Biking and Walking News 6-22-12
Ira Weiss
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Biking & Walking News
Ira S. Weiss, Editor June 22 , 2012
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Bike Map Available
As of June 11, 2012 the 3rd edition of the Columbus Metro Bike Map is now available online and at local bike shops and public libraries. New features include a one-sided view of the regional map and a larger inset of the downtown/Ohio State University area.
Please note that the printed map is updated every few years and as such, bike shop, park & ride, or other destination locations may change over time. We will try to keep the online map as up-to-date as possible.
Click here to view a map of bike shops and co-op locations that will have the map. The first locations are listed below:
- Trek - Dublin: 2720 Sawmill Road
- Trek - Lane Avenue: 1442 West Lane Avenue
- Trek - Westerville: 5985 Maxtown Road
- Bicycle One - Gahanna: 82 Mill Street
- Bicycle One - Pickerington: 1682 Hill Road North
The map is also available in an interactive online format http://arcserver.morpc.org/webmaps/bikeusermap/index.html and as a static PDF http://www.morpc.org/trans/2012bikemap.pdf .
Please fill out the request form so that we can properly respond to your request for a Columbus Metro Bike Map. Remember that supplies are limited. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dE5QZTZqSzN0cUhFU1U2Ry13WVUyLUE6MQ
Very special thanks to all of the sponsors of the Columbus Metro Bike Map!
Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) Trail Cleanup
"Battelle Rivers and Streams Team is hosting a bike path cleanup on the Olentangy Trail this Saturday June 23 from 9 to noon. They will be pulling weeds, mulching, and trimming encroaching branches, and picking up litter. Meet at the Battelle Warehouse by the 5th Avenue Bridge over the Olentangy River (southeast of 5th Avenue and the Olentangy River). If you go, bring along garden tools and gloves if you can."
SAVE THE DATE: Central Ohio Greenways & Trails Forum
Friday, July 13, 2012
10:00 am –1:00 pm
Location
Coffman Park, Coffman Pavilion
5200 Emerald Parkway,
Dublin, Ohio 43017
Agenda:
Welcome & Introductions
Earn A Bike Program –Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
How We Roll –YayBikes
MORPC Trail Counters & Other Equipment -MORPC
City of Dublin Update –City of Dublin
Lunch & Networking
Round Table Discussion
Bike Ride –City of Dublin Ambassadors
Adjourn
RSVP to Amanda McEldowney by
Friday, July 6, 2012
amcel...@morpc.org or 614.233.4112
Connect Your Community to America's Great Outdoors!
Are you trying to protect your local rivers, save an unspoiled landscape, or build trails where everyone in your community can enjoy nature? We Can Help. Every year, the National Park Service helps hundreds of locally-driven projects that create opportunities for healthy outdoor recreation, connect youth with the outdoors, and connect communities to parks. Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance from the National Park Service provides no funding, but our experienced staff can help communities plan for success.
Applications for assistance will be accepted until August 1. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project ideas with a staff member in your area before preparing an application. .
Visit www.nps.gov/rtca for complete information and application.
If someone else in your community should know about this opportunity, please forward this email.
To keep in touch with us, visit us on Facebook or sign up for our monthly newsletter.
· Andrea Irland
· Rory Robinson
Cycling-walking trails
I respond to the June 14 Dispatch letter "Road, transit bill vital to jobs, economy" by Christopher Runyan, president of the Ohio Contractors Association. While agreeing with the writer's premise, the letter did not address an important aspect of the multi-year Surface Transportation reauthorization bill being written by a House/Senate conference committee. Bicycling and walking infrastructure has been part of the nation's transportation system since 1991 when Congress enacted the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), which ushered in Transportation Enhancements and Recreational Trails Program. In 2005 Congress enacted Safe Routes to School, which provides funding for sidewalks and safe crossings to schools and recreation centers. The fate of these grant programs is uncertain in the proposed transportation legislation. With a shrinking Highway Trust Fund, which is the revenue source for highways, bridges and trails, it makes sense to streamline and provide the states greater flexibility to address their unique infrastructure needs. Bicycling and walking programs align with an efficient transportation policy. We are urging Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township and other Ohio congressional representatives to support a proposed amendment to give local governments direct access to grant funds for bicycling and walking infrastructure. Unless the amendment filed by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin, D-MD and Thad Cochran, R-MS is adopted by the conference committee, local governments could not directly access grant funding for bike trails and walking paths that communities value. Without the Cardin-Cochran amendment local governments would be at the mercy of state departments of transportation to prioritize funding for highway, bridge and trail infrastructure projects. Funding for bicycling and walking accounts for less than 2% of the total federal transportation budget. This is a small investment with a great return. Bicycling and walking is part of the nation's preventive health care system. Trails generate economic activity and attract businesses and workers to your community. According to a University of Massachusetts study in 2011 cycling/walking trail projects create as many jobs per mile as a highway project. Mark A. Young Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Worthington http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/06/20/0620-web-only-letters-to-the-editor.html
RIDES
Pickerington Ponds
DAY TIME EVENT DESCRIPTION OPENINGS
Jun 30 Sat 8:30 am Morning Bike Ride Discover natural sights and sounds on a ...
