Biking and Walking News 7-13-12
Ira Weiss
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Biking & Walking News
Ira S. Weiss, Editor July 13, 2012
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rails to Trails Comments on new Transportation Bill
Yesterday, the U.S. Congress passed a new 27-month federal transportation bill. The bad news is that, compared to current law, the bill takes a real step backwards. That is truly disappointing, coming at a time when we sorely need forward-looking 21st century transportation policy that provides balanced transportation choices and improves public health and safety, the quality of our environment and the livability of our communities. Instead, the bill makes federal transportation policy more highway-centric, focusing on new road capacity and increasing the federal share of such projects from 80 percent to 95 percent, wreaks havoc on environmental reviews which have provided a degree of public accountability, and reduces investment in active transportation (details below).
The consolation is that it could have been significantly worse for trails and active transportation, and we retain a solid foundation from which to continue moving forward. We feared that it would be worse as we picked up intelligence from the secretive conference committee negotiations during the last couple of weeks. The newly passed bill has far more in common with the bipartisan Senate bill than the extreme House of Representatives bill (H.R. 7) that was the blueprint for House demands in the conference committee despite never having been passed. The core programs that support trails, bicycling and walking are seriously compromised, but not undone.
When the Senate bill passed in March, there was a sense of relief because a local access amendment sponsored by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) had mitigated some of the bill’s problematic features, and a bipartisan amendment lead by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) had preserved the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Thankfully, those changes were essentially preserved. The steps back in the final bill are a combination of unmitigated problems from the original Senate Environment and Public Works bill plus two critical changes made in conference: (1) reduction in the amount of money dedicated to trails, walking and bicycling, and (2) an opt-out provision that states can invoke for up to half the money.
Key features of the newly passed bill from the perspective of trails, walking and bicycling are:
• The three core trail and active transportation programs from SAFETEA-LU—Transportation Enhancements (TE), Safe Routes to School (SRTS) and the RTP—are merged under a new Transportation Alternatives pot (taking the place of “Additional Activities” in the Senate bill). The term Transportation Enhancements is replaced by "Transportation Alternatives." It is confusing because the same term is used to refer to both TE and the overall consolidated pot of activities.
• The eligibilities that correlate to TE and SRTS are forced to compete for severely limited dollars against expensive new eligibilities, including some road projects (in the right-of-way of former Interstate System routes or other divided highways) and an expanded definition of environmental mitigation projects. TE and SRTS activities are also treated as projects on a federal-aid highway, raising process concerns.
• The initial amount of funds available to these activities is reduced by about 30 percent from current levels. However, the amount available nationally is based on a percentage (two percent) of the amounts authorized from the Highway Trust Fund (minus the Mass Transit Account), estimated at $788 million. If the Trust Fund goes up, so does the funding for Transportation Alternatives. While the Senate bill had tied funding to a flat amount (fiscal year 2009 TE apportionment) that was higher than the final bill but lower than status quo for the three core programs, re-establishing a tie to Trust Fund levels could prove superior to the Senate approach over time.
• The bill greatly increases the ability of states to transfer funds away from these core programs. This is arguably the most problematic outcome. Preventing states from opting out is likely to become a focal point for all of us going forward. There are three ways that this could happen:
- States may transfer to a wide range of other highway programs the half of the Transportation Alternatives pot that is not subject to geographic distribution (more on that concept later).
- Unobligated balances of more than one year of Transportation Alternatives funding may be flexed to the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program. This idea came from the Senate bill, but the trigger point for the balance was lowered in conference from 150% of reserved funding for the year to 100 percent. The name of the game is ‘use it or lose it’ unless your state would prefer to leave it in Transportation Alternatives.
- In a state of emergency, states can transfer Transportation Alternatives funding to rebuild highways, but it must be repaid if the state receives reimbursement.
• Eligible activities under the definition of “Transportation Alternatives” encompass most of what we now know as TE. Transportation museums and scenic easements are no longer eligible. It will be a matter of interpretation whether the new language omits certain beautification activities (e.g., street art or furniture), but wildflowers for erosion control still qualify. SRTS is also an eligible activity, but the concept is broadened in the definition section to “safe routes for non-drivers”.
