will provide you with additional information as the details emerge. We may have a "call to action" for Safe Routes to School supporters next week, so please watch your email over the coming days. Thank you for your continued support and interest in Safe Routes to School. For questions, please contact Margo Pedroso at margo(a)saferoutespartnership.org [mailto:margo@saferoutespartnership.org]. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forward email http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1100380121653&ea=director@posit… This email was sent to director(a)positivespin.org by deb(a)saferoutespartnership.org. Update Profile/Email Address http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001JkPYvl9GdBxNH5I1lra7pqiG5gADO… Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe(TM) http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001JkPYvl9GdBxNH5I1lra7pqiG5gADO… Privacy Policy: http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp Email Marketing by Constant Contact(R) www.constantcontact.com Bikes Belong Coalition | P.O. Box 2359 | Boulder | CO | 80306 -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Seattle Trip Report
by director 20 Jun '09

20 Jun '09

Good morning, I'm currently travelling and have posted a mini-trip report (preliminary) about my visit to Seattle. It covers bike parking, bike paths, bike routes, urban cycling and interesting bike shops I visited while there. You can find it at: http://www.positivespin.org/PublicFiles/2009_0618_SeattleTripReport.pdf Please feel free to pass the link on to anyone else who might be interested. I'm currently in San Jose for the Smart Cycling conference of League instructors. I'll have a report on this next week after I return. See you then. Nick -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Complete Streets action in Seattle
by director 18 Jun '09

18 Jun '09

Good evening, I just came across this blog via the Complete Streets newsletter. It's about a road I was biking/walking on Tuesday. This is a sorely-needed big improvement for this corridor. The concepts might work well at certain intersections along Beechurst/Mon Blvd as well. http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/06/15/358-bus-stop-plazas/#more-5653 Nick -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Amputees Across America - July 10th
by Derek Springston 18 Jun '09

18 Jun '09

Hey guys, HealthSouth, where my wife works, is involved with Amputees Across America. I guess they'll be riding across the US and will come through Morgantown on July 10th. She invited me to ride with them at 11am on July 10th and asked for support. There are several college students who would like to ride with them but don't have bikes, so she thought I might know some folks who could help. Angie is planning on contacting at least Positive Spin. It seems like they could help with getting folks bikes to ride for the day. Maybe we can offer support just as cyclists. #1 What would the Bike Board like to do about this? #2 Would this be better suited for Positive Spin? Have a nice day! ~Derek _________________________________________________________________ Bing™ brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place. Try it now. http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MLOGEN&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT…

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GIS Bike Route Meeting tonight...
by Derek Springston 17 Jun '09

17 Jun '09

Hey guys, I just wanted to remind everyone that there is a GIS Bike Route Meeting tonight at 5:30pm in the Training Room of the PSC Building. Please attend if you wish to have input. Brainstorm and bring some ideas, too! I'll do the same today and print out a few maps with the most current info I have. If I left anyone off of the list, please let me know. Thanks! Hope to see you tonight, ~Derek _________________________________________________________________ Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290

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FW: FREE Mountainline Thursday...
by Derek Springston 16 Jun '09

16 Jun '09

Hey, Thursday is Mountain Line Transit’s ‘Dump the Pump’ Day. They’re offering FREE bus rides with a coupon. Make sure you take one for each ride, both to and from your destinations. You can also print them from their website: http://www.busride.org/ I can print more if you guys need me to. If you do use this, let me know. I'll likely still be riding my bike unless the weather is bad, but it's a great option for transportation. ~Derek S. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutori…

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Bike Route GIS Meeting...
by Derek Springston 15 Jun '09

15 Jun '09

Hey guys, I guess since I'm the mapping guy, I'll take the lead for the creation of the Bike Route map! :) As discussed during the meeting on Thursday, a few of us need to meet to discuss how to create this map, what the criteria will be for a 'route', and various other issues. First, lets identify those of us who would like to meet. During the meeting, these names were mentioned: Derek Springston - volunteered to help Frank Gmeindl - volunteered Jacob Brown - volunteered Don Dickerson - Frank suggested that Don should be involved since he helped with an earlier drafts Gunnar Shogren - Frank suggested Gunnar I believe it may be beneficial to contact these people as well: Steve Harouff Will Ravenscroft Chet Parsons So, who is willing to meet within the next week or two? Please let me know if you're not interested, so I won't keep sending emails. Then, we'll establish a time. Thanks, ~Derek _________________________________________________________________ Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutor…

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cell phone
by Frank Gmeindl 13 Jun '09

13 Jun '09

Bicycle Board Members, So, you think you can talk on the cell phone, even hands free and drive safely? Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNF9QNEQLA and be entertained. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Fwd: June Minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 12 Jun '09

12 Jun '09

Attached, please find the June minutes. Have a great weekend! BETSY

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Re: [Bikeboard] Bike Wise - It's Everywhere!
by director 10 Jun '09

10 Jun '09

Good morning, I should have read the article before I posted. The Bikewise site defaults to Seattle, but actually is available anywhere there is Google map info. You can register, set your default location, and then put in reports about thefts, hazards, crashes and annoyances. I tested it by reporting the light at 6th and Beechurst that doesn't respond to bicyclists waiting to cross the thoroughfare. I'd encourage everyone else to share as much info as you have so that others can benefit from it. As the article states, there is no official link to authorities that can do road repairs or engineering to address problems. However, there's the opportunity for authorities to take it upon themselves if they monitor the site. Hope this helps. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "director" <director(a)positivespin.org> Reply-To: director(a)positivespin.org Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:31:42 -0400 >Good morning, >On one of the environmental websites I read regularly this news item appeared today. I'll be out there next week and will check into it further. Chances are that I know someone in the program if anyone would like more info on it. > >http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/06/10/bikewise-community-makes-cycling-safer/ > >Nick > >-- >Nick Hein LCI# 1705 >Director, Positive Spin >2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L >Morgantown, WV >ph 304-276-0213 >-- > >_______________________________________________ >Bikeboard mailing list >Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Bike Wise - Seattle collaborative cyclist reporting program
by director 10 Jun '09

10 Jun '09

Good morning, On one of the environmental websites I read regularly this news item appeared today. I'll be out there next week and will check into it further. Chances are that I know someone in the program if anyone would like more info on it. http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/06/10/bikewise-community-makes-cycling-safer/ Nick -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Trail closure
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

Monday, 8-June 4:00 PM at the Morgantown Public Safety Center (corner Spruce & Walnut diagonally across from Blue Moose) representatives of BOPARC and MUB will attend the regularly scheduled Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board meeting to discuss MUB plans to close the rail trail to upgrade the water treatment system and install a new sewer pipe. The meeting is open to the public. At last night's Traffic Commission meeting, I learned that City Council directed BOPARC to work with the relevant parties to develop a plan. Perhaps Monday's meeting is one step that BOPARC is taking to make that plan. To my knowledge, BOPARC has not contacted anyone on the Bicycle Board. (Remember the trail stripe?) At last night's Traffic Commission meeting, the Bicycle Board presented the following recommendations: 1. Establish cycling detours around the trail but as close to the trail as reasonable. 2. Complete the work in sections to minimize the impact on cyclists and businesses. At least 6 months before the trail is closed: 3. Install "Share the Road" and "Bike Route" signs every 250 feet on Beechurst Ave., Mon Blvd., Don Knotts Blvd. and University Ave. 4. Install a bike lane going up the hill on Mon Blvd. between Eighth St. and Evansdale Drive. Keep the bike lane free of debris. The current shoulder is not properly paved and it certainly is not clean. The Traffic Commission unanimously voted to recommend to the City that the City request the WVDOH to implement recommendations 3 and 4 ASAP. (The way has already been somewhat cleared for implementing Share the Road signs since the WVDOH has already said that they will install them at their expense. In May 2008, the DOH approved the Share the Road signs on Mon Blvd and Don Knotts Blvd. as well as other Bicycle Board recommended Morgantown-area state-maintained roads with speed limits at or above 40 mph. However, the signs weren't installed because they were part of a greater package that included Shared Lane Markings and Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs that the DOH also approved in May 2008 but then reconsidered in October 2008 because the new Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices that defines SLMs and BMUFL signs hasn't been adopted by the state yet. The Share the Road signs was the WVDOH's idea in the first place so getting them to install them should not be difficult if they are requested as a separate stand-alone project.) At last night's Traffic Commission meeting, some of the commissioners were not aware of MUBs plan to close the trail. One commissioner, John Martis, vehemently objected to closing the trail and insisted that MUB accomplish the work without closing the trail. He will attend Monday's meeting. The Traffic Commission decided to hold Bicycle Board recommendations 1 and 2 in abeyance until after Monday's meeting. On July 16, City Council will decide whether to accept BOPARC's plan. On July 21, City Council will make its final decision on whether to approve MUB's project. Frank Gmeindl Chariman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles /- John Forester, /Effective Cycling/

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[Fwd: American Bicyclist Update---June 8, 2009]
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Jun '09

08 Jun '09

Bicycle Board Members, I'm forwarding the LAB online newsletter to you in case you're not an LAB member and don't get it. If you already get it, I apologize for cluttering your in-box with a duplicate. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ -------- Original Message -------- Subject: American Bicyclist Update---June 8, 2009 Date: Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:58:21 -0400 (EDT) From: League of American Bicyclists <bikeleague(a)bikeleague.org> Reply-To: meghan(a)bikeleague.org To: fgmeindl(a)verizon.net Having trouble viewing this email? Click here <http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=0015ak-Six2vtoh5tjsNSD0TSmok18…> You're receiving this email because of your relationship with League of American Bicyclists. Please confirm <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/c.jsp?t=1102604707848.12818.8512558115.2…> your continued interest in receiving email from us. You may unsubscribe <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001bAhAGGXw8y9W9M9YbKidzcT7aySKB…> if you no longer wish to receive our emails. American Bicyclists Update Archives <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjKQzLNDPKfIteu…> *June 8, 2009 * * * *Greetings!* Two weeks ago we reported on Energy Secretary Chu's love of bicycling - news that was quickly followed by the revelation that Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor also enjoys a spin around the neighborhood. Click here <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLnSxQM37rhLd8…> for the AP article. Seems like the timing for our Equality Statement <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLQZPYJqTaUlZZ…> was pretty good! Sincerely, Andy Clark President, League of American Bicyclists *League News* * * *Smart Cycling Conference * Smart Cycling Link <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjKIzNEPODlqFPP…>There are less than two weeks to go to the Smart Cycling Conference <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjKIzNEPODlqFPP…> in San Jose - so check out the exciting program, various riding opportunities and area attractions, and sign up at the competitive conference rates that are good through June 12. We're looking forward to lively educational sessions, and you'll be the first to learn who the recipients are of two of the League's prestigious national awards. There's also a Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, June 18! Register <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjKIzNEPODlqFPP…> for the conference today! Thank you to our Sponsors NBDA <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLz-MI_WJZbwBK…> and CycleAware <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjJEpQ9Y6x9jvpx…>! *League 2009 Rally * League Logo and Link <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLBhfdl5Rl4Pf4…>Registration is now open for Weekend on Wheels <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLMQLCbIcWCeNe…> 2009 <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLMQLCbIcWCeNe…> - the League National Rally of Bicyclists. The Twin Cities Bicycling Club, in partnership with the League and the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, is the proud host of the National Rally at the annual WOW event, July 31 through August 2 in Winona, Minn. The weekend is jam-packed with activities. There will be three full days of riding with route support and full-service rest stops. Routes will be from 25 to 62 miles Friday and Sunday, and 25 to 100 miles on Saturday. For mountain bikers, check out the great trails around Winona on Saturday afternoon. Go to www.bikewow.org <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLBhfdl5Rl4Pf4…> for more information. World News *There is Safety in Numbers * In a comparison of cycle use and cyclists' safety in English cities and counties, CTC - the UK's national cyclists' organization, has found new evidence that cycling gets safer the more cyclists there are. The data show that the places with the highest cycle use - York, Cambridgeshire and Hull - are also the safest places to cycle. Also, in London there has been a 91% increase in cycle use since 2000, together with a 33% reduction in the actual number of cyclist casualties over roughly the same period. This adds weight to international evidence that the best way to improve cyclists' safety is to encourage more people to cycle. Source ctc.org <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLv1QZ9aLvM0eq…> National News Proposal to End Federal Funding for Bike Projects* * Representatives John Boehner (R-OH) and Eric Cantor (R-VA) proposed putting a stop to Federal funding for bicycle projects and programs. In a letter to President Obama <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLL2B_F_M-Y5KW…>, the two leading House Republicans proposed cutting all funding for Transportation Enhancements <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjJe13B5CQbUyem…>, Safe Routes to Schools <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjIidtf8dsxqZD0…> and Nonmotorized pilot programs <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjJzQdnicN22PlD…> in the President's budget - more than $5 billion over the next five years. Read more <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjKpgVbgbQTJzHS…>. *Federal Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2009 * Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, introduced The Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2009. One major goals of the act is to reduce national per capita motor vehicle miles traveled on an annual basis. Read the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation's press release <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjJ8NQIBQplNXQ3…>. Read more at Transportation for America <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjI1q1J0w87eS9_…>. * *Blumenauer's Three Specific Initiatives * * Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) recently revealed his current top three initiatives. The first is what Blumenauer calls a "visible achievement project." The project would put bike lanes on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C - a high profile pr move. It's one of the most famous streets in America; it's home to the White House, numerous federal office buildings, and it leads directly into the U.S. Capitol building. The next priority Blumenauer shared is his desire to set a national goal for biking. The idea here is to set a reachable target for advocates (both inside and outside of government) to shoot for in the re-write of the new transportation bill. The final national priority Blumenauer said he's working on is to expand the Safe Routes to Schools program into high schools and the American workplace. Safe Routes was funded with $600 million in the last transportation bill but is currently only focused on elementary schools. The Safe Routes to Schools National Partnership is already backing a new bill <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLT2Kt2vgZTR8Z…> that would triple funding for the program and take it into high schools. Read more <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjJ7jVabk0m5hZg…>. *State & Local News* * * * *Safe Passing Bill Passes Texas House and Senate* * The final version of Texas' Safe Passing Bill, SB 488, was passed May 31, 2009 by the Texas House, and the Senate overwhelmingly voted to pass it on June 1, 2009. That was the final step for the bill to complete in the Legislature and now it is being sent to Governor Perry. We will know the outcome by June 21, the last day the Governor can sign or veto bills. Read <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLn8WJv8ZAjMX1…> the bill. Westchester Cycle Club in a Rumble over Rumble Strips The Westchester Cycle Club filed a lawsuit against the New York State Department of Transportation based upon accidents involving rumble strips along a rustic stretch of Route 100. Rumble strips, an audible road delineator that ridges the area parallel to highways and is meant to startle dozing drivers and keep them on the road, are usually confined to heavily trafficked highways but they are becoming more popular on smaller roads. Visit the Westchester Cycle Club <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLZ0awm88nKUI4…>. Source: New York Times <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjK89TFvwko_PWY…> Complete Streets in Philadelphia* * Philadelphia was recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community on June 4, 2009 as the League of American Bicyclists presented Mayor Michael A. Nutter with the League's prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community Award at the Bronze Level. Mayor Nutter also signed Philadelphia's first Complete Streets Executive Order which makes full consideration of cyclists, pedestrians and public transit users an integral part of streets planning by City Departments and agencies. Read more <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjIe-SRCAtNWVYp…>. Visit the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philidelphia <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjIwFCv9OJso61w…>. Tempe's New Transportation Hub* * The City of Tempe, Ariz. and ValleyMetro, the transit authority that provides the region's new light rail system, have just created a new facility that incorporates smart growth, green building and sustainable transportation. The Tempe Transportation Center and the Metro light rail line opened this past December. Source: tempe.gov <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLeVIpRrLPKI5b…>. Mississippi Update* * Oxford, Miss., the state's first Bicycle Friendly Community, is part of Mississippi's efforts to certify 30 new safety instructors, both to make biking safer in the state and to promote more use of biking for recreation and transportation. The Mississippi Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School program is sponsoring the training in conjunction with Bike Walk Mississippi. "In exchange for support from the Mississippi Department of Transportation for the training, each participant will commit to providing five courses in the coming year to local schools, youth groups and community organizations," said Dr. Mike Mossing, chairman of Oxford's Pathways Commission. Read more <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjKszX0Q_NlkFk0…>. Visit Bike Walk Mississippi <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjKMFonrE-xkvE2…>. San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's free Urban Cycling Workshop* * The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjJ4Dtx6kbqVFr6…> hosts two part bike education classes for adults to teach safe and confident urban cycling. The urban cycling workshops are free. Read more about these classes in the San Francisco Chronicle article "Safe Streets: Workshops Help Cyclists Trim Risk." <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjJUArhsB8BEO0q…> Miami Valley Cycling Summit* * Join forces with cycling enthusiasts, public officials and advocacy groups from around the Miami Vally, Ohio region in their efforts to make Miami Valley the first bike friendly region in Ohio. The Miami Valley Cycling Summit will provide engaging workshops, roundtables, presentations and much more. Read more <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLEMzoaeYGusG1…>. *Other News* * * The Alliance for Biking & Walking is Awarding Seven Grants * * The Alliance for Biking & Walking <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjLyMhmDx7PCDag…> is awarding seven grants totaling over $125,000 to grassroots biking and walking advocacy organizations. The Advocacy Advance Grants will be used to jump-start emerging advocacy organizations and to fund innovative campaigns with the potential to dramatically increase biking and walking. These grants are a key part of the Advocacy Advance Partnership with the League of American Bicyclists. Launched this year, the grants are made possible with generous funding by SRAM, Planet Bike, Bikes Belong, and Cannondale. Nearly 100 proposals totaling over $2 million were received in this first round. Read more <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjKmtO5PVIjyKDx…>. *Employment* * * League Job Opportunity* * The League is hiring a Membership Director. The primary objective of this position is to manage all functions related to membership, including but not limited to the recruitment, retention and engagement of members. Read more <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102604707848&s=12818&e=0010DyX7V5LfjJ_c2IZ0xEA1kd…>. The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. 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Draft Letter to WVDOT
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

Damien, Thank you for spending so much time with me yesterday to discuss the trail closing issue and the Traffic Commission's decision to recommend Share the Road signs and a bike lane. As I agreed during our discussion yesterday, I have attached to this message a draft letter to Secretary of the WVDOT requesting these. I hope this will at least give you a head start on implementing their recommendation. The attached letter is not entirely consistent with the Traffic Commission's recommendation or our discussion yesterday. As I was writing it, I had much more time to consider what we're recommending and how we're recommending it. You will notice that while the Bicycle Board's recommendation that the Traffic Commission endorsed included Bike Route signs in addition to the Share the Road signs. Bike Route signs are not addressed in the attached draft letter. Upon much more consideration and study of the MUTCD and AASHTO Guide for Development of Bicycle Facilities, I concluded that Bike Route signs are not appropriate and may retard WVDOT's action on the Share the Road signs and the bike lane. Basically, Bike Route signs indicate that the signed route is superior to alternative proximal routes. Given the motor traffic volume, real motor vehicle speeds and questionable aesthetics on South University Avenue, Beechurst Ave. and Mon Blvd., it would probably only be appropriate to label those roadways as Bike Route *Detours *if indeed the rail trail had already been signed as a bike route as it should be. Yesterday, I explained that installing Share the Road signs on state maintained Morgantown roadways that have speed limits greater than or equal to 40 mph was the idea of the WVDOH representatives with whom Don Spencer and Jenny Selin met February 28, 2009 in Charleston to expedite approval of the Shared Lane Markings (SLM). I also explained that when Paul Maddox retracted his approval of the Shared Lane Markings, he did not explicitly address the Share the Road signs which were part of the overall package: SLMs, Bicycles May Use Full Lane (BMUFL) signs and Share the Road signs. Yesterday, you and I agreed that the letter should cite that previous approval of the Share the Road signs. Again, upon further deliberation, I decided not to include mention of the previous approval in the attached letter because I thought disassociating the Share the Road signs from the SLMs and BMUFL signs would avoid their being set aside until the SLM and BMUFL signs issue is resolved which may take another 1.5 years. On the other hand, vocally and informally reminding the appropriate WVDOH officials such a Bill Robinson who participated in the February 28 meeting that the Share the Road signs was their idea might help expedite them if progress slows. Of course, the attached letter is for the City Manager's signature and I and the Bicycle Board as well as probably the Traffic Commission realize that he can modify it as he pleases. I think we all share the same objective, to facilitate safe bicycling in Morgantown and however the letter is finally worded, it will align with that objective. Just as a reminder, we discussed including a map with the letter and you mentioned that you could generate the map. I hope the information in the draft letter is sufficient for you to make the map. Also, a Bicycle Board member questioned whether the letter should include the cited parts of the MUTCD and AASHTO Guide for Development of Bicycle Facilities. I did not include these because I'm not sure I have the most recent official versions. If you think we should attach these and you don't have the most recent and official versions, I will do what I can to get them and provide them to you. Thanks again for working with us on this! I look forward to seeing what actually goes forward. Frank

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Letter to DOH for STR signs & bike lane
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

Bicycle Board Members, Today, I agreed with Damien Davis of the City Engineer's office to draft a letter for the City to send to the WVDOT requesting Share the Road signs and a bike lane for Mon Blvd. to support the Traffic Commissions decision last night to support these. Attached is the draft letter. *Does anybody have an electronic copy of the AASHTO guidelines for Bicycle Facility design that you can send me or point me to so I can cite relevant sections for bike lane design?* Also, I would appreciate any constructive edits you could make and return to me by early afternoon tomorrow, Friday. (Please use Track Changes.) I want to get this to Damien Davis by COB tomorrow. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Tonight's report to TC
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Jun '09

03 Jun '09

Bicycle Board Members, May I have your concurrence to present the attached report to the Traffic Commission tonight? Frank

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Fwd: letter to the editor
by Jim Rye 03 Jun '09

03 Jun '09

Having seen nothing in the DP subsequent to mailing our BTW results to the newsroom, I created a modified version (below) as a letter to the editor, sent today. Jim Rye Professor Science Education Dept C&I/LS College of Human Resources & Education West Virginia University PO Box 6122 604L Allen Hall Morgantown, WV 26506-6122 Phone: (304) 293-4416 Fax: (304) 293-3802 Email: jim.rye(a)mail.wvu.edu Web Page: http://depts.hre.wvu.edu/c&ils/currinst/rye.html Are YOU waitin' for the world to change? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPOBMzMTP4U ECAS/HRE NSF-Supported WV Watershed Dynamics Project http://www.wvscience.org/wvwatershed/ >>> Jim Rye 6/3/2009 11:12 AM >>> Dear Editor, Is there one technology that YOU could use to lose/keep off unhealthy amounts of body fat, improve your mental health, save money, reduce traffic congestion, decrease your carbon/ecological footprint, and feel good about being more physically fit and helping our country reduce its dependence on foreign oil? Yes: the BICYCLE. In response to the DP announcement (5/12/09) of May 11-15 "Bike to Work Week" Morgantown events, 25 area residents planned to bike commute to work at least twice (and most, daily) during that week. Distances ranged from 2 to 28 miles for the daily commute and 4 to 80 miles for the entire week. Over the entire week, this group planned to bike commute to work 826 miles, which would result in: saving approximately 41 gallons of gasoline (by leaving their cars at home); reducing carbon dioxide auto emissions by 826 lbs; and burning almost 24,000 additional food Calories, equal to what are found in about 7 lbs of body fat. At http://wecan.wvu.edu/biketowork , you can download an "advanced log" that will estimate your own statistics based on the distances that you bicycle commute. WE CAN make a difference! Consider this: If our group maintained this bicycle commuting for a full year, it would conserve over 2,100 gallons of gasoline and reduce carbon dioxide auto emissions by over 21 tons. What if our group size of bicycle commuters increased from 25 to 250? Over a year, we'd save over 21,000 gallons of gasoline and reduce auto carbon dioxide emissions by 210 tons. WEIGHT, THERE'S MORE...about those Calories in the 7 lb of adipose tissue burned by our bicycle commuters. Over a year, this is the equivalent of over 14 lb per person. Over 5 years, this type of healthy behavior could prevent the gain or facilitate the loss of almost 70 lb in an individual. Oh...in case you think you're too old: Our commuters were far from "spring chickens," with over 30% in the 50-70 year old range. Over 60% of the participants now plan to bicycle commute to work more frequently. Here's more of what they told us: "I enjoyed every bit of commuting last week. I usually commute 2-3 times a week by bike, but last week I made it all five days. Bike-To-Work week motivated me...and I will try to do this more!" "Having a designated week reminds people to give it a try and it lets them know how easy it is." "Every week is bike to work week." Imagine a Morgantown with little traffic congestion during rush hours, better air quality, a healthier citizenry, more green space...the bicycle really is a magnificent piece of technology to solve much of what ails us. WE CAN! Please, become an advocate for bicycling as a means of local transportation, if for no other reason, so we don't continue to "Pave [our children's] paradise, put up a parking lot" -Joni Mitchell. -Jim Rye 692-0982 or 293-4416

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Trail closure
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Jun '09

02 Jun '09

Bicycle Board Members, Thanks for your responses concerning MUB closing the trail to install a sewer pipe. As usual, the Traffic Commission meets the day before we meet. I usually deliver a written report. I'm working on that and probably won't complete it until late tonight. In the meantime, with your concurrence, I would like to include the attached with the report. Please let me know what you think ASAP. I tried to include your comments on the subject. I will also send you the complete report when I complete it. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Fwd: FW: NYTimes.com: Bike Messenger
by Jim Rye 02 Jun '09

02 Jun '09

BOOKS / SUNDAY BOOK REVIEW | May 31, 2009 Bike <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/books/review/Byrne-t.html?emc=eta1> Messenger By DAVID BYRNE An argument for commuters to ditch the car in favor of the bicycle, for the sake of cities and health alike. <http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/misc/spacer.gif> <http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/misc/spacer.gif> Copyright <http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/copyright.html> 2009 The New York Times Company <http://www.nytco.com/> | Privacy <http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/privacy.html> Policy <http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/misc/spacer.gif> <http://www.nytimes.com/adx/bin/adx_remote.html?type=noscript&page=emailthis .nytimes.com/openrate&posall=Bottom1&pos=Bottom1&query=qstring&keywords=>

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BB members in the news
by Frank Gmeindl 01 Jun '09

01 Jun '09

Betsy and gunnar on the Front page of VeloNews: http://velonews.com/article/92650/bishop-outfoxes-a-small-group-in-the-fina… Frank

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Next week's Bicycle Board meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 31 May '09

31 May '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please reply ASAP with any recommended agenda items for our next Thursday, 6/4 meeting. Attached is a preliminary draft. With your reply, please include the desired outcome of your topic and the amount of time that you estimate to achieve the desired outcome. Also, kudos to Chip for making a mock up of the post-and-loop bicycle parking device and kudos to Chip, Derek, gunnar and Marilyn for taking photos of each and every downtown bicycle parking space and getting them up on the City's web site: http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board-documents/tm/index.htm . Please contact Chip if you have any comments on the racks or their locations. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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[Fwd: RE: rail trail closed for a year?]
by Frank Gmeindl 30 May '09

30 May '09

Bicycle Board, What, if anything, does the Bicycle Board want to do about this? Closing the rail-trail between Deckers Creek and the Star City bridge for a year to install a second sewer line. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: rail trail closed for a year? Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 10:42:47 -0400 From: Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> To: Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net>,<wileya120(a)gmail.com>, 'Robert Anderson' <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, 'Bill Reger-Nash' <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu> CC: Mark Wise <mwise(a)BOPARC.org>, Daniel Boroff <dboroff(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, <ella(a)montrails.org>,Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net>, Jon Weems <jweems(a)wvu.edu> References: <4A1B9F9A02000013008C0CFF(a)newgwia.hsc.wvu.edu> <D602B22211244ACE9DC5DB24C73F01B8@donhome> Thank you for the update, Don. I look forward to discussion of this matter, hopefully with BOPARC, MUB, and Arboretum representatives at the next Pedestrian Safety Board meeting, Monday June 8 4-5:30 at the Public Safety Building. I think the Board should get accurate project information before making any public comment. Have fun. Be active. Christiaan >>> "Don Spencer" <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> 5/28/2009 10:30 AM >>> Hi, All - Just to bring you up to date on this issue a bit...City Council is requesting that there be a community meeting on this issue sometime during the month of June. It will be important that Christiaan's views and the views of others on how the construction plan should be formulated can be expressed and perhaps discussed. I suspect that the date for the meeting will be announced on by June 2 at the Council meeting. Also, MUB announced that coordination of some concerns about the trail will be handled by BOPARC. It is hoped that BOPARC will put together a meeting to discuss trail construction which will include the MRTC, the WVU Arboretum, as well as the Pedestrian Safety Board and perhaps the Bicycle Board as well. Don -----Original Message----- From: Robert Anderson [mailto:randerson@hsc.wvu.edu] Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 7:52 AM To: wileya120(a)gmail.com; Bill Reger-Nash; Christiaan Abildso Cc: dspencer36(a)comcast.net; ella(a)montrails.org Subject: Re: rail trail closed for a year? I am in Chas today and tomorrow so I will miss tonight as well. Christiaan has a great point, namely that shutting down the entire length of trail for a year is not acceptable. Instead, one section at a time. Just like is done when a road has to be repaired or expanded. Bob Robert H. Anderson Deputy Director Prevention Research Center PO Box 9190 3820 HSC South West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 26506 304-293-1828 304-293-8624 (fax) 304-376-5299 (cell) >>> "Christiaan Abildso" <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> 05/25/09 10:36 PM >>> Sorry all, have an afternoon meeting in Charleston tomorrow so I probably won't be back in time. I do not have a formal letter, but I suggest we ask MUB to approach the trail improvements as if they are working on a road...working one section at a time and offering detours. For example, work on the following segments with detours: 1) Decker's Creek to Stansbury with a detour out to Beechurst and back on behind Stansbury 2) Stansbury to 8th St...again detour out onto Beechurst 3) 8th St to Arb service entrance...detour to service road along river? Bill suggested this may be a possibility with funds for crushed stone??? 4) Arb service road to Star City sewage treatment plant...again, service road usable? Nothing formal yet, but that's my initial thought for discussion of feasibility. Let's treat the trail as if it's a road...not revolutionary, but beneficial for the community. I'm including Ella. I'm sure she's interested/better informed than we are. Christiaan >>> Angela Wiley <wileya120(a)gmail.com> 5/25/2009 9:53 PM >>> I know Don will obviously be there tomorrow; but I think I am free -- so I will try and attend in order to represent us. Christiaan -- if you typed something up to send by now, could you forward it to me, so I have consistent talking points? Or maybe I'll see you there! Let me know. On Mon, May 25, 2009 at 4:07 PM, Bill Reger-Nash <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu> wrote: > Don, > > As always, I appreciate your input. Thank you. > > I appreciate that this is an important and major project for the community, > but there is a service road (between the trail and the river) that might be > put into service during the rail trail down time. > > Bill > > > > WV Walks - 30 minutes or more daily > Feel the power of half an hour! > > Bill Reger-Nash, Ed.D > Professor of Community Medicine > West Virginia University School of Medicine > Morgantown WV 26506-9190 > Phone: 304/293-0763 > Fax: 304/293-6685 > > Dept. web page: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed > BRN's web page: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/wreger/ > > > > > >>> "Don Spencer" <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> 5/25/2009 12:35 AM >>> > Bill - The MUB planning will be discussed at City council on Tuesday, May > 26. The information that I have received on the trail closing thus far is > even more disturbing than what Jon has reported. I am sure that there will > be some negotiation in the planning which will result from the City Council > Review. This is a major project for the community. > > Don > > -----Original Message----- > From: Bill Reger-Nash [mailto:wreger@hsc.wvu.edu] > Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 10:25 AM > To: dspencer36(a)comcast.net; Angela Wiley; Robert Anderson; Christiaan > Abildso > Subject: Re: Fwd: railtrail closed for a year? > > Christiaan et al, > > I suggest we invite MUB and Boparc to our June meet to discuss this issue. > They are scheduled to begin on Jan 1, 2010 and finish by Dec 31, 2010. > > There is a service road between the rail trail and the river. Perhaps that > could be covered roughly with fine gravel. > > Bill > > WV Walks - 30 minutes or more daily > Feel the power of half an hour! > > Bill Reger-Nash, Ed.D > Professor of Community Medicine > West Virginia University School of Medicine > Morgantown WV 26506-9190 > Phone: 304/293-0763 > Fax: 304/293-6685 > > Dept. web page: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed > BRN's web page: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/wreger/ > > > > > >>> "Christiaan Abildso" <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> 5/22/2009 10:13 > AM >>> > All - > I'm going to craft a response that I hope will stimulate a discussion with > us, the Bike Board, MUB & the Arb. > > Events that will be affected: Moutaineer Triathlon, Sprint Splash & Spin > Triathlon, Twilight 5-miler...they all use that section of the trail. > > >>> "Robert Anderson" <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu> 5/22/2009 9:08 AM >>> > Very bad. For some people near one end or the other they can manage, if not > as well as they like. But for many, many others, this ruins things for > them. > What is the position of the rail trail people. Does MUB have the legal > authority to do this without getting anyone's OK? > > >>> Bill Reger-Nash 5/21/2009 4:03 PM >>> > The following message comes from Jon Weems of the WVU Arboretum. It > appears > to me that pedestrian advocates should express displeasure for this > proposed > lack of accommodation. If they were to close a street down for a year, ... > well, it just would never happen. > > Bill > > > > >Subject: Arboretum sewer line > >Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 10:19:52 -0400 > >From: "Jonathan Weems" <Jonathan.Weems(a)mail.wvu.edu> > > > >I met with three MUB engineers this Monday and learned more about > >the new sewer line going through the Arboretum. It will be a 36 inch > >diameter pressure line, installed along the ditch line on the uphill > >side of the rail-trail. It will supplement but not replace the old > >gravity line along the downhill side of the rail-trail. > > > >This is to be built with stimulus money during the calendar year > >2010. The rail-trail will be closed from Decker's Creek to the > >sewage treatment plant by the Star City bridge for the year. After > >the sewer line is complete MUB will repave the rail-trail, widening > >it to 12 feet where possible and installing some paved turnouts on > >the downhill side of the rail-trail. The turnouts will be places > >where folks can get out of the flow (sorry, accidental bad pun) if > >they want to stop for a while. > > > >This new line will be well within the old railroad right-of-way and > >also within the MEA power line right-of-way. It will be within the > >area the railroad used to brush-hog and spray with herbicides. Lots > >of saplings, a few trees up to 6 inches in diameter, and no larger > >trees will need to be removed. > > > >I told the engineers I didn't know of any current research projects > >that would be disturbed by the work planned. They said they thought > >they would be able to keep the three Arboretum trail crossings (of > >the rail-trail) open during construction. We all identified the flat > >place below the old landslide as an obvious spot for a turnout. I > >also suggested one near the bottom of the Service Road where the > >bike rack is located. Some turnouts outside the Arboretum will be > >landscaped, but evidently not within the Arboretum. I said we > >wouldn't want exotic plants used in any event. > > > >Overall, I see this sewer line construction as a major disruption > >for rail-trail users but less of a disruption for Arboretum > >visitors. If we get a turnout with benches and a bike rack at the > >bottom of the Service Road I think we should install an interpretive > >sign inviting rail-trailers to explore Arboretum trails on foot. > > > >They agreed we should have an on-site meeting later this year, once > >detailed specs have been developed and locations staked out. > > > >This is a rush job, the time line driven by the stimulus money. If > >we have major concerns or suggestions it would be good to > >communicate them early on. > > > >Thank you, > > > > > > > >Jon Weems > > > >Arboretum Specialist > >WVU Department of Biology > >Morgantown, WV 26506-6057 > > > >304-293-5201 ext. 31547 > > > >jweems(a)wvu.edu > >

