Biking and Walking News 8-17-12
Ira Weiss
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Biking & Walking News
Ira S. Weiss, Editor August 17, 2012
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ACT NOW TO SAVE RECREATIONAL TRAIL FUNDING IN YOUR STATE!
Have you ever enjoyed a nice, invigorating bike ride on a scenic rail-trail or rolling section of singletrack? Do you wish you had more trails like this closer to where you live or work? If you answered yes, then you will want to take action today.
State Governors are now allowed to opt out of receiving funding for these trails (through a program called Recreational Trails), due to a change in the recently updated federal transportation bill.
We’re contacting you because there’s a chance your Governor may refuse to receive this funding for recreational trails in your state—trails that boost local economies, keep people active, and enhance your personal health and well-being.
We are working with our partners the International Mountain Bicycling Association and the Coalition for Recreational Trails to make sure your state doesn't lose these critical trail funds. Please take a moment to send a strong message to your Governor to protect these trails using this easy form. The deadline for Governors to opt out is September 1, so your quick response is needed. http://www.peopleforbikes.org/page/speakout/rtp-funding
Thanks for your quick action,
Tim Blumenthal, PeopleForBikes.org
THREE NATIONAL BIKE ADVOCACY GROUPS AFFIRM SHARED GOALS AND CONTINUING COLLABORATION; DECIDE TO REMAIN SEPARATE
Aug. 16, 2012 - After months of steady dialogue and face-to-face meetings, the leaders of the Alliance for Biking & Walking, Bikes Belong and League of American Bicyclists have decided not to pursue full unification at this time. The three groups continue to operate independently, in close collaboration, to make bicycling safer and more enjoyable for all Americans.
These unprecedented unification discussions were marked by goodwill and an open exchange of ideas. They helped U.S. bike advocacy leaders agree on a shared vision, goals and strategies that will advance the movement and improve bicycling coast to coast.
The three groups continue to work together and have committed to achieving the following benchmark goals by 2020:
- The nationwide percentage of trips made by bike will increase to five percent (from one percent in 2012), and the diversity of people on bikes will mirror the diversity of America;
- Traffic injuries and fatalities (in all modes) will decrease by 50 percent;
- Half of all Americans will have front-door access to a bicycling network that will take them to destinations within two miles exclusively on low-stress streets, lanes, and trails--protected from high-speed traffic.
The League and Alliance are developing plans to help state and local advocates get the most out of MAP-21, the new, two-year federal transportation bill, and will work with Bikes Belong on this, and other projects. Bikes Belong has initiated a strategic discovery process to review its overall goals and to refine its focus, and is engaging the League and Alliance to help shape its future direction.
The leaders of all three groups began the unification discussion fully aware of the challenges of blending unique legal structures, membership bases, project priorities, and headquarters locations. While these talks didn't produce a merger, the groups will continue to work together to engage, represent and connect the many different elements of the bicycling movement. They will focus on federal, state, and local projects that best improve bike infrastructure and safety in the United States.
Submit your Nominations for the MORPC Green Region Awards
MORPC is seeking nominations through 9am on August 15 for the Green Region Awards, honoring individuals and entities working to create a more vibrant and environmentally sustainable region. MORPC will announce the award recipients at the Summit on Sustainability & the Environment on October 3 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, registration is online at www.greenregion.org. The Green Leader Award will recognize an individual or entity exemplifying outstanding leadership and innovation in seeking comprehensive sustainability solutions to address key challenges facing the region. The Green Collaborative Achievement Award will recognize a group of entities or individuals who have shown effectiveness in producing environmental accomplishments through a collaborative effort. Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MORPCawards to submit your nominations or visit www.greenregion.org. Any further questions please contact Brandi Whetstone bwhet...@morpc.org or 614.233.4174.
Implementing MAP-21 – the New Transportation Law
Understanding MAP-21 and gearing up to maximize funding for Safe Routes to School
During the past month, we have been working closely with other national bicycling and walking groups to develop an action plan for the implementation of the new transportation law, MAP-21. We also issued new state-by-state funding charts so you can see exactly how much funding your state will get under Transportation Alternatives, how it will be divided up among metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in your state and how much funding remains to be awarded and obligated from the existing Safe Routes to School program from the prior law, SAFETEA-LU.
We have also issued a call to action for states to fully fund, staff and implement the new Transportation Alternatives program and to fully spend the funds remaining from Safe Routes to School, Transportation Enhancements and Recreational Trails. And, this month, we will release a suite of materials to help advocates appeal to state departments of transportation to take full advantage of Transportation Alternatives. Please join us for two webinars this month on MAP-21, one on the law’s basics (August 13) and the other on Safe Routes to School (August 27).
Also, check out our director, Deb Hubsmith’s, blog for a top 10 list for how Safe Routes to School can survive and thrive under MAP-21.
