Biking and Walking News 10-12-12
Ira Weiss
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Biking & Walking News
Ira S. Weiss, Editor October 12, 2012
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ANNOUNCEMENTS – Nothing this issue
RIDES
Deer Creek Fall Color Ride
Come enjoy the beautiful fall colors at the Deer Creek Fall Color Ride this Saturday, October 13th. There is a 38-mile route and a 77-mile route with some riding on the multi-purpose trail but most will be on scenic country roads. Both routes will start at the Prairie Grass Trailhead behind the senior center in London between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Early registration is now closed but you can still pre-register online at the $8 rate for this budget ride, or just register on Saturday morning (check or cash on Saturday please). Interactive maps are available using MapMyRide.com, or PDF versions are available to print. There will also be printed maps available at the Registration Table. Restaurants are indicated on the maps at various locations along the route. Several restaurants are available in London when you return from your ride. Locations for the London restaurants and other amenities are shown on the large city map at the Prairie Grass Trailhead and in the London Cyclist Guide located in the brochure holder at the trailhead and at the trail-end displays in London. Bring your family and friends to London and enjoy this scenic fall ride in some of the most beautiful areas of central Ohio! Sponsored by Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails
http://fmcpt.com/09-StrawberryFestival/2012-FallColorRide.html www.fmcpt.com
Blacklick Woods
DAY TIME EVENT DESCRIPTION OPENINGS
Oct 20 Sat 1:30 pm 10K Nature Bike Ride Join the naturalist for a relaxed bike r...
SAFETY
Bicycling Magazine: How to avoid the 5 most common bike-car collision
Pedestrian and bicycle crashes: 2 crash victims on mend; 1 critical
Monday October 8, 2012 6:05 AM
Two of them face long recoveries and altered lives. The future of the third is still uncertain. The pedestrian and bicycle crashes that left three Ohio State University students critically injured earlier this semester led to a safety campaign by the university and an... http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/10/08/2-crash-victims-on-mend-1-critical.html
Upper Arlington: City OKs strict ban on texting in vehicles
By Dean Narciso
The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday October 9, 2012 6:59 AM
The Upper Arlington City Council voted 5-2 last night to make texting while driving a primary offense, meaning that officers can cite drivers they see sending or receiving messages. State law already bans texting, but it is only a primary offense for those under 18. Others must have committed another offense. The Arlington ban, which starts in 30 days, is similar to those in Columbus and Dublin… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/10/09/city-oks-strict-ban-on-texting-in-vehicles.html
Upper Arlington
Stricter texting ban takes effect in 30 days
Upper Arlington City Council voted 5-2 on Oct. 8 to make texting while driving a primary offense, meaning that officers may cite drivers they see sending or receiving messages… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/upperarlington/news/2012/10/09/stricter-texting-ban-takes-effect-in-30-days.html
Child's biggest danger? Not necessarily a stranger
Stories have always spread among friends faster than they have through the news media. While the telephone made advances on the backyard fence, social media now has increased the reach and penetration of local gossip to incredible levels. Incredible, by the way, is a good word to use when talking about rumors… http://www.marionstar.com/article/20121007/OPINION/210070313/Child-s-biggest-danger-Not-necessarily-stranger
HEALTH
Weighty matter
Rise of obesity rate is making Ohioans sick, busting the budget
Friday, October 5, 2012 05:34 AM
Adults of a normal size should not be abnormal, but unfortunately, we’ve arrived at that point. According to a recent report, in 2011, 29.6 percent of Ohio adults were obese, and 65.8 percent of Ohio adults were overweight to some degree… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/10/05/weighty-matter.html
Obesity Challenges Hospitals
Oct 05, 2012 05:00 am | Mandie Trimble
Hospitals have always treated obese patients, but the number of overweight patients has steadily increased since the 1990s. That creates for doctors and nurses, and it has prompted the medical industry to adapt. WOSU reports what some Central Ohio hospitals are doing to accommodate bigger patients… http://wosu.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8af00cb18ee94c329ae80cc73&id=05b02ae2ab&e=633e49cada
LOCAL NEWS
Intersection upgrade will alter traffic flow
BREMEN -- A safety upgrade at the intersection of Ohio 37 and Ohio 664, just north of the village of Bremen, will detour traffic through Oct. 17 http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20121010/NEWS01/210100322/Intersection-upgrade-will-alter-traffic-flow
Suspected Naked Cyclist Arrested In Park
By: Andy Long | NBC4