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Bike Board Resignation
by John Lozier 30 May '09

30 May '09

All, I want to congratulate Frank and all of you for the fine work that has been done by the Bike Board. Also, as I announced at our last meeting, I must resign from the board. I will of course continue to walk, bike, and advocate for transportation alternatives here in Morgantown. Specifically, I will be involved in Uphill Struggle again, set for August 8, under the umbrella of Bill Reger-Nash's "Year of Active Transport. I hope Bike Board will help to encourage this event. Thanks for all the work you are doing. John Lozier "It's an UPHILL STRUGGLE to get folks to think of bikes as TRANSPORTATION"

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: FW: NYTimes.com: Bike Messenger
by director 30 May '09

30 May '09

Jim, Thanks for the tip. We actually have this book on the reading rack at Positive Spin if anyone wants to look at it. We also have the book "Human Powered Home" showing how to make various pedal-powered machines, generators, etc. Anyone can stop by any time to check them out (M-S 9-5 call first though). Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Jim Rye" <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu> Date: Sat, 30 May 2009 09:26:39 -0400 >BOOKS / SUNDAY BOOK REVIEW | May 31, 2009 >Bike <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/books/review/Byrne-t.html?emc=eta1> >Messenger >By DAVID BYRNE >An argument for commuters to ditch the car in favor of the bicycle, for the >sake of cities and health alike. > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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WVU Biking/Walking Brochure
by Frank Gmeindl 30 May '09

30 May '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please Reply-All with your recommendations for the attached draft brouchure that Hugh Kierig sent me for use at student orientation, transportation week, employee functions, and fall move in regarding biking and walking. Please review, edit, and make any suggestions that would be helpful. It is a three fold that they are planning. Hugh would like to include some connecting web sites that promote both modes. Also, there is a section for preferred walking and biking routes that they need some guidance on so any information would be helpful. I ask you to Reply-All to to Reply-All to perhaps incite some synergy and creativity as well as links and preferred bicycle routes. Thanks for any help that you can give. On behalf of Hugh, Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Re: [Bikeboard] [Fwd: WVU Biking/Walking Brochure]
by director 30 May '09

30 May '09

Frank, Thanks for passing this on. I would suggest taking a look at the Positive Spin tri-fold brochures for some additional information. They are at these links: http://www.positivespin.org/PS_LawBrochure.pdf - Morgantown and WV bike law (includes advice to drivers for sharing the road safely) http://www.positivespin.org/PS_EconBrochure.pdf - economic and health benefits of bicycling (and walking) Thanks. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 17:42:44 -0400 > > >-------- Original Message -------- >Subject: WVU Biking/Walking Brochure >Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 07:54:11 -0400 >From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> >To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> > > > >Bicycle Board Members, > >Please Reply-All with your recommendations for the attached draft >brouchure that Hugh Kierig sent me for use at student orientation, >transportation week, employee functions, and fall move in regarding >biking and walking. Please review, edit, and make any suggestions that >would be helpful. It is a three fold that they are planning. > >Hugh would like to include some connecting web sites that promote both >modes. Also, there is a section for preferred walking and biking routes >that they need some guidance on so any information would be helpful. > >I ask you to Reply-All to to Reply-All to perhaps incite some synergy >and creativity as well as links and preferred bicycle routes. > >Thanks for any help that you can give. > >On behalf of Hugh, > >Frank >/Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Results of Bike to Work Week, Morgantown
by Jim Rye 29 May '09

29 May '09

BIKE TO WORK WEEK, MORGANTOWN "WE CAN" was the response from 25 Morgantown area employees who planned to bike commute to work at least twice (and most, daily) during the week of May 11-15. Distances ranged from 2 to 28 miles for the daily commute and 4 to 80 miles for the entire week. Over the entire week, this group planned to bike commute to work 826 miles, which would result in: -saving approximately 41 gallons of gasoline (by leaving their cars at home) -reducing carbon dioxide auto emissions by 826 lbs -burning almost 24,000 additional food Calories, equal to what are found in about 7 lbs of body fat "CAN WE" make a difference? You bet. Consider this: -If our group maintained this bicycle commuting for a full year, this would conserve over 2,100 gallons of gasoline and reduce carbon dioxide auto emissions by over 21 tons. -What if our group size increase of bicycle commuters increased from 25 to 250? Over a year, we'd save over 21,000 gallons of gasoline and 210 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. WEIGHT, THERE'S MORE...about those Calories in the 7 lb of adipose tissue burned by our WE CAN commuters: -Over a year, this is the equivalent of over 14 lb per person. -Over 5 years, this type of healthy behavior could prevent the gain or facilitate the loss of almost 70 lb in an individual. Oh...in case you think you're too old: Our WE CAN commuters were far from "spring chickens," with over 30% in the 50-70 year old range. Over 60% of the participants now plan to bicycle commute to work more frequently. Here's some of what they told us: "Would love more events to educate bikers and drivers about proper use of the roads." "I enjoyed every bit of commuting last week. I usually commute 2-3 times a week by bike, but last week I made it all five days. Bike-To-Work week motivated me...and I will try to do this more!" "Having a designated week reminds people to give it a try and it lets them know how easy it is. I think people feel more comfortable biking to work if others are as well!" "It would probably be good to promote an event like this again in the fall promoting active transportation for the students as well." -"I would like to see WVU require parking tags for all parking areas and only issue these tags to students who live further than 3 miles to either campus (or with a legitimate medical waiver)....there would be a tremendous decrease in traffic congestion in Morgantown and much greater use of public transit, walking, PRT and cycling." "Every week is bike to work week. Solve the traffic problem by parking your car and biking everywhere"... ...and if so, imagine a Morgantown with little traffic congestion during "rush hour," better air quality, a healthier citizenry...the bicycle really IS a magnificent piece of technology to solve much of what ails us! Jim Rye Professor Science Education Dept C&I/LS College of Human Resources & Education West Virginia University PO Box 6122 604L Allen Hall Morgantown, WV 26506-6122 Phone: (304) 293-4416 Fax: (304) 293-3802 Email: jim.rye(a)mail.wvu.edu Web Page: http://depts.hre.wvu.edu/c&ils/currinst/rye.html Are YOU waitin' for the world to change? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPOBMzMTP4U ECAS/HRE NSF-Supported WV Watershed Dynamics Project http://www.wvscience.org/wvwatershed/

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Re: [Bikeboard] WVU Biking/Walking Brochure
by Chip Wamsley 28 May '09

28 May '09

---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 07:54:11 -0400 Hey folks, Lots of good generic info, but what is the policy for keeping bikes at the dorms? I get that question at the shop from lots of prospective students. The benefits for being green and being healthier are true everywhere, but in Morgantown with our congested traffic "bikes are faster than cars". In the early 70's, a shop I was affiliated with and a local radio station had a race from the Evansdale campus to the downtown campus on a Friday afternoon and the bike won. Chip Wamsley >Bicycle Board Members, > >Please Reply-All with your recommendations for the attached draft >brouchure that Hugh Kierig sent me for use at student orientation, >transportation week, employee functions, and fall move in regarding >biking and walking. Please review, edit, and make any suggestions that >would be helpful. It is a three fold that they are planning. > >Hugh would like to include some connecting web sites that promote both >modes. Also, there is a section for preferred walking and biking routes >that they need some guidance on so any information would be helpful. > >I ask you to Reply-All to to Reply-All to perhaps incite some synergy >and creativity as well as links and preferred bicycle routes. > >Thanks for any help that you can give. > >On behalf of Hugh, > >Frank >/Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > >

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Fwd: Bike to work week - How employers can help
by Jim Rye 19 May '09

19 May '09

Dear All, Thanks very much for your help with our Bike to Work week efforts http://wecan.wvu.edu/biketowork . I am hoping that last week was just the beginning of a sustained effort (e.g., see url below) to realize "Morgantown as a bicycle commuter city" http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/05/biking-to-work-day-how-to-tips-get-… BICYCLE COMMUTER BENEFITS ACT: I recently learned from Nick Hein about one strategy that WVU and other employers could adopt towards sustaining the bike to work effort: Effective January 1, 2009, commuter cyclists can be reimbursed by their employers $20 per month as part of the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act signed into law October 2008. See http://bicycling.about.com/od/advocacy/tp/bike_commuter_benefit.htm COULD WVU BE THE FIRST MORGANTOWN EMPLOYER TO PUT THIS IN ACTION? Jim Rye Professor Science Education Dept C&I/LS College of Human Resources & Education West Virginia University PO Box 6122 604L Allen Hall Morgantown, WV 26506-6122 Phone: (304) 293-4416 Fax: (304) 293-3802 Email: jim.rye(a)mail.wvu.edu Web Page: http://depts.hre.wvu.edu/c&ils/currinst/rye.html Are YOU waitin' for the world to change? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPOBMzMTP4U ECAS/HRE NSF-Supported WV Watershed Dynamics Project http://www.wvscience.org/wvwatershed/ >>> "director" <director(a)positivespin.org> 5/18/2009 6:14 PM >>> Jim, Employers can take a $20/mo tax credit for each commuter cyclist, and pass it on to the employee if they choose. It can be administered through the HR dept, or through a subcontractor (like CommuteCheck, about whom I sent earlier messages). Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Jim Rye" <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu> Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 16:18:27 -0400 >Nick, thanks. I do! What do you know about this (clipped from what you >just sent), as it sounds also like a great wellness incentive: > > *Show Us the Money: It also can't hurt to offer financial incentives >for ditching driving. Employers can institute the recently adopted >monthly $20 tax rebate for cyclists, or go further.*???? > > > > > >>>> "director" <director(a)positivespin.org> 5/14/2009 10:10 PM >>> >Jim, >I just read this on TreeHugger, thought you'd like it. >http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/05/how-to-create-bike-friendly-office-… > > >Nick > > >-- >Nick Hein LCI# 1705 >Director, Positive Spin >2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L >Morgantown, WV >ph 304-276-0213 >-- > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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May minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 19 May '09

19 May '09

Attached, please find the the minutes of the May BB meeting.

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FW: Bike to work forms....
by Derek Springston 18 May '09

18 May '09

Hey guys, If you biked to work last week in the Morgantown area, here is the online form to fill in for your Bike-To-Work week mileage. Did anyone else make it every single day? I think it's only open until today, so please get this to your bike commuting friends ASAP!! I'm going to post it on the Mon Bike club site, too. Please forward this on to all of your biking friends who may have commuted last week. The more miles we can report, the better! Post the link below on your forums, facebook, and myspace if possible. Thanks, ~Derek > Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 10:45:25 -0400 > From: Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu > To: guitardeek(a)hotmail.com > Subject: Re: Bike to work forms.... > > Yes, WVU web services is doing that and will send to me tomorrow. pls > note the following and thanks, Derek: > > Folks, The mileage form for bike commuting is open through today > (Monday) for folks who did not get to enter in their commuting mileage > last week. Pls spread the word. Thanks. > http://simpleforms.scripts.wvu.edu/wecan/biketoworkweek > > > >>> Derek Springston <guitardeek(a)hotmail.com> 5/17/2009 10:32 PM >>> > > Hey Jim... > Do you know if anyone is keep track of the Bike-To-work forms? I was > under the understanding that someone would be tallying everyone's miles > for the community, but it wasn't clear on the website. > > ~Derek > > _________________________________________________________________ > Hotmail* goes with you. > http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Mobile?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutoria… _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® has a new way to see what's up with your friends. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/WhatsNew?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutor…

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Re: [Bikeboard] bike to work survey open through MONDAY
by Jim Rye 18 May '09

18 May '09

Folks, The mileage form for bike commuting is open through today (Monday) for folks who did not get to enter in their commuting mileage last week. Pls spread the word. Thanks. http://simpleforms.scripts.wvu.edu/wecan/biketoworkweek >>> Traci Liebig 5/18/2009 8:19 AM >>> Sure. Reopened. >>> Jim Rye 5/16/2009 8:08 AM >>> Traci, can you please make available the survey through Monday. Perhaps some are like me and did not get a chance to enter their miles on friday. Thank you.

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Fwd:How is my commute?
by Jim Rye 15 May '09

15 May '09

An appropriate message to forward on National Bike to Work Day. But bicycle riding is not necessary to take some action on this. Jim Rye Professor and Interim Associate Research Dean College of Human Resources & Education Dept of Curriculum & Instruction/ Literacy Studies West Virginia University PO Box 6122 604 Allen Hall Morgantown, WV 26506-6122 jim.rye(a)mail.wvu.edu Cell: (304) 692-0982 Phone: (304) 293-4416 Fax: (304) 293-3802 Are YOU waitin' for the world to change? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPOBMzMTP4U >>> "Ilana Preuss, Transportation for America" <info(a)t4america.org> 5/15/2009 9:25 AM >>> Dear james, It's okay. You can say it. "My commute sucks." Feel a little better already, don't you? There's more relief where that came from - at our new website, http://www.MyCommuteSucks.org. Look, with see-sawing gas prices, crazy crowded streets, and noxious fumes - who would love their commute? We're breaking out from the mold a bit on this one, we know. But we think it's worth it to give Americans all over the country - in big cities, small towns, and everything in between - a chance to let it all out and tell Congress exactly what we feel. Visit our new website at http://www.MyCommuteSucks.org and tell Congress: "My commute sucks and it's not getting any better. Stop pouring billions into a broken system. Transportation shouldn't be an expensive, dirty burden. Fix it, clean it, make it work!" At http://www.MyCommuteSucks.org, you can get in touch with Congress, vent your daily frustrations, upload photos and video, read and rate the stories of other troubled commuters, and learn more about how the transportation policy they cook up in Washington affects the lives of so many millions of people, whether they drive, ride, or walk their way to work, school, appointments, and life. Letting it all out is the first step to changing the system...getting personal with Congress comes next. Rage against your ride, then help us turn the tide! Sincerely, Ilana Preuss Outreach and Field Director Transportation for America P.S. You can let it all out while you're on the go, too. If you're a Twitter user, just include #mycommutesucks in your rage-filled tweets. We'll stream them live on our homepage!

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Bike to Work article on TreeHugger
by director 14 May '09

14 May '09

Good evening, Check this out from today's TreeHugger. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/05/biking-to-work-day-how-to-tips-get-… Nick -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Re: [Bikeboard] Bike to Work article
by director 14 May '09

14 May '09

John, Thanks! I've added that link under "Local Media" in the Positive Spin website. If anyone else has local stories about Bike to Work Week please send them to me and I'll add those too. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: John Lozier <jl(a)harpingforharmony.org> Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 09:07:09 -0400 >http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp? >Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOS8wNS8xMiNBcjAwOTAw&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom > >On May 13, 2009, at 10:12 PM, director wrote: > >> John, >> Can you make a link to the DP article about Bike to Work week so I >> can put it on the Positive Spin web page? >> >> Thanks. >> Nick >> >> >> -- >> Nick Hein LCI# 1705 >> Director, Positive Spin >> 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L >> Morgantown, WV >> ph 304-276-0213 >> --<Bike to Work Article.docx> > >John Lozier, Executive Director >Harping for Harmony Foundation >345 Virginia Avenue >Morgantown, WV 26505 >304 599 8233 >http://www.harpingforharmony.org >Harmony and Community, Locally and Globally, through Harp Music > > > > > > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Fwd: April minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 14 May '09

14 May '09

Please enjoy the attached minutes from the April meeting. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Shogren, Elizabeth (CDC/NIOSH/DRDS) <edz4(a)cdc.gov> Date: Thu, Apr 23, 2009 at 11:39 AM Subject: April minutes To: Elizabeth Shogren <elizabeth.schauer(a)gmail.com>

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Bicycle Parking Spreadsheet...
by Derek Springston 12 May '09

12 May '09

Hey guys, Here is the Bicycle Parking spreadsheet I promised last night. Please take a look at it and suggest other racks that you may know of. Of course, if you happen to be out and have a GPS unit, get some points for me! However, just a verbal description would be great, too!! ~Derek _________________________________________________________________ Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutor…

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Re: [Bikeboard] FWD: Encourage A Healthy Life Style In Your Employees - Offer the Commuter Check for Bicycling
by Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board 11 May '09

11 May '09

Thanks for the information Nick and Jim. I've looked at the text in the federal bill and I believe that an individual employer must decide to offer the $20 credit as a commuter benefit. I don't have the text of the bill in front of me, but that is how I remember it. We should all be lobbying our employers to offer the bike commuting incentive! Christiaan Walk 30 minutes a day! Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board Christiaan Abildso, Chair Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair Angela Wiley, Secretary ________________________________ From: director <director(a)positivespin.org> To: bikeboard(a)cheat.org; Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org>; Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net>; John Gaddis <jgaddis(a)gaddisconsulting.com>; Dwight Harshbarger <dwight.harshbarger(a)gmail.com>; Sarah Bias <sarahbias(a)gmail.com>; Tom Bias <tombias(a)gmail.com>; Angela Wiley <wileya120(a)gmail.com>; Matt Cross <crossnyc(a)hotmail.com>; Jenny Selin <jselin(a)hotmail.com>; Ilana Chertok <ichertok(a)hsc.wvu.edu>; Martha Summers <msummers(a)hsc.wvu.edu>; Bob Anderson <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu>; Bill Reger-Nash <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu>; Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>; Gabe Nardi <GANardi(a)mail.wvu.edu>; Hugh Kierig <Hugh.Kierig(a)mail.wvu.edu>; Stanley Cohen <Stanley.Cohen(a)mail.wvu.edu>; Jon Bond <jbond3(a)mix.wvu.edu>; Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org>; Nick Hein <info(a)positivespin.org>; Jim Hunt <jimhunt(a)sunnysideupwv.org>; George Lilley <mgranlil(a)verizon.net>; Susan Eason <susanchris(a)verizon.net>; Dave Harshbarger <harshbargerd(a)wvuh.com>; Jimmie Simmons <Jsimmons2642(a)yahoo.com>; Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, May 8, 2009 1:20:21 PM Subject: FWD: Encourage A Healthy Life Style In Your Employees - Offer the Commuter Check for Bicycling Good afternoon, I received this email yesterday, this may be something to circulate to employers. It appears that you sign up and they handle all of the red tape to make sure that bike commuters get at least $20/month for reducing transportation costs. In case the graphics don't come through you can read the information at this link... http://www.commutercheck.com/employers/cco.aspx Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Commuter Check" <Commuter_Check(a)mail.vresp.com> Reply-To: "Commuter Check" <reply-a7eb991577-71fc980bf3-d107(a)u.cts.vresp.com> Date: Tue, 05 May 2009 15:15:33 +0000 Commuter Check for Bicycling Help your employees help the environment just by riding their bicycle to work. Bicycling to work is good for your employees because they: â€¢ Are generally healthier and take less sick time â€¢ Arrive on time and are not as frazzled by morning traffic jams â€¢ Begin their day more alert and productive from early morning exercise Bicycling to work is good for your business because: â€¢ Less parking required â€¢ Overall savings on long-term health benefits â€¢ Good for corporate social responsibility The Commuter Check for Bicycling is Endorsed by the League of American Bicyclist. The Commuter Check for Bicycling program supports the expansion of the Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit - IRS Tax Code Section 132(f) â€“ that allows employers to offer as a subsidy of $20.00 per month to their employees who ride their bicycles to work to pay for bicycle commuting costs. Bicycle commuting costs include the cost of bicycles, bicycling equipment, accessories, and bicycle storage costs. Today, businesses nationwide are making a positive impact for their employees, the environment, and their bottom line. Join the Revolution! Offer your Employees the Commuter Check for Bicycling Today! www.commutercheck..com [http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AccorServicesUSA/a7eb991577/71fc980bf3/c929d27e36] 1.800.531.2828Â Â Â |Â Â Â Accor Services USAÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 51 Water Street Watertown, MA 02472 ______________________________________________________________________ If you no longer wish to receive these emails, simply click on the following link: http://cts.vresp.com/u?a7eb991577/71fc980bf3/mlpftw ______________________________________________________________________ Click below to forward this email to a friend: http://oi.vresp.com/f2af/v4/send_to_friend.html?ch=a7eb991577&lid=147150508… ______________________________________________________________________ This message was sent by Commuter Check using VerticalResponse Accor Services USA 51 Water Street Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy: http://www.verticalresponse.com/content/pm_policy.html -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Fwd: Bike to Work Web site; Participation
by Jim Rye 09 May '09

09 May '09

Hi Jonathan, I think you are the moderator? Anyway, I received an email stating that it was waiting for the moderator to release this. Also, my work email constantly spams material from the bike board. Can you add in my other email and drop the jim.rye(a)mail.wvu.edu. My other email is jimrye_adelphia1(a)comcast.net Thanks very much Jim Rye Professor and Interim Associate Research Dean College of Human Resources & Education Dept of Curriculum & Instruction/ Literacy Studies West Virginia University PO Box 6122 604 Allen Hall Morgantown, WV 26506-6122 jim.rye(a)mail.wvu.edu Cell: (304) 692-0982 Phone: (304) 293-4416 Fax: (304) 293-3802 Are YOU waitin' for the world to change? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPOBMzMTP4U >>> "Jim Rye" <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu> 5/8/2009 10:50 AM >>> ** High Priority ** Dear All: Here is our link for Bike to Work week: http://wecan.wvu.edu/biketowork (Some last minute corrections are in process) Note especially near the bottom: JOIN THE FUN. There will be a link that becomes active NEXT Friday for bike commuters to enter their commuting mileage. If you commute by bicycle to work at all, PLEASE enter your mileage (even if you only commute on one day). If you have access to a listserv and can forward this information and encourage participation, that would be great!!! _______________________________________________ Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard(a)cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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Re: [Bikeboard] Bike to Work Web site; Participation
by director 08 May '09

08 May '09

Jim, et al, I've also forwarded the link to the League's website for inclusion on their list of resources and events. Notably, Morgantown has the ONLY entries for WV. Last week I was called by the Center for Disease Control about it, they wanted to direct their Morgantown employees to it as part of their corporate wellness initiative. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Jim Rye" <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu> Date: Fri, 08 May 2009 10:50:18 -0400 >** High Priority ** > >Dear All: Here is our link for Bike to Work week: http://wecan.wvu.edu/biketowork (Some last minute corrections are in process) > >Note especially near the bottom: JOIN THE FUN. There will be a link that becomes active NEXT Friday for bike commuters to enter their commuting mileage. If you commute by bicycle to work at all, PLEASE enter your mileage (even if you only commute on one day). > >If you have access to a listserv and can forward this information and encourage participation, that would be great!!! > > > > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Bike to Work Web site; Participation
by Jim Rye 08 May '09

08 May '09

** High Priority ** Dear All: Here is our link for Bike to Work week: http://wecan.wvu.edu/biketowork (Some last minute corrections are in process) Note especially near the bottom: JOIN THE FUN. There will be a link that becomes active NEXT Friday for bike commuters to enter their commuting mileage. If you commute by bicycle to work at all, PLEASE enter your mileage (even if you only commute on one day). If you have access to a listserv and can forward this information and encourage participation, that would be great!!!

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[Fwd: RE: Agenda for Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting]
by Frank Gmeindl 07 May '09

07 May '09

Bicycle Board Members, I think you will thoroughly enjoy Don Spencer's report of his trip to Portland OR (a platinum level bicycle friendly community) and his photos. Unfortunately, Don will be out of town tonight and not able to attend the bicycle board meeting. After reading his report and looking at his photos, please let me know if you'd like me to arrange a special meeting to discuss these with him. (BTW, the photos are incorrectly labeled "Orlando". That should be "Portland".) Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ / /

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Deadline is tomorrow, 5/7
by Frank Gmeindl 06 May '09

06 May '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please call Alan Mollohan today or tomorrow to support Complete Streets. (After that, it's too late.) In DC: Representative Alan B. Mollohan 2346 Rayburn HOB Washington DC, 20515-4801 Phone: 202-225-4172 Fax: 202-225-7564 www.house.gov/mollohan <http://www.house.gov/mollohan> In Morgantown: Representative Mollohan PO Box 720 Morgantown, WV 26507-0720 Phone: 304-292-3019 *Ask For:* Transportation Staffer *Talking Points:* 1) Talking Points: 2) Ask to speak to the staff person that works on transportation issues. (In DC her name is Julie Aronson.) 3) .Please sign Rep. Tauscher's letter in support of complete streets. Paul Schmid in Tauscher's office is the contact. The deadline to sign is close of business, Thursday, May 7th. 4) .Complete streets policies ensure that the needs of all users of the transportation system--motorists, transit vehicles and riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities-- are taken into account when streets are built or re-built. Over 90 states and communities already have complete streets policies, which are flexible and cost-effective. 5) .Complete streets improve safety, especially for children and older Americans. And if we are serious about ending our dependence on foreign oil, combating climate change, stemming obesity, and revitalizing communities, we need to build roads designed for all users, not just cars. 6) .Complete Streets don't cost more to build; in fact, they generate revenue by increasing property values and promoting economic development. They save money by reducing transportation and healthcare costs. 7) .Please ask for a response by email or mail, which helps ensure that your comment is passed up the chain of command. *Complete Streets Sign On Letter* *TAKE ACTION TODAY!* <http://capwiz.com/lab/utr/1/MUCDKKUKGX/AXCZKKUKUR/3294635591> Take Action! <http://capwiz.com/lab/utr/1/MUCDKKUKGX/AXCZKKUKUR/3294635591> Ask your Representative to support complete streets in the transportation bill Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher from California is circulating a letter (see attached) for members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee to sign in support of Complete Streets. The T&I Committee is currently drafting the new 6-year surface transportation authorization bill, which will fund as much as $500 billion in new transportation projects. Representative Tauscher's letter requests that all projects funded with federal dollars incorporate complete streets principles. It is critical that such a massive investment in transportation infrastructure does not ignore the safety of pedestrians, including children, senior citizens, and disabled persons, as well as patrons of public transportation and bicyclists. *We need as many members of the T&I Committee as possible to sign onto Representative Tauscher's letter! Please call your Member's office TODAY and ask them to sign Representative Tauscher's complete streets letter.* ** * For additional background materials about complete streets download our complete streets bill fact sheet <cid:part1.06040905.01090100@verizon.net>and frequently asked questions <cid:part2.05030104.08040702@verizon.net>. * Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Agenda for Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 05 May '09

05 May '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached, 3 files: 1. The agenda for this Thursday's Bicycle Board meeting. 2. The minutes of our April meeting. 3. A report I intend to present to the Traffic Commission tomorrow, Wednesday. (If you want me to make any changes, please use Track Changes and send it back to me ASAP.) See you Thursday. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Agenda for next week's BB meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 28 Apr '09

28 Apr '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please reply before next Sunday night with any items that you want on the agenda for the May 7 Bicycle Board meeting. Attached is a draft agenda. The new items on it with discussion leaders are: 1. New member confirmation Gmeindl 2. GIS Project Springston 3. Downtown Parking Wamsley 4. Bike Route Map Dickerson 5. Education Grant Gmeindl 6. Shared Lane Markings Bedard 7. WV Cycling Symposium Gmeindl If you have an item for the agenda, please also include a description of the desired outcome of discussing it and an amount of time that you think would be required to achieve the desired outcome. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Impeding traffic
by Frank Gmeindl 27 Apr '09