Three Creeks
DAY TIME EVENT DESCRIPTION OPENINGS
Jun 21 Thu 6:30 pm Family Ride Night Join the park ranger and enjoy a slow-pa... N/R
Jun 23 Sat 11:00 amThree Creeks Fest Celebrate recreation and watersheds at T...
Bike tour through Clintonville will take place July 30
By KEVIN PARKS
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 20, 2012 10:48 AM
Call it the bike and bite. A bicycle tour through much of Clintonville is scheduled for Saturday, June 30. The event, called "Yelp on Two Wheels" will get under way in the Short North at Goodale Park starting at 11 a.m. and will feature a route with stops at local businesses that have sponsored food trucks. A $10 donation is requested of participants, with proceeds going to benefit Yay Bikes!, a nonprofit organization on East 16th Avenue that "promotes bicycling for transportation in central Ohio," according to the website. The first stop on the tour will be Ace of Cups, 2619 N. High St., where Ray Ray's Hog Pit barbecue food truck will be on hand from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Other stops include: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/clintonville/news/2012/06/18/bike-tour-through-clintonville-will-take-place-july-30.html
Tour de Grandview
Cycling classic features action, family fun
By ALAN FROMAN
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 20, 2012 1:56 PM
Traffic on the streets of Grandview Heights will move into the fast lane July 1 with the 19th annual Tour de Grandview Cycling Classic. Both men and women cyclists will compete in a series of races that get under way at 11:30 a.m. The activities surrounding the event will be a little more low key this year as race organizers prepare to gear up for next year's 20th anniversary festivities, said Julie Whitley, president of the Grandview Community Association, the organization that coordinates the Tour de Grandview. There will be no street party this year. "We will be planning a whole host of events for our 20th year in 2013," Whitley said. "It's a unique event, and in the cycling world, it's unusual for a community to still be hosting a race after two decades," she said. The cycling classic is an ideal event for families, said Marta Durban, a recreation supervisor with the Grandview Parks and Recreation Department. Every year, residents along the Tour de Grandview route host race day parties and invite friends and neighbors to gather for a close-up view of the action, Durban said. Although there will be no official street party, a number of cycling-related vendors will set up booths and Marshall's Restaurant and Raising Cane's will sell food, she said. The Tour de Grandview will again partner with the Madeira Centennial Criterium and the Hyde Park Blast Criterium to offer cyclists a weekend of competition, Durban said… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/grandview/news/2012/06/19/tour-de-grandview-cycling-classic-features-action-family-fun.html
Chillicothe businesses prep for GOBA cyclists, increased foot traffic
7:16 AM, Jun. 16, 2012
Written by
David Berman
Gazette Staff Writer
CHILLICOTHE -- Mary Jane's Bakery owner Julie Widen typically caters to the sweet-tooth crowd, not health nuts. But with more than 2,500 cyclists rolling into town Sunday as part of the 2012 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, Widen and other downtown merchants have adjusted and ramped up their healthier offerings to cater to them. "We're a bakery, and we do sweets, but we're trying to offer some healthier options," Widen said. Widen has been baking trail mix bars, triple berry bars and sugar-free cookies for the health-conscious GOBA riders. She also is serving up vegetarian soups. Widen has been stocking up on bottled water, which she plans to hand out for free, and has opened the bakery's meeting room to accommodate the expected customer increase. "We're honored that out of everywhere in Ohio, they're coming to Chillicothe," she said… http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120616/NEWS01/206160302/Chillicothe-businesses-prep-GOBA-cyclists-increased-foot-traffic
Nonprofits look to GOBA as way to get funds for community services
Jun. 17, 2012
Written by
Jona Ison
Gazette Staff Writer
CHILLICOTHE -- Local businesses aren't the only ones looking for a boost with the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure coming to town today. Nonprofit groups have gotten the carte blanche in getting to set up shop closest to the visitors in GOBAville --aka Yoctangee Park. The event is a great opportunity for area groups to boost funding that will then go back into the community, said Carolyn Ault, who is involved with two nonprofits (Kiwanis and Kountry Magic 4-H) setting up for GOBA. "The groups always have to fund extra events or services that they want to do for community service projects and to do that, they need to have funding," Ault said. Ten groups -- ranging from school booster clubs to civic groups like the Kiwanis -- will sell food in the park at varying times. Meanwhile, two downtown churches, the Elks and First Capital Rotary (at the Majestic Theatre) will be open for dinnertime options. Ross County Special Olympics will be at the YMCA and Seniors and Law Enforcement Together will be at the Law Enforcement Complex… http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120617/NEWS01/206170302/Nonprofits-look-GOBA-way-get-funds-community-services
Editorial: GOBA is a great event for Chillicothe
Jun. 17, 2012
