Biking and Walking News 8-31-12
Ira Weiss
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Biking & Walking News
Ira S. Weiss, Editor August 31, 2012
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
This USDOT webinar on MAP-21's Transportation Alternatives
August 30, 2012 Title: MAP-21: Transportation Alternatives
Date/Time: 8/30/2012 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time
Description: Overview of the new MAP-21 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), including TAP funding structure, eligible activities, and the optional Recreational Trails and Safe Routes to School programs.
Registration is free at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/webinars.cfm. The same link has recordings from previous webinars.
MORPC Seeking Nominations for Employers that Promote Alternative Commuter Options
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and MORPC’s RideSolutions program are seeking nominations for its Employer Recognition Awards, honoring employers who assist their employees with strategies for a better, more sustainable commute to work. Awards will go to selected employers that have voluntarily initiated programs that help and encourage employees to commute to work in ways other than driving alone. These could include carpooling, vanpooling, transit or bicycling.
MORPC is soliciting applications for employers in MORPC’s 12 county service area (Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Ross and Union) in three categories: employers with fewer than 50 employees, employers with 51 – 250 employees and employers with 251 or more employees. Eligible employers will have initiated, enhanced or expanded an alternative commuter or telework program by June 2012.
This year we will recognize employers that understand the benefits of protecting the environment and reducing traffic and congestion. Tell us your strategies that you offer your employees to promote alternative transportation modes, and nominate your company as an employer to be recognized at the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EmployerRecognitionNominationForm
RideSolutions will announce the award recipients at the upcoming MORPC Summit on Sustainability & the Environment October 3, 2012, during the week of the international EcoSummit 2012 in Columbus at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Winners will receive the added bonus of entry into the EcoSummit Exhibition Hall while guests of the MORPC Summit. Visit www.greenregion.org to learn more.
Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee made up of members of MORPC’s Citizen Advisory Committee. Winners will be chosen for their ability to offer measurable commuter benefits that reduce automobile fuel consumption and emissions through fewer vehicle trips and miles traveled. Winners will also be featured in MORPC’s eSource newsletter.
Interested employers should apply online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EmployerRecognitionNominationForm by September 17, 2012.
RideSolutions is a program of MORPC that promotes alternatives to driving alone in an effort to reduce congestion in the region, save commuters on their fuel costs and improve the environment. RideSolutions provides employers free assistance with forming an alternative transportation plan for their employees. Employers should contact Janet Berardi, RideSolutions Outreach Coordinator at 614-233-4132 or jber...@morpc.org for questions or to schedule an onsite meeting.
MORPC’s Summit on Sustainability Returns on October 3
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s (MORPC) signature environmental conference, the Summit on Sustainability & the Environment, returns to central Ohio this October to aid community leaders, businesses and individuals in going green. This year’s Summit will take place Wednesday, October 3 as a featured event of EcoSummit 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
MORPC is pleased to announce this year’s keynote speaker, Lisa Wojnarowski Downes, coordinator of the North America initiative of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) and freshwater expert with The Nature Conservancy. The morning program will include the keynote and awards ceremony. The luncheon will provide an opportunity for Summit participants to visit the EcoSummit Exhibition Hall where exhibitors from across the country will showcase best practices, sustainable solutions and the most recent technology in preserving and protecting our ecosystems. Afternoon breakout sessions will include engaging presentations and discussions on pressing sustainability topics, including local food systems, air quality, energy, active transportation, water quality, and sustainable business practices.
The cost to register for the October 3 Summit is $75. Registrations can be made online at www.greenregion.org, and early bird registration is available through September 17. Sponsorships are still available for this event. Please contact Brandi Whetstone at 614-233-4174, via email at bwhet...@morpc.org or visit www.greenregion.org.
The Central Ohio Greenways Committee is excited to announce the speaker for the Active Transportation breakout session at the Summit on Sustainability & the Environment. The speaker this year is Professor Greg Lindsey from the University of Minnesota. He has conducted a lot of research on the values of trails and the impact trail use has on communities and we feel he will bring a lot of information to the table for us to learn from.
Advancing Active Transportation Systems to Benefit People and the Planet.
Active transportation—or “human powered”--infrastructure is a crucial component in our ongoing quest to improve and protect the environment, local economies, and the health and welfare of those with whom we share the planet. During this breakout we will explore the positive impacts of trails, as well as examining ways in which key cities are successfully advancing their active transportation agenda.
