Biking and Walking News 6-29-12
Ira Weiss
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Biking & Walking News
Ira S. Weiss, Editor June 29 , 2012
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ANNOUNCEMENTS – Nothing
RIDES
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BikeColumbus Festival 2012 July 13-14
Calling All Volunteers!
Consider Biking is thrilled to be part of the 4th Annual BikeColumbus Festival along with the Institute of Active Living at Columbus Public Health and Columbus Outdoor Pursuits! The festival will begin on Friday, July 13 with the Mayor's Twilight Ride and After Party followed by the Steve Barbour Memorial Tour on Saturday, July 14. We're down at Genoa Park next to COSI (333 West Broad Street) on the downtown river front. We need people like you to help us pull it off!! How about volunteering? If you would like to be part of the fun and volunteer, please visit:
http://www.bikecolumbusfestival.com/volunteer/
and fill out the online form to volunteer!
Every effort will be made to accommodate your volunteer request! Of course, you earn the requisite volunteer t-shirt. And if you volunteer Friday night, you get to ride the Saturday Barbour ride for free.
Volunteer needs for Friday, July 13, 2012
- Event set-up, 4-6 PM
- Registration, 5:30- 7PM
- Greeters, 5:30-7PM
- Traffic Directors, 5:30-7PM
- Clean Up, 7-8PM
- Corner Marshalls, 6-8PM
Volunteer needs for Saturday, July 14, 2012
- Event set-up, 6-10 AM
Registration, 6-10AM
TWO GREAT RIDES
The Mayor's Twilight Ride will begin at 7:00 p.m. at COSI (located at 333 W. Broad Street). The event website is at: http://www.bikecolumbusfestival.com/ ($25 early bird registration). Steve Barbour Memorial Tour on Saturday July 14, at 7 AM, distances of 31, 62, 93 or 124 miles. Tours launch and return to COSI. Enjoy spectacular route into Hocking County, a great ride plus food. Lunch/Snack/Rest stops along the way. Cost is $40 or $50 for the Combination of the Barbour Tour and Twilight Ride.
NEW FOR 2012
Free Family Pre-Ride Party at COSI from 4:00-5:30pm with bicycle rodeo, games, activities and prizes! All riders return to WaterFire Columbus for free entrance, entertainment and a magnificent array of bonfires on the riverfront. Riders may also join the Food Truck Festival at Columbus Commons on the way back to COSI.
Blistering heat will test Tour de Grandview racers
By ALAN FROMAN
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 27, 2012 11:59 AM
Cyclists competing Sunday, July 1, in the Tour de Grandview Cycling Classic likely will have to cope not only with the course's challenging hills, but with hot weather conditions. "I think a lot of the cyclists who come to Grandview like to challenge themselves with our demanding course," race director Andys Burns said. "If we get the temperatures in the 90s like we're expecting, it's going to be that much more demanding." There are no halftimes or intermissions in cycling, Burns said. The men's category 1-2 race is 40 laps, which will take about two hours to complete, he said. "We'll have stations set up where the cyclists can grab some water, but you may well see some guys not able to finish because of the heat," Burns said. Perhaps the most exciting portion of the race course is the turn at Urlin Avenue and Goodale Boulevard, which comes at the bottom of a hill, he said. "They'll be taking that turn at 35 or 40 mph, and you may have three or four guys all taking the turn at the same time," Burns said. The men's category 1-2 race will start at around 2:20 p.m. July 1, but it's just one of several races that will be held as part of the Tour de Grandview. Other races include the men's master 40-plus category 3-5 at 11:30 a.m.; men's category 4-5 at 12:15 p.m.; women's category 1-3 and category 3-4 at 1 p.m.; a celebrity invitational at 1:45 p.m.; a sprint race for youngsters at 4:10 p.m.; and men's category 3 at 4:30 p.m. The Tour de Grandview will partner with the Madeira Centennial Criterium on Friday, June 29, and the Hyde Park Blast race Saturday, June 30, in Cincinnati, for a $2,000 general classification purse for the top four individuals in the men's category 1-2 race… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/grandview/news/2012/06/26/blistering-heat-will-test-tour-de-grandview-racers.html