Published: October 08, 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio --
A man suspected of riding a bicycle while naked was arrested Monday after being seen in North Bank Park. According to police, someone reported seeing a naked man on a bicycle in North Bank Park at about 12:55 p.m. Monday. The reporting person said that he saw the bicyclist ride by a woman who was walking in the park. Police said that Paul James Donahue, 45, was identified by a witness as the naked cyclist. Donahue was arrested and charged with public indecency, a third-degree misdemeanor… http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/oct/08/suspected-naked-cyclist-arrested-park-ar-1199236/
Karl Road to get same treatment as Tamarack
By KEVIN PARKS
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday October 10, 2012 1:22 PM
While residents of Forest Park fume over a major change in the traffic pattern for Tamarack Circle, motorists who use Karl Road can prepare for a similar switch. Some frequent users of Tamarack Circle were dismayed several weeks ago when, in the wake of a repaving project, city crews painted stripes for parking spaces on the outer lane, which had been used for travel, added a bicycle lane next to that and restricted vehicles to the inner lane. Forest Park Civic Association president Mike Stone has said the bicycle lanes were anticipated, but the loss of a travel lane in favor of parking came as a complete surprise to residents and community leaders… A project along the same lines for Karl Road, also following repaving, is being planned, but Northland Community Council president Emmanuel V. Remy said last week it's not going to come as a surprise, and meetings have been held to permit the public to comment. Karl Road from Morse Road south to Elmore Avenue, currently two lanes in either direction, is to be reduced to one lane in each direction, with a turn lane in the middle and bike lanes near the curb. Sharrows, the chevron-like markings in the street to advise motorists to provide space for bike riders, will be added to Karl Road between Elmore Avenue and Oakland Park Avenue, where the street already narrows to two lanes. "For a lot of people, it's a real shock," Remy said at the NCC meeting last week about the aggressive approach Columbus city officials are taking to adding bicycle lanes. "They're trying to do it whenever and wherever they can… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/northland/news/2012/10/09/karl-road-to-get-same-treatment-as-tamarack.html
Northwest Civic Association
Board tables zoning issue, hears bikeway, council reports
By KEVIN PARKS
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday October 10, 2012 1:32 PM
… In a relatively brief meeting, one that ended in a closed-doors meeting to interview students from Centennial High School to elect new student representatives to the board, there was discussion about a bike path project along West Dublin-Granville Road. The 10-foot shared-use path, as such things are called, would run between Linworth and Sawmill roads, although on which side of state Route 161 it will be located has yet to be determined. Lisko is scheduled to attend a meeting about the project and report at next month's meeting of association board. "This project was identified as one of the Bicentennial Bikeways Plan's top 12 priorities," according to the NWCA website… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/northwest/news/2012/10/09/northwest-civic-association-board-tables-zoning-issue-hears-bikeway-council-reports.html
Ohio 37 now open following work
LANCASTER -- Culvert replacement, guardrail work and pavement marking along Ohio 37 now are complete, and the road reopened for traffic Monday night. http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20121010/NEWS01/210100321/Ohio-37-now-open-following-work
County engineer: Many county bridges reaching end of expected service life
1:22 AM
An increasingly common sign of the times on Licking County roads might be 'Bridge Closed' as the county tries to replace all its failing bridges… http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20121011/NEWS01/310110005/County-engineer-Many-county-bridges-reaching-end-expected-service-life
City seeks grant for West Columbus Street project
By MICHAEL HAYES
THISWEEKNEWS.COM Wednesday October 10, 2012 1:51 PM
Pickerington has applied for an Ohio Public Works Commission grant to help fund the city's West Columbus Street Improvement Project, an estimated $750,00 project that will add bike lanes,curbs and sidewalks on both sides of West Columbus Street from Hill Road South to Seven Pines Drive. According to Pickerington City Engineer Greg Bachman, the project will "widen West Columbus Street between Seven Pines Drive and Hill Road South. "Also included in the project is the replacement of the 50-year old, functionally obsolete bridge culvert that carries Willow Run under W. Columbus Street," Bachman said. City Council approved the application at its Oct. 2 meeting with a 7-0 vote. Bachman said the purpose of the project is to improve safety for all users of West Columbus Street. "The bridge culvert needs to be replaced for vehicular safety," he said. "The bike lanes are needed to allow cyclists to have enough pavement to safely travel this section of road. "The sidewalks are needed for pedestrians to safely walk to Olde Pickerington and schools such as Ridgeview Jr. High and Pickerington Central High School." Bachman said the city received a federal "Safe Routes to School" grant in April of this year for $30,000. He said that in order to make the project financially feasible, the city is hoping they receive the OPWC grant… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/pickerington/news/2012/10/09/city-seeks-grant-for-west-columbus-street-project.html
