Biking and Walking News 6-15-12
Ira Weiss
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Biking & Walking News
Ira S. Weiss, Editor June 15, 2012
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please Answer the WSYX Coffee Break Question of the Day Today: Will you participate in Bike to Work Week?
http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/newsroom/poll/wsyx_coffee_break_poll_form.shtml
Deja Vu: House Aims to Eliminate Local Funds for Biking and Walking
It’s come down to a fight for local control. Negotiations on the federal transportation bill are at a critical point and twenty years of gains on bicycling, walking and Safe Routes to School are at risk. Cities and counties all over the country need transportation funding to build sidewalks and bike paths to make streets safer, get local economies moving, and encourage active living. The Senate heard from you how important this was and acted accordingly. But in transportation conference negotiations, the House is again proposing to eliminate local access to these federal funds. Please contact your members of Congress now to protect local access to funds for Safe routes to School, bicycling and walking projects. Thank you for making a difference. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/7093/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=10935&utm_source=Deja+Vu+Action+Alert&utm_campaign=Senate+Includes+Cardin-Cochran+Amendment+&utm_medium=email
From MORPC: 2012 Bike Users Map Now Available
As of June 11, 2012 the 3rd edition of the Columbus Metro Bike Map is now available. Look for the current maps at your local bike shop or public library branch. Please be patient as it will take time for the maps to reach all of our distribution partners. Our online request form will be posted again later in June. View a map of the local bike shop and co-op locations where you will be able to find the Metro Bike Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=214094012384647743418.0004a21197e21c4513329&ll=40.029718,-82.889099&spn=0.557318,1.234589&z=10
Very special thanks to all of the sponsors of the Metro Bike Map! The first locations that will have the bike map include these five local bike shop locations.
Trek - Dublin: 2720 Sawmill Road
Trek - Lane Avenue: 1442 West Lane Avenue
Trek - Westerville: 5985 Maxtown Road
Bicycle One - Gahanna: 82 Mill Street
Bicycle One - Pickerington: 1682 Hill Road
http://www.morpc.org/transportation/bicycle_pedestrian/BikeUserMap.asp
MORPC funding
Project application deadline is June 29
Wednesday June 13, 2012 2:18 PM
Cities throughout central Ohio will vie for funding as the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission begins its two-year funding program for transportation projects. The regional planning leader has $40 million to $50 million to dole out for local transportation projects for fiscal years 2014-19. "This is about the amount of federal transportation dollars allocated to us that we can provide to local governments for transportation projects," said Nick Gill, MORPC's assistant director of the transportation department. "It's stuff that people are going to be pursuing right now." MORPC recently wrapped up a long-range vision plan for transportation projects in the region over the next 20 years, but the funding project that just started is a shorter process. "This is a cycle we go through every two years for things happening in the next three to seven years or so," Gill said. Because the process occurs every two years, MORPC must wade through projects it already has committed to fund, as well as new projects submitted by entities in Franklin and Delaware counties and areas of Licking and Fairfield counties, such as Pickerington, Carroll and Pataskala. "There are a lot of projects we've committed funds to in the past, and they're still making progress," Gill said. "We get updates and review those first and see how they're coming in ... before we go through new commitments." Funds typically are allocated to construction and right-of-way procurements, he said. "Our policy is generally right of way and construction," Gill said. "Planning and design is generally the local or sponsoring agency's responsibility. There are exceptions." Projects funded through this process vary from major intersection and road improvements to sidewalks and multiuse paths… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/dublin/news/2012/06/13/morpc-funding-project-application-deadline-is-june-29.html
Complete this ODOT survey as it has numerous questions about prioritizing, bicycling, transit and walking
Dear Transportation Partner,
Thank you for attending the first Access Ohio steering committee meeting! Your ongoing participation in the steering committee will assure Access Ohio 2040 will address the diversity of transportation issues for all Ohioans. The feedback ODOT received on goals, vision, and performance measures is invaluable and will provide the initial framework and vision for the plan. Please remember another way to participate in the planning process is through ODOT’s Community Leaders Survey, www.odotsurvey.com. Feel free to send the link to this survey to your peers.
Thanks again,
Scott Phinney
Administrator, Office of Statewide Planning & Research
Ohio Department of Transportation
Fitness expert Mark Fenton will speak at 'Get Moving, Central Ohio' summit
Steve Palm-Houser
Columbus Cycling Examiner
Mark Fenton, a nationally-recognized public health, planning, and transportation consultant, will be the keynote speaker at the Get Moving, Central Ohio summit on Tuesday, July 10 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Whetstone Shelterhouse near the Park of Roses. Formerly the host of the PBS television series America's Walking, Mark Fenton has traveled around the country, helping cities, towns, and neighborhoods to support active, healthy lifestyles by designing more bicycle-friendly, walkable communities. Fenton will work with the Central Ohio Alliance for Active Communities to develop programs and infrastructure that support physical activity in daily life, creating environments where people bicycle, walk, and take public transit more often. Fenton is also an adjunct associate professor at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and author of The Complete Guide to Walking for Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness. You can RSVP for the Get Moving, Central Ohio summit on the Facebook event page http://www.facebook.com/events/372584792802222/ created by Consider Biking http://www.facebook.com/considerbiking . http://www.examiner.com/article/fitness-expert-mark-fenton-will-speak-at-get-moving-central-ohio-summit
Funding opportunity through the Center for Disease Control.
Please contact them for questions.
LOI Deadline: June 18, 2012
Full App Submission Deadline: Jul 31, 2012
Eligibility: Communities with populations of 500,000 or less
Expected Number of Awards: 25-50
Estimated Total Program Funding: $70,000,000
Here is the link on Grants.gov: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=173114
Context Sensitive Solutions National Dialog 2:
Call for Best Practices Closing Soon!