SAFETY
Safetyview Heights
Two weeks of safety lessons have impact
By ALAN FROMAN
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 27, 2012 12:08 PM
A special graduation ceremony was held Friday, June 22, at McKinley Park as 23 members of the Safetyview Heights class of 2012 received their "diplomas" after completing the two-week program. Safetyview Heights teaches youngsters entering kindergarten and first grade how to be safe at home, in school and at play. "I'm amazed at how much they seem to already know," said Megan Green, who coordinated this year's program with Nancy Kukla. "It shows that their parents and our preschool programs do a really good job teaching them about safety," Green said. "For a lot of the children, we provide a refresher course to reinforce those lessons…" Claypool said she especially enjoyed helping the children as they rode tricycles along the miniature streets set up on the McKinley Field parking lot… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/grandview/news/2012/06/26/safetyview-heights-two-weeks-of-safety-lessons-have-impact.html
June 27, 2012
Release #12-207
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 276-2281
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles Recalls Bicycle Due to Crash Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Catbike Musashi recumbent bicycle
Units: About 170 units
Manufacturer: Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles LLC, of Winter Garden, Fla.
Hazard: The bicycle frame can crack, which can cause the rider to lose control and crash.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Description: This recall involves model year 2010 Catbike Musashi recumbent bicycles. The bicycles were sold in the following colors: black, white, silver, yellow, orange, red, lime green, pink, blue, candy purple, candy red, candy green, candy blue and sparkle orange. "Musashi" is printed on the frame and "Catbike" is printed on the seat, frame and headrest. Serial numbers CBM0002 to CBM0170 are included in this recall. The serial number can be found underneath the main frame where the seat bottom is located.
Sold at: Catbike authorized dealers nationwide from February 2010 through December 2010 for about $2,350.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycle and contact a Catbike dealer for a free frame replacement.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles toll-free at (866) 276-2281 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.catrike.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12207.html
June 21, 2012
Release #12-202
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 377-4532
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Currie Technologies Recalls Adult Tricycles Due to Fall Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Tricruiser Electric-Powered Adult Tricycles
Units: About 2,100
Distributor: Currie Technologies, of Chatsworth, Calif.
Manufacturer: Acetrikes Industrial Co., Ltd., of China
Hazard: The rear axle can break causing a rear wheel to detach, posing a fall hazard to the rider.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of six incidents, including five reports of bruises and scrapes.
Description: The recalled tricycles are battery powered with 24" wheels and a basket between the rear wheels. Their brand name, eZip or iZip, is printed on the sides of the bike and above the front wheel. Bikes were sold in the following colors: red, blue and sand. Recalled tricycles are in the serial number range ACB06L00001 to ACB10H99999. Serial numbers are engraved on the frame under the handlebar support on the front of the tricycle. Model numbers include EZ-TRY-SD, IZ-TRY-RD, IZ-TRICR7-BL and IZ-TRY8-BL.