Approval of Powell levy means new city park, other amenities
By BRETT NUCKLES
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday October 10, 2012 1:42 PM
Parks and recreation opportunities would expand in Powell if voters approve a capital-improvements levy headed for the Nov. 6 ballot… Bike paths would get attention as well, with a variety of extensions and connections. Lutz said new paths would be developed to connect every part of the city to downtown Powell, and other paths would help connect Powell to Liberty Township. Officials currently are working to plan specific path extensions. Other projects targeted for completion with the proposed levy's revenue are:… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/olentangy/news/2012/10/09/approval-of-powell-levy-means-new-city-park-more.html
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
The Week Ahead: City schools set parent meeting on Safe Routes to School plan
Oct 7, 2012
Written by
The Gazette staff
CHILLICOTHE -- The Chillicothe City School District and Ohio Department of Transportation will host a parent meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Chillicothe High School cafeteria to discuss the district's Safe Routes to School Travel Plan. The purpose of the meeting is to review results of a parent survey along with on-site evaluations conducted by ODOT this past spring. Parent input is requested to help with the development of the district's final plan. The school district received a Safe Routes to School grant from ODOT to develop a plan that addresses barriers for elementary school students who walk and ride bicycles to school. The program's overall goal is to find ways to encourage walking and biking to school.
City seeks grant for West Columbus Street project
By MICHAEL HAYES
THISWEEKNEWS.COM Wednesday October 10, 2012 1:51 PM
Pickerington has applied for an Ohio Public Works Commission grant to help fund the city's West Columbus Street Improvement Project, an estimated $750,00 project that will add bike lanes,curbs and sidewalks on both sides of West Columbus Street from Hill Road South to Seven Pines Drive. According to Pickerington City Engineer Greg Bachman, the project will "widen West Columbus Street between Seven Pines Drive and Hill Road South. "Also included in the project is the replacement of the 50-year old, functionally obsolete bridge culvert that carries Willow Run under W. Columbus Street," Bachman said. City Council approved the application at its Oct. 2 meeting with a 7-0 vote. Bachman said the purpose of the project is to improve safety for all users of West Columbus Street. "The bridge culvert needs to be replaced for vehicular safety," he said. "The bike lanes are needed to allow cyclists to have enough pavement to safely travel this section of road. "The sidewalks are needed for pedestrians to safely walk to Olde Pickerington and schools such as Ridgeview Jr. High and Pickerington Central High School." Bachman said the city received a federal "Safe Routes to School" grant in April of this year for $30,000. He said that in order to make the project financially feasible, the city is hoping they receive the OPWC grant… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/pickerington/news/2012/10/09/city-seeks-grant-for-west-columbus-street-project.html
October SRTS E-News
This month's articles include:
- APHA and National Partnership Release Transportation and Health Report
- Implementing MAP-21 – the New Transportation Law
- Walk and Bike to School Day: Success!
- Safe Routes to School National Partnership’s 2012 Annual Meeting
- State Network Project News
- Regional Network Project News
- Announcing a New Library of Resources
- F as in Fat Released by RWJF and Trust for America’s Health
- Highlighted Blogs
- Featured States
http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/enews/october2012
Safe Routes Coaching Action Network Webinar - October 23rd (1pm ET) Get Inspired: Ideas to Refresh, Re-energize, and Reframe Safe Routes to School
Join Mark Fenton, a widely recognized and vocal advocate for the importance of walking and bicycling in communities, for a big picture look at the current state of Safe Routes to School. What have we achieved? Where are we headed? How can we get there? And how does SRTS fit into the larger healthy communities movement?
Mark will share his perspective on what he has observed in the world of SRTS, specifically discussing how key partner groups see SRTS and what we should be prioritizing moving forward. This webinar will leave you inspired, energized and ready to take your SRTS work to the next level.