Submissions Accepted Through June 15, 2012
The CSS National Dialog 2 is seeking submissions of best practices in the application of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) principles to transportation projects, programs, and plans. We are looking for exemplary and innovative approaches that deliver context-driven outcomes by applying the CSS principles to the transportation decision-making process. Submissions are welcome from transportation agencies, planning agencies, communities and other organizations.
Submit online at:
cssnationaldialog.org/2/call.asp
Not sure your work fits? Ask us!
We’re happy to discuss any potential submissions.
About the CSS National Dialog 2
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is renewing its sponsorship of the National Dialog. The effort is supported by a project team led by Project Performance Corporation in collaboration with the Center for Transportation and the Environment, Parsons, and Project for Public Spaces.
The Dialog is funded by the FHWA’s Office of Planning, Environment and Realty’s Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP).
The goals of the Dialog are to:
- Deliver CSS principles and practices to a wide array of partner organizations
- Strengthen and broaden the constituency for CSS
- Discover new opportunities for partnerships
- Bring new perspectives to the practice of planning, designing, building, operating and maintaining transportation facilities
- Foster a community of CSS practice
The Dialog will be conducted through a series of nine, one-day workshops to be held in various locations across the country. Each workshop will feature exemplary transportation projects, plans or programs that highlight CSS best practices and will offer a forum for discussion and interaction.
The Dialog is supported by a Steering Committee of professionals representing a broad range of expertise in the transportation industry.
For more information visit: www.cssnationaldialog.org or email: cssnatio...@ncsu.edu
Join us in this important conversation!
RIDES
Morgan Farms Pelotonia Prep Ride
Saturday, 6/23/12
Columbus. Prepare for Pelotonia and support the bicycling advocacy work of Consider Biking with a ride featuring entertainment and party venue of Morgan Farms. Routes: 50/75 mile Hill Roller.
Entry Deadline: June 15.
START: Meet at Antrim Park, 5800 Olentangy River Road Columbus, Ohio 43085 (launch spot is by the deck on the West side of Antrim lake, but do not block the trail while waiting to roll out).
END: Morgan Farm 19260 Hopewell Road, Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050
The Hill Roller (75 mile) riders will depart from 7:30 to 8:00 am and the 50 mile riders will depart from 8:30 am to 9:00 am.
Both the 50 and 75 mile rides will originate at Antrim Park (where they have plenty of parking) and end at Morgan Farms (where we’ll have plenty of food, music and libations).
The routes are very well marked (with white “H/L” and directional arrows)—we’ll also have printed maps for folks at the start.
Riders are responsible for their own rides home. You can either have someone pick you up and for $10 donation they can enjoy music, food, libations and the garden tour. Riders can also drive up a day or two before the ride and leave a vehicle at the farm—there’s plenty of places to park. We’ll have lunch, munchies and libations available throughout the afternoon… http://www.considerbiking.org/morgan-farms-ride/
Link to: Morgan Farm Directions http://www.considerbiking.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Morgan-Farm-Directions.pdf
We’ll have lunch, munchies and libations available throughout the afternoon.
Registration Link: http://www.considerbiking.org/morgan-farms-ride/#Registration
Miles of smiles
Friendly relay race to take walkers, runners on overnight odyssey through parks
By Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Thursday June 14, 2012 5:56 AM
With hundreds of lights twinkling throughout the city late Saturday and early Sunday, Columbus might look as if it’s being invaded by fireflies. The real infiltrators, though, will be humans wearing headlamps and reflective gear — participants in the inaugural Relay Around Columbus, a 69-mile walk or 105-mile run. The overnight excursion — playing out primarily on Metro Parks property — will kick off at 3 p.m. Saturday at Hoover Dam in Westerville and end roughly 21 hours later Downtown at Bicentennial Park. “These things are so much fun,” said Scott Weaver, co-director of the event along with his wife, Monica Sencio. “You’re running through the night, and you’re out there with friends. “There’s a lot of camaraderie.” Weaver said 102 teams registered by the May 31 deadline — a total of 594 participants ages 16 to 60… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/06/14/miles-of-smiles.html
Bike ride brings free fun to Marion
Food, entertainment and prizes featured at King's Temple event Saturday
Jun. 8, 2012
MARION - It's for fun, and it's for free.