27 Apr '09

Bob Mionske's article, bicycling.com <http://bicycling.com>: http://bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-3-583-19000-1-P,00.html makes interesting reading about impeding traffic, riding two abreast and the challenge that some communities must have in educating police about cyclists rights and the law. I also think it's important to recognize what Mionske says: "Gaining the right to the road was the cycling cause of the late nineteenth century; securing that right will be the cycling cause of the early twenty-first century." Here's Mionske's article for those who hate to go to links only to find that there's nothing there worth reading. Frank *************************************************************************************** Road Rights: The Right to Disobey Cops What do you do when you know your area's bike laws, but the police don't? By Bob Mionske A few months ago, I received a phone call from a cyclist with an incredible story about an incident in Lawrence County, Ohio. Because the cyclist-a guy named Tony Patrick-was in need of an attorney, I hooked him up with Steve Magas, a contributing author to Bicycling & the Law, and a well-known bicycling attorney in Ohio. After hearing Tony's story, Steve took his case. More about that later; first, let me tell you about Tony. Weekdays, Tony runs his small construction company in Huntington, West Virginia. Weeknights, and weekends, Tony, a Cat 2 racer, can often be found hanging out at Jeff's Bike Shop-that is, when he's not out on a training ride, or racing. And that's not unusual; Jeff's Bike Shop is the center of a vibrant racing scene in Huntington, the second-largest city in West Virginia, and the home of Marshall University. That racing scene means regular training rides, all of which start out and end up at Jeff's. There's a ride every other day, each geared to a different set of riders, but the real hammerfest is the Tuesday night ride. That's the ride where the locals try, as Tony puts it, to hurt each other over the course of a 23-34 mile route that takes them across the Ohio River, into the back roads of southern Ohio, before looping back across the river into Huntington. And that's how Tony found himself just outside of Chesapeake, Ohio, one Tuesday night in August of 2008, heading into town to take the bridge back across to Huntington. Tony was riding with "Ryan," a then-16 year old nationally-ranked racer with a 4.2 GPA. ["Ryan" is a pseudonym; I've concealed his identity because he's a minor.] That night, Tony and Ryan were a little tired from a hard training ride the night before, so they decided to take the shorter route. Thus, as they headed into Chesapeake, they were separated from the peloton. Just outside the town limits, they passed the library. Exactly what happened from this point forward is the subject of dispute. Both Tony and Ryan say they were the only two people on the road. But they weren't alone-in the library parking lot was a Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputy. Over the course of several interviews for this story, Tony and Ryan told their side of what happened. The Deputy's account of what happened is contained in his written report of his encounter with the two cyclists, and in his later testimony at a hearing before a judge, nearly five months after the events that occurred on that August evening. Tony and Ryan both say that they saw a Sheriff's car in the parking lot, but did not see anybody in the parking lot. The Deputy had a different story to tell; in both his written report, and his later testimony before a judge, he said that when he first encountered Tony and Ryan, he was approaching them while traveling in the same direction; they were riding two abreast. He noticed that there were two or more vehicles following behind him. He reported following the two cyclists at a speed of about 5-10 miles per hour for about three-fourths of a mile before it was safe to pass them. He later testified that as he passed the cyclists, Tony smiled at him; he testified that he shook his head "no" at Tony, and then, after he had passed the two cyclists, watched in his rearview mirror to see whether the two cyclists went single file, or if the other cars were able to pass despite their riding two abreast. Seeing that neither was the case, he pulled ahead, into the library parking lot, intending to speak to the cyclists because they were "impeding traffic." The Deputy reported that he got out of his vehicle, and as the cyclists approached, he told Tony to pull over, and that Tony replied "I have got as much right to the road as anyone else," and continued riding towards town. The Deputy reported that he then got back in his cruiser, hit the lights and sirens, and continued to follow the two cyclists, giving commands over his public address system, and "at times out the window." Tony and Ryan both recall it differently; Ryan recalls that they were riding two abreast, at about 18 - 20 MPH, and had entered the city limits, where the speed limit is 25 MPH. They heard a car approaching; Tony called "car back," and they singled up. As Tony tells it: "We were riding along, and about 300-400 meters beyond the library, this Sheriff's car suddenly pulled up alongside me and the Deputy rolled down his window and said 'You guys shouldn't be riding in the road.' I responded 'We have as much right to be in the road as you do.'" Now, this is where it gets a little complicated. In West Virginia, as in many states, the law unequivocally states that, "Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle...." But in Ohio, there is no similar declaration of a cyclist's rights. Ohio law does define a bicycle as a vehicle, however, and so a cyclist has all the rights applicable to other vehicle operators, even if the law doesn't specifically say so. In other words, Tony and Ryan DID have as much right to be in the road as the Deputy, even if it's not explicitly spelled out in the law. Now, this is where it gets a little complicated. In West Virginia, as in many states, the law unequivocally states that, "Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle...." But in Ohio, there is no similar declaration of a cyclist's rights. Ohio law does define a bicycle as a vehicle, however, and so a cyclist has all the rights applicable to other vehicle operators, even if the law doesn't specifically say so. In other words, Tony and Ryan DID have as much right to be in the road as the Deputy, even if it's not explicitly spelled out in the law. Nevertheless, despite the fact that under Ohio law the two cyclists had a legal right to the road, Tony and Ryan both claim that the Deputy responded to Tony's assertion of that right by yelling "'Get off the f-king road' several times." Months later, at the hearing, when asked whether he had used profanity during his encounter with the cyclists, the Deputy replied "possibly." Both Tony and Ryan claim that the Deputy then attempted to force them off the road with his cruiser; As Ryan recalls: "He was trying to force us off the road with his car, but there was nowhere for us to go. The shoulder was just gravel, and dropped off into a ditch." Both Tony and Ryan say that to keep from being run off the road, Tony quickly pulled ahead while Ryan braked and fell in behind the cruiser. Ryan says that once he was behind the cruiser, the Deputy slammed on his brakes, but Ryan evaded the imminent crash by riding around the cruiser. As Ryan cleared the cruiser, he says the Deputy opened his door and attempted to body-check him, but missed. Ryan caught up with Tony but, significantly, Tony says that Ryan didn't tell him what had just happened; unaware of what had just transpired, Tony continued riding, with Ryan following behind him. Having failed to run the two cyclists off the road, the Deputy got back in his car, and raced ahead. Although he never reported or testified that he attempted to run them off the road, the Deputy did testify that: "At one point, I get in front of them, I tried to put my car up in park to jump out of my car at one of them or something, then they both go around. One goes on this side, the other goes on this side of me. And they continue on up through there." In his written report, the Deputy stated that he pursued the cyclists for almost a mile, and that: "On several occasions the subjects stood up and shaked their butts at me taunting me." Asked about this, Tony confirms that on occasion, they were standing on their pedals, and that the Deputy misinterpreted this as taunting. That misunderstanding aside, the Deputy's observation that the cyclists were standing on their pedals brings into doubt his observation that they were traveling at 5-10 MPH. And in fact, as will be seen, the Deputy's own later testimony would contradict his reported estimation of the cyclists' speed. According to Tony, after the Deputy failed to force them off the road, he raced ahead to the cyclists, and as he caught up with them, hit his lights; he pulled to their right, in the parking lane, and with a profanity-laced tirade, yelled that the two cyclists were under arrest. Tony asked incredulously "What? What are you talking about?" Despite what he felt was a baffling outburst from the Deputy, Tony says that he wanted to pull over, but the Sheriff's cruiser was between him and the shoulder of the road. At this point, according to Ryan, the Deputy raced ahead 300 meters, swung his cruiser around sideways across the lane, partway into an auto sales lot, got out, and assumed a firing stance. Ryan claims that as the two cyclists approached, the Deputy yelled out, "Stop, or I'll shoot." With the Deputy in a shooting stance, the situation was getting dangerously out of control, so Tony says that he and Ryan rode up to the Deputy, intending to stop as he had ordered, "like 'you got me,'" Tony says. They rolled to a stop. At that moment, Tony says, the Deputy fired. Fortunately for Tony, the officer was holding a taser, and not a gun, as Tony at first believed. Only one of the taser's electrodes hit Tony in the side; he was jolted, but not incapacitated, and he grabbed at it, yanking it out. Ryan was behind Tony now, out of taser range, watching in mounting terror as the incident unfolded. With an air of disbelief at what had just happened, Tony nevertheless maintained his composure, saying: "Dude, you just shot me with a taser! That was totally uncalled for!" The deputy had a somewhat different story to tell; he testified that: "I go around them again, get my car stopped, pull over, get out, pull my Taser out of the car, tell them...to stop or I was going to tase them, and then Mr. Patrick tries to cut through the auto parts or auto sales lot." According to the Deputy's testimony, he believed that the two cyclists were attempting to cut through the auto lot to get to the bridge and escape to West Virginia. By now, Tony says he was doing his best to defuse a situation that was rapidly spiraling out of control, but as he explains, the Deputy just kept making the situation worse. Tony says that after the taser had failed to have its desired effect, the Deputy pulled out his telescoping baton, and began swinging at Tony. However, he wasn't having any more luck with his baton than he did with the taser; Tony says the baton failed to open fully, so the Deputy kept flailing away at Tony while trying to grab him and simultaneously attempting to hold up his pants-which were threatening to drop to the ground with each swing. The scene was both comical and deadly serious. At this point, Tony says that he told the Deputy that he was out of control, and behaving unprofessionally, and that Tony was going to sue. According to Tony, the Deputy, "should have said 'get on the ground,' but he never gave me a chance," so Tony did the only thing he could to protect himself-he raised his bike to block the Deputy's blows, while telling him "You need to calm down." As Tony explains, he wanted to get down on the ground to defuse the situation, but doing so, "would have meant getting the hell beat out of me." Faced with a choice of defending himself or taking a beating, Tony says "the situation didn't call for me to get down." Again, the Deputy has a somewhat different account of what happened, in his report, he wrote: "I deployed my Tazer on Anthony Patrick and it had little effect. Both subjects stopped at this point and I gave commands for them to get on the ground. Both subjects did not. I attempted to grab Patrick and he pulled away. He then moved away from me and picked up his bike to try and throw at me or hit me. I pulled my Asp baton and ordered him to put the bike down. At this time he did." And then things went from bad to worse. Sometime during the altercation the Chesapeake, Ohio police showed up, and as Tony and the Deputy struggled, Tony was tased again, this time, by the Chesapeake police. According to the Deputy's report, the tasing occurred as "Patrick lunged at me," while according to Tony and Ryan, the second tasing occurred as Tony was resisting the Deputy's attempts to beat him. Unlike the first tasing, however, this time, the taser connected; as Tony tells it, "I shoot up on my toes like a ballerina, then fall over like a log." He landed on his right elbow, and hit his head hard enough to crack his helmet. "If I hadn't been wearing my helmet," Tony notes, "I would have cracked my head open." Ryan says that at this point, with Tony now laying on the ground, the officer tased Tony a third time. In notes he made shortly after the incident, Ryan says that Tony was tased a total of five times by Chesapeake Police officers; Tony says we was tased "repeatedly." The Deputy's report states that: "He went to the ground and we kept giving him commands to stay down and he tried to get up and he was Tazed for the second time. He finally became compliant and he was handcuffed." Meanwhile, Ryan had been waiting quietly nearby, watching the entire surreal scene play out before him; now, as the officers were tasing and cuffing Tony, Ryan tried to call his mother to let her know what was going on. As he was making the call, somebody shouted "Watch out for the other guy!" Taking heed of that warning, one officer kicked the phone out of Ryan's hand, just as he connected with his mother; the phone went flying, and shattered when it hit the pavement. The officer then slammed Ryan face-first to the ground and handcuffed him. At the other end of the connection, Ryan's mother heard him say, "Mom!...Mom!..." and the sound of sirens in the background, and then the impact of the phone hitting the pavement, before it shattered and the connection went dead. Not knowing what had happened, Ryan says she was absolutely terrified by the call. Meanwhile, back at the arrest scene, Ryan complained that his handcuffs were too tight; he says that one of the officers remarked, "You should have thought of that before being a smart ass." That seemed to be a common theme with the officers. As Tony recalls, the law enforcement officers were "extremely unprofessional," making repeated remarks about "smart asses." Tony says that he informed them that he would be suing, and one of the officers responded, "We'll see who gets sued." Tony was then taken to the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office for processing, but when Ryan informed the officers that he was 16, they took him to the Chesapeake Police Department, and removed the handcuffs once he was there. It is still unclear why they didn't book him in Lawrence County's office. According to both Tony and Ryan, their bikes--Tony rides a $7,500 Specialized Tarmac SL, Ryan rides a $6,000 AeroCat--were left behind on the pavement by the departing officers. Despite these allegations of a total lack of care taken by the law enforcement officers involved, the bikes weren't stolen; a bystander who recognized Tony called a mutual friend, and the friend came and got the bikes, and then went to the police station where Ryan was being held. Ryan's parents showed up soon after. Needless to say, they were furious about what had happened to their son, so, according to Tony, the Deputy took it upon himself to lecture Ryan's parents about their son: "Let me tell you what your son is about. I'm on my way to a burglary, and these guys were impeding me from getting there." Let that sink in for a moment. The Deputy was on his way to a burglary, but he had time to tase and beat a cyclist because he was "impeding" the Deputy by riding on the road? That lecture didn't make sense to Ryan's parents, but the Deputy clarified his statement, explaining that he was on his way to investigate a burglary that had been called in hours before, when he was impeded by Tony and Ryan. There were still a few problems with that story, however. First, regardless of whether one believes the Deputy's report and testimony, or Tony's and Ryan's accounts, both sides agree that the Deputy pulled up alongside them to express his opinion that they should not be riding in the road. If they were impeding him, how was he able to pull up alongside them? And if he passed them, as he claims, in what way were they impeding him from getting to the burglary investigation? Second, in Ohio, cyclists cannot be in violation of the impeding traffic statute if they are traveling as fast as they reasonably can. This principle was first established in a 2001 Ohio case called Trotwood v. Selz , and was subsequently codified into Ohio law in 2006, with the addition of a provision that: "The [judge or jury], in determining whether the vehicle was being operated at an unreasonably slow speed, shall consider the capabilities of the vehicle and its operator." Thus, by the time the Deputy decided to stop Tony and Ryan for impeding traffic, it had been well-established in Ohio that cyclists who are traveling at a reasonable speed cannot be cited for impeding traffic. Although the Deputy would later refer to Trotwood v. Selz during his testimony, indicating that he had finally been brought up to speed on Ohio law-by a prosecutor, in all likelihood-it was apparent on the day of the arrests that the Deputy was completely unfamiliar with the law as it applies to bicycles, and in fact, he admitted this in his later testimony: "Before this case I was not very familiar with bicycles and just the controversy between the bicycle situation and the thing and I've researched it and stuff and, you know, from what I can gather, as long as they are traveling the speed limit and they're not impeding traffic, there's not traffic behind them, then they wouldn't be impeding traffic or if the cars can safely pass them, then they wouldn't be impeding traffic, and in the case of up north of Troutwood [sic] it actually goes to the point that the judge is the one to determine who was-whether or not a bicycle was impeding traffic. So I guess it's a-you would normally just write a ticket and the judge would decide if they was impeding traffic. I don't know." It's important at this point to note that even at the hearing, after he had done his legal research, the Deputy STILL had the law wrong. In Ohio, it doesn't matter if cyclists "are traveling the speed limit," or "if they're not impeding traffic," or "if the cars can safely pass them." Not one of those conditions the Deputy addressed is the law in Ohio-in fact, the entire point of the Trotwood v. Selz case, and subsequent changes to the Ohio code, is that the conditions the Deputy cites have no bearing in any case of a cyclist or cyclists impeding traffic. The only legal metric is whether the rider(s) is/are traveling at a reasonable speed for a cyclist. Back on the night of Ryan's booking, Tony says that the Deputy informed Ryan's parents that he didn't know what he was going to charge Ryan with, but he had to charge him with something, so he sat down with a copy of the code book and looked for the appropriate statute. For the next 30 minutes, the Deputy searched for something to charge Ryan with, but couldn't find anything. Eventually, he settled on a pair of charges. First, he charged Ryan with "Operating a bike on the roadway." He also charged Ryan with "Failure to comply with an order." As the Deputy later explained in his testimony, the problem was that he wanted to charge the two riders with impeding traffic, but couldn't find the appropriate law for a bike. This was because he didn't understand that cyclists are subject to the same laws as other vehicle operators, and therefore, if they were impeding traffic, they should have been charged with impeding traffic. Instead, the Deputy believed that the law required cyclists to obey all traffic rules applicable to vehicles, and that busting Ryan for "Operating a bike on the roadway" covered violations of other laws, like impeding traffic. Ryan says that two weeks later, the prosecutor added an "impeding traffic" charge to cover the violation that the Deputy thought Ryan had committed. Meanwhile, at the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, Tony was also charged with "Operating a bike on the roadway"; he says that later, as the prosecutor did with Ryan, an additional charge of "impeding traffic" was added. Due to the circumstances surrounding the arrest Tony was also charged with failure to comply with an order, resisting arrest, attempted assault on an officer and obstructing official business. Ryan says that as his trial date approached, the prosecutor offered him a deal--testify against Tony, and the charges against Ryan would be dropped. Ryan says that he refused to save himself by "throwing Tony under the bus," as he puts it. So, with the case against Ryan scheduled to go to trial, Ryan's attorney filed a motion to dismiss the charges. Tony's attorney did the same. In its decision following the hearing on the motion to dismiss Tony's charges, the Court began by noting that the state had the burden of proving that the arrest was consistent with the 4th Amendment, but that the state must only meet that burden by a "preponderance of the evidence," rather than the higher "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard. This means that the state would simply have to prove that it was more likely than not that the arrest was consistent with the 4th Amendment; this is the easiest burden of proof. The central question was whether Tony had been impeding traffic. If the state proved that it was more likely than not that Tony had been impeding traffic, then the order to pull over was lawful, and the arrest for failure to comply with that order was also lawful; if that was the case, the charges would not be dismissed. On the other hand, if the state failed to prove that Tony had been impeding traffic, then the order to pull over was not lawful, and the subsequent arrest for failure to comply was also not lawful, and the charges would be dismissed. This meant that the prosecution had to show that Tony was riding at a speed that was unreasonably slow for a cyclist--a task that proved impossible, once the Deputy testified that he estimated the cyclists' speed at 15-20 MPH, but didn't really know how fast they were going, and admitted that he didn't know what the speed limit on that road is, within the city limits. There was simply no evidence that the cyclists had ever impeded traffic, and thus, the Deputy had no reason to stop the cyclists, and they could not be charged with failure to comply with his orders. The charges were dismissed. Later, at the hearing on the motion to dismiss the charges against Ryan, the prosecutor was once again unable to prove the impeding traffic charge, and the Court reached the same decision that it reached following Tony's hearing, dismissing the charges against Ryan. Now, although these issues are behind Tony and Ryan, for the rest of us, two issues arising from this incident still remain. First, there's a widely-held perception that if a law enforcement officer tells you to pull over, you are required by law to comply with that order, even if the order itself is unlawful. Second, what should cyclists who find themselves in similar situations do? The first issue--whether cyclists must obey the orders of law enforcement officers--was central to the "motion to dismiss" hearings for Tony and Ryan. As the Court held, if the cyclist hasn't broken a traffic law, then the cyclist can't be lawfully arrested, and the order to pull over is itself unlawful. Therefore, if the order is unlawful, the cyclist is not required to obey the order, and can't be arrested for failure to comply. Now, this is the law in Ohio, but it is based on 4th Amendment jurisprudence, so the jurisprudence in other states should be similar. If somebody knows of contradictory 4th Amendment jurisprudence in another state, please let me know. Those legal points aside, there's another point to consider here: Were Tony and Ryan ever actually ordered to pull over? The Deputy has testified that he ordered them to pull over, but Tony and Ryan tell a different story; according to Tony and Ryan, the Deputy told them (1) "You guys shouldn't be riding in the road; (2) "Get off the f-cking road"; (3) "You're under arrest"; and (4) "Stop or I'll shoot." If no order was given, at what point should they have pulled over? When they were told they shouldn't be riding in the road? When they were told to get off the road? If they did get off the road, as ordered, what does that say about their right to the road? Certainly, one could make the argument that, as a practical matter and all legalities aside, they should have pulled over when they were told they were under arrest, but as Tony explains, at that point, they weren't given a chance to pull over. And that brings us to our second issue-what should cyclists who find themselves in similar situations do? That's not an easy question to answer. In Bicycling & the Law, I wrote that: "Gaining the right to the road was the cycling cause of the late nineteenth century; securing that right will be the cycling cause of the early twenty-first century." What happened to Tony and Ryan from the moment the Deputy first decided to say something to them is a real-world example of the challenge cyclists face in securing their right to the road. For most of us, I suspect it's easier to just quietly comply with a law enforcement officer's misguided attempts to enforce laws that don't exist. Sure, we know the officer is wrong, but do we really want to go to jail to make that point, instead of wherever it is we happen to be going at that moment? The problem is, if everybody acquiesces to a violation of our rights, do we still have the right? I would argue that unless the right is exercised, it doesn't exist. Therefore, when a law enforcement officer is enforcing laws that don't exist, it is incumbent upon us to stand up for our rights. But how do we do that without triggering a beatdown and a trip to jail? I think it will depend upon finding a middle way between disobeying an officer's order and acquiescing to a violation of your rights. On the one hand, cyclists shouldn't think that the lesson from Tony and Ryan's experience is that cyclists can make an on-the-spot decision as to whether an order is lawful or not, and thus, whether or not an order should be obeyed. As we saw with Tony and Ryan, if an officer believes that you are not complying with his orders, that can have potentially deadly results, even though the officer is wrong. On the other hand, cyclists shouldn't have to quietly acquiesce to violations of their rights by law enforcement. Hopefully, law enforcement officers will familiarize themselves with the laws they are enforcing, and if they are unsure of the law, have the humility to simply accept that they don't know what the law is-and then educate themselves on what the law actually is, before attempting to enforce something that may not, in fact, be the law. Likewise, cyclists can choose that middle way between acquiescence and disobeying an order, by stopping when asked, but standing up for their rights, respectfully but firmly, and accepting that the price of defending our right to the road may mean accepting a citation now and beating it in court later. Now, as I said at the beginning of this story, Tony called me because he was looking for a lawyer; true to his word, he intended to sue the arresting officers. And as I said, I hooked him up with Steve Magas, a well-known Ohio bicycle attorney. Among Steve's many accomplishments in the practice of law, he was the attorney representing cyclist Steve Selz, in the Trotwood v. Selz case that established that Ohio cyclists cannot be in violation of the impeding traffic statute if they are traveling at a reasonable speed for a cyclist. He was also instrumental in getting Ohio's "Better Bicycling Bill" passed; this was the bill that, among other things, codified the Trotwood v. Selz ruling into the "impeding traffic" statute. Steve has agreed to take Tony's case, and is currently awaiting a response while investigating a civil action in the case. With Steve's background in establishing cyclists' right to the road in Ohio, the case promises to be "arresting." Click here <http://bicycling.com/blogs/roadrights/2009/04/22/the-right-to-disobey-cops/> to submit a comment about this story. (Research and drafting provided by Rick Bernardi, J.D.) Bob Mionske is a nationally known cycling lawyer with a practice exclusively focused on representing cyclists. An advocate for the rights of cyclists, Bob is the author of Bicycling & the Law, the first book written for cyclists on their legal rights and responsibilities since 1895. Bob is also a former U.S. Olympic and pro cyclist; Bob represented the United States in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic games, and was the National Road Race Champion in 1990, amassing a record of over 100 wins during his racing career. If you have a cycling-related legal question or a comment about this blog, please submit it below. If you have a private legal question for Bob, please submit it to Bob and he will try to privately respond to as many of these questions as he can; some questions may be selected for answering in Road Rights. General bicycle-accident advice can be found at www.bicyclelaw.com <http://www.bicyclelaw.com>. For more of Bob's perspective on bicycle law, be sure to visit his blog, and for Bob's take on bicycle culture, visit www.velologue.com <http://www.velologue.com>. Important notice: The information provided in the Road Rights blog is not legal advice. The information provided on this public web site is provided solely for the general interest of the visitors to this web site. The information contained in the column applies to general principles of American jurisprudence and may not reflect current legal developments or statutory changes in the various jurisdictions and therefore should not be relied upon or interpreted as legal advice. Understand that reading the information contained in this column does not mean you have established an attorney-client relationship with attorney Bob Mionske. Readers of this column should not act upon any information contained in the web site without first seeking the advice of legal counsel.

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Yale Campus Bike Sharing program proposed
by director 25 Apr '09

25 Apr '09

Good evening, I came across this and thought it sounded interesting. I wonder if we could do such a survey here. Nick http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/27483 -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Announcement: Sec. of Transportation Backs Bikes
by director 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

Gunnar, You are not being naive, you have made the understatement of the century. I was at the summit listening to the secretary talk. It was the kind of talk many of us have been waiting a lifetime to hear. Immediately after the transportation sec spoke Jim OBerstar (D rep MN) spoke. He's the original author of the transportation enhancements act (that produced the MEPEB money) and Safe Routes to Schools legislation. He's now the house chairman of the transportation committee. His quote that will live in infamy is "Any highway legislation that comes to me is going to have to show that it accommodates bike/ped use to get approval." (I'm going from memory here, you might want to search the congressional record for the exact quote.) This is a very happy time to be a bike advocate. Positive Spin is in the throes of applying for funding to take us through the next year. We are looking for the places to ask for the funds the secretary talked about (block grants, etc). If anyone can help us we would greatly appreciate it, since I'm way out of my expertise (aerodynamics). Thanks for passing this on, Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: gunn4r Shogren <gshogren(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:57:49 -0400 >This is good right? > >Or am I being naive? > >---------- Forwarded message ---------- >From: Causes <apps+m1mmdv3d(a)facebookappmail.com> >Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 5:56 PM >Subject: Announcement: Sec. of Transportation Backs Bikes >To: Gunnar Shogren <gshogren(a)gmail.com> > > >Richard Fries posted an announcement to the cause Bikes Belong Foundation. > >---------------- >Guys, > >This is a great link to an inspirational piece regarding the new >Secretary of Transportation and his position on bicyles as >transportation. > >Thanks for reading. > >http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/04/bicycling-is-an-important-factor-in-less-ca… > >Richard Fries >---------------- > >View Announcement - Invite Friends > >Thanks, >The Causes Team > >Stop receiving emails from this cause > >--- >This email was sent by Causes. You can disable emails here. > >_______________________________________________ >Bikeboard mailing list >Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Fwd: Announcement: Sec. of Transportation Backs Bikes
by gunn4r Shogren 22 Apr '09

22 Apr '09

This is good right? Or am I being naive? ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Causes <apps+m1mmdv3d(a)facebookappmail.com> Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 5:56 PM Subject: Announcement: Sec. of Transportation Backs Bikes To: Gunnar Shogren <gshogren(a)gmail.com> Richard Fries posted an announcement to the cause Bikes Belong Foundation. ---------------- Guys, This is a great link to an inspirational piece regarding the new Secretary of Transportation and his position on bicyles as transportation. Thanks for reading. http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/04/bicycling-is-an-important-factor-in-less-ca… Richard Fries ---------------- View Announcement - Invite Friends Thanks, The Causes Team Stop receiving emails from this cause --- This email was sent by Causes. You can disable emails here.

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Symposium
by Frank Gmeindl 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

Bicycle Board Members, Following are some highlights of the WV Cycling Symposium held in Charleston last Friday night and Saturday. * Paul Mattox, Secretary WVDOT said, "WV roads are windy and narrow and not safe for bicycling." Every time Mattox mentioned accommodating bicycles, he said bicycles and pedestrians. The only accommodations he mentioned were shoulders and trails. * Some participants formed a "Bike West Virginia" organization that is bound and determined to develop a WV cycling industry. * Jeff Miller, President of the Alliance for Walking and Bicycling (formerly Thunderhead Alliance) gave the best (IMO) presentation on how to successfully advocate for bicycling. 1. Stay on message. 2. Develop a database. 3. Become an expert. 4. Make it newsworthy. 5. Decide a strategy: hold events, press conference, feature articles, interviews, announcements, use photos. * Andy Clarke gave a compelling presentation of the Bicycle Friendly Cities and how they increased cycling and reduced crashes and achieved a positive economic return on investment. (I've asked him for his presentation so I can share it with you.) * Approximately 70 people participated. Frank

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GIS status meeting...
by Derek Springston 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Hey guys, I've been slammed at work lately (weekends, what are those?), so I think the GIS status meeting would be best handled on May 7th. Frank, can you put me on the agenda for then?! Thanks!! ~Derek _________________________________________________________________ Rediscover Hotmail®: Now available on your iPhone or BlackBerry http://windowslive.com/RediscoverHotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Rediscover_Mo…

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American Bicyclist
by director 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Good morning, The current issue of the League's magazine is the Bike Friendly Cities/Businesses/States issue. I'll see if I can bring back hardcopies from Charleston this weekend. In the meantime you can see the full text online at: http://www.bikeleague.org/members/pdfs/american_bicyclist_marapr09.pdf I happened to notice that every single state I've ever lived in before WV was in the top 7 in the nation. It also happens that I've spent the most years in the 2 highest ranked states (WI, WA). Maybe that explains my strange behavior. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Ed Grant Meeting tonight
by Frank Gmeindl 15 Apr '09

15 Apr '09

Bicycle Board Members, This is a reminder that we will meet tonight 6:30-8:30 in the Public Safety Center Conference Room to continue planning how we're going to implement the Morgantown Effective Bicycling Education Program. Attached are the minutes of the last meeting. Through recent meetings with Jeff Mikorski, Assistant City Manager, we have determined that we can bill the City directly for grant work expenses. Formerly, we thought we had to have a business entity through which to bill the City and to get paid. This simplifies matters but also removes one control point so it's now even more important that when we have authorization to spend the $68K, we have a plan for how we're going to spend it and accomplish the objectives that we proposed. Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules /

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GIS status meeting?
by Derek Springston 14 Apr '09

14 Apr '09

Hey guys... I had previously discussed meeting with everyone (or everyone interested) this week to show you what I've done with our mapping and GIS. I wanted to show my progress and get some feedback. However, I just got back from vacation and things are pretty busy this week, especially since I might be travelling for work 1 or 2 days this week. I would still like to meet next week or we could just wait until the next BB meeting. Both have their benefits. If we meet next week, we might be able to present the results of our meeting to the BB during our regularly scheduled meeting. Or if we just decide to meet at the next scheduled BB meeting, more folks will be present and hopefully that will mean more eyes and ideas will be present! How many would like to meet next week sometime and at what times are you available? How many would prefer to just meet at the next scheduled BB meeting? By the way, how is the downtown bike parking project proceeding? How can I help? Thanks, ~Derek _________________________________________________________________ Quick access to your favorite MSN content and Windows Live with Internet Explorer 8. http://ie8.msn.com/microsoft/internet-explorer-8/en-us/ie8.aspx?ocid=B037MS…

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Univ of Minn Bike Commuter Center
by director 10 Apr '09

10 Apr '09

Good evening, Some of you know that I'm a Gopher alumni and think very highly of Minnesotans (partly because I'm half-Minnesotan myself). You may also know that Hugh Kierig asked me to design a bike commuter room for WVUs new Multi-modal center. I wasn't entirely confident of my competence but I made recommendations. I now have something to compare to. UofM has announced the final design for their bike commuter center, plans for the final design can be found at this link. http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/final%20full%20proposal.pdf Comments from the local cycling forum can be found at this link... http://www.mplsbikelove.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=11157 It mentions an existing Midtown Bike Center, I'll try to find more info on that. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Education Grant Meeting Thursday 6-8
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Apr '09

09 Apr '09

Bicycle Board Members, According to the attached meeting minutes, we're supposed to meet tomorrow night to continue working on implementation of the Morgantown Effective Bicycling Education Program grant. Problem is, we don't have a place to meet. The PSC Conference Room, the PSC Training Room and the Council Chambers are all booked. Paul Becker offered his house but he's going to be in Pgh. Don Dickerson offered his house but he's going to be elsewhere as well. If you know a place where we can meet 6:30-8:30 pm please reply. If you are coming to the meeting, please reply. I'll let you know by 4:30 pm tomorrow, Thursday, where we'll be meeting. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Campus bike programs increasing in popularity
by director 09 Apr '09

09 Apr '09

Good afternoon, Saw this on Treehugger, thought it would be of interest... http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/03/more-schools-join-the-pay-you-to-bi… Nick. -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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[Fwd: WV Statewide Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan]
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Apr '09

03 Apr '09

Bicycle Board Members, At last night's BB meeting, I agreed to resend this message about the WV Statewide Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan meeting that will occur at the Morgantown MPO offices at the Morgantown Airport next Tuesday April 7, 4-7 pm. Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules / -------- Original Message -------- Subject: WV Statewide Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:17:21 -0400 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org>, Jennie Selin <JSelin(a)hotmail.com> CC: dennis.strawn <dennis.strawn(a)msbcbs.com> Bicycle Board Members, Here's our chance to effect the WV Statewide Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan. On April 7, 4-7 pm at the MPO office at the Morgantown Airport, the Policy Committee of the Statewide Multi-modal Long Range Transportation plan will take public comments on the plan. You can read the plan at http://www.wvtransplan.com/Policy_Workshop_Summary_Draft_10_9_08_dj.pdf . The Policy Committee seems to be pretty well balanced. Dennis Strawn who I think is a member of the Mountain State Wheelers is on it. You'll find stuff like Complete Streets in the plan but you won't find bicycles mentioned at all and the emphasis is clearly on motor transportation and economic development. Very few people were involved in formulating the plan so I'm thinking it's still somewhat malleable. Whether you attend the meeting or not, I encourage you to read the plan (at least the last page) and send comments either through the website: http://www.wvtransplan.com/docs.htm or by letters. Frank P.S. Following is a dialog that I had with Dennis about the plan. You don't need to read it but it might give you an idea of what led to the message above. > Subject: > Re: Statewide long range transportation plan meetings > From: > dennis.strawn(a)msbcbs.com > Date: > Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:23:42 -0400 > To: > "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> > CC: > "Bill Nesper" <BillNesper(a)bikeleague.org>, "Robinson, Bill C" > <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov>, "Dave Pray" <dave(a)prayworks.com>, > jeff(a)thunderheadalliance.org, "Jeff Peel" <Jeff(a)bikeleague.org>, "JR > Petsko" <jrpetsko(a)hotmail.com>, "Kimberly Jo" <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com> > > Frank, > Great presentation. I will forward this on to the chairman for > consideration. I hope you can present this. Or at the very least it will > be received by my forwarding it. > > But a more important task is getting every day folks to send comments on > this plan. So many times public officials hold required meetings only to > have minimal turnout or comments received. Our task is to let the public > officials know there are a lot of residents who believe walking and > cycling > are another form of transportation that need to be accommodated better. > > I am sure your comments will address this while at the meeting. And I > encourage you write a letter also. > > Thanks > Dennis Strawn > Application Developer II > 304-347-7703 > > > > > > Frank > Gmeindl > > <fgmeindl@verizon > > .net> To > > <dennis.strawn(a)msbcbs.com> > 03/26/2009 > 09:29 cc > AM Kimberly > Jo > <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com>, > Bill > Nesper > <BillNesper(a)bikeleague.org>, > Dave Pray > <dave(a)prayworks.com>, > Jeff Peel > <Jeff(a)bikeleague.org>, JR > Petsko > <jrpetsko(a)hotmail.com>, > "Robinson, Bill > C" > > <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov>, > > <jeff(a)thunderheadalliance.org> > > Subject > Re: Statewide long > range > transportation plan > meetings > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dennis, > > I am delighted to learn that you and Bill Robinson are on the Statewide > Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan Policy Committee! I have been > planning to attend the April 7 meeting in Morgantown. It has been > advertised in the Morgantown Dominion Post at least twice. > > Please look at a presentation Accommodating Bicycles > http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board-documents/Accommodating_Bicycles_prese… > > that was well received by the Greater Morgantown MPO last February. Is > there some way I can make that presentation to the Policy Committee? > > Frank > Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board > LCI #1703 > Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > On 3/26/2009 8:39 AM, dennis.strawn(a)msbcbs.com wrote: > Hi everyone, > The state of WV is currently updating its transportation plan. Bill > Robinson and I are members of the Policy Committee that is helping > with > this project. I think it would be helpful for everyone to know the > meeting > dates but more importantly just get the information out to folks so > they > can respond via a letter. > > What better time than now to alert cyclists in the state that their > voice > can count while this plan is being finalized. > > I hope this can be addressed at the symposium and/or broadcast > to the > group > now so they may attend the local meetings. Sorry for the tardiness, > two > meetings have already been held. > > Thanks > Dennis Strawn > Application Developer II > 304-347-7703

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Maria Panaccione resigns
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Apr '09

02 Apr '09

Bicycle Board Members, Last night, I received a message from Maria Pannaccione asking to resign. Maria will be out of town May-August and is overcommitted now. Since Maria represents the Youth Commission, we'll have to go to the Youth Commission for a recommended replacement. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ -------- Original Message -------- Subject: bicycle board Date: Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:05:39 -0400 From: Maria Panaccione <mpanac(a)hotmail.com> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Dear Frank, I would like to resign from the Bicycle Board. I'm afraid that I've taken on more than I could handle. I thought I would have the time to give, but I have had too many other commitments. A family matter has come up for tomorrow night and I will be out of town (working for Girl Scouts in Switzerland) May through August. I would like to thank the Board for taking someone from GMAYC. Our activity with city boards and commissions such as yours is something that I hope will continue. Sincerely, Maria Panaccione ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rediscover Hotmail®: Get e-mail storage that grows with you. Check it out. <http://windowslive.com/RediscoverHotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Rediscover_St…>

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Thursday 4/2 BB agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 01 Apr '09

01 Apr '09

Bicycle Board Members, Attached, please find a suggested agenda for tomorrow's meeting and the minutes of the last meeting. Also attached is a report I delivered to the Traffic Commission tonight. The TC unanimously approved Janel's taking Tyler's position as WVU Cycling Club rep on the BB. They also unanimously approved Chet Parsons as Chris Phillips replacement. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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March Minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 31 Mar '09

31 Mar '09

Thanks to gunnar's excellent note-taking skills, please enjoy the attached March BB minutes.