Sold at: Independent bicycle shops and electric bicycle shops nationwide and online at Walmart.com from March 2007 through March 2012 for between $850 and $1120.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these tricycles and contact Currie Technologies to receive a free replacement component and repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Currie Technologies at (800) 377-4532 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the Currie Technologies website at www.currietech.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12202.html
Sticker helps foil bike thief
June 23, 2012 12:30 am
Larry Walsh / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
If a lock fails to keep you and your bike connected, a stand-out decal on its frame may help rescue it. Danny Lesh of the Washington, D.C., area loaned his Cannondale hybrid to a friend who used a cable lock to secure it. A thief armed with a pair of bolt cutters stole it early last month. Lesh, an avid cyclist and determined practitioner of self-help, went online to see if he could locate his bike. He found it for sale for $100 on Craigslist. He recognized it because of a prominent sticker it bears. What happened next attracted the attention of Richard Jordan, a reporter and weekend anchor for the NBC television affiliate in Washington. Lesh called the police and was told they couldn't respond right away, Jordan reported. Unfortunately, that's understandable. A stolen bike doesn't have priority over far more serious crimes. Faced with the real possibility of the permanent loss of the bike he bought for $600 in 1998, Lesh contacted the "seller." "I knew I had to do it that day or else I'd never see the bike again," he told Jordan. Lesh told the "seller" he was interested in buying the bike and made arrangements to meet him. He told Jordan the man brought the bike out of an alley at Fifth and Longfellow streets in the northwestern part of the city. Lesh told the man that he wanted to take it for a "test ride" before he paid for it. The "test ride," of course, became a happy reunion of cyclist and cycle as Lesh pedaled away… http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/more-sports/sticker-helps-foil-bike-thief-641610/?p=0
Letter: GPS in cellphones would be a problem
Friday June 22, 2012 3:11 AM
There is a serious flaw in the idea proposed by letter writer Ellery Block (“Technology can stem texting while driving,” Monday). While his idea to use existing GPS units in cellphones to prevent texting whenever the phone is in motion is a good one, the devil is in the details. The chief problem would be differentiating between operating a vehicle and merely being in one as a passenger. Unless the phone could interface with the vehicle to ascertain that the phone's owner is, in fact, driving, untold thousands of people who ride as passengers in buses, taxis, commuter trains and ferries would be unable to use their phones while in motion. The same would be true for other people riding in the family car. Additionally, depending on the speed at which the proposed motion detector would trigger, even pedestrians could find their phones inoperative while walking. Perhaps all we truly need is the application of some old-fashioned wisdom and common sense. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/06/22/gps-in-cellphones-would-be-a-problem.html
POLICE BRIEFS
Jun. 22, 2012
MILLERSPORT -- A homeowner returned home from vacation to find that someone broke into his detached garage along the 4200 block of Geiger Road. The burglary occurred between April 29 and April 30. The owner discovered two bicycles were missing, according to a sheriff's report. http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20120622/NEWS01/206220313/POLICE-BRIEFS
Police seek suspect in iPad theft on bike path
Jun. 22, 2012
LANCASTER -- Police are looking for an older male teenager who stole an iPad from a teenage girl while she walked the bike path Wednesday in Cenci Lake. The girl was walking with her 3-year-old brother along the bike path when a man grabbed the iPad out of the girl's hands, according to a Lancaster police report. There was a brief struggle before the man grabbed the iPad and ran. The girl's screams attracted several people's attention. One witness saw the man running towards the parking lot and get into a vehicle, possible a red truck, according to the report. No one was able to get a license plate number or provide a detailed description of the man. Officers canvassed the area, but they were unable to find the vehicle. http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20120622/NEWS01/206220321/Police-seek-suspect-iPad-theft-bike-path
The Multimodal Curmudgeon, Part 2: Cars. Perhaps You’ve Heard of Them
HEALTH
Doctors ignore BMI too often
By Lauran Neergaard
Associated Press Tuesday June 26, 2012 6:25 AM