King's Temple Men's Ministry will have a 10K Bicycle Ride Saturday, as part of its efforts to find ways to get more involved in the community. The ride is something the Men's Ministry came up with that they feel can have a real impact, said Richard Young, who is organizing the event for his church's group. It's being stressed as an opportunity for Marion to come out and enjoy a healthy activity, certainly one that is needed in a county where reports cite as many as one in three youths are either overweight or obese… http://www.marionstar.com/article/20120608/NEWS01/206080304/Bike-ride-brings-free-fun-Marion
Law enforcement will boost presence for GOBA
Jun. 14, 2012
CHILLICOTHE -- As the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure rolls through Chillicothe this weekend, local law enforcement will be increased to help oversee the bicyclists traveling through Chillicothe. GOBA riders will arrive Sunday in Chillicothe from Hillsboro and depart Tuesday for Ashville. During their time in Chillicothe, Yoctangee Park will be transformed into a tent city hosting more than 2,000 people. Because of the influx, GOBA organizers are paying for additional Chillicothe Police officers to be on duty, specifically for traffic control as riders leave Tuesday. Chillicothe police Officer Bud Lytle said between 5:45 and 10 a.m. Tuesday an officer will oversee traffic at two intersections -- Water and Bridge streets and Bridge and Riverside streets -- and another officer patrolling Bridge Street between Riverside Street and Marietta Road… http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120614/NEWS01/206140306/Law-enforcement-will-boost-presence-GOBA?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage
Residents, business, cyclists can cooperate for a successful GOBA
6:45 AM, Jun. 10, 2012
Written by
Julie Lambert
To all residents, grocery store owners and others along the route of the 2012 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure: During the week of June 16 to 23, 3,000 bicyclists from across the country will be passing your location. They will travel 50 miles per day over Ohio's wonderful rural roads, visiting tourist attractions and enjoying the countryside. As you can imagine, a group this size requires a lot of support. As they pass, you will see ambulances, ham radio volunteers, bike shops, police and other support vehicles following them. The riders also depend on the services in the areas through which they pass. The tour does pre-arrange for three food stops with local nonprofit groups about every 15 miles along the way. However, riders look for additional snacks and beverages to keep their energy levels up for the entire route. So, we encourage individuals, restaurants and grocery stores along the route to be of help. We encourage restaurants and grocery stores to be open and expect some riders to stop… http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120610/OPINION02/206100308/Residents-business-cyclists-can-cooperate-successful-GOBA
Bike ride leaves them smiling
Jun. 10, 2012
Written by
James Steven
Assistant Editor
MARION - He was going to be happy if one person came away happy from the first Inter-City10K Bicycle Ride. Richard Young was smiling, having realized the King's Temple outreach event for the Marion community had surpassed that. Families enjoyed a nice ride through Marion and came together at the end for free hamburgers, hot dogs and other snacks. Including two brand new mountain bikes, dozens of gift certificates were raffled away to participants. That they came together for fellowship had Young beaming. "A lot of people came here with nothing and left with something," he said. "If they didn't win a gift, I think they left with hope if nothing else. It made their hearts good to see the community come together." About 50 cyclists set out from Sawyer-Ludwig Park on Saturday morning behind a police escort and finished the relatively short, leisurely tour around Marion in about an hour. Well, 49 finished… http://www.marionstar.com/article/20120610/NEWS01/206100314/Bike-ride-leaves-them-smiling
Olde Sawmill Elementary School
Students help principal, teacher raise Pelotonia funds
By JENNIFER NOBLIT
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 13, 2012 2:21 PM
A walk-a-thon at Olde Sawmill Elementary helped principal Tyler Wolfe with his fundraising goal for Pelotonia. The $3,000 raised at the walk-a-thon last month put Wolfe on his way to his $1,800 fundraising goal and was split with teacher Michele Chilenski, who is also participating in Pelotonia. "We have a teacher who organized a schoolwide walk-a-thon," Wolfe said of Chilenski. "The kids went out and raised money for a flat donation," Wolfe said. "They had 45 minutes and each grade level went out and walked ... . They got a little prize for each mile they walked. They raised over $3,000. It was great." The walk-a-thon fundraiser was an effort at the school to get students interested in community service. "We've been trying this year more than any other year to get our school and kids at our school interested in service learning projects," Wolfe said. "We've done several service learning projects at school and I thought what a better way to model something than to be part of something ourselves." Local businesses, students and families have embraced the lesson. "We had great community support," Wolfe said… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/dublin/news/2012/06/13/olde-sawmill-elementary-school-students-help-principal-teacher-raise-pelotonia-funds.html
Pelotonia Tour organizer: Most bicycle riders will finish in New Albany
By LORI WINCE
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 13, 2012 2:08 PM
Many of the estimated 5,000 bicycle riders in the Pelotonia tour will finish in New Albany. "The objective is always to select the best venue that will support an exceptional ride" Pelotonia co-founder and New Albany resident Tom Lennox said.. "With the route heading from Columbus in a northeast direction to Kenyon (College)and returning to Columbus, New Albany is on the way and a natural fit. "Also, with more riders from the 43054 (New Albany ZIP code) than any other ZIP code, New Albany is loaded with Pelotonia riders," he said. "We are hopeful the entire community will come out on Sunday afternoon to cheer and congratulate riders finishing the two-day ride." The 2012 Pelotonia is set for Aug. 10-12. Pelotonia is a 180-mile cycling tour in which riders raise funds for cancer research. It attracts riders from 38 states, according to organizers. Cyclists can choose one-day 25-mile, 50-mile, 75-mile or 100-mile rides or two-day 155-mile or 180-mile rides. Rides can begin and end in different locations, but most of the routes start at Columbus Commons, a new 9-acre green space in downtown Columbus. The two-day riders will travel to Kenyon College in Gambier the first day. They can end a 75-mile or 100-mile ride there or ride a second day into New Albany and complete the 155-mile and 180-mile rides. The one-day, 50-mile ride also ends in New Albany. The shortest route, a 25-mile ride, ends in Pickerington. "New Albany is conveniently located on the way back from Kenyon to Columbus,” Lennox said… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/newalbany/news/2012/06/11/pelotonia-tour-organizer-most-bicycle-riders-will-finish-in-new-albany.html
Ride the Rockies
New Albany man rides in grueling 450-mile bike tour
By LORI WINCE
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 13, 2012 2:10 PM
This week, while other New Albany cyclists met at the local Starbucks to ride into the gentle hills of Licking County, Mac MacDonald rode the Rockies in Colorado. The annual Ride The Rockies bicycle tour began June 9 and ends Friday, June 15. "We'll ride 450 miles in six days," MacDonald said. "It's an endurance event. On average, we'll ride 80 miles a day and climb a total of 26,000 feet." The tour route runs from Gunnison to Fort Collins and takes riders through five mountain passes and two national parks. MacDonald is riding with his cousin from St. Louis, Chuck Hessler. "I've never ridden in high altitude," MacDonald said. "I've been training, riding with heavy gear whenever I train." Still, many might ask the 50-year-old, "Why?" "I ride for a lot of other people in the Pelotonia," MacDonald said of the central Ohio bicycle tour in August that raises money for cancer research. "This one in the mountains, this one's for me…" http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/newalbany/news/2012/06/11/new-albany-man-rides-in-grueling-450-mile-bike-tour.html
USADA charging Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong is a seven-time winner of the Tour de France.