• The Cardin/Cochran amendment to provide for greater local access to the funds was largely included in the final bill. Consequently, half the funds in Transportation Alternatives are subject to geographic distribution within a state based on population. Of that half, the portion that goes to larger communities (regions of 200,000+) is sub-allocated to metropolitan planning organizations for project selection. Nationally, over 70 percent of the population lives in such communities, so about 35 percent of the overall funds will be sub-allocated. This will vary greatly by state. The portion of the geographic funds that is not sub-allocated is to be awarded through a competitive grant process administered by the state but focused on local needs. The same is true of the half of the Transportation Alternatives pot that is not subject to geographic distribution. However, these funds may be subject to transfers by the state as noted above.
• RTP receive a dedicated $85 million off the top of the Transportation Alternatives pot based upon gas taxes paid by motorized trail users. This program supports both non-motorized and motorized trails. RTP provides valuable organizational structure to support state trail efforts. States can opt out of this activity.
• SRTS Coordinators are eligible, but not required. Infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects are eligible.
• While there is no longer a set-aside for TE in the Surface Transportation Program, there is eligibility for bicycle transportation, pedestrian walkways, recreational trails and other Transportation Alternatives.
• A new Complete Streets policy that was in the Senate bill to require routine accommodation of all roadway users was not included in the final bill. There is reportedly a requirement to consider all users when replacing a bridge.
Some in Congress sought to undermine these vital trail and active transportation programs in more fundamental ways than the bill just passed. It is a credit to your tireless advocacy that these more reactionary views did not carry the day. While the result is disappointing, there is ample room for us all to continue to work together to advance trails and active transportation in our communities and states, and to emerge from this experience stronger than ever. It is time to renew and refine our joint efforts to ensure that active transportation claims its rightful place as a central and growing element of our nation’s transportation system.
Kevin Mills
Vice President of Policy and Trail Development
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
And Comments from America Walks…
Did you know that Congress enacted a 30-40% cut in funding for walking programs?
On Friday, June 29th, Congress passed a 27-month transportation bill (MAP-21). Unfortunately, the new bill is a major step backward for walking programs. At a time when people are walking and biking more - and seeing positive results such as improved health, environmental benefits, and communities that work for all ages - Congress enacted a 30-40% cut in funding for walking programs!
How are the cuts structured?
- Three core programs - Recreational Trails, Safe Routes to School, and Transportation Enhancements - have been consolidated under the name Transportation Alternatives and their funding slashed.
- In addition to reduced funding, these programs now compete with other categories, such as environmental mitigation and some minor road projects.
- Your State Department of Transportation can choose to move half the money out of Transportation Alternatives into highway projects.
- See America Walks' summary of these impacts and more detailed information on our website.
Want to know what to do now to advocate for funding for walking in your community?
- Have your State Department of Transportation keep all eligible monies in the Transportation Alternatives pot.
- From this Transportation Alternatives pot, ask that Safe Routes to School be funded at the current level in your state.
- Support America Walks so the next transportation bill restores funding for walking in all our communities.
What is America Walks' role now?
- To support state and community walking coalitions.
- To connect walking advocates to resources and to each other.
- To lay the groundwork for restoring funding for walking in the next federal transportation bill.
- To find innovative ways to fund walking and biking infrastructure and programs.
In spite of the challenges ahead, America Walks will work with you to make America a great place for walking. Thank you for your continued work and support.
Sincerely,
Scott Bricker, Executive Director
Rails to Trails offers Surface Transportation Bill Webinars
The recent passage of a 27-month federal surface transportation bill, "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century" (MAP-21), will bring dramatic changes to how communities around the country will fund their trail, walking and bicycling projects.
In the coming weeks, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) will hold two free webinars to help advocates, planners, implementers and others navigate the changes made in MAP-21 to the core trails, walking and bicycling programs of the last transportation law: Transportation Enhancements (TE), Safe Routes to School and the Recreational Trails Program. These webinars will feature experts from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), local and/or state transportation agencies and RTC. http://support.railstotrails.org/site/R?i=_LDSjeMzAYo9tfSqRTcakQ
Webinar 1: Tuesday, July 17, 1 p.m. EDT: A MAP-21 Survival Guide for Trail, Walking and Bicycling Advocates
This webinar is geared specifically for national, state and local advocates and supporters of trail, walking and bicycling infrastructure as well as other beneficiaries of TE such as historic preservation and environmental interests. The webinar will address questions such as:
- What does the bill say about these activities and how are key provisions likely to be interpreted?
- How can advocates best ensure trails and other projects will come to fruition? How should we manage the risks and meet the opportunities presented by MAP-21?