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Good biking news from the Univ of Minnesota
by director 30 Mar '09

30 Mar '09

Good evening, I found this article after reading about the program from a LAB newsletter. I'm a Minnesota grad (BS Aero 1980) - it's good to see what's happening there for bikes. I also have spies in the area who can give us inside info. uwire.com/Article.aspx?id=3853120 Hope this helps, inspires and amazes, Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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BB meeting this Thursday
by Frank Gmeindl 28 Mar '09

28 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, Agenda: ASAP, please send me any topics that you would want on the agenda for this Thursday's BB meeting. Please include the desired outcome of discussion and an estimated amount of time for discussion. Traffic Commission Report: Please send me anything that you would want me to report or discuss with the Traffic Commission at their regular meeting this Wednesday. Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules /

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WV Statewide Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, Here's our chance to effect the WV Statewide Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan. On April 7, 4-7 pm at the MPO office at the Morgantown Airport, the Policy Committee of the Statewide Multi-modal Long Range Transportation plan will take public comments on the plan. You can read the plan at http://www.wvtransplan.com/Policy_Workshop_Summary_Draft_10_9_08_dj.pdf . The Policy Committee seems to be pretty well balanced. Dennis Strawn who I think is a member of the Mountain State Wheelers is on it. You'll find stuff like Complete Streets in the plan but you won't find bicycles mentioned at all and the emphasis is clearly on motor transportation and economic development. Very few people were involved in formulating the plan so I'm thinking it's still somewhat malleable. Whether you attend the meeting or not, I encourage you to read the plan (at least the last page) and send comments either through the website: http://www.wvtransplan.com/docs.htm or by letters. Frank P.S. Following is a dialog that I had with Dennis about the plan. You don't need to read it but it might give you an idea of what led to the message above. > Subject: > Re: Statewide long range transportation plan meetings > From: > dennis.strawn(a)msbcbs.com > Date: > Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:23:42 -0400 > To: > "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> > CC: > "Bill Nesper" <BillNesper(a)bikeleague.org>, "Robinson, Bill C" > <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov>, "Dave Pray" <dave(a)prayworks.com>, > jeff(a)thunderheadalliance.org, "Jeff Peel" <Jeff(a)bikeleague.org>, "JR > Petsko" <jrpetsko(a)hotmail.com>, "Kimberly Jo" <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com> > > Frank, > Great presentation. I will forward this on to the chairman for > consideration. I hope you can present this. Or at the very least it will > be received by my forwarding it. > > But a more important task is getting every day folks to send comments on > this plan. So many times public officials hold required meetings only to > have minimal turnout or comments received. Our task is to let the public > officials know there are a lot of residents who believe walking and > cycling > are another form of transportation that need to be accommodated better. > > I am sure your comments will address this while at the meeting. And I > encourage you write a letter also. > > Thanks > Dennis Strawn > Application Developer II > 304-347-7703 > > > > > > Frank > Gmeindl > > <fgmeindl@verizon > > .net> To > > <dennis.strawn(a)msbcbs.com> > 03/26/2009 > 09:29 cc > AM Kimberly > Jo > <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com>, > Bill > Nesper > <BillNesper(a)bikeleague.org>, > Dave Pray > <dave(a)prayworks.com>, > Jeff Peel > <Jeff(a)bikeleague.org>, JR > Petsko > <jrpetsko(a)hotmail.com>, > "Robinson, Bill > C" > > <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov>, > > <jeff(a)thunderheadalliance.org> > > Subject > Re: Statewide long > range > transportation plan > meetings > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dennis, > > I am delighted to learn that you and Bill Robinson are on the Statewide > Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan Policy Committee! I have been > planning to attend the April 7 meeting in Morgantown. It has been > advertised in the Morgantown Dominion Post at least twice. > > Please look at a presentation Accommodating Bicycles > http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board-documents/Accommodating_Bicycles_prese… > > that was well received by the Greater Morgantown MPO last February. Is > there some way I can make that presentation to the Policy Committee? > > Frank > Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board > LCI #1703 > Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > On 3/26/2009 8:39 AM, dennis.strawn(a)msbcbs.com wrote: > Hi everyone, > The state of WV is currently updating its transportation plan. Bill > Robinson and I are members of the Policy Committee that is helping > with > this project. I think it would be helpful for everyone to know the > meeting > dates but more importantly just get the information out to folks so > they > can respond via a letter. > > What better time than now to alert cyclists in the state that their > voice > can count while this plan is being finalized. > > I hope this can be addressed at the symposium and/or broadcast > to the > group > now so they may attend the local meetings. Sorry for the tardiness, > two > meetings have already been held. > > Thanks > Dennis Strawn > Application Developer II > 304-347-7703

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GIS networking and data...
by Derek Springston 20 Mar '09

20 Mar '09

Hi Hugh, I am working on the GIS collection and analysis for the Bike Board and am trying to network with folks around Morgantown to find out who has what data that we could use to help us. I've been collecting Bike Parking locations recently and previously worked on mapping the Shared Lane Markings and signs. I was wondering if you had GIS data that related to our projects. Even building outlines or points, GIS traffic data for Morgantown, trails around town, traffic and populations density could be quite valuable. We're also trying not to duplicate work that may have already been collected. Could you please let me know what GIS data or other data you have? If you know other folks in town that could help as well, give me their contact info, etc. Thanks! Have a nice day! ~Derek Springston _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ SkyDrive: Get 25 GB of free online storage. http://windowslive.com/online/skydrive?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_skydrive_032009

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GIS / Mapping Contact Networking....
by Derek Springston 19 Mar '09

19 Mar '09

Hey guys... I met with Frank last night to show him what I've done with the GIS mapping. I planned on giving a short presentation on where we're at with my GIS mapping, but I'll be out of town for the next Bike Board meeting. I'll be in Belize on vacation! We discussed having the BB (or at least those interested in the mapping) meet during the week of the April 13th-17th to discuss where we're at with it. If we can't meet then, I guess we'll just have to wait until the regularly scheduled May meeting. That just seems too far off to me. Let me know if you can meet during the week of the 13th-17th of April. We also discussed trying to network with folks around the city to pull mapping resources from folks who are involved in overlapping projects. For instance, maybe WVU has a file that they've already collected for existing bike racks. Maybe MountainLine transit has some transportation files we could use. Please, please, if you have names, contact info, and how certain people may be valuable to network with, please send it to me. Brainstorm and give me some good contacts! We thought there might be a chance that we're duplicating work and could speed up some of our tasks if we just knew who to talk to. I've collected data points with some pictures for about 34 locations in Morgantown where bike parking is available. Most of these are on campus. If we could get 90% or 100% of the racks in Morgantown mapped, we could begin an analysis of where we wish to place bike parking in the future after our initial downtown bike parking installment. At the meeting I'm trying to set up on the 13th-17th, I would like to present locations where I've found racks and then fill in some of the gaps for ones I've probably missed. So, 1. Can you meet between the 13th-17th of April? 2. Send me contacts for mapping/ GIS people. 3. Think of all areas where you know bike parking exists and bring that to the next meeting I am at! 4. Have fun riding until I see you again. Thanks, ~Derek Springston _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™: Life without walls. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_allup_1a_explore_032009

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LaHood says Bikes are part of US transportation
by Frank Gmeindl 17 Mar '09

17 Mar '09

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/03/cyclists-are-important-users-of-transportat… is USDOT Secretary LaHood commenting on his presentation to the National Bike Summit last week. He says, "I am committed to investing in programs that encourage bikes to coexist with other modes and to safely share our roads and bridges." Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Ed committee minutes
by Frank Gmeindl 17 Mar '09

17 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached minutes of 8-January Education Committee meeting. The minutes summarize action items and discussion for planning implementation of the Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Program grant. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Parking
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Mar '09

16 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, The MainStreet Morgantown Design Committee heartily supports the post-and-loop bicycle parking device plan the we defined for High and Spruce Streets. Furthermore, they're developing a downtown design standard book and they are open to incorporating bicycle parking in the standard if we can give it to them. Main Street Morgantown includes Spruce Street to the River; Falling Run to Deckers Creek and the Waterfront up to the 9/11 memorial. On Thursday, March 12, Chip Wamsley delivered a very, very sharp presentation of the post-and-loop design and the locations to the design committee. He stated that the goal of this project is to stimulate bicycle use downtown and to serve as a template for further installation of racks both downtown and around town. The Design Committee: * Unanimously stated, "This is something we really need!"; * Recommended that we make this presentation to the City Planning Commission so they can incorporate it in their nascent downtown re-plan; * Asked if the posts could be 8 feet tall so that they could install way finding signs on them to avoid having two posts: one for bike parking and the other for signs. The meeting was at Mills Design Group studio on High Street. In attendance were Cara Hearst, Mike Mills, Michael Biafore, Barbara Watkins, Sean Matthis, and Robert Merrow (who is with WVU Planning and has worked with Hugh Kierig). Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Parking Meeting tonight?!
by gunn4r Shogren 09 Mar '09

09 Mar '09

We were away all w/e. Don't think anybody posted this. But I believe we're to have a Parking Committee meeting at Wamsley's, 6pm. Any and all are welcome to review and plan on the *next* step, i.e. Parking Garage places.

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Check out the League of American Bicyclists' Advocacy Center!
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Mar '09

09 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, The LAB will send on your behalf to Governor Manchin your ideas for spending stimulus money. Click on this URL to take action on bicycling issues now http://capwiz.com/lab/utr/2/?a=12859566&i=1234&c= If your email program does not recognize the URL as a link, copy the entire URL and paste it into your Web browser. Following is what I sent: Soon you'll be deciding to fund "shovel ready" infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy. I urge you to set a goal to make every roadway curb lane 14-feet wide. 14-foot wide curb lanes would enable motor vehicles and bicycles to travel together in the lane. Last year, bicycle sales almost equaled car and light truck sales [Spiegel]. Wide curb lanes would give people the option of bicycling safely to any destination that they would otherwise drive. 14-foot curb lanes could: . Reduce our dependence on foreign oil; . Reduce obesity and all its attendant issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and health care expense; . Reduce pollution; . Reduce future roadway maintenance expense; . Return some civility to our society. [Spiegel] Spiegel, Jan Ellen; A Surge in Bicycles Seems to be Waiting; New York Times Business/Small Business, January 01, 2009. ------------------------------------- Powered by Capitol Advantage, LLC http://www.capitoladvantage.com "Connect and Be Counted" ------------------------------------- Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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MEBEP MOU - Positive Spin
by director 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Good afternoon, My apologies for sending this late. I made the changes immediately after the last meeting, but lost the file immediately after that. I've incorporated the changes discussed at last month's meeting. It has not been reviewed by a lawyer for Positive Spin - the lawyer who had offered his services hasn't been available. If anyone can recommend a good on for that purpose I would appreciate it enormously. See you tonite. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Tonight's report to Traffic Commission
by Frank Gmeindl 04 Mar '09

04 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, I plan to present the attached report to the Traffic Commission tonight. Please look it over and send me recommended changes. Sorry for not getting this out earlier! Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Thursday's Bicycle Board Agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Mar '09

03 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached the minutes of our February meeting and a suggested agenda for this Thursday's meeting. Frank

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[Fwd: Resignation]
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Mar '09

03 Mar '09

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Resignation Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:50:19 -0500 From: Chris Phillips <cphillips106(a)hotmail.com> To: <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> References: <49A49D66.1010402(a)verizon.net> Frank, Sorry for the late reply, I have been swamped in the office lately grading papers and tests in time for mid-terms this week. You may however, accept this email as my *formal resignation* from the bicycle board effective this *Tuesday, 03/03/09*. With this, please also remove my email address from any further board email communique. I am sorry that I was not able to contribute more to the board, however in my current situation I do not have the time to be an effective member. I would suggest that whomever you find to fill my spot, you spend some time getting them acquainted with the board and its current topics/ agenda so that they can become familiar with the way that the board works and what they are trying to achieve. As a new member I was quite perplexed at how the bicycle board was run and all the 'bureaucratic' issues that had to be dealt with. It would be easy for a new member to get lost in all of this, become uninterested and lose the overall objective of the bicycle board. I remember being asked to help with several issues which I gladly accepted, however when it came time to act on the issue out side of the meeting, nobody did anything (bicycle racks in the parking garage) or got a hold of me. I would not consider this lack of involvement, but rather lack of communication. I was also not aware that there was an attendance policy, however I would suggest adding a formal attendance policy to the agenda if we are going to be asking people to resign for inadequate meeting attendance. Morgantown has a good start to becoming a bicycle friendly city, and I hope that the board can further this objective. Best Regards, Christopher Phillips 03/03/09 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Windows Live™ Groups: Create an online spot for your favorite groups to meet. Check it out. <http://windowslive.com/online/groups?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_groups_032009>

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Safety Town
by director 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

Good evening, A few days ago I was talking to Kristen Dieffenbach (professor of Phy Ed instruction at WVU and CycleAmerica coach) about gradeschool bike safety education in European cities. Her eye's lit up and she started talking about a program at the grade school she attended in Cedarburg, WI - "Safety Town". It is a parking lot with streets painted on it and temporary buildings and traffic signs/lights. I found more info on it at this link: http://www.cedarburgpolice.com/Safety%20Town.htm The picture shows pre-K kids on 4-wheel pedal cars, I assume you could ride bikes there just as well. Kristen said the crossing guard position was popular with the kids, and they took it seriously and did a good job. Thought this might be a practical possibility here in Morgantown. In fact we've done this indoors with signs owned by Fun Factory. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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[Fwd: WV Cycling Symposium in Charleston, WV - April 17 - 18]
by Frank Gmeindl 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, FYI, here's the agenda for the WV Cycling Symposium. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: WV Cycling Symposium in Charleston, WV - April 17 - 18 Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:11:36 -0500 From: Kim Broughton <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com> To: fgmeindl(a)verizon.net February 2009 *WV Cycling Symposium - April 17 - 18, 2009* /Charleston, WV/ The League of American Bicyclist <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>, Thunderhead Alliance <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> and a steering committee <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> of volunteers representing different areas and different interests in cycling in West Virginia have finalized the agenda for the Cycling Symposium being held April 17th and 18th in Charleston, WV. Invitations to speakers have been sent and we are putting the final touches on the details. Registration will open by March 8th! We wanted to share the agenda while we are waiting for speakers to confirm. We also wanted to invite you to recommend speakers for the break out sessions if you know of someone you think would be stellar! We are honored that Thunderhead Alliance has joined the cause and are grateful for the support of everyone who is making this possible! Here is a sneak peak... *Friday April 17 Plenary & Dinner 6:00-9:30pm* . Welcome and introductions, West Virginia Cycling Foundation President -- Dave Pray . Introduction to the League, BFC & BFS programs, Andy Clarke -- LAB Executive Director . West Virginia DOT's role commitment to bicycling . Importance of eco-tourism to West Virginia and bicycling potential role . Dinner & Drinks *Saturday April 18 9:00am-2:00pm* 9:00-10:00am Continental breakfast . State of the State('s bicycling) , Kimberly Broughton - Steering committee coordinator . Phenomenal success stories at the state level . Organizing Winning Campaigns/Grassroots efforts for bicycling, Jeff Miller -- Thunderhead Alliance Executive Director 10:00-10:45 am - Break-out sessions -- presentations on specific topics by presenters in each. See below for details. 10:45 -- 11:00 am Break 11:00 am - 12:00pm - Small group break outs within breakout sessions Goal of these group break outs is to: 1. Identify a champion for the topic who is willing to lead and organize the next step after the symposium 2. Identify the next action item towards the progression of the topic with help of presenters from the session. This is a time for WV attendees to share their projects so that the presenters can best help define the best next step! 12:15-1:00pm - Working lunch, Forming next steps -- Jeff Miller picking up from his previous presentation. 1:00-:1:45pm - Wrap-up 2:00pm - Group Ride to the Capital and back. Pedestrian parade from the Capitol to the bikers and back. Bigger ride after this for those interested. *Breakout Sessions* Creating Better On-road bicycling through mountain biking's success: How does West Virginia turn the successes of mountain biking into more bike friendly communities, policies and collaborative work between groups? Confirmed speaker: Jeff Peel, League of American Bicyclists JR Petsko, WV Mountain Bike Association Executive Director Building relationships with state legislators and state DOT for better policies and legislations and the role of citizens input and advocacy: Learning from South Carolina's example and Thunderhead's Winning Campaign strategy. Confirmed speakers: Jeff Miller, Thunderhead Andy Clarke, LAB Economic Impact of Bicycling: promoting bike trails and tours to have impact the economy. Education, Safe Routes to Schools and youth programs Confirmed speaker: Bill Nesper, LAB *Looking for more information* /Check out the website <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> and sign up for the mailing list <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>/ Did you know that the WV Cycling Foundation has been kind enough to let us use their resources to organize this event, to include the use of their email management facilities and website <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>? They are the organizers of the Cheat Mountain Challenge Century <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> rides at Snowshoe Mountain, WV. It is from the proceeds of this event that they have been able to support these types of activities. Registration in that event has a direct impact on the quality of cycling programs in West Virginia. If you would like to join the mailing list of folks interested in progressing cycling in West Virginia, visit our sign-up page here <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>. *Sponsors and Friends* *Are you interested in being a bigger part of the event?* We are accepting sponsors and have many exciting opportunities. Send me an email if you would like to know more. You can reach me, Kim Broughton, by emailing me at kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com <mailto:kimberlyjoshi@gmail.com?subject=Partners%20and%20sponsors>. I look forward to hearing from you. /Many thanks to the sponsor and friends who are making this possible./ WVCF <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>LAB <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>Wild and Wonderful WV <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> Thunderhead Alliance <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> Friends: Gail Pitchford, Mike Loughney This message was sent from Kim Broughton to fgmeindl(a)verizon.net. It was sent from: West Virginia Cycling Foundation, Route 2, Box 331 B, Charleston, WV 25314. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. Email Marketing Software <http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/144186> Manage your subscription <http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=70515743&l=137531&s=0AHE&m=…> <http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=829729&s=70515743&c=0AHE&cid=3632…> Share this message with others: del.icio.us <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> Digg <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> reddit <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> Facebook <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> StumbleUpon <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>

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Agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Feb '09

26 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, A week from today is our regular monthly meeting. Please send me any topics that you would want to put on the agenda. Please include a desired outcome of discussing the topic and an approximate length of time for discussion. I will issue the agenda Sunday so I would appreciate your inputs by then. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as .../

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Bicycle Parking
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Feb '09

16 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Attached, please find a zip folder that contains the Bicycle Board's request of the City Manager for an $11,800 budget to provide bicycle parking on High Street and at the library on Spruce Street. The attached zip folder contains the request letter and supporting documentation. Frank

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Cheat Lake Park/Trail - comments due Feb 29!
by Peggy Pings 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

All, Friends of Cheat Lake Trail, the rail-trail community, the Mon County/Morgantown bike-ped boards, and WV State Trails Coordinator Bill Robinson, Spread the word.... Please read the attached 1.5 MB file. It is the Cheat Lake Park/Trail Recreation Update, found at: http://www.cheatlaketoday.com/ Have you been to the Cheat Lake Park & Trail before? Opened in June 2000, it is a 4.5 mile rail-trail, and 263 acre park, that includes the "140-acre Cheat Haven Peninsula nature viewing area". It is all owned & managed by Allegheny Power, as part of their hydropower license with FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). They are undergoing their Triennial Review requirements, to prove that they are meeting the public need. It is my personal opinion that they have a lot more they could be doing to better meet the public need. Feb 29. Written comments are due. Chuck Simon's email is csimons(a)alleghenyenergy.com Mar 11. Public meeting, 7pm, Cheat Lake VFD. ( mailto:csimons@alleghenyenergy.com ) Read on..... ------------- Here's a couple quick thoughts, and yes, I think letters are in order from whoever wants the Cheat Lake Park/Trail improved: Proposed Changes Page 8. Sec 3.4. "As previously stated, the recreational facilities provided are meeting the demonstrated demand for the general use for this area. Based on an evaluation of the usage figures the facilities are adequate for non-peak period demand. AE will continue to monitor usage to determine if any changes are warranted; however, at this time, no changes to the type, access and operation of facilities is proposed in this update." Hiking Trail. Yes, we should support the trail system, but we (the group) are suggesting a single-track dirt trail, nothing more. I would like to see this trail system link up into the Greystone community, slipping in from the wooded edge of the golf course to the roads, so the neighborhood that is not adjacent will have better bike/ped access. Need interpretive & directional signs, a little trailhead to park bikes safely while you walk the trail, and control of invasive species mentioned. Page 4. Sec 2.4. "The 140 acre Cheat Haven Peninsula area was designed to allow hikers to leave the hiking/biking trail and hike through the woods. AE is currently working with several individuals in the development of a primitive walking trail in this area. If an agreement can be reached, AE will include this new trail as part of this Plan Update and will file for an amendment with the FERC, if required. AE believes that a developed walking trail will help eliminate the possible destruction of habitat because individuals will be directed through the viewing area." Public Access Docks. Did you notice all 5 docks have been removed? Now, the visiting public has even worse access to the water. The map on page 26 shows where they used to be (as if they are still there). Page 3. Sec 2.2. "The five public access decks have been removed due to safety concerns. Over the last several years, vandalism of the locking pins and general horseplay on the access docks has lead to their removal. Also, in several locations with the shoreline shifting, several of the stairways were rendered unsafe and have been removed.The five public access decks have been removed due to safety concerns. Over the last several years, vandalism of the locking pins and general horseplay on the access docks has lead to their removal. Also, in several locations with the shoreline shifting, several of the stairways were rendered unsafe and have been removed." Trail Closure. The southern 3.1 miles is still closed to the public 4 months of the year (Nov1-Mar1). This has always been Totally Unacceptable to everyone, except a few adjacent Greystone landowners up high on the hill! Folks, winter conditions are not a problem for rail-trails, as they have repeatedly suggested! No other rail-trails that I know of close down for the winter. It looks like perhaps Page 3. Sec 2.2. "After the previous Recreation Plan Update (RPU) in 2006, AE did agree to open the the Southern Trail two additional months each year. This section of trail is now open from March 1 through October 31st." Management. Nothing on proposed/improved management changes (Bruce Miller's written proposal), nor changes made over the years -- this has been very secretive - not transparent at all. It should be managed as a community park, and it is not. For the amount of money AP spends on security and maintenance, we could have a very nicely managed regional park. The security guy is nice enough, but not welcoming. In fact, he has told me that "this is private property" when I stopped into his office one afternoon, making me feel unwelcome (but I knew better... that it was free & open to the public). There is no promotion of the Park/Trail, except word of mouth, and a really bad website that hardly anyone knows about. Directional Signs are missing along Rt 857. The map at the parking area has bad water/sun damage & cannot be read. There are no decent maps/brochures available. There are no events / activities. The park/trail is over 50% underutilized -- I can guess why. Page 7. Sec 3.1. "Most of the facilities at Cheat Lake Park and Trail are currently being used at less than 50% capacity for off-peak weekend days." I have plenty more ideas for improvement. What can you come up with? Peggy Pings 304-879-5622 home mpings(a)wvu.edu

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Ed committee 2/12/09 minutes
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Feb '09

14 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Thanks to Paul Becker for composing the attached minutes of last Thursday's meeting of the committee that's planning the implementation of the Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Program grant. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Ed Grant Meeting Tonight
by Frank Gmeindl 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Reminder: Education Grant Meeting tonight 6:00 PM at Paul Becker's house: 245 Allison Street. Attached are minutes of the last meeting. Frank

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Yield to Life
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Perhaps we should link up with Yield to Life to leverage our Effective Bicycling Education program. I just got the following from the LCI group: > *From: *Jon Spangler > *Date: *February 8, 2009 1:00:35 AM PST > *To: *ebbc-talk(a)lists.ebbc.org <mailto:ebbc-talk@lists.ebbc.org> , > BikeAlameda List <discuss(a)bikealameda.org > <mailto:discuss@bikealameda.org> > > *Subject: [Ebbc-Talk] Fwd: Yield To Life > * > Bikies, > > I just found out that professional bike racer David Zabriskie (who is > racing in the Amgen Tour of California, I am pretty sure) has > established an advocacy organization called Yield to Life. Here are > the link and a description from the site: > > http://yieldtolife.org > > Yield to Life's Mission > > Yield to Life will engage in a vigorous awareness campaign to promote > positive attitudes toward cyclists and replace any hostility that > exists between motorists and cyclists with understanding, respect, and > appreciation for all life on the road. Safety for every cyclist is the > top priority of Yield to Life. > > Cycling is a healthy, life-affirming, environmentally-sound activity > that adds value to anyone's life. Since cyclists' lives are often in > motorists' hands, motorists must understand the vital role they play > in a cyclist's safety. > > Yield to Life will concentrate on road-rule education programs for > motorists and cyclists alike through driver's education programs, > public awareness movements and media campaigns in order to ensure a > safer and more harmonious environment for all those on the road. > > Yield to Life will engage in a hands-on educational program with > target audiences that range from school assemblies to corporate > conventions. Workshops will be created to arm cyclists with tips for > navigating through traffic and tools for riding in a safe and > responsible manner. Yield to Life will work on a database for cyclists > to find the best, the safest and the most accommodating roads for > commuting and for recreation. > > Regards, > > Jon > > > Jon Spangler > Writer/Editor > Linda Hudson Writing > 510-864-0370/FAX 864-2144 > MOBILE 510-846-5356 The web site, http://yieldtolife.org is worth a look. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of bicycles/

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Year of Active Transport meeting Tues. 5 PM
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Reminder: Year of Active Transport meeting Tues. 5 PM Public Safety Center Training Room. Walk It, Bike It, Bus It, PRT It. Frank

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Agenda for this Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Feb '09

03 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached a zip folder that contains the agenda and read-aheads for this Thursday's meeting. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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One more news item: Modular bikeshare program
by director 02 Feb '09

02 Feb '09

Saw this in the news this morning. http://greenupgrader.com/3372/pbs-public-bike-system-plug-n-play-swipe-n-ri… -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Commuter statistics for Amsterdam and Copenhagen
by director 01 Feb '09

01 Feb '09

Good evening, I'll share this link as long as it doesn't inspire any of you to move out of Morgantown. The article is about Amsterdam and Copenhagen's battle to beat each other as bike-commuter capital. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/02/amsterdam-overtake-copenhagen-in-bi… See you Thursday. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Positive Spin Contract with City
by Frank Gmeindl 31 Jan '09

31 Jan '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please review the attached draft contract and be prepared to discuss it at next Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting. The desired outcome of the discussion is a draft contract with which the BB would concur. The attached document is a draft contract between Positive Spin and the City of Morgantown. The City requires a contract with Positive Spin for Positive Spin to be able to purchase necessary services, materials and supplies for the City to implement the Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Program. Nick Hein provided me the attached document for review prior to his submitting it to the City. If you review the attached document before the meeting, we can jump right in to discussing it. Documents relevant to the attached are 1) the Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Program grant application and 2) the minutes of a meeting between Jeff Mikorski, Assistant City Manager; Jeff Harpold, WVDOH Transportation Ehancement Coordinator and me (see my 11/21/08 e-mail message, subject: Parking, SLMs, Ed Grant). Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles /- John Forester

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Next week's agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 31 Jan '09

31 Jan '09

Bicycle Board Members, Do you have anything you want to put on the agenda for next Thursday's meeting? If so, please give me the topic and the desired outcome of discussing it. Frank

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West Virginia Cycling Symposium
by director 31 Jan '09

31 Jan '09

Good morning, I just received this message from Dennis Strawn in Charleston about a symposium to be held this Spring. This is also the first news I've heard about the WVCF. It sounds like our last place LAB ranking is getting us some positive attention and assistance. Please pass this link on to anyone who wants to become more involved in statewide cycling advocacy. http://www.wvcf.org/home/EventsPrograms/Statewideadvocacy/tabid/62/Default.… And the online sign up at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/268525166 Thanks, Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Bike/Pedestrian safety education in schools
by director 29 Jan '09

29 Jan '09

Good evening, The list has been kinda quiet lately. Thought this might liven things up. Nevada has just announced this program. Not sure if it has funding yet but I like the philosophy. http://www.bicyclinglife.com/NewsAndViews/News991201.htm Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Here's where I would support a bike lane
by director 16 Jan '09

16 Jan '09

Good afternoon, I came across this on one of the environmental news sites I read regularly. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/01/bike-lane-projector.php It's a projector that mounts on the back of your bike and shines an image of a bike lane under you as you ride. Although it's technically incorrect (every public road is a bike lane in its entirety) it might help get the attention of motorists who don't know that. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Program grant application on line
by Frank Gmeindl 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

Bicycle Board Members, If you didn't get a paper copy of the full application at last week's Education Committee meeting or if you'd like additional copies to show to people that you might be talking with about supporting the Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Program, the full application is now available on the Bicycle Board page http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board.htm of the City's web site. Or, if you want to go directly to the application, go to http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board-documents/2008-TE-bicycle-program-full… Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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[Fwd: RE: Experiment]
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

Bicycle Board Members, Anybody interested in pursuing permission from the Federal Highway Administration to conduct an experiment to apply the Shared Lane Markings (chevrons, sharrows) and Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs? Let me know. Richard Meritzer is Pittsburgh's bicycle coordinator. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Experiment Date: Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:57:54 -0500 From: Meritzer, Richard <Richard.Meritzer(a)city.pittsburgh.pa.us> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Once we had all our documentation together it took about 4 months. PennDOT was not involved. We did this through the FWHA. -----Original Message----- From: Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net] Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 7:32 AM To: Meritzer, Richard Subject: Experiment Richard, Can you tell me how long it took you to get FHWA and PennDoT authorization to apply shared lane markings as an experiment? Here in Morgantown, WV we expected the new MUTCD would be approved by now and we could just use it as justification for the markings. Now, it looks like the new MUTCD won't be approved until the end of this year and the WVDOH probably won't adopt it until the end of next year. So, we're now thinking of going the route you did and getting permission to do an experiment. However, if that's going to take two years, we'll probably just go with share the road signs. Thanks for your time and help! Frank Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board

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Fwd: December BB minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

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Thursday meeting location change
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Bicycle Board Members, This Thursday's Education grant meeting will be at 217 Grand Street instead of the Groscup Center. This will enable most of us to cycle or walk. Thanks to Don Dickerson for offering his house. It is on the first block of Grand Street as you proceed up from Cobun. Frank

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Education Grant meeting Thur 1/8
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Bicycle Board Members, Next Thursday, 8-Jan., 6:30-8:30 pm, we will meet at the Groscup Center at Dorsey's Knob Park to work on the Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Grant implementation. In preparation for the meeting, please review the attached grant application so we will all show up already knowing what we are supposed to do. It would be really cool if when reviewing the application, you identified a part of it that you'd prefer to work on. Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules /

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Re: [Bikeboard] NYTimes.com: A Surge in Bicyclists Appears to BeWaiting
by director 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Frank, et al, I can tell you from direct experience that many of those new bikes never get ridden more than a few miles and end up languishing in storage. Many of them are donated to recycling programs like Positive Spin. In fact when I started I thought that eventually we would run out of donated bikes when we had emptied all the garages, basements and sheds of derelict bikes. However, after collecting more than 3,000 bikes in 3 years and seeing no drop in supply I can only assume that this is about the number of bikes that are bought and not used for our area annually and this will be a recurring supply. I recently read that most department store bikes are only ridden 70 miles during their life (for some of the bikes I've seen in dept stores lately I doubt whether that's even possible). I have great hope that this year's bike safety education program will lead to more people cycling right the first time so they don't have to recycle. In the long term I would like Positive Spin's mission to be advocacy rather than recycling. Our recycling mission will have merit though if we can underprice Walmart. Then they'll be forced to carry better bikes. Have a great day/week/month/year. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:47:19 -0500 >BB members, > >I want to thank Paul for sending that article. It says that 2008 >bicycle sales almost equaled car and light truck sales. So, where are >all those bikes? Can you imagine if all those bicyclists knew that the >have the same rights to the roads as motor vehicles, if they all knew >how to drive their bicycles as vehicles and if our roadways all had curb >lanes wide enough for cars and bikes to travel together? > >Frank >/Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > >On 1/1/2009 10:15 AM, paul.becker(a)mail.wvu.edu wrote: >> >> The New York Times <http://www.nytimes.com/>E-mail This >> *This page was sent to you by: * paul.becker(a)mail.wvu.edu >> >> Message from sender: >> for your interest. >> >> *BUSINESS / SMALL BUSINESS * | January 01, 2009 >> * A Surge in Bicyclists Appears to Be Waiting >> <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/01/business/smallbusiness/01sbiz.html?emc=et…>* >> >> By JAN ELLEN SPIEGEL >> A run on bicycles during the summer raised hopes among bike store >> owners, but sales have leveled off since then. >> >> >> >> Most E-mailed >> 1. Op-Ed Columnist: Add Up the Damage >> <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/opinion/30herbert.html?em&emc=eta1> >> 2. No Mug? Drug Makers Cut Out Goodies for Doctors >> <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/business/31drug.html?em&emc=eta1> >> 3. How Caramel Developed a Taste for Salt >> <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/dining/31cara.html?em&emc=eta1> >> 4. SAT Changes Policy, Opening Rift With Colleges >> <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/education/31sat.html?em&emc=eta1> >> 5. Books: Still Paging Mr. Salinger >> <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/books/31sali.html?em&emc=eta1> >> >> » Go to Complete List >> <http://www.nytimes.com/gst/mostemailed.html?type=1> >> >> Copyright 2009 >> <http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/copyright.html> The New >> York Times Company <http://www.nytco.com/> | Privacy Policy >> <http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/privacy.html> >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Bikeboard mailing list >> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >> > > > > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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NYTimes.com: A Surge in Bicyclists Appears to Be Waiting
by paul.becker＠mail.wvu.edu 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

This page was sent to you by: paul.becker(a)mail.wvu.edu. for your interest. BUSINESS / SMALL BUSINESS | January 01, 2009 A Surge in Bicyclists Appears to Be Waiting By JAN ELLEN SPIEGEL A run on bicycles during the summer raised hopes among bike store owners, but sales have leveled off since then. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/01/business/smallbusiness/01sbiz.html?emc=et… ---------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS E-MAIL This e-mail was sent to you by a friend through NYTimes.com's E-mail This Article service. For general information about NYTimes.com, write to help(a)nytimes.com. NYTimes.com 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018 Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company

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[Fwd: BB meeting this Thursday]
by Frank Gmeindl 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Bicycle Board Members, I will not be at the Courthouse for the 10:00 am ride today. I apologize for the late notice. I have been sick for over two weeks. When I posted the message below, I expected to be well by now but I'm not. I hope some of you show up and have a fun ride. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: BB meeting this Thursday Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:06:18 -0500 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> Bicycle Board Members, Unless someone has pressing business for this Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting, I'd like to suggest that we go for a ride instead. Say 10:00 am meet at the Courthouse for a ~2 hour road ride followed by lunch at Black Bear. This Thursday is New Year's Day, I've been having difficulty communicating with members and I don't know if we'd have a quorum if we met at the regular time. I looked into postponing the meeting until the following week but all the usual meeting rooms are booked. The weather forecast for Thursday is clear and cool: a perfect day for an easy road ride to start the year off right. Frank

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BB meeting this Thursday
by Frank Gmeindl 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, Unless someone has pressing business for this Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting, I'd like to suggest that we go for a ride instead. Say 10:00 am meet at the Courthouse for a ~2 hour road ride followed by lunch at Black Bear. This Thursday is New Year's Day, I've been having difficulty communicating with members and I don't know if we'd have a quorum if we met at the regular time. I looked into postponing the meeting until the following week but all the usual meeting rooms are booked. The weather forecast for Thursday is clear and cool: a perfect day for an easy road ride to start the year off right. Frank

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IMPORTANT - Monongalia designated as PM2.5 Nonattainment Area
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

If you take a look at http://www.epa.gov/pmdesignations/2006standards/regs.htm Monongalia county has been given a final designation as a PM 2.5 non-attainment area by the EPA on December 22, 2008. This is significant news because it means that our State and local government is now required by the Clean Air Act to develop a plan to mitigate the situation. This could include increased emphasis on bicycling, walking and transit solutions to reduce automobile related air pollution. -Jonathan

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Re: [Bikeboard] Merry Christmas!
by director 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Frank, I don't know if anyone else noticed, but when you click on the picture it brings up a cylists' bill of rights. You can get the .pdf from this link.... http://www.bikewriterscollective.com/images/cyclists_bill_of_rights.pdf Happy Holidays everybody! Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:28:30 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > >The following photo brought me such pleasure, I offer it to you as a way >of saying, Merry Christmas! > > > >Frank > >P.S. I copied this photo from VeloNews who copied it from Agence France >Presse. It's at the top of an article >http://www.velonews.com/photo/86141 by Bob Mionske (author of Bicycles & >The Law) about a Cyclists Bill of Rights. I would really enjoy >discussing his concept of "equality of infrastructure" over a cuppa at >the Moose sometime over the holidays. Interested? Let me know when >you'd like to do it. > > > > > > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Merry Christmas!
by Frank Gmeindl 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, The following photo brought me such pleasure, I offer it to you as a way of saying, Merry Christmas! Frank P.S. I copied this photo from VeloNews who copied it from Agence France Presse. It's at the top of an article http://www.velonews.com/photo/86141 by Bob Mionske (author of Bicycles & The Law) about a Cyclists Bill of Rights. I would really enjoy discussing his concept of "equality of infrastructure" over a cuppa at the Moose sometime over the holidays. Interested? Let me know when you'd like to do it.