Later today, the "spirit will move" the Greater Ohio Bicycle Adventure to Chillicothe -- bringing with it thousands of bicyclists for a few days stay. It's the first time in a decade, and the third time overall, that GOBA decided to make the First Capital of Ohio a stop on the tour -- and the first time for a multiple night stay in our fair city. This is a big deal -- one that, if we seize the opportunity, can be a way for Chillicothe to put its best foot forward. For the past five years, the average number of riders in the annual event has been just a shade less than 2,500. That's 2,500 people -- although event officials estimate 3,000 could make the tour this year -- who will bring themselves and some friends to camp for two nights in the crown jewel of Chillicothe, Yoctangee Park. They will relax, eat, shop, visit and be entertained in the restaurants, stores, bars, parks and ball fields of the city, bringing with them money that will benefit local businesses, churches and nonprofit organizations and charities. But with the money coming into our town, it's also a great way to lay the groundwork for people to return here later. As GOBA Director Julie Van Winkle said this past week, GOBA is a great way for those on the tour to get to know our town and see our sights. History buffs in the group will get a chance to see some of our sites -- Mound City, Adena Mansion and Gardens and much more -- maybe for the first time. It's an exciting time for people to see the foundation of the Buckeye State. With any influx of visitors comes a potential for conflict. Traffic issues on Sunday could occur. It's best to have courtesy for the cyclists as they travel in and out of our community, and by treating them as we would a car or truck, we make the roads safer for everyone. Beyond the road, however, welcome our visitors, if possible. Travel, maybe with your children into the park, and sit and chat with some of the riders. Find out where they're from and if they've been here before. Tell them the hidden gems in Chillicothe and invite them to go places they've never been before. GOBA presents a great opportunity for people to know the great things about Chillicothe. Let's show them the greatness of the First Capital. http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120617/OPINION01/206170306/GOBA-great-event-Chillicothe
GOBA start soggy but successful
Jun. 18, 2012
Written by
Jona Ison
Gazette Staff Writer
TRAFFIC REMINDERS
» Today: Drivers should take precautions throughout the day for an increased number of pedestrians and bicyclists. Part of the downtown will be closed to traffic and parking between 4 and 8 p.m. for the GOBA Grand Prix Bicycle at the Majestic Theatre. Closures will be: Second Street (between Walnut and Mulberry streets); Walnut (between Second and Water streets); Water (between Walnut and Mulberry streets); Mulberry (between Water and Second streets); and Paint Street (between Main and Water streets).
Vehicles parked in the area should be moved by 4 p.m. Any vehicles still parked along the restricted route will be towed if the owner cannot be found. » Tuesday: Drivers on their way to work should take extra care in the area of Water, Riverside and Bridge streets between 5 and 10 a.m. as riders leave for Ashville. Starting at 5:45 a.m. Chillicothe police will oversee traffic at Water and Bridge streets and Bridge and Riverside streets. Another officer will patrol Bridge Street between Riverside Street and Marietta Road.
Cyclists in Chillicothe with the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure didn't let morning and late afternoon downpours Sunday stop their adventures. Participants turned Yoctangee Park into the temporary tent city known as GOBAville. Cyclists put up tents despite the rain and, after the sun came out, they hung clothes lines between the park's trees to dry out clothing. Karen and Don Higginbotham, of Atlanta, Ga., took a quick rest at a shelter house after arriving, already impressed by the friendliness of people they'd encountered. During the ride from Hillsboro, they met a farmer about three miles west of Greenfield who let them and some other cyclists duck out of a downpour for about 20 minutes. This is the first year the Higginbothams have ridden in GOBA, but they're no strangers to bike tours. They often have ridden in Georgia's statewide tour -- the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia -- and traveled to Iowa in 2011 for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. "We just looked for another state for a ride," Karen Higginbotham said. The couple was attracted to GOBA because they could begin and end at the same place and it is only an eight-hour drive from home, compared to more than 16 hours to get to the Iowa event… http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120618/NEWS01/206180302/GOBA-start-soggy-successful?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage
SAFETY
How to avoid bicycle theft and vandalism
(by Rachael Ingram, staff writer - June 19, 2012)
Whether you bicycle to get around or to get in shape, safety should be priority – specifically, protecting your bike from theft and vandalism. Interest in biking has increased on the Westside among youth and adults and for good reason. Biking is a great exercise, it is less expensive than driving and is environmentally friendly. However, with more bikes on the road and parked in front of homes and businesses, theft and vandalism can be a threat. “Keep it locked up all of the time,” said Karen Lorenz, coordinator of the Westgate Blockwatch. The number one way to prevent theft is by locking up your bike even if leaving it for a short time. Not any lock will do though, according to www.bicyclelaw.com. There are two types of locks riders should consider – a u-lock or a heavy duty chain and lock. Other devices, like cable locks, are easily cut and not likely to deter a thief. Where the lock is placed is just as important as the lock itself. The best place to secure a bicycle is to a metal structure fastened in cement that would-be thieves cannot cut through or tear down. Wood fences and trees are not a deterrent to a persistent and seasoned thief. They simply cut through or cut down the impediment. While theft is generally on the rise in many areas, Westgate has seen a decline in stolen bicycles, Lorenz said. This is due to an active community blockwatch program and added police patrols. Citizens patrol regularly in cars, on foot and by bike. “We easily have 75-80 members at each of our community meetings. And the 35 captains are each responsible for a block,” Lorenz said… http://www.columbusmessenger.com/NC/0/11602.html
Letter: Technology can stem texting while driving
Monday June 18, 2012 3:11 AM