- Secretary LaHood has made walking and biking visible priorities, but the bill presents challenges to this legacy. What will USDOT do to continue making progress?
Panelists:
- Polly Trottenberg, Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, USDOT
- David Tyahla, Senior Manager of Government Affairs, National Recreation and Park Association
- Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy and Trail Development, RTC
- Moderated by Marianne Fowler, RTC's Sr. Vice President of Federal Relations
Webinar 2: (Sometime the week of July 30, TBD): Implementing the Transportation Alternatives Provisions of MAP-21
This webinar will address specific issues faced by local and state agencies that are responsible for implementing the new Transportation Alternatives section of MAP-21.
Panelists for this session are still being finalized, but will include Tracy Hadden Loh, research manager for RTC and director of the National Transportation Enhancement Clearinghouse and some combination of representatives from federal, state and local (metropolitan planning organization) agencies.
Both webinars will allow ample time for Q & A.
Advanced registration is required. Additionally, please be sure to download the state-specific map of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for your state in advance of the meeting. These will inform your questions and deepen your webinar experience. http://support.railstotrails.org/site/R?i=-UEGN8GV7XefUJVEulAMuQ
Register now to receive details on joining the first webinar, and to receive information on the second. http://support.railstotrails.org/site/R?i=ayA2vzJeUnCvmkNVTGYyUQ
Thank you,
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
RIDES
July 9, 2012 — 10:00 am
Bike Columbus Festival, Bicycles and Training for Those in Need
Photo: flyinfoto (flickr)
On this hour of "All Sides," we'll talk about the importance and freedom of a bicycle, an American pastime that we take for granted.
10:00
It’s the Bike Columbus Festival 2012! We’ll talk about all of the events for the week. Then, we’ll talk the importance of a bike and the American pastime that most of us take for granted… As well as talk about a few groups providing programs to help children and non-traditional adults receive bikes and training in our area.
Guests
- Barb Seckler (Director, Institute for Healthy Living, Columbus Public Health)
- Steve Magas (Ohio Bike Lawyer)
- Kate Koch Gatch (Executive Director, Bike Lady, Inc.)
- Michelle Byars (physical therapist, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and representative, Lose the Training Wheels bike camp)
Podcast: Download http://streaming.osu.edu/wosu/allsides/070912a.mp3 (Duration: 52:24 — 60.0MB) http://beta.wosu.org/allsides/columbus-bike-week-bicycles-and-training-for-those-in-need/
Three Creeks
DAY TIME EVENT DESCRIPTION OPENINGS
Jul 19 Thu 6:30 pm Family Ride Night Join the park ranger and enjoy a slow-pa... N/R
SAFETY
Cyclist hit by car in University District
By Jim Woods
The Columbus Dispatch Thursday July 12, 2012 2:32 AM
A young male was hospitalized this morning after his bicycle was struck by a car in the University District just after midnight, Columbus police said. Police were called to the corner of N. 4th Street and E. 8th Avenue early this morning. The bicyclist was taken to the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University in life-threatening condition. His condition was later upgraded to stable, police said. The car’s driver stopped, said Sgt. Robert Sagle. No names of the victim or the driver were available. Shannon Reynolds said she saw the crash while she was visiting a home on N. 4th Street. She said a man driving the car was going north on N. 4th Street and changing lanes, and that the bicyclist was going east on E. 8th Avenue. The bike ended up crushed underneath the wheels of a parked SUV. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/07/12/cyclist-hit-by-suv-in-university-district.html
HEALTH
Obesity: Telling fat from fiction
Not all beliefs about weight loss are true.
11:45 PM, Jul. 5, 2012 |
Too many Americans weigh way too much. According to a recent projection, 42% of people in the U.S. will be obese by 2030 (up from 36% in 2010), and 11% could be severely obese, about 100 or more pounds overweight. But some common beliefs about obesity may not be entirely accurate. Here, we dispel three myths:
MYTH: You need to lose a lot to improve health.
Shedding as little as 5 pounds can help reduce cholesterol levels; dropping 10 will likely lower your blood pressure. Evidence shows losing 5% to 7% of your weight through diet and exercise could delay and possibly prevent diabetes. Aim to shed 1 to 2 pounds per week — slow and steady is the safest and most effective way to drop weight and keep it off.
MYTH: Overweight kids will 'grow into' their weight.