I encourage each of you to register for the Summit on Sustainability & the Environment. The keynote speaker will be Lisa Wojnarowski Downes, coordinator of the North America initiative of the Alliance for Water Stewardship. http://www.greenregion.org/
Along with a great Keynote Speaker and Workshops, as part of the Summit, you will be able to experience EcoSummit Exhibit Hall, featuring a short subject eco-film festival, poster session presented by EcoSummit participants, exhibitors and The Ohio State University Innovation Showcase.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. I look forward to seeing the COG group at the Summit on Sustainability & the Environment.
Thanks!
Amanda
Amanda McEldowney
Program and Event Coordinator
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
111 Liberty Street Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43215
MORPC’s Summit Session ‘Advancing Active Transportation Systems to Benefit People and the Planet’ will feature University of Minnesota’s Greg Lindsey
(Columbus – August 29, 2012) The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s (MORPC) signature environmental conference, Summit on Sustainability & the Environment, returns to central Ohio this October to aid community leaders, businesses and individuals in going green. This year’s Summit will take place Wednesday, October 3 as a featured event of EcoSummit 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
MORPC is pleased to announce Greg Lindsey, Professor and Executive Associate Dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota as the speaker for the Active Transportation session. Active transportation—or “human powered”--infrastructure is a crucial component in our ongoing quest to improve and protect the environment, local economies, and the health and welfare of those with whom we share the planet. During this session we will explore the positive impacts of trails, as well as examining ways in which key cities are successfully advancing their active transportation agenda.
Lindsey specializes in environmental planning, policy, and management. His current research involves nonmotorized transportation systems, including bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and studies of relationships between the built environment and active transportation and physical activity.
Lindsey has published articles in the Journal of the American Planning Association, Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Professional Geographer, Journal of Recreation and Park Administration, Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, Public Works Management and Policy, State and Local Government Review, Landscape and Urban Planning, Public Productivity and Management Review, and Journal of Planning Education and Research.
Lindsey earned his doctorate and a master's degree in geography and environmental engineering at the Johns Hopkins University. He also received a master's degree in geography and environmental studies from Northeastern Illinois University. His bachelor's degree is in urban planning and is from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.
The Summit morning session will include the keynote and MORPC Green Region Awards. The luncheon will provide an opportunity for Summit participants to visit the EcoSummit Exhibition Hall where exhibitors from across the country will showcase best practices, sustainable solutions and the most recent technology in preserving and protecting our ecosystems. An agenda for the 2012 Summit can be found at www.greenregion.org.
The cost to register for the October 3 Summit event is $75. Registrations can be made online at www.greenregion.org, and early bird registration is available through September 17. Sponsorships are still available for this event. Please contact Brandi Whetstone at 614-233-4174 via email at bwhet...@morpc.org or visit sponsorship opportunities at www.greenregion.org.
RIDES
The Ruth I. Bentley memorial ride
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Registration: 8-10 a.m.
Starting from
The Depot Coffee House
644 Miami Street • Urbana, Ohio
• Metric half century
• Metric century • 15-mile ride
Supporting maintenance & expansion of the Simon Kenton Trail Included with Registration:
• Your choice of flat to hilly metric century or metric half century through beautiful Champaign County, or 15-mile ride completely on the Simon Kenton Trail—ideal for families with children.
• Continental breakfast and lunch—including our famed bean soup—at the Depot
• Snacks, sport drinks and bottled water at the Depot and SAG stations along the routes.
SAG services provided until 3 p.m.
In Memory of Ruth I. Bentley
Ruth’s family is sponsoring this year’s Simon Kenton Ride in her memory. Throughout her life— even into her 80s—Ruth rode a bike. She helped spread the joy of bicycling as a strong supporter of the Simon Kenton Pathfinders and the Simon Kenton Trail. We invite you to ride in her memory and for the future of the trail.
Please Join Us:
• For a great day of riding with friends and family
• To support the Simon Kenton Pathfinders endowment fund to maintain the Simon Kenton Trail
• To raise money toward the northward extension of the Simon Kenton Trail.