Safe Routes to School National Partnership
Join us for two free webinars on MAP-21 this month
One on the basics of MAP-21 and one specific to Safe Routes to School
This summer, we have produced a flurry of updates, e-mail announcements and blog posts about the impact of the new transportation bill, MAP-21, on Safe Routes to School, bicycling and walking. We know that amount of information can be daunting as you try to figure out what’s next for your community and your state.
The League of American Bicyclists, the Alliance for Bicycling and Walking and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership are partnering to offer a series of webinars on the implications of MAP-21 for Safe Routes to School, bicycling and walking.
Registration is now open for the first two webinars – see below for the details on each. This is your chance to hear from the national organizations who worked on MAP-21 about the details of the legislation and how you can get involved in efforts in your state to maximize funding for Safe Routes to School, bicycling and walking. Plus, there will be time on each webinar for you to ask questions.
Webinar 1: The ABCs of MAP-21
Monday, August 13, 2012 from 2:00pm-3:30pm EDT
The first of the Navigating MAP 21 webinar series, this session will explain the basics of the new law, what it means for bicyclists and how we can harness the opportunities to fund bicycling and walking projects and programs. Join Caron Whitaker, campaign manager for America Bikes; Randy Neufeld, director of SRAM Cycling Fund; and Darren Flusche, policy director for the League of American Bicyclists and Advocacy Advance.
Register now for the ABCs of MAP-21!
Webinar 2: Navigating MAP-21: The Safe Routes to School Edition
Monday, August 27, 2012 from 2:00pm-3:00pm EDT
This webinar builds on the “Navigating MAP-21” series being held by the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Bicycling and Walking. This webinar focuses specifically on the impact of the new transportation law, MAP-21, on Safe Routes to School, and what you can do to ensure that Safe Routes to School survives and thrives in your community and state. Join Margo Pedroso, deputy director, and Robert Ping, technical assistance director, from the Safe Routes to School National Partnership for this informative session.
Register now for the Safe Routes to School Edition of Navigating MAP-21!
There will be additional webinars in this series, so stay tuned for future announcements.
*Long distance charges apply accordingly if you choose to call in to the webinar.
**Recordings of the webinar will be available after the original broadcasts
RIDES
Glacier Ridge
DAY TIME EVENT DESCRIPTION OPENINGS
Aug 18 Sat 5:00 pm Family Bike Ride Enjoy a 2-mile ride through fields and f
18th annual cookie bicycle ride set
7:10 AM, Aug 15, 2012
FRANKFORT --Organizers of the Tri-County Triangle Trail will conduct the 18th annual cookie bicycle ride Sunday, which can be started any time from 7 to 9 a.m. at Brad Lightle Park in Frankfort. The ride gives cyclists an opportunity to meet other bicycle riders from across the region while enjoying a scenic ride on the trail. The event is well-known for homemade cookies provided by volunteers. To register or for more information, call 740-313-4104, visit www.tricountytriangle trail.org or email in...@tricountytriangletrail.org. http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120815/NEWS01/208150321/18th-annual-cookie-bicycle-ride-set?nclick_check=1
Pelotonia 2012
This weekend, central Ohio unites in the fight against cancer plague
Pelotonia, which will take place again Saturday and Sunday in central Ohio, has grown in just four years to be the largest charity bicycle ride of its type in the country. With 6,100 participants this year, it has exceeded the size of the 33-year-old Boston-area event on which it was modeled… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/08/10/pelotonia-2012.html
Pelotonia: A fundraiser, sure, but it’s a whole lot more
Thursday August 9, 2012 10:52 AM
Before Pelotonia, Tim Madison owned a bike for cruising the neighborhood — but not, as he says, a bike. To support a neighbor who had lost his wife to cancer, the Bexley resident bought his first road bicycle for the inaugural fundraiser yet still didn’t see himself becoming an avid... http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/08/09/a-fundraiser-sure-but-its-a-whole-lot-more.html
More than 6,200 cyclists begin Pelotonia ride today
Saturday August 11, 2012 11:11 AM
More than 6,200 riders started off this morning on a ride that will last some cyclists two days and 180 miles – Pelotonia has begun. Four years after its inception, the ride already has become the largest single-event biking fundraiser in the United States. Winding a new route from... http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/11/day-one-of-pelotonia-begins-with-more-than-6200-riders-10-million.html
Pelotonia 2012 | Pedaling for a cure
Sunday August 12, 2012 10:07 AM
Four years ago, Matt Hare was on death’s doorstep. The Columbus resident, then 25, had multiple myeloma cancer cells in his bone marrow. For weeks, he had been in and out of intensive care. Then he heard about a bike ride being held to raise money for cancer research and a doctor... http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/12/pedaling-for-a-cure.html
Letter: Pelotonia supporters, riders deserve thanks
Wednesday August 15, 2012 3:10 AM