WASHINGTON — Chances are you know your blood pressure. What about your BMI? The body-mass index signals whether you’re overweight, obese or just right, considering your height. Some doctors have begun calling it a vital sign, as crucial to monitor as blood pressure. But apparently not enough doctors check: A government panel renewed a call yesterday for every adult to be screened for obesity during checkups, suggesting that more physicians should be routinely calculating patients’ BMIs. And when someone crosses the line into obesity, the doctor needs to do more than mention a diet. It’s time to refer those patients for intensive nutrition and fitness help, say the guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Don’t assume your weight’s OK if the doctor doesn’t bring it up. A normal BMI is less than 25. Obesity begins at 30. Between those points is considered overweight. Patients “should be asking what their BMI is, and tracking that over time,” said task-force member Dr. David Grossman, medical director for preventive care at the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2012/06/26/doctors-ignore-bmi-too-often.html
LOCAL NEWS
Letter: Use funds for alternative transportation
Sunday June 24, 2012 3:17 AM
I respond to the Monday Dispatch article “ODOT: Spend the $$$,” on the Ohio Department of Transportation urging metropolitan planning organizations to spend more of their federal funding rather than saving it. It’s hard to believe, with all the room for improvement in our transportation system, specifically regarding its lack of options, that the planning organizations would stockpile federal money that could be used to improve the system. Although these funds might be trivial for major road and highway projects that have huge price tags, they would have a substantial effect on alternative-infrastructure projects, such as public transit, dedicated bikeways and better sidewalks. One benefit of this federal money is that it can be “flexed” for these alternative-infrastructure projects and isn’t limited to just highway and road projects. But ODOT and the metropolitan planning groups are not taking advantage of the ability to flex this federal funding. Much of it still goes to traditional highway and road projects, which generally provide inferior returns on investment, support less job growth, contribute to greater fuel consumption and emissions and do little to relieve congestion, when compared with alternative-infrastructure projects. It’s good to see ODOT pushing the planning organizations to fully utilize their surplus funds, but these funds should be directed to multimodal and alternative-infrastructure projects that will expand transportation choice, not traditional road and highway projects. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/06/24/use-funds-for-alternative-transportation.html
Blackhand Gorge Friends improving preserve, researching property rights for area
6:38 AM, Jun. 24, 2012
Written by
Seth Roy
Advocate Reporter
The effort to open up the northern portion of Blackhand Gorge along the former Columbus-Newark-Zanesville Railway slowly is moving forward. "Every time you start digging, it only shows more lack of clarity," said Rick Platt, director of the Newark, Heath, Licking County Port Authority, who helped start a closer examination of the area after stumbling across it in 2011. "I still think the issue is it's not clear who owns the tunnel and where the old interline went." The renewed interest in the gorge, and in the previously closed-off portion along the old railway through the tunnel, has reinvigorated community members to fix up the rest of the preserve. A Friends of Blackhand Gorge group has formed and includes various Toboso-area residents. "It is alive and growing and active," said Bill Weaver, the group's founder… http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120624/NEWS01/206240303/Blackhand-Gorge-Friends-improving-preserve
2013 city budget proposal
Residents ask council to invest in parks, rec
Correction
The print version of this story incorrectly stated Kate Moening's title. The former recreation specialist for Gahanna currently serves as the state advocacy organizer for Safe Routes to School.
By MARLA K. KUHLMAN
ThisWeek Community News Thursday June 28, 2012 11:46 AM
Gahanna residents must decide how they want their community to look and what they're willing to finance in the future. That's the message Mayor Becky Stinchcomb emphasized during an inaugural public forum June 19, when residents were encouraged to discuss their wants for the 2013 tax budget. More than a dozen Gahanna residents provided input during the meeting, with many asking council to support parks and recreation initiatives, including continued Big Walnut Trail connectivity and aquatics improvements. Eight-year resident Vincent Tremante, who is on the parks and rec board, said the department has gone from reactionary to one with goals and revenue returns. "Those are strong reasons for an increased budget," he said… Kate Moening, former recreation coordinator for the parks department, said she considered her own budget a few months ago, when she purchased her first home in Gahanna. She said a new path gives her daughter another route to school and that her residence is close to the public library… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/gahanna/news/2012/06/27/2013-city-budget-proposal-residents-ask-council-to-invest-in-parks-rec.html
Brick chosen over asphalt
Street repairs will honor Galena's history
By KRISTINA THOMAS