Registration Fees
Pre-registration
(deadline September 1, 2012)
Adult – $20
Ages 3-12 – $10
Under 3 – free
Day of Ride
Adult – $25
Ages 3-12 – $15
Under 3 – free
Green Short-sleeve T-shirt: $15 each
Make checks payable to:
Simon Kenton Pathfinders
For more information:
Visit our website:
www.simonkentonpathfinders.org
Simon Kenton Pathfinders on Facebook
SAFETY
People for Bikes: Vulnerable on the Road
Last week, the USA Pro Challenge bike race passed within 20 feet of our Colorado headquarters. A few days later, our community is still buzzing from the historic event, and pro bike racing remains on our minds. While safe roads matter to everyone on a bike, professional cyclists spend more time on them than almost anyone. These talented, world-class athletes may seem super-human at times, but they are human like any of us—vulnerable on the open road. In our new video, Vulnerable on the Open Road, five professional U.S. cyclists reflect on their experiences with bicycle safety. The riders share their visions for better bicycling conditions and lessons for safer motorist-bicyclist interactions. Even though these riders are the top 1% of bicyclists, their advice—slow down, be aware, don't blow through red lights, build more infrastructure, get more people riding—applies to anyone who likes to enjoy the simple pleasure of a bike ride. Take a moment to listen to their experiences and, next time you ride (or drive), carry their advice out on the road with you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFZSW_aTzVc&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1
State texting-and-driving ban begins Friday
By Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch Thursday August 30, 2012 7:19 AM
A statewide texting-while-driving ban takes effect on Friday, and it’s among the strictest in the nation for young people, while a little more lenient for adults. If you’re 18 or older, it will be illegal — and the fine will be $150 — to write, send or read text messages from behind the wheel. If you’re 17 or younger, whether your license is temporary or permanent, it will be illegal to use any hand-held electronic device for any reason. That means no texting, no emailing, no calling, no talking, no surfing, no looking up directions on a GPS and no changing songs on an iPod… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/30/state-texting-and-driving-ban-begins-friday.html
Texting-While-Driving Ban To Take Effect On Friday
A statewide ban to ban texting while driving will take effect on Friday (Aug, 31).
By: Alex Mazer | NBC4
Published: August 29, 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A statewide ban to ban texting while driving is set to take effect on Friday (Aug. 31) and teens and their families will be required to comply with the new law. Students at Westerville South High School had a chance to learn about the dangers of texting while driving through a program offered by teachers, community leaders, and law enforcement officials on Wednesday. During lunch periods at local high schools, students were encouraged to step outside to experience a distracted driving simulator that demonstrates how difficult it is for drivers to text and drive safely. Students also took a online pledge where the vowed to abide by Ohio’s new law. Each student who made the commitment received a wristband that reads “DNT TXT N DRV” and a stick-on logo for their vehicle that reads “IT CAN WAIT”… http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/aug/29/texting-while-driving-ban-take-effect-friday-ar-1154006/?sc_cid=CMH-NEWS-4pmDlyNews
Texting behind wheel ban in effect
Teacher hopes fines will be deterrent for Chillicothe area teens
5:45 AM, Aug 30, 2012
CHILLICOTHE -- Drivers in Ohio better keep their thumbs on their steering wheels and off their cellphone keypads because, as of today, it's the law. And it's receiving some positive response from some people in Chillicothe for whom the penalties for violating the law would be harshest. The statewide driving-and-texting ban -- which was signed into law June 1 by Gov. John Kasich and goes on the books today -- carries a $150 fine for adults if they're stopped for another traffic violation and found to be violating the ban. Reading or sending an email while behind the wheel also is illegal… http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120830/NEWS01/208300301/Texting-behind-wheel-ban-effect?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage
Effect of state law
Local texting ban likely to be repealed
By KEVIN CORVO
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday August 29, 2012 10:00 AM
Hilliard City Council members are expected to repeal a local ordinance banning texting while driving in Hilliard, instead relying on the state law that goes into effect Friday, Aug. 31 Hilliard's law, approved in May 2010, is more stringent in some aspects. Law Director Pam Fox said at the Aug. 27 meeting of the Public Safety and Legal Affairs Committee that Ohio will not require local laws to be changed so long as "it is not substantially different." But, Fox said, she considers Hilliard's law to differ too greatly from that of Ohio and recommended council members rescind it. Ohio law makes driving while texting a secondary offense, unless a driver has a probationary or temporary residence; Hilliard deems it a primary offense for any driver… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/hilliard/news/2012/08/28/effect-of-state-law-local-texting-ban-likely-to-be-repealed.html
Eecycleworks Recalls Bicycle Brakes Due to Fall Hazard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2012
Release #12-257
Firm's Recall Hotline: (855) 838-6924
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
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: Bicycle brakes
Units: About 400
Distributor: eecycleworks LLC of La Cañada, Calif.