Updated Jun 13, 2012 5:54 PM ET
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping charges against seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, threatening to strip his victories in those storied cycling races. Armstrong could face a lifetime ban from the sport if he is found to have used performance-enhancing drugs. The move by USADA immediately bans him from competing in triathlons, which he turned to after he retired from cycling last year. Armstrong, in a statement Wednesday, dismissed any doping allegations as ''baseless'' and ''motivated by spite'' and noted they came just months after federal prosecutors closed a two-year criminal investigation against the cyclist without bringing an indictment. The charges by USADA were first reported by the Washington Post. USADA's letter to Armstrong informing him of the charges also said the agency was bringing doping charges against Johan Bruyneel, manager of Armstrong's winning teams; team doctors Pedro Celaya and Luis Garicia del Moral; team trainer Pepe Martin, and consulting doctor Michele Ferrari… http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/cycling/story/united-states-anti-doping-agency-brings-charges-against-lance-armstrong-061312
Lance Armstrong faces doping charges
Wednesday June 13, 2012 5:48 PM
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping charges against seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, threatening to strip his victories in those storied cycling races. Armstrong could face a lifetime ban from the sport if he is found to have used performance-enhancing drugs. The move by USADA immediately bans him from competing in triathlons, which he turned to after he retired from cycling last year. Armstrong, in a statement Wednesday, dismissed any doping allegations as “baseless” and “ motivated by spite” and noted they came just months after federal prosecutors closed a two-year criminal investigation against the cyclist without bringing an indictment. The charges by USADA were first reported by the Washington Post… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2012/06/13/armstrong-doping.html
SAFETY
Feds: About half of high-schoolers text while driving
Stats are from first government study to ask about issue
By Mike Stobbe
Associated Press Friday June 8, 2012 6:55 AM
ATLANTA — Think your teen would never text while driving? More than half of high-school seniors admitted in a government survey that they’ve done just that. It’s the first time the question was asked in a teen poll on risky behavior, and the finding comes amid a renewed federal crackdown on distracted driving. Texting and cellphone use behind the wheel is “a national epidemic,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said yesterday. “We need to teach kids, who are the most vulnerable drivers, that texting and driving don’t mix,” LaHood said at a news conference to announce pilot projects in Delaware and California to discourage distracted driving. In the survey, about 58 percent of high school seniors said they had texted or emailed while driving during the previous month. About 43 percent of high school juniors acknowledged that they had done the same thing… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2012/06/08/feds-about-half-of-high-schoolers-text-while-driving.html
Man’s guilty plea cements county’s 1st ‘texting’ case
By Kathy Lynn Gray
The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday June 12, 2012 7:33 AM
A car driven by Daniel R. Jacobs, left, ran off I-270, killing Dalton Ludwig, 16, who was parked on the berm. A man involved in a fatal crash that helped spur a state law banning texting while driving pleaded guilty yesterday in the death of a Pickerington teen who was taking driver’s education. Daniel R. Jacobs’ conviction for aggravated vehicular homicide while texting is the first in Franklin County, Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said. Jacobs, 58, of 8514 Landseer Dr., Reynoldsburg, was in the center lane of I-270 on July 1, 2010, when he swerved onto the berm near Rt. 33 on Columbus’ South Side. His car struck a parked car. In the driver’s seat was Dalton Ludwig, 16, who died shortly after the crash. His driving instructor, Floyd Evans, suffered a concussion and other injuries… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/12/mans-guilty-plea-cements-countys-1st-texting-case.html
Texting driver gets prison for fatal crash in Delaware County
By Randy Ludlow
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday June 13, 2012 7:24 AM
Derek Vanhorn, a serial traffic offender with a suspended license, was driving north on Rt. 42 one summer morning while fiddling with his cellphone. Paul Raimonde, a farmer and equipment dispatcher for a construction company, was driving south near Section Line Road. As the two cars neared each other southwest of Delaware, Vanhorn’s car swerved across the centerline and struck Raimonde’s vehicle head-on, instantly killing Raimonde, a 55-year-old from Centerburg. Vanhorn, 24, of Beverly in Washington County, was sentenced yesterday to 3 1/2 years in prison for causing Raimonde’s death while texting behind the wheel. A badly injured Vanhorn, 26, told a state trooper that he was texting while driving. An investigation established that he was sending a message to his girlfriend when the crash occurred on Aug. 10, authorities said… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/13/texting-driver-gets-prison-for-fatal-crash-in-delaware-county.html
Man sentenced to prison in texting while driving death
By Randy Ludlow
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday June 13, 2012 7:18 AM
A man was sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison today for causing a fatal traffic crash in Delaware County while he was texting behind the wheel. Derek Vanhorn, 24, of Beverly in Washington County, received a 42-month prison sentence from Common Pleas Court Judge W. Duncan Whitney after previously being convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide. Vanhorn was texting his girlfriend on Aug. 10 when he drove his car left of center on Rt. 42 near Section Line Road, said Prosecutor Carol O’Brien. His car collided head-on with a car driven by Paul Raimonde, 55, of Centerburg, who died instantly, said Prosecutor Carol O’Brien. Vanhorn lived in Prairie Township in western Franklin County at the time of the crash. Vanhorn, who was driving with a suspended license, was seriously injured in the crash. He was convicted in April after pleading no contest to aggravated vehicular homicide. Whitney also suspended his driver’s license for life. .. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/12/texting-driving-death-sentence.html