I have a suggestion to prevent texting (not voice communications) while driving: Incorporate existing technology within cellphones and other communication devices to prevent texting while these devices are moving. For years, GPS units that are used for navigation have not permitted data entry while the unit is moving. The same inexpensive capability can be mandated for all cellphones and other communication devices while they are moving. Either states can require all such devices sold after a certain date to incorporate this capability, or the Federal Communications Commission can do so… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/06/18/technology-can-stem-texting-while-driving.html
HEALTH – Nothing this issue
LOCAL NEWS
ODOT urges regional agencies to spend carryover funds for projects
By Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch Monday June 18, 2012 5:17 AM
Regional planning agencies carrying millions of dollars on their books from year to year are being told by the Ohio Department of Transportation to start spending. Ohio has too many aging and congested highways to hold back money that’s supposed to go toward fixing them, state transportation Director Jerry Wray said. According to his department’s calculations, 17 regional planning agencies in Ohio left $169.8 million in federal transportation dollars unspent during the state’s last fiscal year. Over each of the past four years, ODOT estimates agencies have kept an average of $155.5 million on hand. “We’re asking all our partners to step up,” Wray said. “We’re encouraging them to be more productive.” The state plans to force agencies such as the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to spend more of their yearly allocations from Washington. But leaders of the agencies, called metropolitan planning organizations, say they sometimes stockpile funds to pay for future projects or are left with unspent cash because of lower-than-expected bids and unforeseen delays. Eight of 21, however, have spent less money on average than they’ve collected from Washington over the past four years. MORPC, which includes Columbus and 43 other local governments in 12 central Ohio counties, ended fiscal 2011 with $8.4 million in reserve, one of the lowest totals in the state. The money comes from federal gasoline taxes, passes through the state and is directed toward local roadwork, mass transit and efforts to reduce traffic congestion. MORPC has ended the past four years with an average of almost $8 million in unspent funds. MORPC Principal Engineer Nathaniel Vogt said the unspent funds don’t accumulate, but rather represent an ongoing balance. Across Ohio, the agencies have spent less than 14 percent of the federal transportation money in their accounts over the past four years. They used less than 8 percent — $14.4 million of $184.3 million available — in fiscal 2011. The rule that the Ohio Department of Transportation is proposing would require agencies to spend 75 percent of their federal allocations by 2016 or risk losing the money to the state. That would have put nearly $124 million more into Ohio highways, roads, bike trails and mass transit last year… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/18/odot-urges-regional-agencies-to-spend-carryover-funds.html
Delaware County Commissioners
East Powell Road improvements planning to begin
By BILL EICHENBERGER
ThisWeek Community News Friday June 15, 2012 7:25 PM
The Delaware County commissioners approved a $645,000 contract with the consulting firm Burgess & Niple to provide engineering and design improvements for East Powell Road between Old South State and Worthington roads. The project will include improvements to the intersections at Walker Wood Boulevard, Bale Kenyon, Prestwick Green Drive and Coldharbor Boulevard, according to county engineer Chris Bauserman. "There would be turning lanes, roundabouts or signals at those intersections," Bauserman told the commissioners. "We have not evaluated which of those yet," he said. "And, basically, Burgess and Niple is looking at two alternatives. "One would be to have a wider, two-lane section through that whole length of East Powell Road with improvements at each of the intersections. "The other would be to do a three-lane section through the length of the project which would create a common left turn lane for the private driveways along the route." The engineer said East Powell Road improvements will mesh with two other large county projects already in the works for the Old South State Road and the Worthington Road corridors. The planning for the East Powell Road improvements will be done in two phases… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2012/06/15/east-powell-road-improvements-planning-to-begin.html
Grand plans as Lancaster Bicycle moves
LANCASTER, OH (BRAIN)—Industry veteran Dan Peters is not so much relocating Lancaster Bicycle as he is launching a mini-empire. By late summer or early fall, he hopes to have moved his three-year-old shop into about 10,000 square feet on the ground floor of a three-story, 150,000-square-foot building from the 1920s he’s leasing. And Peters’ long-term plans also call for an indoor bike park, climbing walls, remote-control racecar tracks and an indoor airsoft/paintball arena. On the ground floor, Lancaster Bicycle will have as its neighbor Crook’s Cycle Right, a bike fit and coaching center. “I can sell the bike and then send them down the hallway to get fit. It saves me from having to do it,” said Peters, former manager of Bike Source in Columbus and a onetime Kenda sales and promotion rep. The bike park will also be built on the ground floor. With his extra showroom space, Peters hopes to add a first-tier bike brand, such as Specialized, to the Raleighs, Diamondbacks, Lynskeys, Lapierres, Redlines and Surlys he currently sells. He’s also adding a women’s department—something he couldn’t do in his current 1,700-square-foot location—and will expand into outdoor gear, offering products from QBP Outdoor. A firm open date is still up in the air as Peters works to renovate the 90-year-old building, gutting the entire space and installing all new electrical and lighting. “The newest stuff in the building was from the mid-’80s, so that’s been causing delays,” he said. http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/6900.html?&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=addtoany