Hazard: The bridge of the brakes can crack, posing a fall hazard to riders.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of brakes cracking, one of which resulted in scrapes and bruises.
Description: This recall involves "eebrake" model aftermarket brakes sold between September, 2008 and March, 2011 for use on adult road racing bicycles. The recalled models have both a white "ee" logo on the front of the brakes and a five-digit serial number beginning with either "80xxx" or "09xxx" engraved on either the front or the back of the strut portion of the brake.
Sold at: Specialty bicycle retailers nationwide and eecycleworks.com from September 2008 through March 2011 for between $570 and $590.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding bicycles with the recalled brakes and contact eecycleworks or the retailer where they purchased the brakes for a free replacement bridge.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact eecycleworks toll-free at (855) 838-6924 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.eecycleworks.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/prhtml12/12257.html
Cyclist Taken To Grant Unresponsive, Northbound N. Hamilton Road Closed
Credit: NBC 4
For the latest news and information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com.
By: Jason Mays | NBC4
Published: August 27, 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio --
Northbound N. Hamilton Road is closed after a cyclist was hit early Monday morning. At about 5:20 a.m. Columbus EMS was called to the intersection of N. Hamilton Road and Sawyer Road on a report of a pedestrian struck. EMS personnel found a man in his 50’s that had been hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle. The man was taken to Grant Medical Center as a level 1 trauma. Police tellNBC4that the cyclist was riding in the middle of the nortbound lanes of N. Hamilton Road when he was hit by a vehicle… http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/aug/27/cyclist-taken-grant-unresponsive-northbound-n-hami-ar-1151109/?sc_cid=CMH-NEWS-7amDlyNews
Traffic diverted near airport after cyclist struck
The Columbus Dispatch Monday August 27, 2012 6:50 AM
Drivers traveling near Port Columbus may face delays during the morning commute after a person riding a bicycle was struck by a car and critically injured early today. Police were called to the intersection of N. Hamilton Road and Sawyer Road around 5:15 a.m. on a report of a bicyclist hit by a car, according to a Columbus police dispatcher. The bicyclist was transported in life-threatening condition to Grant Medical Center, police said… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/27/cyclist-struck-near-airport.html
Bicyclist Serious Hurt In Eastside Crash
EAST COLUMBUS -- A bicyclist was seriously injured early Monday morning when he was hit by a sedan.
It happened around 5:15 a.m. at the intersection of N. Hamilton and Sawyer, between Port Columbus International Airport and Airport Golf Course. Dispatchers told ABC 6/FOX 28 News the victim was unconscious at the scene and rushed to Grant Medical Center by paramedics.
Around 6:15 a.m. the victim's condition was upgraded to serious but stable and a cat scan was being performed… http://abc6onyourside.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wsyx_vid_19318.shtml
46-Year-Old Cyclist Dies After Being Hit Monday Morning
By: Jason Mays | NBC4
Published: August 28, 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio --
A bicyclist who was hit early Monday morning while riding on North Hamilton Road has died from his injuries. Monday at about 5:15 a.m., a man riding a bicycle in the northbound lanes North Hamilton Road near Sawyer Road was hit from behind by a car. The rider, identified as 46-year-old Thomas Leonard, was taken to Grant Medical Center in critical condition. Police said Leonard later died from his injuries. The driver of the vehicle, 59-year-old Antonia Benavidez, stayed on scene and cooperated with police after the crash. Police said it is unknown if alcohol is a factor in the crash. Police are investigating. http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/aug/28/46-year-old-cyclist-dies-after-being-hit-monday-mo-ar-1152347/?sc_cid=CMH-NEWS-9amDlyNews
Cyclist dies hours after being hit by driver
By Allison Manning
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday August 29, 2012 5:31 AM
A bicyclist who was struck near Port Columbus early on Monday died of his injuries a few hours later, Columbus police said yesterday. Thomas Leonard, 46, was riding north on N. Hamilton Road when a car struck him from behind at 5:15 a.m. just north of Sawyer Road. Police said the driver was Antonia Benavidez, 59, who was also headed north on N. Hamilton Road and stopped after the crash… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/29/cyclist-dies-hours-after-being-hit-by-driver.html
Thomas James Leonard Jr.