ThisWeek Community News Friday June 22, 2012 4:58 PM
In a nod to its history, Galena has chosen to reconstruct Walnut Street using brick instead of asphalt. Galena was once the home to Galena Tile Co,, later known as the Galena Shale Tile and Brick Co., which made bricks that were shipped all over the world. Jeanna Burrell, interim village administrator, said this make the use of brick an obvious choice for Galena. "Bricks are a part of our history as a village and they also reflect our desire to be environmentally friendly," she said. The city has received funding for the project from the Ohio Public Works Commission, including a $387,266 grant in April. The project has four phases and began in 2009 with the reconstruction of Walnut Street between High and Church streets. Reconfiguring the Harrison Street intersection will be done in phase four, which the village hopes to begin in 2013. Work on phase three is scheduled to start Aug. 28 and be completed by Nov. 16. Phase three will involve the actual placement of the bricks. The village will host a public meeting at 7 p.m. July 16 to discuss phase three and show samples of the bricks. According to Burrell, the village has a lot of natural resources that the residents value. Using bricks on the road will help to preserve those natural resources, she said… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2012/06/22/brick-chosen-over-asphalt-street-repairs-will-honor-galenas-history.html
Three bids submitted for Cherry Street bridge project
By BILL EICHENBERGER
ThisWeek Community News Friday June 22, 2012 4:29 PM
The Union County Engineer's Office received three bids for a deck overlay on the Waldo Road-Cherry Street bridge spanning Mill Creek at the northern edge of Marysville. The engineer's office estimated the cost of the repair project at $248,000. The low bid of $211,185.16 was submitted by Double Z Construction of Columbus. Two other companies bid on the project: DOT Construction for $241,488 and Complete General Construction for $221,147. "We're fairly confident we'll be able to accept the low bid and then we'll discuss the two options we have for approaching the project," County Engineer Jeff Stauch said. The Cherry Street bridge was built in the early 1970s and underwent an initial deck overlay in 1987. The current project calls for removing three-and-a-half inches of concrete using pressurized water and replacing it with a microsilica modified concrete. The plan also calls for removing and replacing the bridge railing, adding reinforcing steel and sealing the concrete surfaces and bridge decks. The contractor can begin work any time after July 9 and must complete the work by Sept. 14… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/marysville/news/2012/06/22/3-bids-submitted-for-cherry-street-bridge-project.html
$1.47-million street project
'Traffic calming' medians approved for New Albany Road
By LORI WINCE
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 27, 2012 2:22 PM
New Albany Links residents can anticipate slower traffic coming through their neighborhood on New Albany Road East after three medians are installed west of the commercial business campus. New Albany City Council voted 6-0 on June 19 to authorize the city manager to advertise for bids for the street project. The work includes repaving 15 miles of city streets and installing ramps to the Americans with Disabilities Act specifications as needed. It also includes sealing cracks on 17 other roads and repairing curbs in the project area. Councilman Glyde Marsh, who said he does not support "traffic calming" devices because they are difficult to navigate around, tried to amend the bid authorization to remove the traffic calming project. Council voted 5-1 against the amendment Marsh voted in favor of the bids after he could not remove the traffic calming project. City Service Director Mark Nemec said the entire street project will cost $1.47 million, which will be drawn from the street improvements and capital improvements funds. The median installation is anticipated to cost $75,000… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/newalbany/news/2012/06/26/1-47-million-street-project-traffic-calming-medians-approved-for-new-albany-road.html
Sidewalk project complete; grant approved
By Chuck Martin, Mount Vernon News
June 23, 2012 5:46 am EDT
MOUNT VERNON — The Division Street/Mount Vernon Avenue improvement project is essentially complete, Mayor Richard Mavis reported this week. Some crosswalk markings will be done later this summer, he said, and a final inspection was being done this week on the 8,000 feet of sidewalk constructed. Some seeding will have to be redone because it was washed out by recent heavy rain showers. Mavis said he hopes to have a small dedication ceremony in July to give some recognition to Ariel Foundation for its support of the $600,000 project. http://mountvernonnews.com/local/12/06/23/sidewalk-project-complete-grant-approved
Bikes and cars coexist on the Washington Area Bicycling Association's annual 50 States Ride, which covers D.C. streets named for the states. (Photo by Mary Gersema)
A bicyclist and driver with peeves from both sides.
By BILL WALSH
I love cars. I hate cars.