Liberty will take the point on widening Route 750
By BRETT NUCKLES
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 20, 2012 11:42 AM
Liberty Township will lead efforts to widen state Route 750 from Sawmill Parkway to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. At a meeting earlier this month, township trustees authorized administrator Dave Anderson to lead a consortium of interested parties in pursuing funding for the project, which would add new turn lanes and alleviate traffic congestion. It would cost an estimated $10 million. The township, with backing from the city of Powell, Delaware County, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the zoo and others, will apply for a grant from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. Trustees Curt Sybert and Mary Carducci voted 2-0 to set the plan in motion June 4. Trustee Melanie Leneghan was absent. The zoo attracts 2.3 million visitors annually, but traffic congestion can discourage visitors, Anderson said. "The zoo is one of the largest and best attractions in the state, and if we don't have a road network to accommodate it, that hurts the local economy and causes tons of transportation problems," he said. "It's just not an acceptable scenario." Even if funding were secured, it would take "a couple of years" before the engineering for the project could be complete and construction could commence, Anderson said. The project would add four or five lanes to state Route 750 to accommodate additional turn lanes and widen the intersection at Sawmill Parkway, where traffic frequently backs up. Sawmill Parkway also would be widened near the intersection. The left-turn lane headed north would be lengthened, and a second turn lane would be added. Currently, the intersection has only one left-turn lane onto Sawmill Parkway northbound. The plan also includes a walking path along state Route 750. Currently, the roadway does not accommodate pedestrians… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/dublin/news/2012/06/20/liberty-will-take-the-point-on-widening-route-750.html
London impresses bike trail mappers
(by Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor - June 18, 2012)
Carolyn Lewis designs maps, primarily of ancient sites for books and exhibitions at the Cleveland Museum of Art. One of her next map projects, however, deals with the here and now. Lewis and her husband, Guy Cocchiarale, recently spent their vacation biking the entire 300-mile length of the Ohio To Erie Trail. Along the way, they gathered information for the creation of a new map of the trail. They’ve posted related tourism and trail segment reviews on their website, IGotaBike.com. Eventually, they also plan to publish a guidebook and launch a mobile app featuring listings and reviews for restaurants, accommodations and tourist attractions along the trail. “The trail is maintained by lots of different groups. Our main purpose is to get all the information in one place, plus verify any new developments along the trail,” Lewis said. The couple’s research/vacation began May 19 when they left their home in Cleveland, pedaling south. Over the course of the subsequent eight days, they made their way to Cincinnati, stopping in several towns along the way, including London on May 24. They stopped again briefly on June 5 on their way back home. “Of all the towns on the route, London is the one that really seems to get it,” Cocchiarale said. “The trail organizers and business people—we’ve seen with our own eyes that they realize the economic value of the trail as a tourist destination.” Members of the Friends of Madison County Parks & Trails (FMCPT) met Lewis and Cocchiarale as they headed into London. They guided the visitors to overnight accommodations at Alexandra’s Bed and Breakfast on North Main Street, joined them for dinner at Rothwell’s Neighborhood Restaurant on Lafayette Street, and met them the next morning for java at the London Coffee Peddler on West High. The owner of each establishment talked to Lewis and Cocchiarale about how to make the most of bicycle tourism. “We are starting to learn how our local restaurants, overnight accommodations, and FMCPT can work together to attract visiting cyclists to ‘visit the gap in the trail’ and take advantage of our local businesses,” said Wayne Roberts, FMCPT president… http://www.columbusmessenger.com/NC/0/11591.html
Pickerington to spend $585,000 on street resurfacing
By NATE ELLIS
ThisWeek Community News Tuesday June 19, 2012 6:50 PM
Pickerington this summer will considerably increase its investment in street maintenance by spending more than $585,000 for resurfacing. Pickerington City Council earlier this month approved emergency legislation allocating $585,933 to resurface 15 streets and three alleys in the city. The resurfacing effort is significantly greater this year than in the past two. Last year, budget constraints and administrative decisions led the city to spend about $50,000 on resurfacing, after spending $184,843 for street maintenance in 2010. "Our need for street resurfacing is actually more than $550,000," said Greg Bachman, Pickerington city engineer. "In 2012, due to the slightly better economy and the great need, more money has been allocated to street resurfacing." The work is expected to begin next month or in August, and likely will be completed by Nov. 15. Depending on weather, Bachman said the work should approximately one month to complete. Streets which have been identified for the work, which will be performed by The Shelly Co., based in Thornville, are: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/pickerington/news/2012/06/19/pickerington-to-spend-585000-on-street-resurfacing.html
Safety Town seeks to instill lifelong lessons in children
By Pamela Willis
ThisWeek Community News Tuesday June 19, 2012 5:41 PM