Obituary
LEONARD Thomas James Leonard Jr., born December 27, 1965 died suddenly August 27, 2012. Tom was a lifelong Gahanna resident who graduated from Gahanna Lincoln High School and went on to attend and graduate from The Ohio State University. Tom was an avid Buckeye fan, but it was his caring, passionate and friendly nature that will be missed by all who knew him. Tom was also known for his love of hot food and was the "marinade king". In addition to football and cooking Tom was an avid bike rider that loved recreational sports and most of all spending time with his family…
Pataskala man charged in crash that injured teen bicyclist
NEWARK -- A Pataskala man was indicted Thursday in a January crash that injured a teenage bicyclist… http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120824/NEWS01/120824010/Pataskala-man-charged-crash-injured-teen-bicyclist-
HEALTH
Doctor: Stimulating brain may fight obesity
By Misti Crane
The Columbus Dispatch Saturday August 25, 2012 6:25 AM
Dr. Ali Rezai has long wondered if he could help conquer obesity by manipulating the brain, by fixing that part that tells some people to go for another piece of cake even though they aren’t hungry and know it’s not a good choice. Now the neurosurgeon and brain researcher at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center will get the chance to see. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has told Rezai and his research partners that they can test deep-brain stimulation in obese patients. The plan is to go after the part of the brain responsible for reward-seeking behavior. Deep-brain stimulation delivers electric impulses to specific targets in the brain that aren’t operating normally. It’s like a pacemaker for the brain and is used most often for patients with Parkinson’s disease… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/25/doctor-stimulating-brain-may-fight-obesity.html
Lifestyle choices weigh on obesity rate
Conflicting food news this week is nothing to salivate over… http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120825/OPINION01/208250319/Lifestyle-choices-weigh-obesity-rate
LOCAL NEWS
Detained in error, cyclist gets justice
By Theodore Decker
The Columbus Dispatch Thursday August 30, 2012 7:44 AM
A Franklinton man who was mistaken by Columbus police for a rape suspect and then ticketed for riding his bicycle on the sidewalk had the ticket dismissed yesterday. Gregory Phillips, 45, appeared in Franklin County Municipal Judge Anne Taylor’s courtroom with plans to fight the ticket, which he was given after a June 8 run-in with police on Sullivant Avenue. Instead, he said, “The city prosecutor pulled me aside and said that in the interest of justice they were going to dismiss the case…” http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/30/detained-in-error-cyclist-gets-justice.html
Bicycling ‘giant’ was quite a character
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 03:11 AM
I just read last Wednesday’s obituary for Chuck Harris of Gambier, who, as far as I know, invented the clamp-on bicycle-helmet mirror well before major manufacturers jumped on his idea (“Gambier cycling enthusiast was always looking behind,” Dispatch article)… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/08/29/bicycling-giant-was-quite-a-character.html
Interchange improvements
Etna Township could use JEDZ to fund work on Route 310
By LORI WINCE
ThisWeek Community News Friday August 24, 2012 8:10 PM
Etna Township could fund improvements to the state Route 310 interchange with state money and revenue from the Joint Economic Development Zone (JEDZ), township officials learned last week. The township is hoping to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation's bridge-replacement project in 2015 by extending improvements north on Route 310. Chris Harkness, Etna Township's zoning inspector, said the state is funding the bridge replacement and widening the bridge at an estimated cost of $3 million to $3.5 million. The extension of five lanes with pedestrian and bicycle lanes on 310 north to Etna Parkway and improvements to the off-ramps would cost another $7.5 million. Harkness said Etna Township is applying for $6.5 million from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. He will submit the application by the end of this month and said he hopes to hear back by November… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/lickingcounty/news/2012/08/24/interchange-improvements-etna-township-could-use-jedz-to-fund-work-on-route-310.html
Roundabout planned for Gender and Lithopolis roads intersection
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - August 28, 2012)
The traffic light at the intersection of Gender and Lithopolis roads could soon be replaced by a traffic roundabout. The proposed project would include the installation of the roundabout, removal of the traffic light, new pavement, curbing, striping, street lighting, drainage improvements and repairing the approaches. A traffic roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counter-clockwise around a center island. There is no traffic light. Drivers yield to traffic already in the roundabout, then enter the circle and exit at their desired street. "I really like the idea. It will help traffic flow," said Canal Winchester Councilman John Bender at a public hearing on Aug. 27 at Canal Winchester Town Hall. Canal Winchester Mayor Mike Ebert said he has driven in traffic roundabouts in his travels and thinks they work well… http://www.columbusmessenger.com/NC/0/11852.html
Village will seek grant as streets, sewers suffer
By ALAN FROMAN
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday August 22, 2012 9:28 AM