Hilliard City Council
Ohio's texting ban could replace local ordinance
By KEVIN CORVO
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 13, 2012 12:58 PM
Hilliard Law Director Pam Fox said she will review Hilliard's local texting-while-driving ban, but it is likely the ordinance will be repealed in light of a new statewide ban. "The new state law banning texting while driving is different than our local law ... repealing ours might be in order," Fox told Hilliard City Council members June 11. In 2010, City Council adopted an ordinance banning texting while driving. Earlier this month, Ohio lawmakers enacted legislation to do the same. Fox said she would report her findings at the June 25 council meeting. http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/hilliard/news/2012/06/12/hilliard-city-council-ohios-texting-ban-could-replace-local-ordinance.html
One third of young people text while driving, says CDC
By Channtal Fleischfresser | June 11, 2012, 3:09 AM PDT
Despite widespread awareness of the dangers of sending text messages while driving, an alarming number of young people are engaging in the behavior, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In its 2011 Youth Risk Survey, the CDC found that 32.8 percent of students around the country admitted to texting or emailing while driving a car at least once in the 30 days prior to responding to the survey. That number jumped to43 percent when considering just 11th graders, and 58 percent for high school seniors. Several CDC findings support the danger of texting and driving. Specifically, in 2009, of the 5,400 people who died of crashes involving a distracted driver, nearly 1,000 of those deaths cited the use of cell phones as the principal distraction. The proportion of drivers reportedly distracted at the time of a fatal accident jumped from 7 percent in 2005 to 11 percent in 2009. In addition, one-third of drivers said that driving feels less safe today than it did five years ago - and one-third of those respondents cited distracted driving as a principal reason for this. http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/transportation/one-third-of-young-people-text-while-driving-says-cdc/1685?tag=nl.e660
CDC: Older teens often text behind the wheel
58 percent of high school seniors said they had texted or emailed while driving during the previous month
By Mike Stobbe
Associated Press Thursday June 7, 2012 12:29 PM
More than half of high school seniors admit they text or email while driving - the first federal statistics on how common the dangerous habit is in teens. An anonymous national survey conducted last year found that 58 percent of high school seniors said they had texted or emailed while driving during the previous month. About 43 percent of high school juniors acknowledged they did the same thing. "I'm not surprised. I'm not surprised at all," said Vicki Rimasse, a New Jersey woman whose son caused a fender bender earlier this year after texting in traffic. She made him take a safe-driving class after the mishap. "I felt like an idiot," said her 18-year-old son, Dylan Young… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2012/06/07/older-teens-often-text-behind-the-wheel.html
Texting rules should be same for all motorists
Jun. 8, 2012
In less than three months, Ohio will have a new texting ban law in place. ... We are in line with the texting ban. We think it will enhance safety while driving. We do think, however, the new legislation also features some inequity. Drivers in Ohio will be banned from reading, writing and sending text messages from behind the wheel under the new law. That is all well and good. Teens face a stricter crackdown. ... The law designates texting or using an electronic device as a primary offense for minors. It is a secondary offense, however, for adults, who also cannot be cited for typing in a number or a name to make a call. ... We think the texting road should be leveled for all motorists. The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police also supports the new legislation. As is our belief, the organization would have preferred that texting be a primary offense for all drivers. Such a move makes for easier enforcement. Texting knows no age limits. The new legislation should be enforced equally. -- The (Martins Ferry) Times Leader
Help your head and wear a helmet
Jun. 8, 2012
Written by
James Steven
Assistant Editor
MARION -- It's required for participants in Saturday's first 10K Bicycle Ride being hosted by the King's Temple Men's Ministry. Helmets must be worn by all riders who pedal out from Sawyer-Ludwig Park that morning. Helmets should be a must for anyone setting out on a bike ride, said Dr. Michael Worobiec, a Marion General Hospital physician. "I never get on my bike without one and I won't let my kids get on their bikes without one," he said. "Even if you are at a standstill, it's still three or four feet down to the ground, and the ground is hard." More and more, bikers and motorists are sharing the road. Nationally, the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey reported the number of American workers using a bicycle as their primary mode of transportation to work increased by nearly 40 percent since 2000. The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics last month observed it's "Put a Lid on It!" helmet safety awareness campaign… http://www.marionstar.com/article/20120608/NEWS01/206080303/Cycling-Wear-helmet-
Bicyclist at fault for Wednesday collision
Jun. 8, 2012
Written by
Advocate staff report
NEWARK -- The driver of a sport utility vehicle will not be cited for a collision with a bicyclist Wednesday afternoon. Charles Luckett, 55, of Newark, was at fault for riding his bicycle into the path of Dawn Perkins, 38, of Newark, who was turning from West Church Street onto North Fourth Street at 2:58 p.m. Wednesday, Newark police Sgt. Scott Snow said. Luckett was flown to Grant Medical Center for treatment and was listed in fair condition Wednesday, a hospital spokes- person said. http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120608/NEWS01/206080335/Bicyclist-fault-Wednesday-collision