Upper Arlington kindergarten students wheeled through a model highway on tricycles, wearing wide smiles and brand new helmets. They were learning to stop at stop signs, signal at intersections and obey a miniature, working traffic light in Safety Town. The two-week Safety Town program began June 18 and ends June 29 for children going into either kindergarten or first grade. The program will be offered for another two weeks in July, in two sessions, from 9 a.m. to noon or from 1-4 p.m. July 9-20 at Greensview Elementary School, 4301 Greensview Drive. Upper Arlington Police officer Heather Galli has coordinated Safety Town for the past five years. "One of the most valuable aspects of the Safety Town program is that it empowers children, even at such a young age, to be active participants in ensuring their own safety," she said. "They learn how to make wise decisions in potentially dangerous situations, as well as how to handle emergencies in their young lives." Galli said Safety Town covers a wide variety of safety topics, ranging from stranger awareness to fire safety, poison safety, water safety and safety around animals. "Children also spend time in our miniature village, where they learn how to safely walk and bicycle following basic traffic guidelines and rules," she said… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/upperarlington/news/2012/06/19/safety-town-seeks-to-instill-lifelong-lessons-in-children.html
City hopes to encourage 'complete streets,' biking
By JENNIFER NESBITT
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 20, 2012 12:40 PM
The city of Westerville already has a well-developed system of bike paths and promotes wider, more pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, but city officials are encouraging City Council to adopt a "complete streets" policy. The city's staff at a work session June 12 talked to council members about complete streets and encouraging biking. The complete streets concept could take on many appearances, but what complete streets have in common is that they aim to make roads safer for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists, and for people of all ages and abilities, according to Westerville Planning and Development Director Karl Craven. Safer roadways are encouraged through such features as bike lanes, roundabouts, paths and public transportation stops. "There really is no singular design prescription," Craven said. "Each one is unique." Complete streets encourage pedestrians and cyclists, Craven said, and they improve safety, public health, quality of life, encourage community engagement and benefit economic development. Complete streets are encouraged by the Federal Highway Administration, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. "Westerville already does things for complete streets," Craven said. "If you drive down South State Street, you can see things like medians; you can see things like wider sidewalks ... the bike path down Huber (Village Boulevard)." The city could do more to create complete streets, Craven said… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/westerville/news/2012/06/20/city-hopes-to-encourage-complete-streets-biking.html
City to start Worthington Road connector in January
By JENNIFER NESBITT
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 20, 2012 12:39 PM
The construction of a north-south connector between County Line Road and Polaris Parkway -- with an east-west roadway connecting to Worthington Road -- will hinge on a proposed development for the area. But the city of Westerville is preparing to move forward with its estimated $7.9 million portion of the work. The project, dubbed the Worthington Road Connector, wouldn't break ground until next year, but Westerville City Council is expected to see the first piece of legislation for the project before it recesses for the remainder of the summer in July. "When you get back (in September), we'll have a full slate of legislation just waiting for your consideration," Assistant City Manager Julie Colley told council during a work session discussion about the project June 12. Before the break, city staff will ask council to approve a resolution of availability of Westerville services, the first legislative step needed to annex three properties from Orange Township for the project. The plan calls for an extension of Worthington Road to veer east from where it meets Olde Worthington Road. It would connect with a north-south roadway between Polaris Parkway and County Line Road via a roundabout, just east of Taylor Way, west of Alum Creek. It would align with the current intersection of Polaris Parkway and Worthington Road north of Polaris. The roadway would be two lanes with a center turn lane, and a speed limit of 35 miles per hour, Colley said. It's projected that an average of 11,000 cars per day would travel the roadway by 2030, she said… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/westerville/news/2012/06/20/city-to-start-worthington-road-connector-in-january.html
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Safe Routes Coaching Action Network Webinar - June 28th (1pm ET)
Presenters:
Jacky Kennedy, Director, Canada Walks
Catherine O'Brien, PhD. Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Department, School of Professional Studies, Cape Breton University
Gary Shipp, National Projects Co-Coordinator, Schools, Children and Young People, Sustrans, UK
Safe Routes to School Projects are thriving around the world. In this sixty minute webinar we will learn about two different international programs.
First, Jacky Kennedy, Director of Canada Walks will introduce Canada's School Travel Planning Project. This program, originally tested in four provinces and disseminated to 120 schools in every part of Canada, created a detailed, step-by-step guide for building a comprehensive, community-based active school travel program.
Next, Dr. Catherine O'Brien, who is working in partnership with the Canada Walks School Travel Planning Project, will discuss her fascinating research on "sustainable happiness." This concept links walking and biking to individual, community, and global well-being. It provides further compelling evidence of the benefits of walking and biking to school.