Not all kids carrying extra pounds are obese — some have larger body frames, others may carry a little more weight at different stages of development. But you shouldn’t wait for a growth spurt to compensate. Depending on your child’s eating habits and activity level, he is just as likely to keep putting on weight as he grows. Researchers looked at how obese kids fared on three diets: a low-carb version, one that focused on low-glycemic foods (fruit, whole grains, poultry), and a third about portion control and balancing nutrients. The results showed kids lost weight on all three diets but had the easiest time with the low glycemic diet.
MYTH: If obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.
The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your cells become to insulin. But you can get diabetes even if you are at a normal weight, particularly if you’re apple-shaped. People who accumulate fat in their middles are at a greater risk of type 2 than those who store it in their hips and thighs
http://www.dispatch.com/content/sections/life-and-entertainment/usa-weekend.html
OBESITY FIGHT
City urged to make plans to get us moving
By Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday July 11, 2012 6:44 AM
A nation battling obesity also suffers from an epidemic of inactivity, according to a national expert who says cities such as Columbus can make it easier for people to get moving. At a gathering yesterday billed as a “Get Moving Summit,” Boston author Mark Fenton said local governments can design streets, regulate development and enact policies that encourage people to walk, ride bikes and adopt healthier habits. A good-news, bad-news case in point that Fenton said he observed during a bike tour of Columbus on Monday: A new Kroger in the University District was built in a way that invites customers arriving by foot or bike, while a renovated store 3 miles north in Clintonville remains behind a sea of parking. “Simply telling people to exercise is not enough,” Fenton told health officials and health-care professionals, government planners and private developers. “What we’re talking about is building a world where physical activity is part of daily life.”Columbus Public Health sponsored the summit and brought Fenton to town. Dr. Teresa Long, Columbus’ health commissioner, said the city has stepped up efforts to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians in recent years. For example, Columbus will spend $6.4 million this year to build 7.5 miles of new bike paths, mark off an additional 5 miles of bike lanes on existing streets, and add new shelters and racks at 54 locations. The Department of Public Service adopted a policy in 2008 that pushes the city toward accommodating pedestrians, cyclists and public transit as well as motorists when it improves city streets. Other changes require developers in densely populated areas to build close to the street… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/07/11/city-urged-to-make-plans-to-get-us-moving.html
Study shows sitting too much cuts years off your life
By Laura Shin | July 11, 2012, 4:01 AM PDT
Several recent studies have shown that sitting for long periods of time can harm our health, weakening muscles and decreasing overall physical fitness. And now, a new analysis of several studies on long periods of sedentary behavior has concluded that sitting for more than three hours a day can actually take two years off your life. And that’s even if you exercise regularly and refrain from bad habits like smoking. But there’s more bad news. They’ve also determined that watching TV for more than two hours a day cuts your life expectancy by another 1.4 years… http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/science-scope/study-shows-sitting-too-much-cuts-years-off-your-life/13043?tag=nl.e660
LOCAL NEWS
Riding a dream
Agencies help man start up own business
By Jacob Kanclerz
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday July 11, 2012 5:24 AM
As he posed for pictures with his new fleet of bicycles, Darren McGowan made sure to highlight the flags on each that bore the logo for the new bike tour and rental shop he opened Downtown yesterday. Two years ago, McGowan’s life was very different. Bouts of depression left him jobless, homeless and on academic probation from college. “It’s hindered me so many ways,” he said. “I’d have good paying jobs and I would get disheartened or get uninterested in what I was doing.” But with the help of state agencies, the 47-year-old McGowan is back on his feet as the founder and owner of Columbus Bike Tours & Bike Rentals, something the lifetime Columbus resident has always wanted to do. “It came from me loving the city so much and wanting to allow travelers and even locals to know the history and beauty of Columbus,” he said… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2012/07/11/riding-a-dream.html
State parks hit hard by storm
Blocked roads, lack of power keep some closed
By Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday July 10, 2012 4:45 AM
Some Ohio parks and nature preserves remain closed, and trails at two Metro Parks are still blocked because of the damage wrought by the June 29 storm that ravaged the state… wo trails remain closed in the Metro Parks system: a mountain-bike trail at Chestnut Ridge, and the 2-mile Fern Trail at Clear Creek, said spokeswoman Peg Hanley. She didn’t know when they will be cleared. The Central Ohio Mountain Bike Organization has cleared 60 trees from the Chestnut Ridge trail, said President Gregg Soster. Many more need to be removed, he added. “These are enormous trees,” he said. “You simply cannot get through there. It’s just amazing…" Trees continue to block the Olentangy bike trail at Clinton-Como Park, and one tree remains on the bridge at Tuttle Park, the city said… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/07/10/state-parks-hit-hard-by-storm.html
News from Metro Parks Greenways
Volume 2, Issue 7
Greenways News July 2012
Contains progress updates on the Alum Creek and Scioto Trails:
Metro Parks Greenways recently had a meeting with the City of Columbus.