Bicyclist released from hospital
Jun. 9, 2012
NEWARK -- A bicyclist who collided with a sport utility vehicle Wednesday has been released from Grant Medical Center in Columbus, a hospital spokeswoman said. Charles Luckett initially was unresponsive and was flown by emergency medical helicopter to Grant. He was released Thursday. http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120609/NEWS01/206090319/Bicyclist-released-from-hospital
Safety Town
Groveport Police Sgt. Casey Adams gives Katie Reynard tips on bicycle safety at the Safety Town program held at Groveport Presbyterian Church from June 4-8. Safety Town is a national educational program designed to teach children about a variety of safety issues. Thirty-five kids attended this year's free program, which was led by Leslie Gilden and funded by a grant from the Presbytery of Scioto Valley. http://www.columbusmessenger.com/NC/0/11566.html
Youngsters learn to avoid danger at Safety Town
By PAMELA WILLIS
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 13, 2012 12:51 PM
This week, kindergarten students rolled through Safety Town on tricycles, walked with police officers down Cemetery Road and learned to belly crawl away from a simulated fire with Hilliard firefighters. Safety Town, slated June 11-15 at Scioto Darby Elementary School, is designed for 5- and 6-year-olds, said Chris Jacobs,who works at the Hilliard Community Center. "Safety Town is very worthwhile and teaches important safety lessons," she said. "I can't say enough about the policemen and firefighters who donate their time for this week." Jacobs said the Hilliard police officers and city firefighters teach safety lessons during Safety Town and help coordinate the program. "The kindergarten students come from all over Hilliard but also from outside the district," she said. "We have students from Plain City, Dublin and South-Western City Schools." Jacobs said groups of students go through the safety course each day of the week, riding tricycles and wearing helmets to learn bicycle and traffic rules. She said each child is given a bicycle helmet to take home… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/hilliard/news/2012/06/12/youngsters-learn-to-avoid-danger-at-safety-town.html
HEALTH
Data sobering on Ohio kids’ poverty, obesity
By Jeb Phillips
The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday June 13, 2012 7:44 AM
Nearly half of Ohio’s children received free or reduced-cost school lunches in 2010, and those children were 30 percent more likely to be overweight or obese than others, according to a new survey of the state’s children released yesterday. Kids Count, compiled by the Children’s Defense Fund in Ohio, offers an annual snapshot of the well-being of the state’s youth. A new section of the report called “Health Access” includes information about obesity, oral health and insurance rates. “(The report) is important for policy-makers and elected officials at the local, state and federal levels in deciding how resources should be divided,” said Renuka Mayadev, Children’s Defense Fund executive director. Among the most interesting of this year’s findings is the relationship between “food insecurity” and being overweight, said Hayden Shelby, research analyst for the Children’s Defense Fund. Children who have limited access to nutritious food are more often overweight. The report also shows that children in families with higher incomes are less likely to be overweight, she said… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/13/data-sobering-on-ohio-kids-poverty-obesity.html
LOCAL NEWS
The Bike Month Fashion Project
June 12, 2012
Consider Biking's Safe Routes to School Manager, Jess Mathews, wants you to know that any clothing is cycling clothing. To prove her point, Mathews took a photograph of what she wore when bicycle commuting throughout May, one for every day of Bike Month 2012. "I’m very passionate about getting more women comfortable riding and navigating our city roads," said Mathews on her web site Cbus Cycle Chic. "I am also passionate about wearing everyday clothing while riding your bike. One shouldn’t feel the need to wear one outfit while riding and then change into another when you’re finished. Bicycling should be as easy and 1-2-3.... dress for your destination, not the journey." One of the reasons why many are timid to try bicycle commuting in everyday clothes is the prospect of arriving at work sweaty. "If you take it easy and ride your bike at a leisurely pace instead of 22 mph," said Mathews, "then chances are you’ll roll into work and not be sweaty." View some of Mathews' favorite outfits in the photo slideshow: Bike Month Fashion Project. Beginning in June, join Mathews on ladies-only leisure rides in Columbus, OH. The event, "2 Wheels & Heels," originated in Cleveland, OH and plans are to expand to Chicago, IL and Austin, TX. http://momentummag.com/articles/the-bike-month-fashion-project/index.html
City council OKs record $497 million bond sale
By Lucas Sullivan
The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday June 12, 2012 8:11 AM
The Columbus City Council approved the sale of a record $497 million worth of bonds last night to finance capital purchases and projects that range from new garbage trucks to a water reservoir. Voters approved the sale of about $450 million of those bonds in 2008 as part of the city’s capital-improvements plan. City Auditor Hugh Dorrian said the bond sale will be the largest in the city’s history. “It’s such a great thing for the city and will provide residents with some significant improvements for years to come,” Councilwoman Priscilla Tyson said last night. “The amount we approved tonight is the maximum amount, and I don’t think we will actually spend that much, so that will also be a savings to taxpayers…” About $34 million will go to improving the city’s parks, trails and bike paths, including areas along the Alum Creek Trail. The city also plans to renovate or add playground equipment at numerous parks… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/12/council-oks-record-497m-bond-sale.html
Pedestrian and cyclist path
Path proposed for north side of Route 161
By GARY SEMAN JR.