Finally, Gary Shipp, Schools, Children and Young People Co-Coordinator from Sustrans in the United Kingdom, will describe how his organization's approach is a community-centered one that builds on small steps to gradually change travel behavior. Sustrans' goal is to get the whole school community involved and motivated in the program so that sustainable and active travel becomes part of the culture of the community for future generations.
This webinar is part of the SRTS Webinar Series, developed by America Walks and the National Center for Safe Routes to School. For more information: mgu...@americawalks.org
Board considers what is best for bike racks
By DEBORAH M. DUNLAP
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 20, 2012 10:13 AM
Bexley City Schools board members spent some time discussing the placement and use of bike racks outside of the Cassingham Complex during the group's regular monthly meeting last week. At least one board member, who had ridden her bike to the building recently, was confused by the lack of bike racks outside of the elementary, middle and high schools. But according to Superintendent Mike Johnson, the school's multitude of bike racks are located out back because it would take special permission from the city of Bexley to place them in front. In the past, neighbors across the street complained, said Johnson, when there were bikes parked out front. "And rightfully so," he added. There was some concern among board members, however, that this might serve as a deterrent to programs being pushed by the district, encouraging students to walk and bike to school. While a handful of bikes can often be seen chained to lampposts and trees out front, Johnson said there are actually very good reasons for keeping the bike racks in the rear of the buildings. He cited security reasons, saying bikes locked out back are not as visible and subject to theft. Parking bikes in the rear of the complex also discourages students from biking up and down walking paths, and taking 'joy rides' down stairs. "That type of riding we want to prevent," he said… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/bexley/news/2012/06/19/board-considers-what-is-best-for-bike-racks.html
Valley to get Safe Routes to School
Jun. 18, 2012
Written by
L.B. Whyde
Advocate Reporter
HANOVER -- Students in the Licking Valley Local School District will have more options for getting to school, but it won't happen overnight. In 2009, the school district and village of Hanover collaborated to apply for a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation as part of the Safe Routes to School program. It is a long process, but they recently found out they have been approved for $292,000 for the first piece, with other pieces being funded later. But the construction phase remains two years away, said Project Manager Jeff Carr, of Newark-based ADR and Associates. The deadline for completion is no later than fiscal year 2015. "This was a broad brush application that outlines the general routes," Carr said. "Once the actual design is done, it will all get firmed up."
Still, Superintendent Dave Hile is excited because he never expected any results from the grant application… http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120618/NEWS01/206180306/Valley-get-Safe-Routes-School
Safe Routes to School
Funds available for bike racks, but not sidewalk
By AMY ROGAN
ThisWeek Community News Friday June 15, 2012 7:58 PM
The state's Safe Routes to School program will pay for bike racks at three city schools, but won't pay for a sidewalk on Milford Avenue. A request for $14,000 was awarded for bike racks at Navin Elementary, Northwood Elementary and Bunsold Middle schools. "That will round out all of the schools," City Project Engineer Rob Priestas said. He said there is some concern about placing bike racks at Bunsold Middle School on state Route 4 where no sidewalks exist, but officials are exploring options on the best use for those bike racks. They may not be placed at the schools until next summer, Priestas said, because local officials have to work with the Ohio Department of Transportation to find out when the funds will be released for that project. No other sidewalk construction is planned as part of the bike rack project, but Priestas said other potential sidewalk repairs are in the works for next year as part of a different project. ODOT's Safe Routes to School Program helps communities develop projects that encourage children from kindergarten to eighth grade to walk or ride bikes to school safely. Engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement and evaluation make up the five parts of the program. The Safe Routes to School Commission in Union County includes the city of Marysville, Marysville schools, the Union County Health Department, the Marysville Police Department and the Union County Sheriff's Office. In 2009, the group established a school travel plan to fulfill an ODOT requirement and identified various locations that needed to be improved for students who walk or ride their bikes to school. Gregg Stubbs, Marysville Schools administrative assistant, helped the group apply for the grant and said the money was for sidewalk repairs and to build sidewalks where none exist. Milford Avenue is at least one area that will remain sidewalk-free for now. http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/marysville/news/2012/06/15/safe-routes-to-school-funds-available-for-bike-racks-but-not-sidewalk.html
Cycling: Armstrong considering options
Friday June 15, 2012 5:00 AM
AUSTIN, Texas — Lance Armstrong is gearing up for a fight over the latest round of doping allegations. Armstrong’s lawyers demanded access to evidence gathered by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which includes blood samples that allegedly show “manipulation and/or blood transfusions,” and the names of witnesses who said they saw the seven-time Tour de France champion use performance-enhancing drugs. Armstrong, 40, has until June 22 to respond in writing to the allegations, the first step of what could be months-long process. USADA also alleges that former team manager Johan Bruyneel, three medical doctors and a trainer were “part of a doping conspiracy” spanning 13 years, and used “ fear, intimidation and coercion” to keep it secret… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2012/06/15/armstrong-considering-options.html
Could China become the ‘Kingdom of Bicycles’ once again?