The village of Marble Cliff will apply for an Ohio Public Works Commission grant to help fund street and sewer repairs on the section of West Third Avenue that lies within the village. Village Council on Monday, Aug. 20, approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to seek financial assistance from the commission and to authorize the assistance of Burgess & Niple Inc. in preparing the application. The village's five-year plan identified a set of repairs, including improvements to the sanitary and storm sewers, road resurfacing and sidewalk repairs, to be completed in 2013 with the commission's financial assistance, Village Engineer Louis McFarland told council… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/grandview/news/2012/08/21/village-will-seek-grant-as-streets-sewers-suffer.html
Fairfield Heritage Trail Association cleans up bike trail on Aug. 11
The Fairfield Heritage Trail Association cleaned up the bike trail along the East Main Street underpass Aug. 11, including repainting the walls to cover the graffiti there. http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20120826/NEWS0101/208260318/Fairfield-Heritage-Trail-Association-cleans-up-bike-trail-Aug-11
Construction projects keep crews busy
By AMY ROGAN
ThisWeek Community News Friday August 24, 2012 8:01 PM
Marysville's city engineering staff is keeping busy with multiple projects and City Administrator Terry Emery says they are keeping up with it all… City officials are keeping school district officials in the loop because it will affect students who walk to school. Students have new sidewalks to use farther north on Maple Street. Those sidewalks are part of the Safe Routes to School project and are supposed to be completed by the end of August, but work there is ahead of schedule… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/marysville/news/2012/08/24/construction-projects-keep-crews-busy.html
‘Maintenance vigilantes’ paint warnings on trails’ trouble spots
By Dean Narciso
The Columbus Dispatch Saturday August 25, 2012 6:25 AM
A large protrusion greets bicyclists along the Olentangy Trail, one that would likely cause serious crashes if not marked. Roughly 6 inches tall, the hazardous, boil-shaped eruption is near the bridge at the west end of Broad Meadows Boulevard. And someone wants you to know about it. Spray-painted in white and red, the defect has arrows pointing toward it and is preceded by “ DANGER” stenciled in red on the pavement. It is the latest and most-prominent in a series of mysterious color-coded roadway markings apparently left to alert cyclists to cracks, dips and heaves in the pavement. Though technically vandalism, the marks also may unwittingly be helping maintenance crews, said Larry Peck, deputy director of Metro Parks, which maintains about 70 miles of Olentangy, Alum Creek, Blacklick and Scioto trails. No one knows who’s marking the pavement, and no one is overly concerned… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/25/biker-beware.html
New Albany, Westerville on planned U.S. bike route
By LORI WINCE
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday August 29, 2012 10:25 AM
New Albany and Westerville could be part of a national bicycle route that stretches across the United States and links to Canada and Mexico. New Albany City Council last week approved a resolution supporting U.S. Bicycle Route 50, which would run through the city limits. Mike Hooper, Westerville's parks and recreation development administrator, said Westerville City Council has not yet heard legislation to support the route. Kathryn Meyer, New Albany's deputy community development director, said the bicycle route mostly would use scenic back roads, not heavily traveled roads… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/westerville/news/2012/08/29/new-albany-westerville-on-planned-u-s--bike-route.html
Council OKs intersection redesign project
By NATE ELLIS
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday August 29, 2012 10:37 AM
Pickerington City Council last week approved spending more than $130,000 to reconstruct a "K-type" intersection of Center Street, Milnor Road and Meadows Boulevard. Council Aug. 21 unanimously gave final approval to spend up to $133,215 to redesign the intersection. According to City Engineer Greg Bachman, the work is needed to improve safety at the intersection by reducing confusion among motorists. He also said the cost of the work is expected to be as low as $115,000. "(It's) mainly for safety to the public," Bachman said of the planned work. Bachman said the Center-Milnor-Meadows intersection is problematic because its current configuration leads to confusion among drivers over who has the right of way… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/pickerington/news/2012/08/29/council-oks-intersection-redesign-project.html
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is hosting a free webinar:
Engaging Policymakers: How Site Visits and Events Can Inspire Policy Change to Support Your Program
Thursday, September 6
2-3pm eastern/1-2pm central/12-1pm mountain/11am-12pm pacific
Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5053583384676796928
Now that the federal Safe Routes to School program has been lumped into the general 'Transportation Alternatives' pot, and because the federal transportation law only lasts for two years, it is ever so critical that we create as many policymaker champions for Safe Routes to School as we can! Getting policymakers out to promotional events such as Walk to School Day on October 3, site visits to see Walking School Buses or Bike Safety Education classes, and other "Show Me" events, can be critical for our future. Your Safe Routes to School program will thrive when policies and funding help your program to sustain and grow.