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 13, 2012 2:40 PM
The city of Columbus says it is looking to create a safe and accessible alternative for cyclists and pedestrians trying to navigate the busy West Dublin-Granville Road corridor. It calls for the installation of a 10-foot-wide shared-use path on the north side of the road between Sawmill and Linworth roads. And it goes an extra step in tying together the Olentangy Trail and the Dublin bike systems. City officials and engineers laid out their plan last week in front of a packed room at the McConnell Arts Center in Worthington. The $2.5 million project would extend 2.2 miles, with a 28-foot-wide median strip separating the path from fast-moving cars and trucks, said Nick Popa, an engineer with the city. "We don't have to tell that for pedestrians and bicyclists it's not the most comfortable environment," Popa said. The Dublin-Granville path was a top-12 project in the city's Bicentennial Bikeways plan, a guide for bike facilities in Columbus, including shared-use paths, racks, lanes, signage and other amenities through 2028… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/northwest/news/2012/06/12/pedestrian-and-cyclist-path-path-proposed-for-north-side-of-route-161.html
Dublin to build roundabout at Cosgray and Shier-Rings
By JENNIFER NOBLIT
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 13, 2012 2:13 PM
Construction on a roundabout at Cosgray and Shier-Rings Road is expected to start this summer. Dublin City Council members last week approved a resolution accepting a bid and allowing the city manager to enter into a contract with Trucco Construction Co. for the project. The city budgeted for $1.6 million for the construction of the roundabout and Trucco Construction Co. was the lowest of five bids for the project at about $1.1 million. The project is anticipated to start late this month, with "all four legs of the current Cosgray Road/Shier-Rings Road intersection ... closed during construction," a staff report to council said. "Access to Darree Fields via (state Route) 161/Post Road to Cosgray Road shall be maintained at all times from a temporary access drive to be constructed with this project. The location of this access drive is opposite Dublin Park Drive." The roundabout is scheduled for completion Sept. 28… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/dublin/news/2012/06/13/dublin-to-build-roundabout-at-cosgray-and-shier-rings.html
Pack 71 cleans up trail
On June 2, Groveport Pack 71 Cub Scouts celebrated the 20th anniversary of National Trails Day by picking up trash and debris along the Confluence Trail at Three Creeks Metro Park in Groveport. Fourteen Cub Scouts cleaned up the trail along the banks of Alum and Big Walnut creeks. Boy Scouts of America encouraged groups to take part in National Trails Day by participating in a hike, geocaching or other activity to get kids on a trail. Pack 71 picked up nearly 20 bags of trash and a rotting tire. Cub Scout leaders and parents assisted in the clean up to ensure the safety of the kids and a park naturalist accompanied the group to teach the Scouts about the ecology of the park. The Cub Scouts who participated earned a patch created for the national event's 20th anniversary. http://www.columbusmessenger.com/NC/0/11570.html
'Around zero' on a scale of 1-10
Johnstown mulls improvement ideas for bike paths
By JENNA GANT
ThisWeek Community News Monday June 11, 2012 9:41 AM
Johnstown officials met with county leaders June 7, hoping for guidance on improving and promoting the trailhead on the T.J. Evans bike path in Johnstown. The trailhead (where the trail begins) is adjacent to East Jersey and East Douglas streets and is part of the T.J. Evans bike path that extends more than 14 miles across Licking County. The entire Licking County Recreational Trail, with all of its spurs, is more than 40 miles. Downtown Johnstown Inc. (DJI) met with more than a dozen representatives from the Licking County Foundation, the Mary E. Babcock Foundation, the Licking County Park District, the Johnstown Historical Society and the village of Johnstown on June 7 to discuss ways to improve the trailhead. The DJI also reached out to the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Licking County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the T.J. Evans Foundation and Thirty-One Gifts. DJI and village council member Carol VanDeest said the goal of the meeting was not to solicit money to fix the bike trail but to ask for guidance and support in improving the trailhead, which is about the length of a football field. "The trailhead desperately needs attention," VanDeest said. "It's unattractive and has a poorly maintained parking lot that is never large enough for all the visitors." VanDeest said many riders visit from Franklin County. "We want to see if we can somehow find a way to get more parking with some of the adjacent property owners and maybe put some kind of fence or something around so it identities where the bike path is," VanDeest said. VanDeest said she also wants to find more ways to direct visitors to the trailhead… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/johnstown/news/2012/06/08/around-zero-on-a-scale-of-1-10-johnstown-mulls-improvement-ideas-for-bike-paths.html
Park district dedicates trail, announces levy request
6:53 AM, Jun. 9, 2012
Written by
James Miller
The Marion Star
MARION - Park supporters who showed up to dedicate the Marion Tall Grass Trail on Friday heard board member Dan Sheridan thank the many organizations and volunteers who made the park possible over the years. They also heard an appeal for a tax levy that will appear on the fall ballot to expand the park and hire a part-time county parks director. About 50 people crowded under the shade of the park's shelter house on a brilliant June afternoon to watch Marion Rotary Club president Howard Smith unveil a new visitor welcome sign to be installed at the park's entrance. Later, park board members assisted Virginia Telfer, wife of Marion's first county park director, the late Jack Telfer, cut a ceremonial ribbon to officially open the park, which covers 12 miles of an abandoned CSX rail corridor along Holland Road that the park district purchased in 2009 with the help of a grant from the Clean Ohio Fund. A quarter of a mile of the trail is paved and a pair of railroad bridges have been revamped for foot traffic along the trail. Donated wildflowers frame a newly paved parking lot… http://www.marionstar.com/article/20120609/NEWS01/206090302/Park-district-dedicates-trail-announces-levy-request?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage
Everest climber frustrated by retreat
Head of Metro Parks almost reached top
By Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch Saturday June 9, 2012 5:54 AM
Near the top of the world, John O’Meara was exhausted. He had reached a camp about 24,000 feet up before the final ascent to the peak of Mount Everest.Reaching the top had been a dream of his for decades. But his body was betraying him. O’Meara, the director of Metro Parks, was hacking up brown phlegm and suffering from bronchitis. He had developed symptoms of pulmonary edema, in which fluid builds up in the lungs. And his blood lacked oxygen. He strapped on emergency oxy-gen and descended to base camp at about 18,000 feet, where he stayed for three days while doctors tended to him. “I can’t believe I’m turning around,” he thought to himself… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/09/everest-climber-frustrated-by-retreat.html
Reduced speed limit implemented on Route 256
By NATE ELLIS
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 13, 2012 9:54 AM