By Claire Lambrecht | June 16, 2012, 6:48 PM PDT
China used to be known as the Kingdom of Bicycles. Today, in many urban areas, it’s known for congestion. As a 2010 survey by IBM pointed out, Beijing’s traffic is literally worst in the world. That same year, for example, Beijing experienced a traffic jam so bad that it took nine days to clear the congestion. Traffic like this makes the daily crawl on the streets of Johannesburg, Moscow, Sao Paolo, and Los Angeles feel like Nascar. Fortunately for Beijing’s 20 million residents, a little relief is finally on its way. Today, Xinhua announced the launch of the city’s bike share program. While still in its testing phase, the local government hopes to have 12,000 bikes available by the end of the year and 50,000 available by 2015. The rate for a one-hour rental, one yuan (.15 USD), is comprable to the 12 km fare on the public bus. The project is not the city’s first foray into the world of bike sharing. In 2008, the government commissioned a private firm that reportedly made 50,000 bicycles available during the Beijing Summer Olympics. Wang Yong, a restauranteur who spearheaded the program, said it failed to make his company, Beijing Bicycle Rental Co. Ltd., turn a profit. “Bike renting,” he told the China Daily in 2009, “is much more like a public cause.” [Xinhua] http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/cities/could-china-become-the-8216kingdom-of-bicycles-once-again/3579?tag=nl.e660
Was the cyclist who killed a pedestrian reckless?
04.05.12 - 3:14 pm | Steven T. Jones
San Francisco's bicycling community is bracing for a backlash following the second recent case of a cyclist hitting and killing a pedestrian, particularly given a callous online posting by someone claiming to be the cyclist, whose 71-year-old victim this week died of injuries sustained a week ago at the intersection of Castro and Market streets. The case was a hot topic at last night's monthly Carfree Happy Hour, a gathering of cyclists, transportation professionals, and alternative transportation activists, many of whom had unearthed new information about a case they're all grappling with. And the consensus opinion was that the cyclist seemed reckless and may deserve to face criminal charges. Yet activists also sought to place this case in context, noting that an average of almost three pedestrians are hit by cars everyday in San Francisco, even though that rarely makes headlines. There were 220 pedestrians killed in San Francisco from 2000-2009, the vast majority hit by cars whose drivers rarely faced criminal charges. In fact, the same week that Sustchi Hui was killed there was another pedestrian killed by a motorist and another one by a Muni bus… http://www.sfbg.com/politics/2012/04/05/was-cyclist-who-killed-pedestrian-reckless
New Training Available: Livability in Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released two training videos highlighting key concepts and case studies from The Livability in Transportation Guidebook. The online trainings and the Guidebook illustrate how livability principles have been incorporated into transportation planning, programming, and project design, using examples from State, regional, and local sponsors. http://bywaysonline.org/offsite?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fhwa.dot.gov%2Flivability%2Fcase_studies%2Fguidebook%2F
The 30 minute training videos are free and available online for viewing anytime. Part I of the training covers visioning, process, and policy. Part II covers Partnership, Design, and Implementation.
Livability Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB8p6luR7mk
Livability Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmJQTLgLxVs
Longer commute may harm health
Study: Blood pressure, weight show increase
By Summer Ballentine
The Columbus Dispatch Thursday June 21, 2012 5:59 AM
Those long commutes to and from work cause more than just headaches, according to new research. People who commute 20 miles or more to work every day tend to have larger waists, more cardio respiratory problems and higher blood pressure than those with shorter drives, according to researchers at Washington University in St. Louis. “Obviously, you’re sitting longer, burning fewer calories,” said Christine Hoehner, lead investigator of the study and an assistant professor of public health sciences at the university.
“If people have longer commutes, (there’s also) less time for exercise, less discretionary time to cook healthier meals and less time for sleep.” The study, published last month in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, surveyed a group of nearly 4,300 adults in 12 metropolitan Texas counties. Most residents surveyed said they drove to work. The study found that commuters who drove 20 miles or more each way to work were less likely to meet physical-fitness recommendations and weighed 2 to 3 pounds more than those with shorter commutes. The longer the commute, the worse the risk for health problems, according to the research. Those with commutes of 10 miles or less had a lower risk of elevated blood pressure and were more likely to exercise than those who sat behind the wheel for longer trips. Even the brief walk to a bus stop makes public transportation a healthier way to get around, Hoehner said. In 2010, 92 percent of Columbus residents said they drove to work, and more than 20 percent said their commutes took 20 to 24 minutes each way, according to U.S. Census data… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/21/longer-commute-may-harm-health.html
Past issues are available here: http://www.considerbiking.org/category/newsletters/
Contact Information
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Web site - www.considerbiking.org
Facebook - Facebook Page change to http://www.facebook.com/considerbiking
Twitter - @Consider_Biking http://twitter.com/#!/consider_biking
Biking and Walking Newsletter Editor, Ira S. Weiss - iwe...@insight.rr.com
Consider Biking Staff, http://www.considerbiking.org/contact/ 614-447-8894
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Ira S. Weiss
11735 Eddington
Pickerington, OH 43147