Learn how to put on a great event, why it is important to get policymakers involved and how you can use your local or state Safe Routes to School program promotion to inspire policy change and build Safe Routes to School into the fabric of your community.
This webinar is the fourth in a series of monthly webinars on topics related to Safe Routes to School and other policy and program initiatives that can increase walking and bicycling to school and in daily life.
2013 Safe Routes to School National Conference to be held in Sacramento, Calif.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. and BOULDER, COLO. (Aug. 28, 2012) – The National Center for Safe Routes to School and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership are pleased to announce that the fourth Safe Routes to School National Conference will be held in Sacramento, Calif., in August 2013. Safe Routes to School is a national and international movement to create safe, convenient and fun opportunities for children to bicycle and walk to and from schools, and it can also play a critical role in providing more physical activity and enhancing traffic safety.
The national conference will take place Aug. 13-15, 2013, and will be hosted by the Local Government Commission (LGC), a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization that provides inspiration, technical assistance, and networking to local elected officials and other dedicated community leaders who are working to create healthy, walkable, and resource-efficient communities. The LGC will partner with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD), the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA), and WALKSacramento.
“The Local Government Commission’s commitment to healthy, walkable communities is a great match with the goals of Safe Routes to School and the Conference,” said Lauren Marchetti, director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School. “Further, it’s partnering with organizations across many different areas of expertise relevant to Safe Routes to School. We look forward to seeing how the LGC can translate this diversity into creative, innovative conference programming and speakers.”
”The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is thrilled that the 2013 Conference will be in California, the first state to launch a Safe Routes to School program way back in 1999,” said Deb Hubsmith, director of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership. “At this time, we need increased leadership for Safe Routes to School at national, state and local levels, and this collaboration with the Local Government Commission and their partners will help us do just that. We urge agency staff, advocates, policy makers, school officials, and everyone interested in the health and safety of our children to attend the Conference so that together we can chart our course for the future and take Safe Routes to School and our thriving movement to the next level. Mark your calendar!”
“The LGC and our project partners are very excited to bring this important national conference to Sacramento next August,” said Judy Corbett, executive director of the Local Government Commission. “Safe Routes to School is strongly rooted in Sacramento, and we are looking forward to both sharing our stories of success and learning from others from across the country about how to create safer, more walkable and bike-friendly communities for our children and families.”
The conference brings together program representatives, state Departments of Transportation, planners, elected officials, and community members to provide an opportunity for individuals, agencies, and organizations involved with Safe Routes to School to network, engage in educational opportunities, become inspired, and form partnerships to enhance their Safe Routes to School work.
The third Safe Routes to School National Conference, held in Minneapolis, Minn., in August 2011, had more than 600 participants in attendance and was a resounding success. To learn more about the 2013 conference, visit www.saferoutesconference.org.
Our favorite cycling scenes on the big screen
By Glenn Whipp
Special to MSN Movies
"Ride like hell!" screams the one-sheet poster for "Premium Rush," and judging from the trailer, that would appear to be good advice. In the action-thriller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a bike messenger who … http://movies.msn.com/wheel-watching/photo-gallery/feature/
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Ira S. Weiss
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