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Bike history lesson in yesterday's Dominion Post
by director 21 Dec '08

21 Dec '08

Good afternoon, Don't know if anyone else saw this but Saturday's Dominion Post column by Jon Samsell was (in part) about the early history of bikes and bike merchants (~1900) in Morgantown, in particular the influence of bicycling in getting the first paved roads. (I wasn't able to find a link to it online. I saved the print article if anyone wants to see it. Also this week WIRED had a headline article about using the gas tax (currently 18c/gal and hasn't been raised in 15 years) as a means to encourage less driving and subsidize more transportation alternatives. http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/12/gargantum-gas-t.html I'm leaving for WI tomorrow, but will be available by email. Thanks to everyone for making this a banner year for bicycling (and walking) advocacy and action. Wishing you and your families all the blessed peace, joy and good health of the season - and a prosperous new year. Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Education meeting times
by Frank Gmeindl 18 Dec '08

18 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please complete and return to me at your earliest convenience, the attached Excel file. It's a calendar for the next 3 weeks. I'd like you to indicate when you want to meet to work on the Morgantown Effective Bicycling Education Program (the grant). I realize that this is Christmas time and that you might not want to meet in the next week or two. That's OK. That's why I made it 3 weeks long. I'm addressing this to the whole Bicycle Board but especially to Tyler Pearson, Hugh Kierig, Don Dickerson, Derek Springston, Jim Rye, Chip Wamsley, Janel Bedard and Marilyn Newcome as these generous and dedicated folks volunteered at our December meeting to work on this project. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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[Fwd: Re: MUTCD approval?]
by Frank Gmeindl 18 Dec '08

18 Dec '08

Don, Apparently, the new MUTCD won't be approved until late next year. All the more reason to take Lewis up on his offer to work with us on getting the SLMs and BMUFL signs installed as an experiment. Richard Moeur is a member of the MUTCD committee. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: MUTCD approval? Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:19:44 -0500 From: Richard C. Moeur <rcmoeur(a)aol.com> To: fgmeindl(a)verizon.net References: <494A5539.7000403(a)verizon.net> Not yet. Federal Highway Administration reportedly received over 12,000 comments on the draft*, and it'll take them a while to plow through them all and issue the final version of the new Manual. Right now, I'd estimate it'll be near the end of 2009 before the final rule is issued and the new MUTCD is ready for use - and it could be later than that. Note that Section 2B.54 of the current (2003) MUTCD allows the use of custom regulatory signs as needed, as long as the sign uses word legends and/or already- approved symbols. This would seem to allow an agency to install the Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign (if they chose to) without having to wait for a new MUTCD. *and virtually no comments opposing the new devices for bicyclists :) -- Richard C. Moeur, P.E., L.C.I., WC7RCM Practicing Traffic Engineer (I'll get it right someday...) Phoenix, Arizona, USA "Life is just one W1-5 after another, until the W14-1" The opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by any organization with which I may be associated. :) Websites: http://www.richardcmoeur.com http://www.trafficsign.us - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -----Original Message----- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: Richard C. Moeur <rcmoeur(a)aol.com> Sent: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 6:50 am Subject: MUTCD approval? Richard, When will the new MUTCD be officially approved for use? We got the WVDOH to approve our use of the Shared Lane Markings and Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs but a personnel change caused them to retract their approval until the new MUTCD is official. As always, I am very grateful for your response as I'm sure you get many such requests. Frank Gmeindl LCI 1703

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[Fwd: FW: [Fwd: Re: capital]]
by Frank Gmeindl 18 Dec '08

18 Dec '08

Don, Ray Lewis offers us an option that we should pursue: "File a request with the FHWA for Permission to Experiment with either or both of these new traffic control devices; the DOH would entertain a permit application for any affected State facilities, once the City has this in hand." That's how Pgh got theirs. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: [Fwd: Re: capital] Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:38:44 -0500 From: Robinson, Bill C <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> CC: Kimberly Jo Broughton <kimbroughton(a)verizon.net> *Frank -- * * * *I forwarded your E-mail to the Traffic Engineering Division. This is their reply on your interpretation of the situation; they end on the possible options for the City at this point.* *William C. Robinson*** *State Trail Coordinator* *Progam Manager, Recreational Trails Program * *WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator* *Chairman, West Virginia Recreational Trails Advisory Board* * * *West Virginia Department of Transportation* *Division of Highways* *Program Planning and Administration Division* *1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East* *Building 5, Room 863* *Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0430* *(304)558-9615 Fax -- (304)558-3783* *bill.c.robinson(a)wv.gov <mailto:bill.c.robinson@wv.gov>* *_"_**The life of the artist is, in relation to his work, stern and lonely. He has labored hard,* *often amid depravation, to perfect his skill. He has turned aside from quick success in* *order to strip his vision of everything secondary or cheapening. His working life is* *marked by intense application and intense discipline." - John F. Kennedy, 1962 * * * *From:* Lewis, Ray C *Sent:* Wednesday, December 17, 2008 1:43 PM *To:* Robinson, Bill C *Subject:* RE: [Fwd: Re: capital] Bill: Based on our discussion, and the attached e-mails, I would like to provide some clarifications. The City's position, expressed by Mr. Spencer, is that the sign and shared lane markings are approved traffic control devices. This is not the case. The MUTCD to which they are referring is the PROPOSESD 2009 Edition, which is currently the subject of a Notice of Proposed Amendment published in the FEDERAL REGISTER on January 2, 2008. There were over 1400 comments, mostly multi-part comments, received on the Notice. The FHWA is now faced with the task of reviewing and evaluating the comments before the new MUTCD can be adopted. It will not be official until the FEDERAL REGISTER notice adopting it is published. In the meantime, the States have asked that a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Amendment be published so that the many stakeholders in the MUTCD can review and comment on a version with the comments addressed. State Law requires that the Commissioner of Highways adopt a manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices consistent with "this chapter" [Chapter 17C] for use upon highways in this state. Such uniform system shall correlate with and so far as possible conform to the system THEN CURRENT (my emphasis) as approved by the American Association of State Highway [and Transportation] Officials. The current system is found in the 2003 MUTCD, which does not contain either the bicycle markings or the BICYCLES MAY USE FULL LANE sign. Both State and Federal law and regulations require conformity with the current MUTCD. WEST VIRGINIA CODE §17-3-3 makes the MUTCD applicable to municipal streets; WEST VIRGINIA CODE §17-3-2 prohibits the installation of traffic control devices on state highways without the approval of the Commissioner of Highways. Chapter 17C-11 of the Code contains provisions which are incompatible with the use of the bicycle chevrons, such as the requirement that riders travel as far to the right as practicable; a provision that bicyclists may ride two abreast; and the provision that traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. In regard to the last, The CODE prohibits, at §17C-6-3a(a), the operation of a vehicle in such a way that it impedes the normal and reasonable flow of traffic. The artificial placement of bicyclists to the left will increase the difficulty for other vehicles to pass. The UNIFORM VEHICLE CODE is not in play in the resolution of this issue. The UVC is a model code, like many other model codes. There is no requirement that West Virginia adopt it, or conform to it. The WV Code language governs in all cases. We were able for several years to have bills introduced in the Legislature to have the WV CODE brought into conformity with the UVC; our efforts repeatedly failed. I told Mr. Spencer in a telephone conversation last Thursday that I would be willing to meet with a delegation from Morgantown at such time as they could present new information. From our perspective, the City presently has two alternatives open to them: 1) Apply for a permit (where State-maintained streets are involved and install SHARE THE ROAD signs, which are an approved traffic control device; or 2) File a request with the FHWA for Permission to Experiment with either or both of these new traffic control devices; the DOH would entertain a permit application for any affected State facilities, once the City has this in hand. Ray Lewis Staff Engineer -- Traffic Research and Special Projects WVDOT, Division of Highways 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East Charleston, WV 25305 Telephone: (304) 558-9451 Fax: (304) 558-1209 e-Mail: ray.C.lewis(a)wv.gov <mailto:ray.C.lewis@wv.gov> *From:* Robinson, Bill C *Sent:* Monday, December 15, 2008 3:31 PM *Subject:* FW: [Fwd: Re: capital] *FYI -- * * * *Response from Morgantown to my E-mail this morning...* * * *Bill* * * *From:* Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net] *Sent:* Monday, December 15, 2008 1:54 PM *To:* Robinson, Bill C *Cc:* Kimberly Jo; Don Spencer; Jennie Selin; Glagola, Charlene *Subject:* Re: [Fwd: Re: capital] Bill, Check the code. It says as far to the right as *practicable*, not possible. The Uniform Vehicle Code Section 11-1205 Position on a roadway, provides some clarification: (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: 1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including but not limited to: fixed or moving objects; parked or moving vehicles; bicycle; pedestrians; animals; surface hazards; or sub-standard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-had curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "sub-standard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. When the WV code says ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, it means to ride as near as can reasonably accomplished under the circumstances to the right. Approximately 40 other state's codes have similar "far to the right" clauses. I doubt the FHWA would publish a MUTCD that violates those state's laws. The new MUTCD recognizes that cyclists and motorists might need some help understanding the intent of the code. Section 9C.07 Shared Lane Marking states, "The Shared Lane Marking shown in Figure 9C-9 may be used to: A. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a bicyclist's impacting the open door of a parked vehicle, B. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic lane, C. Alert road users of the lateral location bicyclists are likely to occupy within the traveled way, D. Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists, and E. Reduce the incidence of wrong-way bicycling." We need that in Morgantown. Concerning the Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs, Section 9B.06 Bicycles May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) states, "The Bicycles May Use Full Lane (R4-11) sign may be used on roadways where no bicycle lanes or adjacent shoulders usable by bicyclists are present and where travel lanes are too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side. The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane." I understand that Don Spencer, Deputy Mayor has been trying to set up a meeting with Ray Lewis. I hope that the meeting will be arranged so we will have the opportunity to reach a meeting of the minds. Frank Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board Robinson, Bill C wrote: Kim - I talked this morning to Cindy Cramer, who is the Acting Director for Traffic Engineering Division. She said that the people from Morgantown needed to talk to Ray Lewis (558-9451) or Travis Miller (558-9455) about the signage issue. I had a copy of the October 30, 2008 letter, I just didn't realize it was the one that everyone was talking about. The bottom line is that state code says that bikes have to ride as far to the right as possible. The signage/markings being discussed either explicitly, or implicitly, encouraged bicyclist to utilize the entire lane. While the City could decide to do whatever they want on the City maintained streets, the City is justifiably concerned about liability about posting signs and markings that seem to contradict State code. If the City has issues with WVDOH's position, then they need to schedule a meeting with either of the two Traffic Engineering personnel above. If I were the City, I would explore marking the routes with markings/signage presently being utilized that emphasized that the bicyclists must keep to the right, but that is their call. I recommended the signage/markings to the Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI) for a project they were doing in Huntington. After discovering the conflict with State Code, they are considering using conventional signage markings and moving them to the right. In fact, my contact at RTI had recently viewed a similar signage/marking system in Louisville, Ky. While this may be a temporary setback, both the City and DOH had concerns, it isn't that the WVDOH acted unilaterally or is discouraging the overall idea of the bicycle routes. Bill Robinson WVDOH

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[Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital]]]
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Dec '08

16 Dec '08

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] [Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital]] Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:46:48 -0500 From: Chip Wamsley <chip(a)wamsleycycles.com> Reply-To: <chip(a)wamsleycycles.com> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:57:18 -0500 Did anyone on the board question West Virginia's go to consultant--the Rahall Transportation Institute? It is one of several US govt. funded UTC (University Transportation Centers) that was formed in 1998 with a $12M grant that congressman Nick Rahall obtained. Their purpose is to investigate transportation issues unique to the Appalachian region while being part of the curriculum at Marshall Univ and several colleges in WV. Rahall mentions in 2000 the benefits of Intermodal Transportation to rural areas, but I feel his reference was referring more to roads and highways between towns not intercity transit. From this overview, gleaned from a quick look at their website, it appears that their expertise is not geared to making decisions related to urban bicycle use. We may have gotten into a North South situation, the people in Charleston vs the "liberal" upstarts in Morgantown, but that's my opinion. Chip >FYI. Bill Robinson is the state bicycle coordinator. > >Frank >/Same Roads >Same Rights >Same Rules >/ >-------- Original Message -------- >Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital] >Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:54:17 -0500 >From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> >To: Robinson, Bill C <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov> >CC: Kimberly Jo <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com>, Don Spencer ><dspencer36(a)comcast.net>, Jennie Selin <JSelin(a)hotmail.com>, >cglagola(a)mail.wvnet.edu >References: <494466FF.7000407(a)gmail.com> ><C2EB27303808814DAA5C9E6917A821E7032B63FC(a)WVOTMAIL01.executive.stateofwv.gov> > > > > >Bill, > >Check the code. It says as far to the right as *practicable*, not >possible. > >The Uniform Vehicle Code Section 11-1205 Position on a roadway, provides >some clarification: >(a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the >normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions >then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb >or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: > > 1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding > in the same direction. > 2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a > private road or driveway. > 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including but not > limited to: fixed or moving objects; parked or moving vehicles; > bicycle; pedestrians; animals; surface hazards; or sub-standard > width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-had > curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "sub-standard width > lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor > vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. > >When the WV code says ride as near to the right side of the roadway as >practicable, it means to ride as near as can reasonably accomplished >under the circumstances to the right. > >Approximately 40 other state's codes have similar "far to the right" >clauses. I doubt the FHWA would publish a MUTCD that violates those >state's laws. The new MUTCD recognizes that cyclists and motorists >might need some help understanding the intent of the code. Section >9C.07 Shared Lane Marking states, "The Shared Lane Marking shown in >Figure 9C-9 may be used to: >A. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with >on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a >bicyclist's impacting the open door of a parked vehicle, >B. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too >narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within >the same traffic lane, >C. Alert road users of the lateral location bicyclists are likely to >occupy within the traveled way, >D. Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists, and >E. Reduce the incidence of wrong-way bicycling." > >We need that in Morgantown. > >Concerning the Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs, Section 9B.06 Bicycles >May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) states, "The Bicycles May Use Full Lane >(R4-11) sign may be used on roadways where no bicycle lanes or adjacent >shoulders usable by bicyclists are present and where travel lanes are >too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side. >The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is >important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel >lane." > >I understand that Don Spencer, Deputy Mayor has been trying to set up a >meeting with Ray Lewis. I hope that the meeting will be arranged so we >will have the opportunity to reach a meeting of the minds. > >Frank Gmeindl >Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board > > >Robinson, Bill C wrote: >> Kim - >> >> I talked this morning to Cindy Cramer, who is the Acting Director for >> Traffic Engineering Division. She said that the people from Morgantown >> needed to talk to Ray Lewis (558-9451) or Travis Miller (558-9455) about >> the signage issue. >> >> I had a copy of the October 30, 2008 letter, I just didn't realize it >> was the one that everyone was talking about. The bottom line is that >> state code says that bikes have to ride as far to the right as possible. >> The signage/markings being discussed either explicitly, or implicitly, >> encouraged bicyclist to utilize the entire lane. While the City could >> decide to do whatever they want on the City maintained streets, the City >> is justifiably concerned about liability about posting signs and >> markings that seem to contradict State code. >> >> If the City has issues with WVDOH's position, then they need to schedule >> a meeting with either of the two Traffic Engineering personnel above. >> >> If I were the City, I would explore marking the routes with >> markings/signage presently being utilized that emphasized that the >> bicyclists must keep to the right, but that is their call. I >> recommended the signage/markings to the Rahall Transportation Institute >> (RTI) for a project they were doing in Huntington. After discovering >> the conflict with State Code, they are considering using conventional >> signage markings and moving them to the right. In fact, my contact at >> RTI had recently viewed a similar signage/marking system in Louisville, >> Ky. >> >> While this may be a temporary setback, both the City and DOH had >> concerns, it isn't that the WVDOH acted unilaterally or is discouraging >> the overall idea of the bicycle routes. >> >> Bill Robinson >> WVDOH >> >> >> >> > > > > >

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[Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital]]
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Dec '08

16 Dec '08

FYI. Bill Robinson is the state bicycle coordinator. Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules / -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital] Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:54:17 -0500 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: Robinson, Bill C <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov> CC: Kimberly Jo <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com>, Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net>, Jennie Selin <JSelin(a)hotmail.com>, cglagola(a)mail.wvnet.edu References: <494466FF.7000407(a)gmail.com> <C2EB27303808814DAA5C9E6917A821E7032B63FC(a)WVOTMAIL01.executive.stateofwv.gov> Bill, Check the code. It says as far to the right as *practicable*, not possible. The Uniform Vehicle Code Section 11-1205 Position on a roadway, provides some clarification: (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: 1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including but not limited to: fixed or moving objects; parked or moving vehicles; bicycle; pedestrians; animals; surface hazards; or sub-standard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-had curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "sub-standard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. When the WV code says ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, it means to ride as near as can reasonably accomplished under the circumstances to the right. Approximately 40 other state's codes have similar "far to the right" clauses. I doubt the FHWA would publish a MUTCD that violates those state's laws. The new MUTCD recognizes that cyclists and motorists might need some help understanding the intent of the code. Section 9C.07 Shared Lane Marking states, "The Shared Lane Marking shown in Figure 9C-9 may be used to: A. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a bicyclist's impacting the open door of a parked vehicle, B. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic lane, C. Alert road users of the lateral location bicyclists are likely to occupy within the traveled way, D. Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists, and E. Reduce the incidence of wrong-way bicycling." We need that in Morgantown. Concerning the Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs, Section 9B.06 Bicycles May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) states, "The Bicycles May Use Full Lane (R4-11) sign may be used on roadways where no bicycle lanes or adjacent shoulders usable by bicyclists are present and where travel lanes are too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side. The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane." I understand that Don Spencer, Deputy Mayor has been trying to set up a meeting with Ray Lewis. I hope that the meeting will be arranged so we will have the opportunity to reach a meeting of the minds. Frank Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board Robinson, Bill C wrote: > Kim - > > I talked this morning to Cindy Cramer, who is the Acting Director for > Traffic Engineering Division. She said that the people from Morgantown > needed to talk to Ray Lewis (558-9451) or Travis Miller (558-9455) about > the signage issue. > > I had a copy of the October 30, 2008 letter, I just didn't realize it > was the one that everyone was talking about. The bottom line is that > state code says that bikes have to ride as far to the right as possible. > The signage/markings being discussed either explicitly, or implicitly, > encouraged bicyclist to utilize the entire lane. While the City could > decide to do whatever they want on the City maintained streets, the City > is justifiably concerned about liability about posting signs and > markings that seem to contradict State code. > > If the City has issues with WVDOH's position, then they need to schedule > a meeting with either of the two Traffic Engineering personnel above. > > If I were the City, I would explore marking the routes with > markings/signage presently being utilized that emphasized that the > bicyclists must keep to the right, but that is their call. I > recommended the signage/markings to the Rahall Transportation Institute > (RTI) for a project they were doing in Huntington. After discovering > the conflict with State Code, they are considering using conventional > signage markings and moving them to the right. In fact, my contact at > RTI had recently viewed a similar signage/marking system in Louisville, > Ky. > > While this may be a temporary setback, both the City and DOH had > concerns, it isn't that the WVDOH acted unilaterally or is discouraging > the overall idea of the bicycle routes. > > Bill Robinson > WVDOH > > > >

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Re: [Bikeboard] DOH letter
by director 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

Frank, Did you make the trip to Charleston last week to contest this issue? Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:52:10 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > >Attached is the letter that the WVDOH sent to the City retracting their >approval of the Shared Lane Markings and Bicycles May Use Full Lane >signs. I actually agree with their points on page 2 about the SLMs and >BMUFL signs being redundant since as they point out, the law already >provides us the same rights as vehicles but they miss the point that the >current narrow lanes and low level of education discourage many people >from bicycling. Recently, the League of American Bicyclists rated WV >the least bicycle friendly state in the US. I think the WVDOH is >determined to keep it that way. They can't stifle our activities in all >the E's though: Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering, >Evaluation and Equality. We shall overcome! :-) > >Frank > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Re: [Bikeboard] Bike Parking Meeting
by director 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

Frank, My apologies for not attending the meeting. I had personal commitments that came up unexpectedly. What am I still on the hook to complete in the Sketchup drawing? I've made the corrections that you indicated initially. I'd asked Derek if he could make an enlarged printout, but due to the cost he's reluctant to do so as it would represent an involuntary donation by his employer. If the city has a large-format printer it would be best if they make the printout, once I've incorporated all corrections and updates (of which I haven't received any). I think the next logical step would be to walk down High St with this printout and make markups where changes are needed. I'd also like to add that I believe Jonathan and I are on the hook to provide a revised draft of the parking plan text. We're trying to get together to finish it for the next meeting. I've posted the updated Sketchup file to the 3d Warehouse. Anyone who has installed Sketchup or the viewer from the free download http://sketchup.google.com/ can get the file. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:36:37 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > >Chip, Jonathan, Don Spencer and Frank met 6-8 pm tonight and pushed >forward with bicycle parking planning. Attached are the minutes. >Jonathan rode his bike in on such an icy night. I hope he made it home >OK. > >Frank >/Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Bike Parking Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 13 Dec '08

13 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, Chip, Jonathan, Don Spencer and Frank met 6-8 pm tonight and pushed forward with bicycle parking planning. Attached are the minutes. Jonathan rode his bike in on such an icy night. I hope he made it home OK. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Computer projector?
by Frank Gmeindl 12 Dec '08

12 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, I anybody could bring a computer projector to tonight's parking meeting, it sure would be handy! Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules /

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12/10 Traffic Commission meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, At last night's Traffic Commission meeting: 1. The TC unanimously appointed Janel and Paul to the BB. Betty McClain said the selections were excellent. 2. Roy Nutter, TC Chairman, asked us to put Derek's Maps and the location spreadsheet on the BB web site. I said we'd have to work with the City to get them up there because the files are huge and not in a format that the average citizen could download. 3. Ken Martis suggested we coordinate with the Planning Commission to incorporate our parking plan with the Downtown Revitalization plan. He said he'd have someone contact us. 4. Nutter asked if anybody from WVU's traffic and parking dept. is involved in bike parking. He wondered why some of the University's bike racks are where they are. I told him Hugh Kierig is a member of the BB. Tony Barill said it's appalling that there's not a bike rack at the Evansdale Library. See you all tomorrow night at 6 at the PSC training room. Frank

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Parking meeting Friday
by Frank Gmeindl 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, This is a reminder that we're meeting this Friday 6-8 pm to work on the bicycle parking plan. We will meet in the Public Safety Center *Training Room*. When you come in the front door of the PSC, turn left, proceed through the double doors down the hall to the second door on your right. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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DOH letter
by Frank Gmeindl 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, Attached is the letter that the WVDOH sent to the City retracting their approval of the Shared Lane Markings and Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs. I actually agree with their points on page 2 about the SLMs and BMUFL signs being redundant since as they point out, the law already provides us the same rights as vehicles but they miss the point that the current narrow lanes and low level of education discourage many people from bicycling. Recently, the League of American Bicyclists rated WV the least bicycle friendly state in the US. I think the WVDOH is determined to keep it that way. They can't stifle our activities in all the E's though: Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering, Evaluation and Equality. We shall overcome! :-) Frank

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Borrow GPS unit?
by Derek Springston 10 Dec '08

10 Dec '08

Does anyone have a GPS unit I could borrow through the holidays? I was using one from work to GPS the bike racks around town, but it is being used now. If anyone can part with theirs, let me know. Thanks! ~Derek Springston _________________________________________________________________ Send e-mail faster without improving your typing skills. http://windowslive.com/Explore/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_acq_speed_…

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Report to TC
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Dec '08

08 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, Attached is a report that I plan to deliver to the Traffic Commission this Wednesday. If you see any errors or have any recommendations for it's improvement, please reply ASAP. Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules /

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Re: [Bikeboard] Bicycling & the law
by director 05 Dec '08

05 Dec '08

Good morning, I'd also like to add the Barnes and Noble in Univ Town Centre has it on the shelf in the bike section if you want to look at it before you buy. Ask at the desk and they'll find it for you. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:59:08 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > >Tonight I mentioned that before we start recommending legislation, we >should understand the law. I recommended that we read /Bicycling & the >Law /by Bob Mionske. You can buy it from amazon >http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-ke… > >If you want to get a taste of his writing see his articles in Velo News, >e.g. http://www.velonews.com/bob-mionske > >Frank >/Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > > > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Bicycling & the law
by Frank Gmeindl 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, Tonight I mentioned that before we start recommending legislation, we should understand the law. I recommended that we read /Bicycling & the Law /by Bob Mionske. You can buy it from amazon http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-ke… If you want to get a taste of his writing see his articles in Velo News, e.g. http://www.velonews.com/bob-mionske Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Blinky lights
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Dec '08

02 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, "Blinky lights" make terrible reflectors when they're off, e.g. dead battery. The law requires a rear red reflector that's visible from 50-300 feet when illuminated by a motor vehicle's high-beams. Having a blinky light with a dead battery and no reflector is a violation of the law. Reflectors are effective if they are positioned to reflect light from the motorists' headlights back to the motorists' eyes. Test your blinky lights and reflectors by sitting in a car and viewing your bike from behind. Studies show that blinky lights are more effective when the light is on steady rather than blinking. Why am I writing this? On my way home from work tonight, I came upon a guy riding a bike with a dead blinky and no reflector. He was totally invisible. Right now, I'm freaking imagining that he might not have made it home alive. Novice cyclists fear getting hit from behind although getting hit from behind constitutes only 3% of crashes. Half of those happen at night when the driver didn't see the cyclist. Most of the other half happen during the day because the cyclist wasn't riding straight. Practicing the knowledge and skills taught in Traffic Skills 101 can reduce the chance of all crash types by one to two orders of magnitude. 6 of our bike board members haven't taken the Road I/Traffic Skills 101 course. I think any bike board member should know such things that the course teaches. Only one member of the Bicycle Board responded to my 11/11 call for members to join our education committee to implement the $68K grant we received for a Morgantown Effective Cycling Education program. I can't do it myself. Help. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Re: [Bikeboard] clutter
by director 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

I can do that. "Wiz-bang" Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: John Lozier <jl(a)harpingforharmony.org> Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 09:00:27 -0500 >This observation is not very authoritative, maybe just one person's >view of what happened. Should be addressed diplomatically. > >Suggestion: you guys with the whiz-bang drawings should work up and >present a scenario where the bike racks are placed not on the >sidewalk but on selected parking spaces. > >On Dec 1, 2008, at 8:01 AM, Frank Gmeindl wrote: > >> Bicycle Board Members, >> >> I had a casual meeting with a City employee yesterday and they told me >> that in addition to budget limitations, High Street bike racks were >> not >> included in the Streetscape plan because Terri Cutwright, Main Street >> Morgantown Director said, "We want to minimize clutter". We will >> need >> to be prepared to address this concern. >> >> Frank >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Bikeboard mailing list >> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > > >_______________________________________________ >Bikeboard mailing list >Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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clutter
by Frank Gmeindl 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, I had a casual meeting with a City employee yesterday and they told me that in addition to budget limitations, High Street bike racks were not included in the Streetscape plan because Terri Cutwright, Main Street Morgantown Director said, "We want to minimize clutter". We will need to be prepared to address this concern. Frank

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This Thursday's BB meeting agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 30 Nov '08

30 Nov '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached a zip folder that contains a recommended agenda for this Thursday's 12/4/2008 Bicycle Board meeting. The zip folder also contains documents to read in preparation for the meeting. If you have any changes that you would like to make to the agenda, please reply. Frank

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High Street Bike Racks in Sketchup
by director 28 Nov '08

28 Nov '08

Good evening, I talked to Frank and Chip today, they liked the drawing I sent out showing all the bike rack spots on High Street, but both agreed that it would be better if they could get the 3d file. I figured out a way to do it - the file is now available fromt he Sketchup 3d warehouse. You can find it using the search string "High Street Morgantown". Interestingly most of the major WVU buildings are also in the warehouse and are available to us. You can download the model once you download Sketchup. Give me a call if you need help with it. (276-0213). Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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High Street Bike Racks in Sketchup
by director 28 Nov '08

28 Nov '08

Good Morning, I've plunked down the bike racks in 3D in Sketchup as promised. I'm attaching the .jpg for everyone to look at. Although it doesn't show as much detail as I like it's already 1MB which is about the largest sensible size for an email file. The 3D file is 6mb (4mb zipped) but would be a lot more fun to look at. If you want it let me know and I'll arrange to get it to you. The Sketchup editing and viewing programs are free to download from: http://sketchup.google.com/gsu6/download.html (version 6 viewer) http://sketchup.google.com/download/ (version 7 editor) The v6 viewer works with v7 files (I checked) Anyway the .jpg file shows the whole street at once and lets you get an idea of overall placement. Let me know if you have any questions or would like changes. Happy Thanksgiving! Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Re: [Bikeboard] 11/25 Parking meeting
by director 26 Nov '08

26 Nov '08

Frank, et al, Last nite at the meeting I was trying to remember one of the shell-style bike shelters I'd seen during earlier studies. This is it. http://huntco.com/bikepod/ I remember the cost being under $1000, it might make sense for a place like the parking garage that already offers pretty good weather protection. Their other models are shown here... http://www.huntco.com/mercantool/mtool.pl?command=productpage_list&category… Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:32:39 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > >Last night, we defined parking recommendations for the PSC garage. >Please see attached minutes. > >Frank >/Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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11/25 Parking meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Nov '08

26 Nov '08

Bicycle Board Members, Last night, we defined parking recommendations for the PSC garage. Please see attached minutes. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Meeting Tonight
by gunn4r Shogren 25 Nov '08

25 Nov '08

Right? 7:30pm, PSB. Anything else?