Here are some updates that pertain to Greenways Trails…
- Alum Creek: Trail construction north of Innis Park and South of Ballyvaughn to Valley Dale are scheduled to be completed in October.
- Scioto: Trail construction to connect two sections from Grandview Avenue to Dublin Road is scheduled to start in July.
- Scioto: Trail construction to extend to 5th Avenue is scheduled to start in August.
- Olentangy: City’s Division of Water/Storm drains will be doing construction in the Harrison West area. The Trail under 3rd Avenue will be down to one lane during that time. You will still be able to cross 3rd at the traffic light. Date to start is unknown at this time.
- Any/all other (City of Columbus) Greenway Trail projects scheduled will be put into the design phase.
Construction begins on Dublin traffic circle
By Holly Zachariah
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday July 11, 2012 5:40 AM
A busy Dublin intersection was closed to traffic yesterday so that crews can build the city’s 12th traffic circle. The intersection of Cosgray and Shier-Rings roads likely will remain closed through September for the roundabout construction. The project is starting off with delays, as the June 29 windstorm and subsequent power outages will postpone by a couple of weeks the utility relocation work that needs to be done at the site, said Dublin City Engineer Paul Hammersmith. A new, temporary entrance to Darree Fields, the city’s largest soccer venue, might help ease the pain of the project, said John Muir, executive director of the Dublin Soccer League. He forgot the road was to close yesterday and was surprised when he drove to the fields and encountered gates. But the detour, he said, seems navigable. And after the first trip or two to adjust, he anticipates visitors to the park will be just fine… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/07/11/construction-begins-on-dublin-traffic-circle.html
Violet Township
Wider, safer Waterloo Road bridge opens
By NATE ELLIS
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday July 11, 2012 1:08 PM
A long-sought project to allow for two-way traffic on Waterloo Road bridge in Violet Township was completed June 29. Following its May 10 demolition, crews from Nashport, Ohio-based Buds Inc. replaced the bridge and opened it to traffic. The project, which was slated to take 10 weeks, was finished in eight, according to officials from Violet Township and the Fairfield County Engineer's Office. Now, the bridge allows for two-way traffic. Prior to the work, officials said, larger vehicles such as utility and emergency-response trucks, could not safely pass driving in opposite directions. "It should greatly increase the safety of traffic," Fairfield County Chief Deputy Engineer Jeff Baird said. "The width of the bridge -- from face to guardrail -- is much wider." The bridge replacement was completed at a total cost of $278,000, Baird said. Of that, $108,000 was funded by a grant Violet Township obtained from the Ohio Public Works Commission. The township also used a $36,000 loan from the OPWC to help finance the work. The township has 30 years to pay off that loan, interest-free… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2012/07/09/violet-township-wider-safer-waterloo-road-bridge-opens.html
Process starts anew for Suffolk Rd. sidewalks
By MARK DUBOVEC
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday July 11, 2012 8:57 PM
A new resident-driven petition has been submitted to the city calling for the installation of sidewalks on Suffolk Road. On Monday, July 9, Upper Arlington City Council voted unanimously to accept a certified petition and direct the city engineer to prepare plans and specifications for sidewalks on the north side of Suffolk Road between Coventry and Andover roads. For resident-driven petitions, owners of 60 percent of the affected properties need to sign the petition, and in this case, six of nine property owners signed. With council approval of the petition, plans, specifications and estimated costs will be filed with the city clerk's office for inspection by all parties involved with the project for 30 days. Afterward, council will have to pass a resolution of necessity to proceed. If that happens, all property owners will be notified by certified mail of the resolution as well as the estimated assessment on each parcel. That will be followed by a two-week period for objections and damage claims to be filed. After the objection window has passed, council will have to authorize the improvements to proceed. Council voted in May to include sidewalk installation on Suffolk in the city's 2012 capital improvements program… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/upperarlington/news/2012/07/10/process-starts-anew-for-suffolk-rd--sidewalks.html
City backs 'complete streets' concept
By JENNIFER NESBITT
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday July 11, 2012 9:36 PM
Westerville has adopted policy supporting the "complete streets" concept, calling for roadways that support all modes of transportation. Westerville City Council passed a resolution expressing support for complete streets at its July 2 meeting.