Motorists think bicyclists are encroaching on their turf. They mutter nonsense about “road tax.” They’re just dying to speed around us so they can sit at the next stoplight a few seconds longer. They seethe if we run stop signs or red lights. They resent our ability to squeeze between them get around them and make use of shoulders and sidewalks. They envy our relative immunity to traffic jams and the almost recreational nature of our commutes. They hate our freedom! I’m passionate about bike commuting now, but, like most adult cyclists, I’m also a driver. To say I’m also a driver is understating things: I’m a car enthusiast from way back. I grew up just outside the Motor City, with a dad who worked at GM. I was able to name any automobile on the street by age 3, and I dreamed of becoming a car designer, or maybe writing reviews for a car magazine. I lived on a bike, like most any kid of the ’60s and ’70s, but couldn’t wait to graduate to four wheels and four or more cylinders. I have fond memories of a tongue-in-cheek road test of a 10-speed in Car & Driver … http://bicycling.com/blogs/inthebikelane/2012/01/30/the-multimodal-curmudgeon-part-2-cars-perhaps-youve-heard-of-them/?cm_mmc=BicyclingNL-_-954758-_-06222012-_-the_multimodal_curmudgeon-part_2_cars_perhaps_youve_heard_of_them .
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Safe Routes to School Education Forum
The next Safe Routes to School Education Forum will be held on Tuesday, July 24 from 10am-11:30am in the Scioto Conference Room at MORPC. Attached you will find the Agenda and Temporary Parking Pass. Please RSVP for the meeting by Friday, July 20, 2012 and if you have any questions please let me know.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
10:00am-11:30am
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Scioto Conference Room
111 Liberty Street, Suite 100
Agenda
I. Welcome and Introduction—Amanda McEldowney, MORPC
II. Franklin County Physical Activity Plan Next Steps—Jamie Turner, City of Columbus Public Health Department
III. District-wide SRTS Initiatives; An Overview of Cincinnati—
David Shipps, TranSystems
IV. Safe-T-Zone Project—Chris Albanese, Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives Office of Ohio Governor John R. Kasich
V. Gearing Up For Back to School Walking & Biking Events—
Amanda McEldowney, MORPC
VI. Closing Remarks
The next Safe Routes to School Education Forum will be held on Tuesday, July 24 from 10am-11:30am in the Scioto Conference Room at MORPC. Attached you will find the Agenda and Temporary Parking Pass. Please RSVP for the meeting by Friday, July 20, 2012 and if you have any questions please let me know.
I look forward to seeing you at the meeting!
Thanks!
Amanda
Amanda McEldowney
Program and Event Coordinator
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
111 Liberty Street Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43215
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.
Biking Cleveland: Tour companies let you enjoy safety in numbers
Published: Friday, June 22, 2012, 5:58 AM
By Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Helmets strapped on, handlebars gripped -- 12 of us were ready to push off from The Bike Rack, the new public bicycle station on East Fourth Street in downtown Cleveland. Dutifully, I paused to reflect on those who have gone before. They're the urban cyclists we drive by every day, some in expertly padded spandex, some in hand-me-down clothing, all brave enough to confront the asphalt metropolis on two thin wheels. I've done it myself, just not in years. "What are they thinking," I often wonder from behind the familiar armor of 3,000 pounds of metal, a buckled seat belt and flexible bags that promise to inflate in a split second. I know what they're thinking. They want economy, fitness, fun, a civilized speed and the freedom to achieve it all. It's an innate hunger, dating back to Fourth Grade B.C. (before car)… http://www.cleveland.com/goingout/index.ssf/2012/06/cleveland_bicycle_tour_compani.html
Bicyclists Have an 'Attitude Problem'
Posted: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 11:17 am | Updated: 12:13 pm, Thu Jun 21, 2012.
Park may add 46 miles of trail
THE PLAIN DEALER Saturday June 23, 2012 5:59 AM
Citi commits $42 million to New York’s bike sharing program
By Heather Clancy | June 25, 2012, 5:00 AM PDT
New York City bike sharing: coming this summer
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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