In central Ohio, you can't walk down the street without seeing numerous “One Goal” yard signs. Every fifth car seems to have a green-arrow magnet on the back. And good luck standing on any bike path for more than 10 minutes without seeing numerous Pelotonia jerseys on the riders who pass by… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/08/15/pelotonia-supporters-riders-deserve-thanks.html
SAFETY
Police mistake cyclist for rape suspect, ticket him
By Theodore Decker
The Columbus Dispatch Sunday August 12, 2012 6:03 AM
Columbus police mistook Gregory Phillips for a suspected rapist, handcuffed him as he sat on his bicycle and questioned him in front of a crowd on Sullivant Avenue. But what really makes the Franklinton man angry is that those officers left him 10 minutes later without an apology and ticketed him for riding a bike on the sidewalk. Phillips calls that a cheap shot because he rode up onto the sidewalk to get out of the way of police officers he thought were after someone else… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/12/police-mistake-cyclist-for-rape-suspect-ticket-him.html
Bicyclist Struck On West Broad Street
By: Alex Mazer | NBC4
Published: August 03, 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bicyclist is struck while riding along West Broad Street Friday afternoon. Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s office and Prairie Township medics responded to the intersection of West Broad Street and Darby Creek Drive at about 3:15 p.m. Medics transported the male bicyclist to Grant Medical Center. His condition is unknown, according to deputies. No other information was immediately available. http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/aug/03/bicyclist-struck-west-broad-street-ar-1126384/?sc_cid=CMH-NEWS-8pmDlyNews
One lapse proves costly for bicyclist
Monday August 13, 2012 6:51 AM
The speed bump lived up to its name — reducing my speed with a bump. If only I’d been paying attention, my deceleration might not have been so abrupt: from about 20 m ph to flat on my face in roughly a half-second. If you factor in the tumbling witnessed by my wife, who was following me on a recent Friday, the entire embarrassing, over-the-handlebars display spanned maybe 10 seconds. I don’t remember much… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/08/13/one-lapse-proves-costly-for-bicyclist.html
Pedestrian deaths up in Ohio, nationally
By Kyle Nagel
DAYTON DAILY NEWS Saturday August 11, 2012 6:04 AM
Increases in pedestrian fatalities both nationally and in Ohio have experts concerned that distractions from mobile devices, music or alcohol are equally as dangerous for pedestrians as for drivers. Deaths of pedestrians in traffic crashes increased 4.2 percent (to 4,280) nationally and 9.4 percent (to 93) in Ohio in 2010, according to statistics released this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The exact number of crashes or fatalities involving distracted pedestrians is unknown because their activities are not always recorded, but the increase in devices available for use while walking or jogging has experts urging basic traffic safety… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/11/pedestrian-deaths-up-in-ohio-nationally.html
Distracted driver sent to prison for killing teen
By John Futty
The Columbus Dispatch Friday August 10, 2012 7:17 AM
Daniel R. Jacobs could have received probation for killing a 16-year-old student driver in a crash that investigators blamed on texting behind the wheel. Instead, a Franklin County judge sentenced him to 3 1/2 years in prison yesterday after saying that Jacobs doesn’t understand “the depth and gravity of what you’ve done.” Common Pleas Judge Kimberly Cocroft expressed outrage that Jacobs told the author of a pre-sentencing investigation that a blown left rear tire on his car triggered the crash. “Your distracted driving is the sole reason for this tragedy,” Cocroft told him… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/10/distracted-driver-sent-to-prison-for-killing-teen.html
HEALTH
Ohio 13th-worst in obesity, but all is not lost
By Misti Crane
The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday August 14, 2012 6:43 AM
Another national obesity report, another pile of bad news. More than one-third of American adults and 17 percent of children are obese, according to newly released statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The government released the data (from surveys in 2009 and 2010) yesterday and cautioned that the information was collected in a new way and should not be compared with past figures. Regardless, it points to a continuing obesity crisis in the country, one that is contributing significantly to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/14/ohio-13th-worst-in-obesity-but-all-is-not-lost.html
‘Standing’ desks, mobility efforts energize employees during workday
By Kevin Joy
The Columbus Dispatch Thursday August 16, 2012 9:25 AM
Susan Miller, as she might be found most afternoons, was on her feet. The human-resources executive — who since January has relied on a “standing” desk, with adjustable risers that lift a phone and computer screen to eye level — gushed about a dramatic shift in her mood and productivity. “Instead of having that 2 or 3 o’clock slump, I feel energetic,” said Miller, 43, of the Arena District marketing company Resource, which offers the desk to any employee… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/08/16/office-uprising.html
LOCAL NEWS
Main Street welcomes Piccadilly, roll:
By KELLEY YOUMAN
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday July 25, 2012 10:41 AM