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3D Rendering of High Street
by director 24 Nov '08

24 Nov '08

Good evening, I received the image files of 3 blocks of High St (Pleasant to Willey) and put them into Sketchup to give a 3D rendering. My Mom just arrived so I haven't done a complete job of showing the bike rack locations that have been proposed, however the attached file shows the corner at Fayette St. with a couple of 3d racks, bikes, cars and a person for scale. I can do more with more time. The image I'm sending is a static 2d file, but I have the 3d version and I'd be happy to send it to anyone who knows how to use Sketchup. I could also bring my computer to the next meeting. There's some other cool stuff that can be done with this too. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Meeting Minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 22 Nov '08

22 Nov '08

Attached are the minutes for the regular November BB meeting, as well as the extra parking meeting. If you have any comments or corrections, please email me. Thank you, BETSY SHOGREN

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Parking, SLMs, Ed Grant
by Frank Gmeindl 21 Nov '08

21 Nov '08

Bicycle Board Members, Yesterday, I had a very positive meeting with Jeff Mikorski, Assistant City Manager about bike parking and shared lane markings after which we met with Jeff Harpold, WVDOH Transportation Ehancement Coordinator on the Effective Cycling Education Program grant. *Bike Parking* * The City considered bike parking on the High Street Streetscape but didn't develop any plans because they didn't have sufficient budget. * I reviewed with Mikorski the Streetscape map that we marked up showing recommended locations for 30 bike racks. It made sense to him. His specific comments: 1. Design: City had considered post-and-loop. I described Chip's recommended flair rack. Jeff's OK with it. 2. Location: Concern for bicycle orientation (i.e. parallel or perpendicular to walkway) to minimize interference with pedestrians and parking motor vehicles. 3. The curbs around the trees were recently installed to keep water from flooding the tree boxes. City doesn't consider them a tripping hazard. 4. Watch out for vaults under the rack locations because you can't drill down there. Jeff favored putting racks between tree and curb. (I indicated maintenance risk.) 5. The prevailing color for streetscape hardware is black. 6. Maintenance: If private property owners agree to have the City put bike racks on their property, maintenance responsibility will have to be defined. 7. Abandoned bikes: policy? Who gets rid of abandoned bikes and how. *Shared Lane Markings* * We reviewed Derek's maps and I asked Jeff if the City would pay for future printing. He said that the City has a new part-time engineer, Damian, who's GIS-savvy and using ESRI software. Jeff will check with Terry Hough to see if Damian can work with Derek to get future maps printed at City hall. * The City is building a geo database and having GPS points for things like SLMs, BMUFL signs and bike racks is the way they want to go. *Effective Cycling Education Program* Harpold came up to Morgantown to meet with Mikorski, me and Nick Hein to review our application. Nick didn't show. Highlights: 1. We have 2 years from authorization to proceed to complete the work. 2. Authorization may not come for 4-6 months. 3. We will produce monthly deliverables (for example, number of course deliveries, PSAs produced, ads run, effectiveness data collected) that show that we're accomplishing what we proposed and that will justify reimbursing our expenses. 4. The contract between the City and Positive Spin must have a not-to-exceed limit. 5. Harpold and Mikorski need to resolve whether we'll have to go out for bids for work to be done. 6. There are probably state and federal regulations that determine the allowable salary ranges that we will need to learn before we can pay people. 7. Harpold will make an agreement between the City and the State that specifies scope, funding, deliverables and schedule. 8. The agreement must be reviewed by WVDOH legal, historic preservation, Greater Morgantown Metropolitan Planning Organization (the MPO can kill the project), Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan. 9. The total grant is $54,417 state + $13,605 City = $68,022. *Action Items * 1. Bicycle Board reorganize the Education Committee. 2. Education Committee develop a project plan. 3. Positive Spin and the City make a contract. Frank

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Hero
by Frank Gmeindl 18 Nov '08

18 Nov '08

Did you see Jim Rye's picture on the front page of the Dominion Post today: taking the lane on Cheat Road in the snow... my hero! Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules /

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Re: [Bikeboard] [Fwd: Mid-Ohio Valley Bicycle Council]
by Frank Gmeindl 17 Nov '08

17 Nov '08

Kim, Like everyone, my time is limited. I try to use it where it will have the most impact on my agenda. My primary mission is to teach cyclists to act as drivers of vehicles. That includes teaching them how to drive their bicycles on roadways and not on sidewalks. I'd like to see the shared lane markings and Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs on the roadways before I get involved in public arguments with ignorant individuals especially if they are not in a position to do anything but blow smoke. It took the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board over a year of continuous effort to get resistant public officials aligned with its plans to install the SLMs and BMUFL signs. Our biggest problem is that almost all of us only have a few hours a month that we can devote to advancing bicycling. Gary Warhoftig, the key public official with the WVDOH in Charleston who several months ago after a personal visit from the Deputy Mayor and a City Councilor finally gave Morgantown the approval to install these has since retired. We have been slow in getting the markings and signs installed because our volunteers do not have enough time to respond fast enough to the various demands that the lay on us. Now, we may lose the whole thing because Warhoftig's replacement has reversed the approval. Now, a contingent of us must waste a day going to Charleston to try to persuade Warhoftig's replacement to reconsider his reversal. After all, the law still says that cyclists must ride as far to the right as practicable and it is going to be a continuous uphill struggle to persuade people such as the WVDOH that it says "practicable" and not "possible" and that often practicable means to take the lane. I think it might be more effective to work with WV legislators to remove the far to the right restriction and establish a 3-foot passing rule than to argue with Mr. Dye. When you sent me the picture of the Parkersburg Critical Mass Ride, I was glad to see cyclists wearing helmets and riding not more than two abreast. My previous experience with Critical Mass Rides over a period of more than 10 years is that they generally create and intensify motorist animosity toward bicycling and certainly don't promote cyclists acting or being treated as drivers of vehicles. Dye's letter seems to be yet another confirmation of that. I'd rather keep Morgantown's SLMs and BMUFLs out of Parkersburg's and more importantly, Charleston's newspapers until they are installed and we have a preponderance of evidence that they are effective at improving both cyclists' and motorists' behaviors. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles /- John Forester Kimberly Jo Broughton wrote: > Hey guys, > Thought I would forward this. I would appreciate any information you > could provide for a response. Frank, I plan to use information about > what Morgantown is doing for lane markings if you don't mind. I want > to respond and show work is being done all over the state towards more > biking and appreciate a quote from each of you if you don't mind. No > problem if you do. I want to respond by educating. It is a perfect > opportunity! > Thanks so much, > Kim > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Subject: > Mid-Ohio Valley Bicycle Council > From: > Adventure Pursuit <adventurepursuit(a)hotmail.com> > Date: > Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:42:32 -0500 > To: > kimbroughton(a)verizon.net > > To: > kimbroughton(a)verizon.net > > > > > *November 16, 2008 * > * * > * > *Volunteers are needed to ride bikes with individuals, assist in the > helmet safety campaign and coordinate bike repairs with visiting > mechanics.* > * > * * > *You can sign up to be a volunteer by going to Adventure Pursuit's > volunteer application. It takes about 60 seconds. Click here > <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=10666840&msgid=224419&act=ZRF5&c=…>to > sign up. > * > * * > * * > *Adventure Pursuit* > *PO Box 431 * > *Parkersburg WV 26102 304-485-0911 * > * * > > > > > > * * > * > *Letter to the editor about cyclists in Parkersburg paper > * > ** > ** > *** > * ** Hey all,* > *There is letter to the editor on Parkersburg's website about > cyclists. You can see the link here* > * * > http://newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/511433.html > I'd like to provide a response to the paper from the Mid-Ohio Bicycle > Council if anyone is interested in participating. If so, please send > your thoughts. This is a perfect opportunity to educate Steve and the > rest of the public. It would be nice to show a group of people > responding. > > Looks like our awareness ride worked :). > Thanks! > Kim > > > ** > * * > > > Drivers not only problem > > /POSTED: November 16, 2008/ > Save > <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=10666840&msgid=224419&act=ZRF5&c=…> > | Print > <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=10666840&msgid=224419&act=ZRF5&c=…> > | Email > <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=10666840&msgid=224419&act=ZRF5&c=…> > | Read comments > <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=10666840&msgid=224419&act=ZRF5&c=…> > | Post a comment > <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=10666840&msgid=224419&act=ZRF5&c=…> > > Email: "Drivers not only problem" > > *To: > > > > <--TO Email REQUIRED! > > *From: > > > > <--FROM Email REQUIRED! > > > > Being of the country persuasion, I've long been disgusted by city bike > riders coming onto our narrow country roads and making nuisances of > themselves. Yes, they have a legal right to be there. However, in the > days before cute little spandex outfits for aging athletes, most > people on bicycles realized that they were a safety hazard in their > own right and made at least some effort to cooperate with automobile > drivers. Many would move near the edge to allow drivers to pass more > easily, or slow down slightly and motion those behind them around. > > Today, too many seem to prefer to ride on the center-line and dare > anyone to hit them. Rarely do you see one deliberately yield part of > their lane to let a car around, and the only place that most slow down > is where they know auto drivers can't pass anyway. As soon as you get > to a safe place to pass, they take off like the proverbial bat out of > Hades. Few women bicyclists seem to behave that way, so I guess it > must to be a testosterone thing. > > In town, some of them dart between lanes of stopped traffic to crowd > ahead in line, run stop signs and switch on and off the sidewalk at > will. During the publicized ride for awareness the other day, my wife > and I stepped out the door of the bookstore by the mall and were > nearly run down by what appeared to be a bicycle club member who was > riding on the sidewalk to avoid the speed-bumps in the street. While I > realize that there are plenty of rude and careless drivers out there, > it seems to me that rude auto drivers aren't the only problem on the > highways (and sidewalks). > > Steve Dye > > Parkersburg > > > * > * > * > * > * > ** > * > > > > > > > > This message was sent from Adventure Pursuit to > kimbroughton(a)verizon.net. It was sent from: Adventure Pursuit, PO Box > 431, Parkersburg, WV 26102. You can modify/update your subscription > via the link below. Email Marketing Software > <http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/144186> > > > Manage your subscription > <http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10666840&l=21227&s=ZRF5&m=2…> > > View this message in the iContact Community: View message > <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=10666840&msgid=224419&act=ZRF5&c=…> > Comment on this message > <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=10666840&msgid=224419&act=ZRF5&c=…> > Receive as RSS > <http://community.icontact.com/p/testtest8/newsletters/mid-ohio-valley-bicyc…> > >

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bike rack sources
by Chip Wamsley 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

Here is a list of sites of interest with regard to bicycle parking. 1)http://toronto.ca/cycling/postandring.html this site is for the city of Toronto, not a specific manufacturer, but it has lots of good info about racks and all sorts of bike policies. 2)http://www.theparkcatalog.com A manufacturer of all types of park and streetscape items including bike racks. The flare style rack seems to be the best in terms of simple clean design and the lowest price at $77/unit vs similar racks in the $200-$500/unit price range. It also comes in a thermoplastic coating which should maintain its appearance and be kind to bike finishes (the only company I found offering this finish). Highland Products is located in Oklahoma with offices in Boca Raton, FL. 3)http://www.madrax.com Also a maker of bike racks including bike lockers (check out the wedge designs--4units/90 degrees @ $1825/unit). Their other bike racks are available in three finishes: galvanized, powder coat, or stainless. Prices for their 2 bike bollard model BOL450-1 are $189, $239 and $679 for the three respective finishes. Madrax is located in Wisconsin. 4)http://www.bikeparking.com They have an interesting circle design in the usual three finishes, pricing is on their site. The Palmer Group is located in San Francisco. 5)http://www.bikerack.ca/products.html They produce the classic post and ring racks for Toronto. This cast design's ring can be broken and looks to be hard on bike finishes, They are located in Montreal, Canada. Submitted by Chip W.

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Re: [Bikeboard] state wide bike meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 13 Nov '08

13 Nov '08

Kim, If you're trying to identify actions and accomplishments for making the State more bicycle friendly, Morgantown's application for the LAB Bicycle Friendly Community award provides a good summary for Morgantown. The application is available at http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board-documents/BFC%20Application.zip on the City's web site http://www.morgantown.com/. We didn't win the award but it helped us focus our efforts on the 5Es around which the application criteria are organized: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Encouragement and Evaluation. The attached pdf file is LAB's feedback to our application. Since our BFC application, we have received WVDOH approval to apply Shared Lane Markings (sharrows) and Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs to select Morgantown roadways. The attached file, Chevron_press_release_v003.doc describes these. The City has put $35K in the budget for these this year. Also since our application, the State has given us a WV Transportation Enhancement Program grant for a Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Program. Attached is the final draft of our application that explains the education program. Could you help us with the Social Marketing part? Also at http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board-documents/Accommodating_Bicycles_prese… on the City's website is a Morgantown Bicycle Board presentation, /Accommodating Bicycles/, to the Greater Morgantown Metropolitan Planning Organization that provides a plan and goals for accommodating bicycles in the Morgantown Metropolitan Statistical Area. I know I've pointed you at a lot of stuff. We've been working on this for over two years. Reviewing the attached items might help us hit the ground running when we meet. Frank Gmeindl LCI #1703 /Bicycles fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ Kimberly Jo Broughton wrote: > I will! Thank you Frank! > > Frank Gmeindl wrote: >> Kim, >> >> Thanks for thinking of me. Let me know when and where. >> >> Frank >> >> Kimberly Jo Broughton wrote: >>> Hey Frank, >>> Bill Reger-Nahs suggest I touch base with you on a meeting I am >>> working with Bill Robinson to set up regarding the State's next >>> response to the League of American Bicyclists survey that was used >>> to rank states for biking. The report is due in March and we would >>> like to get bike leaders together and catalog the State's activities >>> in regards to the survey. I noticed one item in the report I think >>> you are personally doing and could change a no answer to a yes. >>> >>> Nothing has been set up yet as far as places, dates or times. I >>> just wanted to let you know we are working on organizing it and want >>> to do all we can to make sure you can be there. I would appreciate >>> any feedback that could help with that. >>> Thank you! >>> Kim Broughton >>> PARK manager >>> Adventure Pursuit >>> >>> >> >> > >

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Parking tomorrow
by Frank Gmeindl 12 Nov '08

12 Nov '08

Bicycle Board Members, This is a reminder that we're meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 13-Nov., 7:30 PM at the Public Safety Center Conference Room (our usual place) to continue developing a bicycle parking plan for downtown. Frank

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Re: [Bikeboard] Barcelona bike-sharing program - NY Times
by Frank Gmeindl 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Good for a Transportation Enhancement Program grant application, I'd say. Who wants to lead the effort? Frank director wrote: > Good evening, > I received this from a friend in Chicago. > > btw I took pictures of the DC system when I was there last month for anyone who's interested. > Nick > > ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- > From: lee ravenscroft <leeravenscroft(a)yahoo.com> > Reply-To: leeravenscroft(a)yahoo.com > Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:11:56 -0800 (PST) > > http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/world/europe/10bike.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=bi… > > BARCELONA, Spain — In increasingly green-conscious Europe, there are said to be only two kinds of mayors: those who have a bicycle-sharing program and those who want one. > > Over the last several years, the programs have sprung up and taken off in dozens of cities, on a scale no one had thought possible and in places where bicycling had never been popular. > > The sharing plans include not just Paris’s Vélib’, with its 20,000 bicycles, but also wildly popular programs with thousands of bicycles in major cities like Barcelona and Lyon, France. There are also programs in Pamplona, Spain; Rennes, France; and Düsseldorf, Germany. Even Rome, whose narrow, cobbled streets and chaotic traffic would seem unsuited to pedaling, recently started a small trial program, Roma’n’Bike, which it plans to expand soon. > > For mayors looking to ease congestion and prove their environmental bona fides, bike-sharing has provided a simple solution: for the price of a bus, they invest in a fleet of bicycles, avoiding years of construction and approvals required for a subway. For riders, joining means cut-rate transportation and a chance to contribute to the planet’s well-being. > > The new systems are successful in part because they blanket cities with huge numbers of available bikes, but the real linchpin is technology. Aided by electronic cards and computerized bike stands, riders can pick up and drop off bicycles in seconds at hundreds of locations, their payments deducted from bank accounts. > > “As some cities have done it, others are realizing they can do it, too,” said Paul DeMaio, founder of MetroBike, a bicycle transportation consulting company based in Washington, D.C., that tracks programs worldwide. “There is an incredible trajectory.” > > The huge new European bicycle-sharing networks function less as recreation and more as low-cost alternate public transportation. Most programs (though not Paris’s) exclude tourists and day-trippers. > > Here in Barcelona, streets during rush hour are lined with commuters and errand-goers on the bright red bicycles of Bicing, the city’s program, which began 18 months ago. Bicing offers 6,000 bicycles from 375 stands, which are scattered every few blocks; the bikes seem to be in constant motion. > > “I use it every day to commute; everyone uses it,” said Andre Borao, 44, an entrepreneur in a gray suit with an orange tie, as he prepared to ride home for lunch. “It’s convenient, and I like the perspective of moving through the streets.” > > The expanding program in Barcelona is typical of so-called third-generation programs, which rely heavily on technology. (In its first generation, bike-sharing involved scattering old bikes around the streets, where they could be used for free; second-generation programs accepted coins.) > > Here, a customer buys a yearly membership for about $30 and is issued a smart card that allows the rider to remove a bike from a mechanized dock. The first 30 minutes are free, with a charge of 30 cents per half-hour after that. A bike must be returned to any bike rack in the network within two hours or the card may be deactivated. > > Most programs in Germany and Austria work on a different system; members receive cellphone text messages providing codes to unlock the bikes. > > Copenhagen and Amsterdam have had devoted bicycling commuters for many years. But the new programs have created the greatest transportation revolution in central and southern Europe, where warmer climates allow riders to ride comfortably year-round. The shared bicycles in Barcelona, Lyon and Paris are heavily used, logging about 10 rides a day, according to officials in these cities. > > In North America, issues like insurance liability, a stronger car culture, longer commutes and a preference for wearing helmets have slowed adoption of bicycle-sharing programs. None of the European programs require helmets. Still, Washington and Montreal are experimenting with small projects, and Chicago, Boston and New York are studying options. > > Perhaps the best indication that bicycle-sharing has arrived is this: Shanghai, which 10 years ago was trying to eliminate bicycles from some of its boulevards to make way for cars, opened a pilot bike-sharing stand last month. > > In most European cities, advertisers have been given contracts to set up and maintain bicycle-sharing programs in exchange for the rights to sell advertisements on city-owned structures like bus stations. > > “We provide a turnkey program,” said Martina Schmidt, bike-sharing director of Clear Channel Outdoors, which now runs programs in 13 European cities and recently started its first American program, the one in Washington. “We give the city what they’re looking for, and they give us space to sell.” > > Here in Barcelona, the Bicing program has had its glitches, reflecting, in part, its unexpected popularity. > > On Barcelona’s outskirts, users complain that the program’s racks, each with up to 36 bikes, can run out toward the end of the morning rush hour, leaving customers temporarily stranded. Likewise, docking sites downtown are sometimes full, so riders have to search for parking. > > Car owners complain about the removal of parking spots to accommodate new bike lanes; the city has about 80 miles of lanes, after rapidly expanding the lanes in the past two years. > > Barcelona’s downtown business district is in a geographic bowl, compared with most residential neighborhoods, so while many people want to ride downtown to work, fewer want to ride bikes home. Directed by controllers at a command station, Bicing’s 100 employees use trucks to rebalance the system, taking bikes to where they are needed. > > City officials seem a bit overwhelmed. > > “For the moment, it will not grow anymore,” said Ramón Ferreiro, an official with Bicing. “We now have to consolidate and start working so that maintenance is adequate, and improve the system at all levels.” > > Even with the growing pains, José Monllor, a graduate student, says he now rides to class instead of driving his car. “It stays in the parking lot,” he said of his car. “It’s stupid to drive.” > > The impact of bike-sharing on traffic or emissions is difficult to quantify because converts include people like Mr. Monllor, who would have driven, as well as those who would have taken public transportation. > > Officials in Lyon, one of the first cities to institute a large technology-driven bike program, estimate that bike-sharing has eliminated tons of pollutants since its inception in 2005. But more than that, they say, it has changed the face of the city. > > “The critical mass of bikes on the road has pacified traffic,” said Gilles Vesco, vice mayor in charge of the program in Lyon. “Now, the street belongs to everybody and needs to be better shared. It has become a more convivial public space.” > > > > > > > > > -- > Nick Hein > Director, Positive Spin > Morgantown, WV > ph 304-276-0213 > -- > > > _______________________________________________ > Bikeboard mailing list > Bikeboard(a)cheat.org > http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > > >

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Education Grant
by Frank Gmeindl 11 Nov '08

11 Nov '08

Bicycle Board Members, This is a call for the Education Committee members to renew their commitment to the Education Program. It is also a call for any Bicycle Board member to volunteer to become an Education Committee Member to implement the $74K Effective Bicycling Education Program grant that we got. Please reply. First, I want to recognize and thank the people who got us this far. Marilyn, Chip and Don Dickerson worked several evenings creating the recommendations for the Education Program that the Traffic Commission reviewed and approved. Bill Reger-Nash, Greg Good, Chip, Nick and Jeff Mikorski worked through several drafts under deadline pressure to submit the Transportation Enhancement Program grant on time. And now, the fun starts. The next step is to re-organize the Education Committee and to make a plan to do what we promised in the grant application. (Attached) If we are going to involve WVU faculty and staff, we need to have a plan finished this month so that we can engage them before finals and the next semester begins. To be able to reimburse people working on the grant, the City required that the application identify a registered business entity through whom they could pay the reimbursements. You'll see in the grant application an organization chart that shows Positive Spin administering the grant. Last week, Nick and I met with Jeff Mikorski, Assistant City Manager. Following are the notes from that meeting. ******************* On 7-November, Nick Hein and Frank Gmeindl met with Jeff Mikorski to define the accountability relationships between Positive Spin, the Bicycle Board and the City. *Action Items* 1. Nick will obtain a model contract used by other not-for-profit organizations that have worked with governments. 2. Frank and Nick will participate in a 20-Nov. 2:00 pm meeting at the City Manager's office with the WVDOH to review the Scope of Work of the Morgantown Effective Bicycling Education Program. *Conclusions* 1. The City has escrowed $34K that can be used for up-front costs for the Morgantown Effective Bicycling Education Program. 2. Vendors will bill the City Manager directly for work that they do on the Program. For example, if the Dominion Post runs ads, the Dominion Post will bill the City. 3. For work done by entities that are not licensed businesses, Positive Spin will record their expenses and a justification on a monthly invoice that the Bicycle Board will approve and submit to the City Manager. 4. The grant period is 3 years but the funds can be spent in less than 3 years. 5. The City needs a contract with Positive Spin that defines roles and responsibilities of Positive Spin and the City. 6. The sequence of activities that lead up to the contract are: a) organize the Bicycle Board Education Committee; b) Develop detailed project plan; c) Develop and execute contract. 7. Jeff Mikorski can publish materials such as graphics and public service announcements on TV channel 15. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Challenging Car Culture on Campus
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Nov '08

09 Nov '08

Bicycle Board Members, At Don Spencer's request, I'm sending you the following link to an article about how various college campuses are challenging the car culture with bikes: http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/sgw_read.asp?id=1081710232008 I find the article interesting because it relates failures as well as ideas for success. Frank

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Traffic Skills 101
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Nov '08

08 Nov '08

Bicycle Board Members, If you haven't completed the League of American Bicyclists' Road I course, I encourage you to take Traffic Skills 101. Attached is information about the course. Most Bicycle Board members have completed the Road I course. In addition to learning how to ride safely and fearlessly, I am confident that they will tell you that they have learned knowledge and skills from the course that are essential to effective and responsible participation on the Bicycle Board. Traffic Skills 101 is LAB's new version of Road I. Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules /

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Hey guys.... I'd like to get some volunteers to h...
by Derek Springston 07 Nov '08

07 Nov '08

Hey guys.... I'd like to get some volunteers to help out with the GPS mapping of Morgantown's existing bike parking. If you're interested, please contact me and tell me what kind of GPS unit you have. I may be able to direct you to get me files that I can easily work with. If not, at least giving me the coordinates will work. I'll try to find some files or a map for the different wards and perhaps we can divide it up that way??? If anyone has a map of some shapefiles of the different wards, I could definitely use them. I'll look around, too and see if I can locate them. I'll take care of the downtown area hopefully this weekend, so that will be part of our initial pilot project. I encourage you to do it on bike like I'll do, but I won't turn down data if you feel you need to do it by car. Your help would be great! Thanks again. ~Derek Springston _________________________________________________________________ See how Windows® connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your life http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/119463819/direct/01/

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Re: [Bikeboard] Mid-Ohio Valley Critical Mass Ride
by director 05 Nov '08

05 Nov '08

Frank, Kim (author of the letter) was just referred to me by a cycling activist in Charleston. We're in the process of connecting with Parkersburg activists to see how we can coordinate our efforts and resources. At Max's Challenge I was also uncomfortable with police cars escorting us, however I'd be fine with police on bikes doing it and I'm going to recommend it for next year's event. The uphill challenge will feature a different student, planning is now underway if anyone is interested. Nick -------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:23:12 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > >This may give us some good ideas although the idea of police escorting >cyclists and stopping motor vehicle traffic kind of rubs me the wrong >way. But, these people are definitely well organized and effective. > >http://www.iplayoutside.com/oPam/communities/1/news_items/68 > >Frank > > >_______________________________________________ >Bikeboard mailing list >Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Mid-Ohio Valley Critical Mass Ride
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Nov '08

05 Nov '08

Bicycle Board Members, This may give us some good ideas although the idea of police escorting cyclists and stopping motor vehicle traffic kind of rubs me the wrong way. But, these people are definitely well organized and effective. http://www.iplayoutside.com/oPam/communities/1/news_items/68 Frank

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Bicycle Parking Plan revision II
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 04 Nov '08

04 Nov '08

Attached is the expanded version of an expansion of the document presented to the Bicycle Parking Committee this past Thursday that Frank referred to in his most recent Parking Homework email. He sent out the roughest draft, it was short and sweet, but still incomplete. In this document I've added Nick's vision and purpose, added a few more changes reflecting subjects we discussed at the Bicycle Parking Meeting, and then added Nick's outline for "Supporting Documentation and Information". This should be helpful reading for this coming Thursday's meeting. Keep in mind it is still a draft so I encourage all BB members to suggest changes/additions and/or to feel free to add track changes to this document. We want to finalize this document and get the BB's approval before the month is over. If anyone ever asks you how the Plan works (or what it is), just explain to them that Security, Shelter and Growth are the components of a successful Bicycling Parking Plan in Morgantown! -Jonathan

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[Fwd: Parking Homework]
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Nov '08

02 Nov '08

Don Spencer gets a gold star for turning in his homework early :-) In addition to identifying locations, Don also provided recommendations on parking design specifications using criteria of location, types of establishments near the locations, expected parking duration and types of bicycles. Except for cost, he included all the criteria we defined in our last meeting. Since our homework assignment was to identify locations, please identify any important locations that might not be included in Don's list. At this Thursday's meeting, we should probably be able to finalize the list of locations quickly. Then, the real fun begins: specifics. We know from experience that the more detail we can give the City, the more likely they are to implement our recommendations. We will need to generate a recommendation that includes a page on each type of rack with the businesses/institutions to be served, the user populations(s), the location(s), the design, the vendor(s), the number, the retail project cost and the rationale. The files that Jonathan and Nick sent last week make a good starting point. Please find attached a zip folder. It contains two files. 1) suggested agenda for Thursday's meeting, 2) minutes of last meeting, 3) list of current members. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Parking Homework Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:03:41 -0400 From: Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Frank -- I recommend a continuum of bicycle parking needs be addressed in the first installations: 1) for one-hour single bike parking on/near sidewalks near restaurants, heavily used stores and public facilities; 2) for unsheltered multiple bike parking at public centers; 3) for multiple hour sheltered parking in parking garages; and 4) for day-long, overnight and longer term secured parking at multi-modal public facilities. Sheltered bicycle parking sites would be developed initially at the Public Safety Parking Garage on the University Ave., Parking Garage and the Chestnut/Pleasant Street Parking Garage., and at the central transit station in Westover. At the Public Safety Garage and the Central Transit station, I recommend that bicycle lockers be installed to assess usage demand for high-end bicycle parking. At the other sheltered sites it is recommended that innovative state-of the-art racking be utilized. I recommend that attractive unsheltered multiple-bike racks be installed at the library-city hall and at the Marilla Center. I recommend that attractive post-and-circle parking be established in cross-painted areas adjacent to street sidewalks of each municipal parking lot and in two positions in each block on High Street (one on each side of the street near restaurants especially) again to assess demand and to make a case for wider implementation. I also recommend that two post-and-circle racks be placed in the proximity of the Book Exchange on Willey, near the Canteen at the intersection of Prospect and North High Street and near the Blue Moose at the intersection of Walnut and Spruce. Don

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DA Shared Lane Marking article
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 30 Oct '08

30 Oct '08

BB, if you didn't already read it make sure to check out today's SLM article in the DA: http://www.da.wvu.edu/show_article.php?story_id=40280&archive_date=2008-10-… -Jonathan

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Bike Parking Matrix
by director 30 Oct '08

30 Oct '08

Good morning, I'm passing around the bike parking Matrix I had originally composed in March (again). For some reason the version that has been circulating didn't have vendor info on it. I found the original file, it is in MS Word and is quite large (7MB) so I've converted it to .pdf to make the file size more manageable (420K). If you want to make changes to the document let me know and I'll find a way to make it available to you. I would most like to put this on the web, either as a Google doc or html. Thanks, Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Bike racks
by Frank Gmeindl 28 Oct '08

28 Oct '08

David, In response to your request for information on bike racks for installation at bus stops, please find attached, 3 files produced by the Bicycle Board Commuting Committee. The file, 2008_BikeParking_LoRes.pdf provides a matrix that facilitates selection of bike parking options based on quantity of bicycles accommodated and length of time it would be appropriate for bikes to be left in them. The file, BikeParking.pdf provides some more options and price ranges. I'm hoping Nick Hein can come through with vendors for the options in these two files. The file Morgantown-Parking-Plan.doc is a work in progress that is incomplete and not yet seen by the Bicycle Board but provides important considerations when selecting bicycle parking facilities. This is for your information only and not ready for public release. The Commuting Committee has done an excellent job assembling this info and deserves gratitude from the Bicycle Board as well as the community. Frank

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FWD: Action Alert - Response needed by 5pm EST Tuesday, October 28
by director 24 Oct '08

24 Oct '08

Good afternoon, If you have bike/pedestrian projects that are ready to build you might consider responding to this request. Congress is considering an economic recovery plan that will include infrastructure projects and they want ideas. Bike/ped projects will be good because they employ people now and save money in the future. Nick Hein ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Deb Hubsmith <deb(a)saferoutespartnership.org> Reply-To: deb(a)saferoutespartnership.org Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:15:12 -0400 (EDT) SRTS National Partnership logo [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001r_CP2tmqtJZXfXoayKZxMRLwngBXD9d-5L4Vfu36YyN4sVNV…] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Safe Routes to School supporters: Congress is considering taking up an economic recovery bill after the elections. The bill is likely to include billions of dollars for transportation projects that can be started and built very quickly, creating jobs and shoring up the economy. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is working with bicycle and pedestrian groups to ensure that Congress considers including funding for bicycle/pedestrian projects in this package. After all, these projects not only create jobs during the construction, but help Americans save money on gas if they are able to walk and bicycle instead of driving. To make this case, we need your help-and please accept our apologies for the very short turnaround. Next week, we must provide Congress with a list of Safe Routes to School infrastructure projects that can be started with just 3 to 4 months of lead time. The list can only include projects that meet the following criteria: · All projects must be construction projects-such as like sidewalk improvements, traffic calming, multi-use paths, and intersection improvements. No educational or encouragement projects should be included. · Your project should cost at least $100,000. · Your project must have completed engineering and planning. · You must have completed or be close to completing most regulatory review processes, such as environmental review or right-of-way clearances. · Basically - it must be nearly ready to be built, and all you need is the funding to make it happen! If you have a project that fits this description and is ready to build, please follow the instructions below. All responses must be received by 5pm, Tuesday October 28. 1. Pull together a very short project profile, consisting of: · Project Name · City and State of project (plus US Congressional district if available) · Cost estimate · 2-3 sentence description (keep it short!) 2. Send your project profile to Jeffrey Miller, President of the Thunderhead Alliance for Biking and walking at jeff(a)thunderheadalliance.org [mailto:jeff@thunderheadalliance.org]. Thank you for any information you can provide to make the case for including Safe Routes to School in the economy recovery bill. And thank you to our friends and partners at the Thunderhead Alliance and America Bikes for compiling this information and presenting Congress with the rationale for helping the economy through quick investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. For questions, please contact Margo Pedroso, Policy Manager, Safe Routes to School National Partnership at margo(a)saferoutespartnership.org [mailto:margo@saferoutespartnership.org] or 301-292-1043. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forward email http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1100380121653&ea=director@posit… This email was sent to director(a)positivespin.org by deb(a)saferoutespartnership.org. Update Profile/Email Address http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001JkPYvl9GdBxNH5I1lra7pqiG5gADO… Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe(TM) http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001JkPYvl9GdBxNH5I1lra7pqiG5gADO… Privacy Policy: http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp Email Marketing by Constant Contact(R) www.constantcontact.com Bikes Belong Coalition | P.O. Box 2359 | Boulder | CO | 80306 -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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October BB minutes, including small HOMEWORK assignment!
by Elizabeth Shogren 21 Oct '08

21 Oct '08

Attached, please find the October minutes of the BB. Please note the homework assignment!!!! Thanks! BETSY SHOGREN

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[Fwd: Bike Education Grant]
by Frank Gmeindl 20 Oct '08

20 Oct '08

Bicycle Board Members, Tomorrow, Governor Manchin's giving us our education grant. The next step will be to make a detailed plan for how we're going to accomplish what we proposed to do and to spend all the money. The application is attached. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Bike Education Grant Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:39:46 -0400 From: Jeff Mikorski <jmikorski(a)cityofmorgantown.org> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Frank, Below is an email I sent to City Council on the Bicycle Grant. I think I sent it to the wrong, or an old, email for you. Hope you can attend. Jeff Mikorski Mayor Justice, The Governor will be presenting the City of Morgantown a Transportation Grant in the amount of $54,417 for the "Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Project". He will be presenting the grant to you at 2:45 pm tomorrow (October 21, 2008) at the Monongalia County Courthouse -- County Commission Room. This grant application was initiated by the Morgantown Bike Board. Sincerely, Jeff Mikorski Assistant City Manager 389 Spruce Street Morgantown, WV 26505 304-284-7404

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Bike Rally in Burlington, VT
by director 10 Oct '08