Pickerington's busiest and most accident-prone roadway quietly underwent a speed limit reduction last week. With very little fanfare, the speed limit on state Route 256 officially was reduced June 4 from 50 mph to 45 mph. The move followed three required approvals by Pickerington City Council of legislation lowering the speed limit. Final passage of the legislation yielding the reduction occurred May 1, and no residents turned out to either oppose or support the measure throughout the month it was before council. City Engineer Greg Bachman said he hasn't received any complaints about the reduced speed limit, and even heard from one resident who favored lowering the allowable speed on Route 256 to 35 mph. Pickerington Police Cmdr. Matt Delp said there haven't been any additional speed patrols on Route 256. "It's kind of rare that you can actually get up to 45 anyway on (Route) 256," Delp said. "We don't have a lot of speed enforcement there as it is," he said. "I think, initially, we'll give off a lot more warnings just so people are aware it's no longer 50 mph." Currently, the city has no plans to further reduce the speed limit there, but Bachman said he believes a 45 mph limit should help ease traffic congestion and accidents on the city's most heavily traveled road… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2012/06/12/reduced-speed-limit-implemented-on-route-256.html
Westerville
Bike-trail pit stop an invitation to cyclists
By Quan Truong
The Columbus Dispatch Saturday June 9, 2012 5:51 AM
Before summer is over, cyclists traveling through Westerville will have a place to take a break, fill up on water and use restrooms. There also will be a fireplace and infrared heat for hard-core winter bikers.It’s all part of a new train depot-bicycle hub that’s being built behind the Westerville Public Library. It’ll be central Ohio’s first such rest stop along the Ohio to Erie Trail, a 325-mile, mostly off-road route between Cleveland and Cincinnati. The hub can help make Westerville a destination, said Christa Dickey, city spokeswoman. “People can stop in Westerville as a midway point on one of the longer excursions and have access to the Uptown area, free Wi-Fi and an opportunity to safely park your bike and belongings.” The project, which costs about $192,000, is being funded largely through donations. Ground was broken last month, and the hub will be completed by Aug. 1. By the time it’s all done, the year-round hub will span 720 square feet at Hanby Park. It will have the brick look of a train depot, with an open-air shelter, picnic tables, frost-free fountain and a doggie bowl… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/09/bike-trail-pit-stop-an-invitation-to-cyclists.html
Westerville will issue $10.55 million in bonds
By JENNIFER NESBITT
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday June 13, 2012 3:43 PM
Westerville City Council approved the issuance of $10.55 million in bonds at its June 5 meeting. Of those bonds, $6 million is old debt being refinanced by the city because of current low interest rates. The refinancing will save the city 10.7 percent on the bonds, totaling $490,000, city finance director Lee Ann Shortland told council. "It still looks like a very good deal for the city," Shortland said. The $6 million in previously issued bonds helped to pay for new equipment and construction of buildings for the Westerville Division of Fire, for the renovation of city buildings at 21 S. State St., 28 S. State St., 29 S. State St. and 64 E. Walnut, and for installing new street lights, conduit and manholes for the electric division. Of the new bonds that are being issued by the city, $2.5 million will for improvements to city streets, curbs and sidewalks, $1.6 million will pay for the installation of new conduit and lighting for the Westerville Electric Division, $745,000 will pay for the extension and improvement of the city's sewer system and $655,000 will pay for the extension of the city's water services… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/westerville/news/2012/06/13/westerville-will-issue-10-55-million-in-bonds.html
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Safe Routes Coaching Action Network Webinar - June 28th (1pm ET)
A Global Perspective: Lessons from International SRTS Programs
Presenters:
Jacky Kennedy, Director, Canada Walks
Catherine O'Brien, PhD. Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Department, School of Professional Studies, Cape Breton University
Gary Shipp, National Projects Co-Coordinator, Schools, Children and Young People, Sustrans, UK
Safe Routes to School Projects are thriving around the world. In this sixty minute webinar we will learn about two different international programs.
First, Jacky Kennedy, Director of Canada Walks will introduce Canada's School Travel Planning Project. This program, originally tested in four provinces and disseminated to 120 schools in every part of Canada, created a detailed, step-by-step guide for building a comprehensive, community-based active school travel program.
Next, Dr. Catherine O'Brien, who is working in partnership with the Canada Walks School Travel Planning Project, will discuss her fascinating research on "sustainable happiness." This concept links walking and biking to individual, community, and global well-being. It provides further compelling evidence of the benefits of walking and biking to school.
Finally, Gary Shipp, Schools, Children and Young People Co-Coordinator from Sustrans in the United Kingdom, will describe how his organization's approach is a community-centered one that builds on small steps to gradually change travel behavior. Sustrans' goal is to get the whole school community involved and motivated in the program so that sustainable and active travel becomes part of the culture of the community for future generations.
This webinar is part of the SRTS Webinar Series, developed by America Walks and the National Center for Safe Routes to School. For more information: mgu...@americawalks.org
Young People Are Driving Less—And Not Just Because They're Broke
Jake Blumgart
writer, researcher, man about town
As a teenager, I had little interest in driving. I lived in Prince George’s County, Maryland, mere blocks from the D.C. city line, with a bus hub down the hill and three Metro stations a mile or so from my parents’ house. And by the time my weekend evenings were done, I was rarely in any shape to get behind the wheel. (Sorry, Mom!) I never got my driver’s license, which makes me an outlier in a nation of car lovers. But I have something in common with today’s teens. Recent studies show that American teenagers are far less likely to have their drivers’ licenses than their counterparts thirty years ago, and the trend continues to a lessening degree through the 20-something cohort. Today only 22 percent of drivers are under 30, down from a third in 1983. As a result of decades of car-oriented land use policy, private automobiles are a necessity for many Americans. Even most urban areas of the Sunbelt—Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles—are barely traversable by foot, bike or train. Despite this reality, Americans seem to be driving less and returning to cities with a diversity of transit options. (I’ve chosen Philadelphia: We still have trolleys!) Young people, especially, are waiting longer to buy cars, and we’re driving less once we get them. Are norms are changing, or is it just the tough economy? Business Insider posits a strong link between this data and the recession: As unemployment goes up, Americans drive less—because many of them suddenly don’t have work to drive to, or because they simply can’t afford to maintain a car… http://www.good.is/post/young-people-are-driving-less-and-not-just-because-they-re-broke/
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