The resolution defines complete streets for the city and outlines how streets should be designed under the complete streets concept. According to the resolution, complete streets are designed to be safe accessible for all who use roadways and trails, including pedestrian, bicyclists, transit riders, motorists, and commercial and emergency vehicles. Roadways should accommodate people of all ages and abilities, the resolution said. To develop complete streets, the city should look to improve sidewalks, crosswalks, shared-use paths, bicycle lanes, signs and curb ramps when undertaking roadway projects, the resolution said. Complete streets are encouraged by the Federal Highway Administration, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Westerville Planning and Development Director Karl Craven told City Council at a June work session. Many city projects, such as the soon-to-be-completed South State Street improvements, already demonstrate the complete street projects, Craven said, but expressing official support for complete streets through the resolution could help the city to secure state and federal grants for roadway projects. The resolution does not bind the city to any course of action in the future, Craven said.
Having the resolution on the books, however, establishes the concepts that city staff should keep in mind when planning roadway projects, he said. For example, Craven said at the June work session, if the city were to redo Spring Street with the complete-street concept in mind, the double lanes of traffic could be eliminated and replaced with a parking lane, a bike lane and a through lane. http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/westerville/news/2012/07/10/city-backs-complete-streets-concept.html
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Safe Routes Coaching Action Network Webinar - July 17th (1pm ET)
Making Tough Choices Easier: How To Prioritize Pedestrian Infrastructure Needs
Presenters:
Nancy Pullen-Seufert, Associate Director, National Center for Safe Routes to School
Jessica Manzi, Community Projects Manager, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
David Henderson, Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator for the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization
Stewart Robertson, P.E., Associate, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
How do you know which infrastructure improvements will have the greatest impact on walking and biking to school? This webinar will help you learn how to prioritize projects at various schools within a community and how this has been applied in two communities. First, you will be introduced to the guide on infrastructure project selection developed by the National Center for Safe Routes to School. Then planners and engineers from San Francisco and Miami will discuss two different approaches to prioritizing projects at multiple schools.
Nancy Pullen Seufert, Associate Director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School will introduce the process which includes criteria to group schools based on safety and pedestrian patterns.
Then, Jessica Manzi, formerly of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, will describe how Safe Routes to School San Francisco used student travel tally, demographic and collision data to develop a prioritization system to identify schools for infrastructure improvement projects and non-infrastructure activities.
Finally, David Henderson, Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator for the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Stewart Robertson, P.E., Associate, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. will present a prioritization system for selecting schools for SRTS infrastructure funding. The system was used to rank over 150 Miami-Dade County public elementary and K-8 schools based on safety and potential to increase the number of students walking or bicycling to school. This webinar is part of the SRTS Webinar Series, developed by America Walks and the National Center for Safe Routes to School https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/298646680
Trails at center of plan for park
Cuyahoga Valley would add biking, paddling options
By Bob Downing
AKRON BEACON JOURNAL Tuesday July 10, 2012 6:47 AM
AKRON — Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Cleveland and Akron could add 46 miles of trails, including 10 miles for mountain biking. Mountain biking is banned in the 33,000-acre federal park. To read more, visit the website of the Akron Beacon Journal. http://www.ohio.com/
Sydney Builds Separate Bike Lanes, Ridership Skyrockets 82%
Brian Merchant
Transportation / Bikes
June 28, 2012
New research on cycling habits is in from Sydney, and it turns out that city dwellers are less likely to start biking if they're afraid a lumbering SUV might crush their back tire or that errant car doors will send them over their handlebars. Who knew? The Australian city is in the process of implementing its 2030 blueprint for a greener city, and it's building a hell of a lot of bike lanes. As in 200 kilometers (125 miles) worth. City government is also spearheading a program to increase ridership amongst its citizens—it wants 10% of the metropolis biking by 2030. And its research on ridership reveals that there's a magic ingredient to success: separate bike lanes. According to the Guardian, the lanes have been successful in persuading previous non-cyclists to get out on their bikes. Research done by the council has shown that the likelihood of a resident commuting by bike increases exponentially with the proportion of their commuting trip made possible on a separated bike lane… http://www.treehugger.com/bikes/sydney-builds-separate-bike-lanes-ridership-skyrockets-82.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