10 Oct '08

Good morning, Just received this article, thought it might be inspiration for a similar event in Morgantown. Nick http://localmotionvt.blogspot.com/2008/10/1st-annual-human-powered-vehicle-… PS - I know some of the people at the event, mostly the ones riding wierd stuff. -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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[Fwd: RE: Next Thursday's 10/2 BB agenda]
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Oct '08

02 Oct '08

Maria, Welcome to the Bicycle Board! Please find attached, 1. An agenda for this Thursday's bicycle board meeting 2. Minutes of our last meeting 3. A list of bicycling related problems and solutions that we'll be working on. Frank Gmeind, Chairman /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Next Thursday's 10/2 BB agenda Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:24:52 -0400 From: Jennifer Selin <jselin(a)hotmail.com> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> References: <48DE617F.40403(a)verizon.net> Frank: Please send a welcome and agenda to Maria: mpanac(a)hotmail.com. Thanks, Jenny Jenny Selin 1224 Fairlawns Morgantown, WV 26505 USA Phone:(304-598-9650) jselin(a)hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:38:23 -0400 From: fgmeindl(a)verizon.net Subject: Next Thursday's 10/2 BB agenda To: bikeboard(a)cheat.org; JSelin(a)hotmail.com; bshellito(a)cityofmorgantown.org Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached a zip folder. It contains 3 documents: 1. A suggested agenda for next Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting. 2. The minutes of our last meeting. 3. The results of our homework assignment from the last meeting. The primary goal of Thursday's meeting will be to identify the most important problems keeping us from realizing our vision, discovering the root causes of those problems, identifying the best solutions to those root causes and organizing to implement the solutions. My experience doing this with similar groups of our size is that it usually takes a lot longer than the 90 minutes that I have allocated to it. If we can at least identify a top priority problem, discover its root causes and identify some effective solutions, I think we might get on a roll again. If you were to review the compiled results of our homework assignment and give some thought to which problems are most important, why we have those problems and what would be optimal solutions, we might be able to make better use of our time come Thursday. Frank /Morgantown residents can enjoy bicycling safely and fearlessly anywhere, anytime, for any reason./ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stay up to date on your PC, the Web, and your mobile phone with Windows Live. See Now <http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093185mrt/direct/01/>

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Right to the road
by director 02 Oct '08

02 Oct '08

Good morning, I'm forwarding this video link from the LCI list. It's a good bit of documentary about cyclists right to the road and informing the rest of road users about it. http://media.myfoxmilwaukee.com/investigators/index.html You'll see a list of videos, look for the one on Sept 30 labelled "dead right". It's a sobering reminder of how much education is needed. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Homework
by David Bruffy 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

Bike Board Members, It seems to me the biggest obstacle is engineering. It very much reminds me of the difficulty with bus shelters. They were never considered when public spaces were designed and engineered, meaning there is no public property to locate them (no adequate public property for bike lanes), no accommodation for their use such as curb cuts (no consideration of how bikes and cars could interact in places with steep grades), and no awareness or interest on the part of designers and engineers to include them in new projects (the new streetscape in Downtown Morgantown gets us both I think). Without engineering, we don't have a product. Without a product to sell, we have little to offer, to market, to educate, or to encourage use. Without a good initial product for show and tell, it is a hard sell. Before there was any streetscape in downtown Morgantown, Wall Street was redone. Although small, it spurred imagination, created interest, and demonstrated what was possible. 15 years later, downtown streets are being redone. The first piece of the rail-trail was 150 feet long. Again, it demonstrated to the community what "could be" and helped people to imagine more (Hazel Ruby-McQuain's interest and financial support certainly helped as well). Perhaps we need a Demonstration Project? Probably one of the best candidate locations is outside the City of Morgantown. Granville is interested in re-developing their main streets and sidewalks and would serve as a great demonstration project. Is there a similar opportunity in Morgantown? David A. Bruffy General Manager Mountain Line Transit Authority 420 DuPont Road Morgantown, WV 26501 Bruffy(a)busride.org (304) 296-3680 - Administrative Offices (304) 291-RIDE (7433) - Bus Information Fax (304) 291-7429 WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG

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Another update
by Frank Gmeindl 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

Bicycle Board members, I neglected to include David Bruffy's input in the last version of the homework results that I sent you. His input is included in the file attached to this message. Please delete the last one. Frank

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5E Problems update
by Frank Gmeindl 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

Bicycle Board members, Please find attached version 2 of the homework results that includes late inputs. Frank

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[Fwd: BB Homework]
by Frank Gmeindl 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: BB Homework Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:40:40 -0400 From: Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Frank -- I apologize for the late response. Don

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[Fwd: RE: Homework due tomorrow]
by Frank Gmeindl 30 Sep '08

30 Sep '08

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Homework due tomorrow Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:51:22 -0400 From: Jennifer Selin <jselin(a)hotmail.com> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> References: <48DADCD7.4040209(a)verizon.net> To Frank: I am working on my tasks for the bike board: 1) Youth Member: From the Youth Commission Maria Panaccione, 876 Riverview Dr., 598-1059. 2) In-town member who has a "community-fitness" or "corporate-fitness" or "community" orientation. I have struck out a few times but have new leads. 3) Here is some late homework: Engineering: Help everyone by designing new and existing roads with wide lanes and enough paved shoulder and designated specific turning lanes so that cars and bicyclists feel like they can comfortably share the road. Design roads well!!! Enforcement: Enforce the shared use of intersections and roads---prosecute those who cut off, hassle and purposely run-down bicycle riders. Education: Educate riders about how to ride safely and car-drivers about how to share the road. Encouragement: Encourage and enable recreational bike riders to ride for transportation and to ride more for fitness by making connections between neighborhoods and trails. For instance a trail from Krepps Park to Star City to the Rail Trail. And the Campus Connector between Grant Street and the water tower on Evansdale Campus. And other connectors around town so that those who want to ride sometimes on roads and sometimes on trails or cut-throughs can do so. Evaluation: Please continually evaluate our transportation system so that free movement by bicycle is encouraged in Morgantown and throughout the area. Equality: Bicycles can be owned and enjoyed by a variety of people in a variety of situations. They are inexpensive and do not take up much space. Bicycles are a great equalizer. A variety of transportation methods should be encouraged, particularly non-motorized transportation for health, low-cost to own and use, and sustainability over time. Thanks for all your hard work, Jenny Jenny Selin 1224 Fairlawns Morgantown, WV 26505 USA Phone:(304-598-9650) jselin(a)hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:35:35 -0400 From: fgmeindl(a)verizon.net Subject: Homework due tomorrow To: bikeboard(a)cheat.org; JSelin(a)hotmail.com Bicycle Board Members, This is a reminder that your homework from our last meeting is DUE THIS FRIDAY! Alice has already sent me hers. 8-) >From the last meeting minutes: ATTENTION BB MEMBERS: HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT!!!!! After some study, it seems that good city bicycling plans all contain the following elements (or some variation thereof): Engineering Enforcement Education Encouragement Evaluation Equality The BB’s homework assignment for the month is for EACH member to *write down the biggest bicycle-related problem in each element that faces Morgantown*, in his/her opinion. A solution can also be posed, but the problem posing is most important. Obviously, many problems can fall into multiple categories, but the most dominant category should be chosen. Note: This homework assignment is somewhat open to individual interpretation. The hope is to generate some ideas for the future direction of the BB. Please *email your list to Frank by Sept. 26*, 1 week before the next meeting so he can compile the lists and have them ready for clarification, prioritization and selection at the next meeting which is on Oct. 2. 4ank ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stay up to date on your PC, the Web, and your mobile phone with Windows Live. See Now <http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093185mrt/direct/01/>

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[Fwd: RE: Gold Stars]
by Frank Gmeindl 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: [Bikeboard] Gold Stars Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:18:36 -0400 From: Derek Springston <guitardeek(a)hotmail.com> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Hey Frank... I didn't know we had homework until you emailed me last week. Anyway, here is what I've come up with. It might be a little vague in areas, but I tried! ~Derek ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:59:33 -0400 From: fgmeindl(a)verizon.net To: bikeboard(a)cheat.org Subject: [Bikeboard] Gold Stars Gold Stars to * Alice, * Jim, * Marilyn, * Don Dickerson and * Betsy for getting their homework in on time! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Get more out of the Web. Learn 10 hidden secrets of Windows Live. Learn Now <http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-Blog-cns%2…>

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Article by/about Bill R-N in this morning's paper
by director 29 Sep '08

29 Sep '08

Bill, I saw the article this morning. Thanks for getting this info into the paper paper today (Dominion Post). I agree that the deplorable state of the statewide non-motorized amenities are the root cause of car addiction. There are some pretty entrenched mechanisms for keeping things that way. Now what do we do about it? Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Homework
by director 28 Sep '08

28 Sep '08

Good evening, Although I'm no longer officially on the board (I guess that's what ex-officio must mean) I'd like to submit my homework for voluntary grading as if I'm auditing a course.... Education; In the 4th grade provide one full day of bike safety education - half-day lecture, half-day road with a police officer (based on German model) In drivers' ed classes provide one hour lecture on vulnerable road users and code/courtesy when operating in their vicinity. Enforcement: Encourage and enforce speed limit laws for motorists. These speed limits were set to maintain an environment where motorized and non-motorized road users could share safely. Speed limits are UPPER limits, but are being treated as LOWER limits. I was wondering if I come to the meeting if I could bring our exchange student and have him talk about the bicycling environment (riding and regulatory) in Germany. His Mom commutes regularly to her job as a school teacher and he rides to his activities (but takes a city bus to school). Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Next Thursday's 10/2 BB agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 27 Sep '08

27 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached a zip folder. It contains 3 documents: 1. A suggested agenda for next Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting. 2. The minutes of our last meeting. 3. The results of our homework assignment from the last meeting. The primary goal of Thursday's meeting will be to identify the most important problems keeping us from realizing our vision, discovering the root causes of those problems, identifying the best solutions to those root causes and organizing to implement the solutions. My experience doing this with similar groups of our size is that it usually takes a lot longer than the 90 minutes that I have allocated to it. If we can at least identify a top priority problem, discover its root causes and identify some effective solutions, I think we might get on a roll again. If you were to review the compiled results of our homework assignment and give some thought to which problems are most important, why we have those problems and what would be optimal solutions, we might be able to make better use of our time come Thursday. Frank /Morgantown residents can enjoy bicycling safely and fearlessly anywhere, anytime, for any reason./

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Gold Stars
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Sep '08

26 Sep '08

Gold Stars to * Alice, * Jim, * Marilyn, * Don Dickerson and * Betsy for getting their homework in on time!

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Homework due tomorrow
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Sep '08

26 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, This is a reminder that your homework from our last meeting is DUE THIS FRIDAY! Alice has already sent me hers. 8-) From the last meeting minutes: ATTENTION BB MEMBERS: HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT!!!!! After some study, it seems that good city bicycling plans all contain the following elements (or some variation thereof): Engineering Enforcement Education Encouragement Evaluation Equality The BB's homework assignment for the month is for EACH member to *write down the biggest bicycle-related problem in each element that faces Morgantown*, in his/her opinion. A solution can also be posed, but the problem posing is most important. Obviously, many problems can fall into multiple categories, but the most dominant category should be chosen. Note: This homework assignment is somewhat open to individual interpretation. The hope is to generate some ideas for the future direction of the BB. Please *email your list to Frank by Sept. 26*, 1 week before the next meeting so he can compile the lists and have them ready for clarification, prioritization and selection at the next meeting which is on Oct. 2. 4ank

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Re: [Bikeboard] [Fwd: FW: Bicyclists, motorists warned to share road]
by director 23 Sep '08

23 Sep '08

Frank, That is impressive about law officers recognizing cyclists for both their rights AND responsibilities. What is even better is when they say "Motorists AND cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities when sharing the road." I hope we can get that message out here. Over the weekend I was in a bookstore and picked up "Bicycle Laws" ($15 in paperback at B&N). I was intrigued to read that this item of the uniform traffic code came about in 1880 (NYC) to express that bicycles had the same rights and responsibilities as any other _carriage_ on public roads. This was enacted at a time when the bicycle was a newcomer and dominant user of the roads, compared to horses and horse-carriages which were considered the slower and more vulnerable road users of their time. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2008 08:37:16 -0400 >Bicycle Board Members, > >The link below goes to a Pgh. Post-Gazette article. It is impressive >that Penn DOT, City Police and County Health Department, rather than >obvious bicycle advocates, are promoting share the road signage and >education. Especially impressive is that you have the Penn DOT guy >saying, "Bicyclists have the same right to the road as motorists, but >they also have the same duties and responsibilities as motorists" > >Frank > >-------- Original Message -------- >Subject: FW: Bicyclists, motorists warned to share road >Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:54:10 -0400 >From: Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> >To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> > > > > > > > http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08264/913720-85.stm > > > > > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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[Fwd: FW: Bicyclists, motorists warned to share road]
by Frank Gmeindl 21 Sep '08

21 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, The link below goes to a Pgh. Post-Gazette article. It is impressive that Penn DOT, City Police and County Health Department, rather than obvious bicycle advocates, are promoting share the road signage and education. Especially impressive is that you have the Penn DOT guy saying, "Bicyclists have the same right to the road as motorists, but they also have the same duties and responsibilities as motorists" Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: Bicyclists, motorists warned to share road Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:54:10 -0400 From: Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08264/913720-85.stm

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Education vs. Infrastructure
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Sep '08

14 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, When we get our Transportation Enhancement Program grant, I wonder if we can produce some cool educational materials such as this: http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/2008/09/11/whats-wrong-with-this-pictur… This one sheet provides a very clear and somewhat entertaining perspective on bike lanes. Frank

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[Fwd: PLEASE DON'T REPLY!!!] - Nevermind:(
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Sep '08

14 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, Never mind my last message. Your replies to the message Subject: [Fwd: [LCI Group] Fwd: [MBAC] Shared Lane Markings Intallation and Mayor's Press Conference] aren't going back to the LCI Group. They're going to a folder from which I read my LCI group messages and when I saw my message to you and Don Spencer's reply to it in the list of LCI messages in that folder, I thought they were also on the LCI group. They're not so you can reply to whatever to your heart's content! Sorry for cluttering your in-box! Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Bikeboard] PLEASE DON'T REPLY!!! Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:45:01 -0400 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> Bicycle Board Members, Please do not reply to the message that I sent you Subject: [Fwd: [LCI Group] Fwd: [MBAC] Shared Lane Markings Intallation and Mayor's Press Conference]!!! Somehow I screwed up and my message and your replies are going to the private moderated list from which I forwarded it. That violates the policy of that list and I don't want to get kicked off! Frank _______________________________________________ Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard(a)cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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PLEASE DON'T REPLY!!!
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Sep '08

14 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please do not reply to the message that I sent you Subject: [Fwd: [LCI Group] Fwd: [MBAC] Shared Lane Markings Intallation and Mayor's Press Conference]!!! Somehow I screwed up and my message and your replies are going to the private moderated list from which I forwarded it. That violates the policy of that list and I don't want to get kicked off! Frank

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[Fwd: [LCI Group] Fwd: [MBAC] Shared Lane Markings Intallation and Mayor's Press Conference]
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Sep '08

14 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, Below is an announcement by Salt Lake City of their installation of Shared Lane Markings and Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs. Apparently, they're only adding them to one street (which I think demonstrates a lack of commitment) but what I found interesting, even entertaining is that they're putting a 4-foot wide non-slip, green stripe running longitudinally *in the center of the outside travel lane* between the SLMs. Can you imagine? :-) Also note that the _Mayor _is having a press conference on the street on which the markings and signs will be placed to discuss the project. Frank ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Bergenthal, Dan* <Dan.Bergenthal(a)slcgov.com <mailto:Dan.Bergenthal@slcgov.com>> Date: Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 8:52 AM Subject: [MBAC] Shared Lane Markings Intallation and Mayor's Press Conference To: mbac(a)cyclingutah.com <mailto:mbac@cyclingutah.com> Cc: "Langan, Helen" <Helen.Langan(a)slcgov.com <mailto:Helen.Langan@slcgov.com>> MBAC Members, Tomorrow, 9/13, installation will begin on the city's new shared lane markings on 200 South between Main St. and State St. The Mayor will hold a press conference on Wednesday, September 17th at 10:30 am on the SE corner of 200 South Main St. to discuss the project. In brief the shared lane markings on 200 South are intended to: 1. Help bicyclists position themselves in lanes where the traveled way is too narrow for a motorist and bicyclists to travel side by side within the same traffic lane. 2. Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists. 3. Alert road users of the lateral location bicyclists may occupy. 4. Reduce the incidents of wrong-way bicycling. The shared lane marking consists of a bicycle symbol placed below two chevrons and is placed periodically in the outside travel lanes. To draw additional attention to the shared lanes, Salt Lake City is complimenting the new markings by adding a 4-foot wide, non-slip, green stripe running longitudinally in the center of the outside travel lane. Salt Lake City will be the first to combine shared lane markings with colored pavement. In addition to the pavement markings, regulatory signs will be installed along the sides of the roadway which combine a bicycle symbol with the text: MAY USE FULL LANE. We are excited about this new addition to our bicycle facilities within the city!! Please plan to attend the press conference to demonstrate your support for the project! Dan Dan Bergenthal, P.E. Salt Lake City Transportation Division <http://www.slcgov.com/Transportation/> 349 South 200 East, Suite 450 P.O. Box 145502 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-5502 801-535-7106 _______________________________________________ MBAC mailing list MBAC(a)lists.cyclingutah.com <mailto:MBAC@lists.cyclingutah.com> http://lists.cyclingutah.com/listinfo.cgi/mbac-cyclingutah.com -- How often I have lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the "LCI Group." To post to this group, send email to lci-group(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to lci-group-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/lci-group?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

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Traffic Commission meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 13 Sep '08

13 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, At last Wednesday's Traffic Commission meeting: 1. The TC unanimously appointed Derek Springston and Chris Phillips new BB members and welcomed Jim Rye back. 2. Accepted the press release that Betsy and I wrote. However, Terry Hough objected to my passing it out to the Traffic Commission and said that she would work with the BB when it is appropriate. (I'm still kicking myself for not reading it aloud to the TC members since the meetings are televised. The outcome is probably that nobody but me an Betsy knowwhat's in it and that's the end.) 3. I introduced Mark Wise to address the trail stripe issue. He invited TC members to join the committee that he's forming to resolve the stripe issue. No TC members volunteered. In advance of the meeting, I provided the TC the Authoritative Guidelines for Trail Striping that Jonathan developed. The TC looked them over and I think that Mark recognized that whatever his committee does, it will have to conform to those guidelines. When Roy Nutter, TC Chairman, asked Mark what the problem was with the trail stripe, Mark said, "There's too much". I couldn't believe that he didn't even recognize that the stripe isn't even in the middle of the trail in most places. That's all. Frank

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[Fwd: Re: Parking Plan for City]
by Frank Gmeindl 11 Sep '08

11 Sep '08

Jonathan, I added Figure 9C-2 in the attached. Figure 9B-2 doesn't really add much value. I will send the attached to the TC secretary to distribute to the TC tomorrow. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Parking Plan for City Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:56:04 -0400 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org> CC: 'Bicycle Board' <bikeboard(a)cheat.org>, Don Spencer <dlspencer(a)adelphia.net> References: <48C1E787.50606(a)verizon.net> <48C4BB7E.1030403(a)cheat.org><405CF8ED69D94E30AA44E847D761E462@donhome> <48C567A1.8000009(a)cheat.org> <E2107661272E4E51BE59130117FA53B4@donhome> <48C686A0.5030906(a)verizon.net> <48C6D66B.3090106(a)cheat.org> Jonathan, Thank you! That is perfect. Can you include Figures 9C-2 and 9B-2? Frank Jonathan Rosenbaum wrote: > Frank, > > The authoritative guidelines I have, as disclosed in early > correspondences, are directly from the AASHTO and MUTCD and are > attached to this message. > > The Bicycle Parking Committee's plan should be ready for the November > 5th TC meeting. There is a slight possibility we may have it out > earlier, but it appears that everyone on our committee is > substantially busy this month. We will certainly attempt to get it > out earlier if possible, and then seek approval from the BB by email. > After this email conversation with Don it has become clear to me > what the nature of that plan should be, it certainly won't be the > product(s) itself, that was something that wasn't clear to us, but > rather it will be a description of the objectives we want implemented > in the City, the methodology in which we hope to see those objectives > realized and the desired outcome. (Light bulb thought: Franks October > 5, 2006 Bike Board Plan handout.) Ironically, without realizing it I > answered my own question, in that initial email I sent out, about how > we can "explore the applicability of WVU's planning process" to this > plan. To be honest, we really didn't have a clear picture about how > the two parts of the action item #38 fit together until this ensuing > conversation. Now we are on the right direction in the construction > of a plan that will be acted on properly by the City! > > Don, other than January, are there other City budget planning periods > in which we could introduce a budget item? > > -Jonathan > "Just another trained monkey." > > Frank Gmeindl wrote: >> Jonathan, >> >> My original request was for authoritative guidelines for trail >> striping. You had got pretty close to finding such. What's the best >> you have? >> >> As you well recognize, any leeway we give non-cyclists to decide how >> to control cyclists, the more chance there is for error. Ideally, we >> would give the TC and BOPARC exact specifications (length, width, >> spacing, color, location, material) tomorrow night and cite a >> national authoritative source. If we can't do that, what we give >> them should at least be from a national authoritative source and not >> compromise bicyclist safety on the trail. >> >> What will you bring? >> >> If I were to discuss parking in the Bicycle Board Report portion of >> the TC agenda, I would only say that we are working on a plan. Can >> you give me a date for when that plan will be ready to deliver to the TC? >> >> Frank >> >> Don Spencer wrote: >>> >>> Jonathan – I disagree with the idea of going to Tom Arnold without >>> our doing our homework fist. We cannot dump the problem on him and >>> expect a positive response. >>> >>> >>> >>> Remember the old outhouse saying? “No job is ever finished until the >>> paperwork is done!” >>> >>> >>> >>> I believe that we need to do our work as a Bicycle Board first. >>> That’s what I understand that we are here for. >>> >>> >>> >>> Perhaps we need to recruit more members for the Parking Committee to >>> help on this. >>> >>> >>> >>> Don >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>> >>> *From:* bikeboard-bounces(a)cheat.org >>> [mailto:bikeboard-bounces@cheat.org] *On Behalf Of *Jonathan Rosenbaum >>> *Sent:* Monday, September 08, 2008 1:58 PM >>> *To:* 'Bicycle Board' >>> *Subject:* Re: [Bikeboard] Parking Plan for City >>> >>> >>> >>> Don, this is good to hear, and it makes valid sense that someone >>> from the Parking Authority could be that person we are looking for. >>> Someone who would not only address Bicycle Parking on City >>> proprieties, but who would also address Bicycle Parking Facilities >>> on all potential City properties. >>> >>> At this point I am fed up with creating plans, it seems like it is >>> the only thing I spend my time doing these days. Plans mean >>> absolutely nothing if they aren't acted on. Two years ago, the >>> Bicycle Board presented a comprehensive plan to the TC, how much >>> mileage have we gotten out of that? >>> >>> The Bicycle Parking Committee has amassed a huge amount of >>> information on Bicycle Parking Standards and we would be happy to >>> present that again to the BB as we have done in the past. This is >>> the same information that was presented to WVU including some >>> information which overlaps what we presented to the High Schools. >>> We have already spent substantial amount time collecting and >>> becoming experts in this area, including follow-up meetings to >>> solidify this knowledge. Now time is running low, if you want to >>> see a budget item by this January, we need to act now, we can't just >>> endlessly (and mindlessly) keep running this by the BB at meetings. >>> What is our vision for Bicycle Parking in Morgantown? It's the same >>> vision that is the founding statement of the Bike Board. >>> >>> So let's get into contact with the Parking Authority now (today or >>> tomorrow) and find out what their commitment level would be. If >>> they aren't interested let's find out who else the City could offer >>> via the TC or City Council. Otherwise, this is just going to drag >>> on and on and nothing will ever be accomplished. What do people on >>> the Bicycle Board think about going this route? >>> >>> -Jonathan >>> >>> >>> Don Spencer wrote: >>> >>> Jonathan - I believe that we already have someone that we can work with and >>> that is Tom Arnold from the Parking Authority. Nearly two years ago he >>> expressed a willingness to work with us in generating parking centers in the >>> Parking Garage, but we were not able to follow-up on his willingness at that >>> time. >>> >>> I believe that the first cut on all parking planning needs to be the Parking >>> Authority. Once we have something that is acceptable, then we can go to the >>> Traffic Commission and ask for their support in presenting whatever we need >>> to communicate or request to the City Manager and the City Council. >>> >>> Before we go to Tom again, however, we need to have a draft comprehensive >>> parking vision and plan that the Bicycle Board has reviewed. Hopefully Hugh >>> Kierig will be able to dialog with us in putting a preliminary plan >>> together. >>> >>> Don >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: bikeboard-bounces(a)cheat.org <mailto:bikeboard-bounces@cheat.org> [mailto:bikeboard-bounces@cheat.org] On >>> Behalf Of Jonathan Rosenbaum >>> Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 1:43 AM >>> To: Bicycle Board >>> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Trail stripe >>> >>> I plan to be there, thanks on this Frank. Mark must be a telephone >>> person because he never responded to an email I sent him last month. In >>> relation to that, I have another item I'd like to bring up to the TC, >>> and I would hope this is a fairly obvious one to the BB, and that I have >>> your (BB) support. There will be a lengthy explanation (because I enjoy >>> wasting lots of time saying the obvious), but please read it all if you >>> can. >>> >>> When developing a strategy to get the City/County to act, >>> "communication with collaboration" is the most important ingredient to >>> reach a successful outcome. In some areas I've been working on that >>> strategy has been well demonstrated. With the Campus Connector project >>> of the WVU Committee from the very beginning many key players have been >>> involved which include the Assistant City Manager (paid employee) and >>> several City Council people. Even more importantly, Jim Hunt (paid >>> Director of Sunnyside Up) has been actively involved in the funding >>> aspects and fully supports the connector because Sunnyside Up will be a >>> beneficiary. Meanwhile, WVU Facilities & Services has the WVU property >>> side covered and have done their own independent studies. The only real >>> obstacle to the success of the CC are some unresolved property issues on >>> the City side of the connector. However, there has been no lack of >>> communication or collaboration in this pursuit, nor will the connector >>> be built in a haphazard way because there are too many eyes watching the >>> process. Significantly, there are paid people involved, so there is a >>> high degree of accountability involved in doing it right and actually >>> getting it done. >>> >>> At a prior BB meeting, it was asked how can the City copy what WVU did >>> with Bicycle Parking? In the case of the WVU Committee's work with WVU >>> this April/May, a paid employee, the Campus Planner, listened to our >>> recommendations which included APBP standards developed from countless >>> hours of research that establish proper rack standards, proper sizing, >>> spacing and placement specifications, other recommendations included >>> examples from other Cities and Campuses, recommendations about different >>> types of parking and applications in relation to long and short term >>> parking, security/sheltered parking, planning for future expansion of >>> parking, and the list goes on. He listened to us and determined what >>> could be accomplished in the first phase given the present budget. Then >>> he went out and did a study of all locations that met the specifications >>> we presented to him in relation to the budget, and then he brought back >>> that study for our input. That same process was repeated over again a >>> second time so that we could provide secondary feedback for a finalized >>> study. This study was then presented to the campus facilities and >>> grounds budget committee for approval. Again, there was no lack of >>> communication or collaboration in this process. >>> >>> On the other hand, with the Bicycle Parking Committee of the BB, which >>> has a great group of volunteers, the one important thing that has been >>> lacking is a close relationship between our committee and a dedicated >>> employee from within the City similar to the Campus Planner from WVU. >>> One who could listen to our recommendations and work closely with us >>> from the ground floor up to put together a comprehensive budget item for >>> the City this January (discussed during the August BB meeting). The >>> advantages of such a relationship are obvious, first of all this >>> employee will become intimately knowledgeable about what recommendations >>> the Bicycle Board wants implemented, second of all, this employee will >>> be accountable to the City to get it right through a process of >>> communication and feedback with the BB. Asking volunteers to put >>> together a budget item without having a City employee working with them >>> who is an expert on City property and budget details is not a productive >>> process and will greatly limit our success. I would really hate to see >>> the City get bicycle parking wrong because it would be an incredible >>> waste of time, the facilities wouldn't be used, and it would send a >>> terrible message to citizens. If anything - given the City's commitment >>> to reducing traffic congestion - if the City really wants to send a >>> powerful, positive message out to the citizens of Morgantown, they will >>> authorize existing employees to spend part of their paid hours working >>> closely with committees like the BB to provide compelling alternatives >>> to the common way most people travel in this town. In the case of >>> bicycle parking, if you do get it right, it sends out a message to >>> citizens that the City fully supports and encourages people to commute >>> by bicycle. The better those bicycle parking facilities are, the >>> stronger the message sent out. Proper bicycle parking facilities >>> provide an impressive kind of PR and will get many people out on their >>> bicycles. Ofcourse, painting stripes incorrectly on the rail-trail, >>> including in a multi-million area whose charm is linked heavily to the >>> rail-trail is the worst kind of PR imaginable. I would hope the City >>> has learned their lesson from this and will now work much closer with us. >>> >>> In review, I want to ask the TC to request that the City authorize a >>> City employee who is knowledgeable in City property and budget details >>> to work closely with the Bicycle Board's Parking Committee to realize a >>> Bicycle Parking budget item for this January 2009's City Budget that >>> would include facilities on City properties including the City's parking >>> garages. The expectations and reasoning for such a collaborative >>> employee are discussed above. >>> >>> Versione completata. >>> >>> -Jonathan >>> >>> Frank Gmeindl wrote: >>> >>>> Bicycle Board Members, >>>> >>>> At yesterday's Bicycle Board meeting, I took an action item to call Mark >>>> Wise, BOPARC Director, to find out why the trail striping committee that >>>> he told us at our July meeting he would form hasn't met yet. I called >>>> Mark today to tell him that I was aware that the committee has yet to >>>> organize and meet. I also asked him for a timeline or at least a target >>>> date for doing something with the current rail trail stripe situation so >>>> that I could inform the Traffic Commission at next Wednesday's meeting. >>>> He said that he will attend the meeting and ask for a member of the >>>> Traffic Commission to join the committee that he said he's going to form. >>>> >>>> Since Don Spencer and Jonathan Rosenbaum volunteered at our July meeting >>>> to join Mark's committee, I would like to encourage them to attend next >>>> Wednesday's Traffic Commission meeting. It begins at 6:30 pm and is in >>>> Council Chambers. >>>> >>>> When we originally recommended the stripe and the Keep Right signs to >>>> the Traffic Commission, they spent a lot of time developing >>>> specifications for where the stripe would be applied as well as the >>>> stripe's size, shape and color. Unfortunately, none of that was >>>> captured in the minutes and we all know what we got. >>>> >>>> If all the right people are at the Traffic Commission meeting next >>>> Wednesday, it is possible that the corrective action can be decided >>>> right then and there instead of dragging out through numerous meetings. >>>> It would probably also be tremendously helpful if someone came with some >>>> authoritative guidelines for trail striping. >>>> >>>> Frank >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Bikeboard mailing list >>>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org <mailto:Bikeboard@cheat.org> >>>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Bikeboard mailing list >>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org <mailto:Bikeboard@cheat.org> >>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Bikeboard mailing list >>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>> >

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Minutes (Please note homework assignment!)
by Elizabeth Shogren 10 Sep '08

10 Sep '08

Attached please find the minutes of the September BB meeting. If you have corrections, please contact me directly. Please note the homework assignment for ALL BB members. It is described under Agenda Item 6. THANK YOU!! BETSY SHOGREN

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Yet another handout
by Frank Gmeindl 10 Sep '08

10 Sep '08

Barbara, Attached is yet another handout that I would like you to print and copy for the TC tomorrow. This one provides authoritative guidelines for rail-trail stripes. To avoid confusion, I'm attaching again, the 3 handouts that I'd like you to print and copy for the TC. They include: 1. Bicycle Board Membership List 2. Press Release for Shared Lane Markings 3. Authoritative Guidelines for Trail Stripes. Thanks! See you tomorrow! Frank

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Trail stripe
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Sep '08

09 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, At yesterday's Bicycle Board meeting, I took an action item to call Mark Wise, BOPARC Director, to find out why the trail striping committee that he told us at our July meeting he would form hasn't met yet. I called Mark today to tell him that I was aware that the committee has yet to organize and meet. I also asked him for a timeline or at least a target date for doing something with the current rail trail stripe situation so that I could inform the Traffic Commission at next Wednesday's meeting. He said that he will attend the meeting and ask for a member of the Traffic Commission to join the committee that he said he's going to form. Since Don Spencer and Jonathan Rosenbaum volunteered at our July meeting to join Mark's committee, I would like to encourage them to attend next Wednesday's Traffic Commission meeting. It begins at 6:30 pm and is in Council Chambers. When we originally recommended the stripe and the Keep Right signs to the Traffic Commission, they spent a lot of time developing specifications for where the stripe would be applied as well as the stripe's size, shape and color. Unfortunately, none of that was captured in the minutes and we all know what we got. If all the right people are at the Traffic Commission meeting next Wednesday, it is possible that the corrective action can be decided right then and there instead of dragging out through numerous meetings. It would probably also be tremendously helpful if someone came with some authoritative guidelines for trail striping. Frank

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Chevrons press release
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Sep '08

09 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, At last Thursday's BB meeting, Betsy and I agreed to write a press release to educate the City about the Shared Lane Markings and BMUFL signs. It is attached. I will send this to the TC secretary and ask her to have copies ready to hand out to the TC members tomorrow night. If you see any errors in it or have recommendations for its improvement, please reply-all with recommendations ASAP. I can submit a substitute file to the TC secretary if necessary. Frank

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Last?! OK let's work on it.
by director 07 Sep '08

