- Bikeboard - lists.lwvwv.org

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 22 Dec '08

22 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 11 Dec '08

11 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 09 Dec '08

09 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 05 Dec '08

05 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 03 Dec '08

03 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 01 Dec '08

01 Dec '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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