Mark Fenton is a national public health, planning, and transportation consultant, and an adjunct associate professor at Tufts University in Boston.
This webinar is part of the SRTS Webinar Series, developed by America Walks and the National Center for Safe Routes to School. For more information contact Michelle Gulley at mgu...@americawalks.org https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/388697913
National Center and ITE Introduce Safe Routes to School Resources for Engineers and Planners
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Oct. 4, 2012) — The National Center for Safe Routes to School and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) have created a series of nine instructional briefing sheets for transportation practitioners to use for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program planning and implementation. The briefing sheets will support transportation engineers and planners as they work to establish safer walking and bicycling routes near schools.
“These briefing sheets will reach an important audience for Safe Routes to School programs,” said Nancy Pullen-Seufert, associate director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School. “Traffic engineers and planners make design decisions critical to the safety of children and families in our communities. By partnering with ITE and its members we are building the safest possible routes to schools.”
The series of nine free briefing sheets can be accessed on the ITE website and will serve as a hands-on reference that can be referred to while implementing a SRTS program.
In addition to an introduction, the series includes guidance on the following topics:
- school site selection and off-site access
- walking and bicycling audits
- school route maps
- school strategies to improve traffic operations and safety
- school on-site design
- school area traffic control
- reduced school area speed limits
- traffic calming near schools
“ITE is pleased that our work with the National Center has yielded another resource for our members' professional toolbox,” said Aliyah Horton, Associate Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations at the Institute of Transportation Engineers. “These quick references support transportation engineering engagement in safe routes to school implementation. It is an addition to ongoing efforts to be community partners in the planning, design and implementation of projects that support the safer travel of ALL users of the transportation system.
“The development of these SRTS briefing sheets is part of an ongoing partnership between the National Center and ITE that has fostered the development of outreach, education and training materials for ITE members to use when involved in safe routes to school activities.”
For more information, contact:
Doug Nicholas
Communications Coordinator
National Center for Safe Routes to School
nich...@hsrc.unc.edu
(919) 843-8854
Aliyah N. Horton, C.A.E.
Associate Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations
Institute of Transportation Engineers
aho...@ite.org
(202) 785-0060, ext. 137
Methods and Technologies for Collecting Pedestrian and Bicycle Volume Data
The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), managed by the Transportation Research Board (TRB), is conducting a project on “Methods and Technologies for Collecting Pedestrian and Bicycle Volume Data” (NCHRP Project 7-19), which will ultimately produce a practical guidebook on collecting, using, and managing pedestrian and bicycle counts. http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3159
Your help is needed in (1) establishing the state of the practice regarding pedestrian and bicycle counting and (2) identifying areas of need that the project’s guidance should address. To that end, the research team has developed a short survey on pedestrian and bicycle counting at your organization, and we would appreciate it if you could take 10-15 minutes of your time to complete it. Even if your organization does not currently conduct pedestrian and bicycle counts, but has considered doing so, your input will be valuable.
To access the survey, use this link: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1013588/Methods-and-Technologies-for-Collecting-Pedestrian-and-Bicycle-Volume-Data
You can save your survey in progress and return to it later, if necessary. If you think someone else at your organization is better suited to respond to the survey, please forward this request to him or her. Please note that all responses will be kept confidential, unless you give us permission to identify your organization in the project’s guidebook and final report. Finally, if you have any questions about this survey, please direct them to Paul Ryus, pr...@kittelson.com, (503) 535-7410.
Please respond as soon as possible, but no later than October 17, 2012.
I apologize in advance if you receive notifications about this survey from multiple sources, but we are trying to make sure that as broad a range of organizations as possible have an opportunity to provide input. Thanks in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Paul Ryus
Principal Investigator, NCHRP Project 7-19
Next generation bikeshare system teams with AT&T
By Tyler Falk | October 4, 2012, 11:21 AM PDT
Bikeshare is gaining in popularity throughout cities in the United States. But one of the drawbacks is that you have to pick up bikes at one station and drop them off at another. This means that cities need to build many stations all around the city to ensure that it’s a practical option. But one company is looking to change that later this year.
Social Bicycles (SoBi), as SmartPlanet’s Channtal Fleischfresser explained: http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/next-generation-bikeshare-system-teams-with-at-t/1708?tag=nl.e660&s_cid=e660
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 Ave
Pickerington OH 43147