07 Sep '08

Good morning, On the MonBikeClub list it was mentioned that WV is ranked dead last. Here is the explanation from their website. Maybe by showing this to the city we could rouse a little more enthusiasm for supporting our bike-friendly city application. It's certainly got Positive Spin whipped up and ready to help in any way possible. http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/index.php Reasons for Ranking: Though ranked last, West Virginia does a great job constructing and promoting mountain biking facilities. However, with no dedicated state funding sources for bicycling related projects and programs, no state-wide bike route network and discriminatory mandatory sidepath laws, West Virginia sits far behind leading states. WEST VIRGINIA'S BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES Currently there are no cities in West Virginia that have been designated as bicycle friendly communities. Your city can be the first. -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Tomorrow's meeting....
by Derek Springston 03 Sep '08

03 Sep '08

Hey guys... I regret that I'm going to have to miss my first bike board meeting tomorrow. I am in the middle of ripping off siding, insulating, and replacing OSB, housewrap, and siding on my house. I'm a little nervous about getting it weatherproof for the rain this weekend, so I'm going to dedicate my evenings this week to that. If I manage to get alot done tonight, maybe I'll make it, but I doubt it. Frank, Please discuss what I've expressed concerning the mapping with the rest of the bike board and decide what you guys would like to see and email me back ASAP. I've even seen messages on the bike board about not being 100% comfortable with the SLM's, etc. Are we all in agreement that they'll be placed on the road? Thanks. ~Derek _________________________________________________________________ Want to do more with Windows Live? Learn “10 hidden secrets” from Jamie. http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-Blog-cns!5…

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[Fwd: Bicycling]
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, Thanks to Jim Rye for providing me Gayle Manchin's address and thanks to Nick Hein for feedback on my first draft. The message that I sent is below. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Bicycling Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:28:49 -0400 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: FirstLady(a)WVGov.org Dear First Lady Manchin, I am sorry about your bicycle crash and hope your injuries are truly minor and heal quickly. I don't know the details but I do know that in many of these crashes the motorist says, "I didn't even see her!" The League of American Bicyclists' Road I course teaches cyclists to maximize their visibility and predictability. You can review the LAB Bicycle Education program at http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/. Would you allow me to teach you Road I? The LAB BikeEd program is the only national bicyclist education program and I am one of West Virginia's 3 instructors certified by the LAB to teach it. I am also Chairman of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board which advises the Morgantown Traffic Commission, City Engineer and City Manager. Of course, I have a personal agenda here. I'm hoping that once you master Road I knowledge and skills, you'll share them with other cyclists as well as motorists and help make West Virginia safer for bicyclists. I know that you already support the Safe Routes to Schools program. Road I is the parent course for the LAB Kids I and Kids II courses that are essential for children to ride safely to school. I look forward to your response. Ride safely, Frank Gmeindl 491 Wilson Avenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 (cell) 304-367-8395 (work) 340-284-8094 (home) /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles./

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Re: [Bikeboard] Letter to Gayle
by director 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

Frank, You might also mention that you recall when the "Safe Routes to School" federal money first came to WV the first lady expressed her strong support. I'm not sure how to work this in, but mention that the Road I and Kids I/II classes have typically resulted in an 80% reduction in crash rates. This means kids who take the course are that much less likely to have an accident like hers. Thanks for taking this on, Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org> Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:40:14 -0400 >This message is being forwarded on Frank's behalf: > >Bicycle Board Members, > >Of course this is a ripe banana. Please give me your feedback on the >message below that I want to sent the WV's first Lady. (How do you >address WV's first Lady? Hey, Gayle!?) > >Please reply to fgmeindl(a)verizon.net <mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net>. I >will send out the letter tonight. > >Frank > > > >************************************************************************** > > > >Dear First Lady, > > >I am sorry about your bicycle crash and hope your injuries are truly >minor and heal quickly. I don't know the details but I do know that in >many of these crashes the motorist says, "I didn't even see her!" > > >The League of American Bicyclists' Road I course teaches cyclists to >maximize their visibility and predictability. You can review the LAB >Bicycle Education program at http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/. > > >I would like to teach you the Road I course. The LAB BikeEd program is >the only national bicyclist education program and I am one of West >Virginia's 3 instructors certified by the LAB to teach it. I am also >Chairman of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board which advises the >Morgantown Traffic Commission, City Engineer and City Manager. > > >Of course, I have a personal agenda here. I'm hoping that once you >master Road I knowledge and skills, you'll share them with other >cyclists as well as motorists and help make West Virginia safer for >cyclists to bicycle anywhere, anytime for any reason. > > >Frank Gmeindl > >/Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > > > > > > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Letter to Gayle
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 02 Sep '08

02 Sep '08

This message is being forwarded on Frank's behalf: Bicycle Board Members, Of course this is a ripe banana. Please give me your feedback on the message below that I want to sent the WV's first Lady. (How do you address WV's first Lady? Hey, Gayle!?) Please reply to fgmeindl(a)verizon.net <mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net>. I will send out the letter tonight. Frank ************************************************************************** Dear First Lady, I am sorry about your bicycle crash and hope your injuries are truly minor and heal quickly. I don't know the details but I do know that in many of these crashes the motorist says, "I didn't even see her!" The League of American Bicyclists' Road I course teaches cyclists to maximize their visibility and predictability. You can review the LAB Bicycle Education program at http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/. I would like to teach you the Road I course. The LAB BikeEd program is the only national bicyclist education program and I am one of West Virginia's 3 instructors certified by the LAB to teach it. I am also Chairman of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board which advises the Morgantown Traffic Commission, City Engineer and City Manager. Of course, I have a personal agenda here. I'm hoping that once you master Road I knowledge and skills, you'll share them with other cyclists as well as motorists and help make West Virginia safer for cyclists to bicycle anywhere, anytime for any reason. Frank Gmeindl /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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[Fwd: FW: Morgantown city council message]
by Frank Gmeindl 01 Sep '08

01 Sep '08

Does anybody know who is Carolyn Hampson and what is her power? Also, is she talking about Nick's interview on WAJR when she says, "Last week, the chevron plan hit the morning WAJR talk shows...and the response was total outrage. I don';t think I have ever heard so many angry voices."? Should we pay any attention to this? Frank /Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ -------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: Morgantown city council message Date: Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:05:11 -0400 From: Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Frank -- Here is a copy of the correspondence that I told you that I would pass along to you. I hope that we can discuss the issue at our meeting on Thursday. See you soon! Don ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *From:* Don Spencer [mailto:dspencer36@comcast.net] *Sent:* Wednesday, August 27, 2008 4:00 PM *To:* 'Hampson'; 'charliebyrer(a)gmail.com'; 'bill(a)byrnehedges.com'; 'Ron Justice'; 'Jennifer Selin'; 'Bane, Ron'; 'jgaddis(a)gaddisconsulting.com'; 'Linda Little'; 'Dan Boroff' *Subject:* RE: Morgantown city council message Hi, Carolyn -- Thank you for your email. I hope that you are doing well these days -- other than the pollution impacts. I assume by your #1 that you mean air pollution primarily. If so, what we seem to need is more data, because right now, we do not seem to have a handle to use in grappling with this issue. On #2, I am sorry that I missed the talk show. I was not aware of it. It is not bicycles "into the center traffic lanes", but it is a process to educate the public that bicycle riders are like of the drivers of vehicles: they do have a right to be traveling on roadways -- except where specifically prohibited such as on an Interstate. And they, like all vehicle operators -- are subject to all the rights and responsibilities of traveling on a public road. I fear that the chevron plan -- like the rail-trail at the beginning - is already misunderstood. The Bicycle Board has its work cut out for them. As you know, change is never easy. Don ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *From:* Hampson [mailto:giselle@iolinc.net] *Sent:* Tuesday, August 26, 2008 10:34 AM *To:* D spencer; charliebyrer(a)gmail.com; bill(a)byrnehedges.com; Ron Justice; Jennifer Selin; Bane, Ron; jgaddis(a)gaddisconsulting.com; Linda Little; Dan Boroff *Cc:* Dan Boroff *Subject:* Morgantown city council message There are two serious areas of public safety that do not appear on tonight's COW agenda but that need to be addressed. l. The increasingly lethal pollution in Morgantown. There seems to be NO monitoring at construction sites. Added to tye toxic mix from the power plants and the river are the fumes from coal, "biafiora fill" trucksd and delivery trucks. in my neighborhood, there is a stranghe epdiemic of pancreatitis, involving both people and animals. 2. Plans to integrate bicycles into the center of traffic lanes. This may look wonderful on compuiter models---but, frankly, it is insane, given all of the conditions on the ground here. The situation on our roads is already deadly; if this plan is implementerd NOW, more people are going to die. Last week, the chevron plan hit the morning WAJR talk shows...and the response was total outrage. I don';t think I have ever heard so many angry voices. I urge you to reconsider this plan. Carolyn Hampson

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Agenda for this Thursday's BB meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 01 Sep '08

01 Sep '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached a zip folder. The zip folder contains 5 files: 1. The agenda for this Thursday's (4-Sep) Bicycle Board meeting; 2. The minutes of our last meeting; 3. The current membership roster; 4. The chevrons letter from the woman complaining we're all going to DIE. 5. An Excel file with all the action items that we've processed to date. Also, I had to send you the following link. Is it true gunnar & Betsy have one of these at their house? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/08/14/VI20080814016… Frank

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W.Va.'s first lady hit by car while riding bike
by director 01 Sep '08

01 Sep '08

Good morning, An astute MonBikeClub reader sent me this story last nite, but I didn't get around to forwarding it until this morning. Other stories have indicated that the driver was NOT cited. None of the coverage has given details of the collision. Gayle Manchin has spoken publicly in favor of "Safe Routes to Schools" in the past so it sounds like she's an advocate. Frank, since you're the only LCI in the state for adults do you think you could offer to give her (and the motorist) a Road I class? Nick Hein http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26486897/?GT1=43001 W.Va.'s first lady hit by car while riding bike Gayle Manchin sustained bruises in accident; governor wasn't hurt updated 3:03 p.m. MT, Sun., Aug. 31, 2008 function UpdateTimeStamp(pdt) { var n = document.getElementById("udtD"); if(pdt != '' & n & window.DateTime) { var dt = new DateTime(); pdt = dt.T2D(pdt); if(dt.GetTZ(pdt)) {n.innerHTML = dt.D2S(pdt,((''.toLowerCase()=='false')?false:true));} } } UpdateTimeStamp('633558134013830000'); CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The first lady of West Virginia is recovering from bruises after she was struck by a car while riding a bicycle with her husband, Gov. Joe Manchin. Gayle Manchin was taken to a hospital Sunday after the accident, but was OK and went home, a spokeswoman for the governor said. The accident occurred during a bike ride near the state Capitol, when a vehicle pulling onto a road hit the first lady, spokeswoman Lara Ramsburg said. The governor was not hit. He turned back to help his wife, who was also aided by their security detail. Ramsburg said she doesn't know whether the driver was cited. Police did not immediately return a telephone message for comment. -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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FWD: [LCI Group] For Bicyclists, a Widening Patchwork World
by director 31 Aug '08

31 Aug '08

Good evening, This was in the washingtonpost. com 31 August 2008 Nick Hein http://www.washingt onpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/ story/2008/ 08/30/ST20080830 00650.html? sid=ST2008083000 650&s_pos=list For Bicyclists, a Widening Patchwork World U.S. Lags Behind Two-Wheeled Boom By Blaine Harden Washington Post Foreign Service Sunday, August 31, 2008; Page A01 TACHIA, Taiwan -- Antony Lo is one happy biker. He is 60 but looks younger, with a body buffed by commuting 130 miles a week on his bike. He is also president of Taiwan-based Giant, the world's largest bicycle company, where sales are soaring, helped along by global anxiety over oil prices. With undisguised glee, Lo says: "High-priced gasoline is here to stay. I tell my people we are just at the beginning of a very big cycling boom." Boom it is. The number of cyclists has doubled in a decade in cities as disparate as Berlin and Bogota . Global bicycle production has increased for six consecutive years, according to a report by the Earth Policy Institute. Sales at Giant have doubled since 2002 and continue to accelerate, up 24 percent in the first half of this year. Yet when it comes to using a bike for everyday transportation, the boom appears to have bypassed many countries. While Northern Europe and Japan have figured out how to make bicycle commuting a safe, cheap alternative to driving, the United States , Canada , Australia and Britain have not. And the world's two most populous nations, China and India, are discarding bicycles in favor of cars. A rising middle class in both countries views cycling as an unhappy reminder of the recent past, when nearly everyone was poor. Still, among the world's most developed countries, a reliable recipe has emerged for making cycling a mainstream means of getting to work. Commuters in Northern Europe have been lured out of their cars by bike lanes, secure bike parking and easy access to mass transportation. At the same time, steep automobile taxes, congestion-zone fees and go-slow rules have made inner-city driving a costly pain in the neck. In the Netherlands , where such carrot-and-stick policies have been in place for decades, 27 percent of all trips are by bike. "It is very clear how to do this," said John Pucher, a professor of urban planning at Rutgers University and lead author of a global study of strategies that promote cycling. "It is not rocket science." In the United States , with the exception of a handful of cities, these strategies have been ignored. Car-centric transportation policies and suburban sprawl continue to make bicycle commuting rare, arduous and relatively dangerous. Although millions of Americans recreate on bikes, they ride them for just 0.4 percent of their trips to work, according to the U.S. Census. Germans are 10 times more likely than Americans to ride a bike and three times less likely to get hurt while doing so. On any given workday, more commuters park their bikes at train and subway stations in Tokyo (704,000) than cycle to work in the entire United States (535,000), according to the Tokyo government and the U.S. Census. In recent months, bike shops across much of the United States have been flooded with new customers fed up with high gasoline prices, said An Le, the Los Angeles-based global marketing director of Giant. Yet without major changes in U.S. transportation policy and infrastructure, an earnest desire to save money on gas is not enough to turn American bike owners into everyday cyclists who ride to work, according to urban planners, transportation experts and bicycle company executives. "In the United States , we simply have not figured out how to fit the pieces together for a coordinated package that puts people on bikes," Pucher said. Britain Makes a Start When cities do fit the pieces together, they often see an almost instantaneous surge in cycling. In Britain , a country whose nationwide transportation system is nearly as inhospitable to cycling as that of the United States , London has emerged as Exhibit A for the quick infrastructure fix that gets commuters out of cars. In 2003, the city imposed a steep "congestion charge" of about $16 for cars driving into the city center. Within a year, inner-city cycling had increased by about 25 percent. In the past eight years, there has been a 10-fold increase in city spending on bike lanes, bike parking and education programs. The effort has nearly doubled cycling throughout London . There also seems to have been a fundamental change in the way Londoners think about cycling. It's become cool. Model Elle McPherson, Mick Jagger and Madonna have been spotted on bikes. Angela Simoes, 55, sold her car seven months ago. When the mother of two needs groceries, three miles away, she cycles. When she visits the doctor, one mile away, she cycles. She is studying to become a teacher, and when she wants to let off steam, she cycles, sometimes for hours. She rarely uses the subway, but when she does, she locks her bicycle to one of the many bike rails provided outside the station. She also has a folding bike, which she carries on the train like an oversize handbag. The decision to ditch her car was easy, she said. Gas prices had shot up, she won the folding bike in a contest, and her car needed costly repairs. She doesn't miss the car. "It's so much quicker to jump on the cycle and get a few things," she said. "There's no pollution and you're keeping fit." As much as she can, she rides in London 's new bike lanes and uses bus lanes that have been opened to cyclists. But Britain still has a long way to go before it connects the cycling dots. There is "no one long path we can call our own" in London , and roads outside the city are dangerous, she said. "A cyclist has to keep her eyes peeled." Europe's Full Embrace Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands have been connecting the dots for three decades. They started in the mid-1970s, in the wake of the world's first oil shock and after 25 years of American-style, car-centric traffic management that had coincided with a sharp decline in cycling. There is now an integrated system of safe bicycling routes in most cities in all three countries. It allows cyclists to go almost everywhere on paths that are separated from automobiles and in "traffic-calmed" neighborhoods. Besides pampering cyclists, these countries punished drivers with fees and restrictions intended to make commuting by car expensive, slow and frustrating. The policies have resulted in the developed world's highest per-capita rates of cycling and lowest rates of cycling accidents, the Rutgers study found. In Berlin , biking now accounts for 12 percent of all transportation. The city has 3.4 million residents, and the city estimates that they use their bicycles a million times a day. One of those cyclists is Michael Abraham, 35, an engineer at Berlin 's Technical University . He has been riding a bicycle to stay in shape most of his life, but in the past year, goaded by high gasoline prices, he started cycling to work. "It's simply cheaper with your bike," he said. Abraham estimates that he now saves about $35 a week on gasoline. That's not the only benefit. Thanks to Berlin 's finely tuned cycling network, he also knows exactly how long his 7 1/2 mile commute will take -- 35 minutes. If he drives, the trip takes between 20 minutes and 1 1/2 hours, depending on traffic. "With a car you can't reliably predict how long your commute will be, but you can with a bike," he said. "You are not affected by traffic jams -- you can just ride through them. It's a real advantage." Build It and They'll Come While the northern European model for promoting cycling certainly works, it is costly and requires lots of government intervention. There are other ways to get people on bikes. Japan does not pamper cyclists, but it does provide easy access to mass transit. In greater Tokyo , where 35 million people live in the world's most populous metro area, there are almost no bike lanes. Guided by vague laws about what cyclists can and cannot do, police tend to ignore them -- except for confiscating illegally parked bikes. Traffic chases most Tokyo cyclists onto sidewalks, where they periodically bump into pedestrians. Mothers are forbidden by law to carry more than one child on a bicycle, but tens of thousands of them do it every day. "The manners of Tokyo cyclists are very poor and sometime suicidal," said Nobuyuki Tsuchiya, director general of public works in Edogawa, a Tokyo ward with 640,000 people, most of whom ride bikes. As for government transportation officials in Japan , Tsuchiya said it is difficult to find one who doesn't show some "negative thinking about bicycles. We are far behind our counterparts in Europe ." Still, a bicycle is an essential component of life in Tokyo . Impossibly thin women in four-inch heels ride them, as do important-looking men in black suits. Cycling's chaotic ubiquity is a result of several factors: population density, the high cost of driving and arguably the world's best train and subway system. Commuters ride bikes often but not for very long -- usually less than 15 minutes. Train stations are no more than 1 1/2 miles apart in most of the city. Compared with walking or taking a bus, riding a bike shaves precious minutes off the daily trip to and from a station. The one bone that some municipal governments have thrown cyclists is bike parking near stations. This year in Edogawa, that bone went high-tech. The ward government spent $67 million to build a cluster of computerized bicycle parking towers that use robotic arms to snatch bikes away from subway-bound commuters. Pickup is just as easy as drop-off. At the swipe of a magnetic card, the arm finds the bike and returns it to its home-bound owner. The wait is about 10 seconds. "It is revolutionary, " said Minato Karube, 35, a secretary who had pedaled to the parking tower in high heels and a frilly black dress. "The bike comes back instantly." Since April, when robots went to work parking bicycles at Edogawa's Kasai station, there has been a 20 percent spike in commuting by bike. The build-it-and- they-will- come approach has also worked in Bogota , Colombia , where Dutch bicycle engineers were recently imported to build bike lanes and redesign traffic flows. In two years, bike use jumped tenfold, from 0.5 percent of all trips to 5 percent. It also works in the United States . Rainy Portland , Ore. , offers compelling evidence that bike lanes can transform Americans into bike commuters. A recent study by Portland State University found that while just 15 percent of Portland 's streets have bike lanes, they attract half of the city's bike travel. Since 1991, counts of cyclists in the city have jumped 400 percent. Portland now has the highest share of bike trips among major U.S. cities -- about 4 percent. Asia's Bicycle Cycle Rapid economic growth often generates a populist backlash against cycling. In China and India , where middle-class aspirations have trumped concern about gas prices and climate change, cars continue to chase bicycles off the streets. "People want cars, as it indicates development, progress and that you are more influential, " said Nalin Sinha, program director in New Delhi for a nonprofit transportation group. Sinha said that when he began riding a bicycle his friends thought that something had "gone wrong financially. " Two decades ago in New Delhi , bicycles held a 60 percent share of traffic flow; now that figure is about 4 percent. Bike lanes still run alongside many broad avenues in Beijing and other large cities in China , where 500 million bicycles remain on the road. But the bike fleet has declined in the past decade, from a peak of 670 million, while private car ownership has more than doubled, according to a report by the Earth Policy Institute. Recent history, though, suggests that the cycling decline in China and India may be short-lived. A similar decline occurred here on the island of Taiwan about 30 years ago, when the export-based economy shifted into high gear. Many of the island's 23 million residents bought motorcycles and then cars, as bicycles disappeared from the commuting mix. The Taiwan government began pushing about 17 years ago for a modest return to cycling. It built rural bike paths. Taipei , the largest city on the island, joined the campaign, building 155 miles of bike lanes along rivers and through parks. Abundant bike parking was provided at transit stations. A network of 5,000 rental bikes appeared. In the past year, with better facilities for bikers, a doubling of gasoline prices and growing concern about global warming, cycling has continued its climb. In Taipei , about 3 percent of all commuters ride bicycles, a 35 percent increase in 18 months. At the headquarters of Giant, the island-based bicycle maker, Antony Lo said that if gasoline prices remain high worldwide, government transportation policies will have to change. Then, he said, everyday cycling will sweep across the United States , and later China and India . "People are waking up," he said. "This is a long-term trend, not a fad." Correspondent Edward Cody in Beijing and special correspondents Karla Adam and Jill Colvin in London, Ayesha Manocha in New Delhi, Shannon Smiley in Berlin and Akiko Yamamoto in Tokyo contributed to this report. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the "LCI Group." To post to this group, send email to lci-group(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to lci-group-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/lci-group?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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[Fwd: Re: Topics for Thursday]
by Frank Gmeindl 31 Aug '08

31 Aug '08

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Topics for Thursday Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:58:10 -0700 From: Alice Vernon <vernon.mail(a)gmail.com> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> References: <48B759FD.30005(a)verizon.net> I will be oot for september's meeting. Thank you Also my email is vernon.mail(a)gmail.com. Thank you Alice On 8/28/08, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> wrote: > Bicycle Board Members, > > Please send me any topics that you want on the agenda for next > Thursday's 9/4 meeting. Attached is a rough draft agenda that I have so > far. > > Frank >

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Topics for Thursday
by Frank Gmeindl 28 Aug '08

28 Aug '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please send me any topics that you want on the agenda for next Thursday's 9/4 meeting. Attached is a rough draft agenda that I have so far. Frank

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Chevrons in Columbia, MO
by Frank Gmeindl 28 Aug '08

28 Aug '08

Bicycle Board Members, The feds gave Columbia, MO $25M for a non-motorized pilot program. Attached is an interesting survey that shows how they're considering using chevrons. If you go through it, I'd be interested in your thoughts about it. Frank

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Teaching kids to ride their bikes
by director 28 Aug '08

28 Aug '08

Saw this on the WIRED site this morning http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2008/08/geekdad-rates-7.html Not terribly informative since it comes from a dad who's only taught his own kids. If anyone knows a better source please pass it on. Thanks. Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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August Minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 27 Aug '08

27 Aug '08

Attached please find the August minutes. If you have any corrections, please email me directly. THANK YOU!!!! Betsy Shogren

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On-street bike parking video - Portland
by director 27 Aug '08

27 Aug '08

Good afternoon, This video about on-street bike corrals and bike oases came to me from another advocate.... http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/portland-bike-parking/ Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Interesting article - What other colleges are doing to promote bicycling.
by director 27 Aug '08

27 Aug '08

http://www.carectomy.com/index.php/Walking/Colleges-Smarten-Up-Commute -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Interview on WAJR tomorrow at 9:15
by director 25 Aug '08

25 Aug '08

Good evening, Tomorrow I'll be interviewed about Max's Challenge and cyclist/pedestrian safety and rights at 9:15 AM. I'm hoping to have Max there, I'll definitely have Christian (our German exchange student) there to talk about what every German schoolchild knows about sharing roads safely. Tune in, it should be interesting. I'm already encouraged by the positive tone that was shown Friday when they discussed it briefly. Thanks to everyone who has supported the educational effort - most especially the ones who do it by riding every day showing what biking can do for the community. I hope this is the beginning of getting bike safety and courtesy taught in the schools. Nick Hein ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Jim Rye" <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:07:30 -0400 >Outstanding, Nick. Great STATS!!!!!!!!! >Oh, I understand there may be even better "country case stories" >available from Denmark and Holland. > >>>> "director" <director(a)positivespin.org> 8/23/2008 10:24 PM >>> > >A recent Dominion Post editorial declared the danger of driving on the >roads by anyone, at anytime, for any reason. Safety is dependent on >human behavior - not cars or roads or bike lanes. Educating drivers and >cyclists is what will improve safety by motivating everyone to be part >of a cooperative road-using community. Safety is our common cause and >we should be using common experience to achieve it. Common *sense* >is helpful, but not complete since our senses are fallible. Many cities >all over the world have already made this change and their experience is >available to us from numerous sources. > >The summary is this * Incidents between motor vehicles and bicyclists >traveling the same direction make up only .5% of crashes. Bike lanes >increase accident rates by causing confusion about who should operate >where and how * particularly at intersections. Streets with bike >lanes have greater crash rates than those without. When cyclists ride >on sidewalks, crash rates are 2 times as high as for those who share the >road safely. Bike lanes attempt to reduce crashes for parallel traffic, >with the effect of causing more crashes for crossing and turning >traffic. Bicyclists fare best when they act, and are treated, as >operators of vehicles. If a bicycle is moving slowly, it should be >treated like any other slow vehicle. Overtaking vehicles should wait >until it is safe to pass, or the cyclist should pull over when it is >safe to do so. > >We currently have an exchange student staying in our home from >Bergisch-Gladbach Germany, where It is nearly as hilly as here. He >tells us that German school children are required to take a full-day >bicycle safety class at age 8. They are tested and issued a license >when they pass the test, which everyone does. Liability laws dictate >that motorists are always assumed to be at fault unless flagrant >violation by the cyclist can be proven. Only the most affluent European >cities and neighborhoods have bike lanes or bike paths. In most cities >and on most routes cyclists share the road with motor vehicles. In >these places the safety and traffic flow is the best anywhere in the >world. Morgantown can be one of those places if we adopt the education, >discipline and cooperation they have. Then everyone (motorists and >cyclists alike) will be able to get where they need to go * on any >road, for any reason at any time of day or year, safely and enjoyably. > > >Nick Hein >director(a)positivespin.org > > > >Major points > >- Painting bike lanes doubles accidents in cities at intersections > >- Riding on sidewalks quadruples accident rates in cities at >intersections, driveways, merge ramps > >- Shoulders are not part of the roadway > >- Sidepaths are not described or defined > >- Delay by slow vehicles is not prescribed in any definite terms > >- Riding 2 abreast is legal > >- I cycling is unsafe it is because motorists are breaking the law > >- Drive at or below the speed limit. > >- It is illegal to ride a bicycle anywhere except in the road way (ie >NOT on sidewalks) > >- Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as operators of >vehicles. > >- It is the Morgantown Bicycle Board's mission statement that >"Bicyclists be able to ride anywhere, anytime for any reason safely and >enjoyably". > >- I moved to Morgantown from Seattle, a large city where they have put >bike lanes in places where they caused confusion at least and fatalities >at worst. > >- Common sense was used in the Netherlands and Denmark > >The Netherlands and Denmark, which have achieved the highest rates of >cycle usage combined with the best records for safety in the world, used >to give their segregated cycle path networks primary importance in >gaining these twin goals. However, the largest study ever undertaken >into the safety of Danish cycle facilities has found that actual safety >has decreased as a result.[25] More recently, Shared Space redesigns of >urban streets in those and other countries have achieved significant >improvements in actual safety (as well as congestion and quality of >life) by replacing segregated facilities with integrated space. > >Contrary to what was expressed on this page as "Common Sense", >segregated bike ways (bike lanes) actually increase accident rates. > >The editorial brings about an excellent opportunity to dispel some >pervasive myths about the safety of cycling on roadway with motor >vehicles. > > > > >Response to Dominion Post editorial, 19 Aug 2008 > >In a recent Dominion Post editorial the statement was made >*....driving on practically any road by anyone, at anytime for any >reason can be about the most dangerous thing most of us do on a daily >basis.* >This statement seems to give permission to motorists who flagrantly >violate laws and safety so the rest of us are terrorized into cowering >in our (90% inefficient, 80% oversized) cars or bicycling on a separated >lane or path to feel safe. If it's unsafe for anyone on the roads it's >because someone else is acting inappropriately. Safety is dependent on >human behavior, not cars or roads or paint stripes. Education and >enforcement is what will improve safety by motivating everyone to be >part of a cooperative road-using community. > >Safety is our common cause and we should be using common experience to >achieve it. Common *sense* is helpful, but not complete since our >senses are fallible. Experience is available to us in all types of >cities * size, terrain, weather, populations * from historical >sources. The summary is this * bike lanes increase accident rates by >causing confusion about who should operate where and how. Streets with >bike lanes have twice the crash rate of those without. When cyclists >ride on sidewalks, crash rates are 4 times as high as for those who >share the road safely. Incidents between motor vehicles and bicyclists >traveling the same direction make up only .5% of crashes. Bike lanes >attempt to reduce crashes for parallel traffic, with the effect of >causing more crashes for crossing and turning traffic. *Separate but >equal* isn't any better for vehicle separation than it was for racial >separation. Bicyclists fare best when they act, and are treated, as >operators of vehicles * and federal law requires it. > >Clearly there is a gap here in Morgantown when it comes to planning and >education for cycling safety and transportation efficiency. It's not >really hard to understand why. Participation in bicycling has taken >great leaps locally thanks to rising gas prices, health awareness and >new trails. Cyclists don't want to stop when the trail does. We haven't >given motorists OR cyclists the education or motivation they need to use >our roads cooperatively. Myself and another avid cyclist teach a >nationally certified course that does. Graduates of this course >typically experience an 80% decline in crashes. > >We currently have an exchange student staying in our home who tells >says that European school children are required to take a full-day >bicycle safety class at age 8. They are tested and issued a license >when they pass the test and no one is allowed to fail. Liability laws >dictate that the motorist is always assumed to be at fault unless he/she >can prove that the cyclist flagrantly broke a law. In spite of what you >may have seen, only the most affluent European cities and neighborhoods >have bike lanes or bike paths. In most cities and on most routes >cyclists share the road with motor vehicles. In these places the safety >and traffic flow is the best anywhere in the world. Morgantown can be >one of those places. When we do what it takes (and not less), everyone >(motorists and cyclists alike) will be able to get where they need to go >* on any road, for any reason at any time of day or year, safely and >enjoyably. > >Anyone interested in references for statistics used in this article may >contact Nick Hein at director(a)positivespin.org. > > > > >Major points > >- Painting bike lanes doubles accidents in cities at intersections > >- Riding on sidewalks quadruples accident rates in cities at >intersections, driveways, merge ramps > >- Shoulders are not part of the roadway > >- Sidepaths are not described or defined > >- Delay by slow vehicles is not prescribed in any definite terms > >- Riding 2 abreast is legal > >- I cycling is unsafe it is because motorists are breaking the law > >- Drive at or below the speed limit. > >- It is illegal to ride a bicycle anywhere except in the road way (ie >NOT on sidewalks) > >- Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as operators of >vehicles. > >- It is the Morgantown Bicycle Board's mission statement that >"Bicyclists be able to ride anywhere, anytime for any reason safely and >enjoyably". > >- I moved to Morgantown from Seattle, a large city where they have put >bike lanes in places where they caused confusion at least and fatalities >at worst. > >- Common sense was used in the Netherlands and Denmark > >The Netherlands and Denmark, which have achieved the highest rates of >cycle usage combined with the best records for safety in the world, used >to give their segregated cycle path networks primary importance in >gaining these twin goals. However, the largest study ever undertaken >into the safety of Danish cycle facilities has found that actual safety >has decreased as a result.[25] More recently, Shared Space redesigns of >urban streets in those and other countries have achieved significant >improvements in actual safety (as well as congestion and quality of >life) by replacing segregated facilities with integrated space. > >Contrary to what was expressed on this page as "Common Sense", >segregated bike ways (bike lanes) actually increase accident rates. > >The editorial brings about an excellent opportunity to dispel some >pervasive myths about the safety of cycling on roadway with motor >vehicles. > > > > > > >-- >Nick Hein >Director, Positive Spin >Morgantown, WV >ph 304-276-0213 >-- > > >_______________________________________________ >Bikeboard mailing list >Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Cycling safety statistics and considerations
by director 24 Aug '08

24 Aug '08

Good morning, Just one more thing to pass on and then I'll quit bugging everybody. I was recently reminded of this link to Ken Kifer's website which discusses statistics on bicycling and pedestrian accident/fatality rates. http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/health/risks.htm It's a good reminder about where to focus our attention when developing non-motorized amenities that allow all users to share the public roadways safely. Cyclist education is clearly the most effective form of accident prevention. For those who don't know, Ken was killed a few years ago by a drunk driver. This is also a reminder that drunk, inattentive and beligerent drivers - although a very small minority - are beyond the reach of cycling education but should be addressed better in driver education and enforcment. In the meantime be careful out there. Nick

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Article from Chicago Times: On-stree bike education
by director 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

This article actually came from an environmental website I read, not a cycling site. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-bike-laws-crackdown-webaug22,0… Seems like we could save everybody a lot of time and confusion if we had this education in 3rd grade as (our German exchange student tells us) they do in Germany. -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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WSJ Article of interest
by director 21 Aug '08

21 Aug '08

Good afternoon, I received this message on another list I read. Thought it might be of interest. The situation is similar to one here in Morgantown - non-cyclist claiming to know more about what cyclists need than qualified individuals. http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB121919354756955249-lMyQjAxMDI4MTI5MTE… Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Pittsburgh bike coordinator announced
by director 17 Aug '08

17 Aug '08

Good morning, A friend sent this news from Pittsburgh http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08225/903577-53.stm Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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