… The first roll: opened in 2005 on Polaris Parkway and another followed on Lane Avenue. Hunter decided to move the Easton roll: location and thought Bexley would be the perfect fit. "We've always enjoyed support from the Bexley community at all of our shops and the Main Street location seemed like a perfect fit," Hunter said. "We're right in the heart of Bexley. I'm thrilled that we made the move…" http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/bexley/news/2012/07/24/bexley-business-ventures-main-street-welcomes-piccadilly-roll.html
Plan could bolster Downtown parking
City considering High Street spaces
By Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch Friday August 3, 2012 7:18 AM
Downtown bus lanes could yield to on-street parking by the end of the year in the heart of Downtown. Columbus Department of Public Service officials are considering a plan to add 120 to 130 parking spaces on High Street between the Franklin County Courthouse and Nationwide Insurance headquarters. Motorists would have to feed meters to use them, of course. The parking was recommended in a 2010 update of the city’s long-range plan for Downtown development. Backers said a decades-old ban on parking along a big stretch of High Street has made the corridor unattractive for retailers because it’s inconvenient for customers. Public Service spokesman Rick Tilton said the city hasn’t finalized its parking recommendations but hopes to install meters and make other changes required for the move by the end of the year. Parking would be added between Mound Street and Goodale Street, but it would be banned from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. during morning and evening rush hours… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/08/03/plan-could-bolster-downtown-parking.html
Letter: More meters would put bicyclists at risk
Friday August 17, 2012 3:10 AM
On Aug. 2, I attended the first and only public meeting held by the city of Columbus regarding the proposal to install parking meters in COTA’s busy Downtown bus lanes on High Street (“Plan could bolster Downtown parking,” Dispatch article, Aug. 3). Though it was the first and only substantive opportunity for public input on this plan, officials made it clear that the decision to install parking meters already had been made and that public concerns or suggestions for alternatives would not be considered. .. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/08/17/more-meters-would-put-bicyclists-at-risk.html
Historical parks volunteer group looking to add new members
LANCASTER -- A group of volunteers that has supported the Fairfield County Historical Parks for more than a decade is looking to expand its membership… http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20120803/NEWS01/208030322/Historical-parks-volunteer-group-looking-add-new-members
Local singer and songwriter plans trail benefit concert
6:50 AM, Aug 17, 2012
MARION — Opossum & Friends will be playing an Autumn Equinox concert on Sept. 22 to benefit the Marion Tallgrass Trail. This 12-mile rail corridor trail being constructed is part of the Marion County Park District and the first local multi-use recreational trail, states a press release. The event will be at the Communications Workers of America Hall at 581 Bellefontaine Ave. The concert starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are available for $15 by calling Doris Schwartz at 740-360-2738 or Dan Sheridan at 740-389-4146… http://www.marionstar.com/article/20120817/NEWS01/208170305/Local-singer-songwriter-plans-trail-benefit-concert?nclick_check=1
City Council approves sidewalk, term waivers
By LORI WINCE
ThisWeek Community News Wednesday August 15, 2012 8:49 AM
New Albany City Council on Aug. 7 approved two waivers: one to exempt a property owner from building a sidewalk on Morgan Road and the other to allow a former resident to complete his term on the city's board of construction appeals. The sidewalk waiver was for resident Bill Resch's new residence on Morgan Road. In lieu of the sidewalk, City Council allowed Resch to pay the city $1,540, which will be put in a fund to make sidewalk connections where needed. Resch's home is one of four structures on the road, Community Development Director Jennifer Chrysler told council. She said the only sidewalk in the area is by the New Albany Church of the Resurrection rectory on the opposite side of the road. She said it is unlikely other sidewalks would be built on the road because it dead-ends at a wetlands sanctuary. City Council approved the waiver per city ordinance 1187.02, which allows "a fee in lieu of construction of a sidewalk and/or trail when the developer has met one of the following conditions: the sidewalk and/or trail construction is impracticable due to topographical conditions or sidewalk constraints; or the sidewalk and/or trails do not exist in the area, there is no likelihood for sidewalks and/or trails to be constructed in the near future and that a fee in lieu would better serve the community than a sidewalk or trail installed at the required location…" http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/newalbany/news/2012/08/14/city-council-approves-sidewalk-term-waivers.html
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Safe Routes to School
New sidewalks should be finished by Aug. 31
By AMY ROGAN
ThisWeek Community News Friday August 3, 2012 6:10 PM
It is not unusual to see someone walking in the grass along North Maple Street from the U.S Route 33 bridge to Amrine Mill Road. Soon those people will have concrete under their feet. Orange cones and barrels are lined up along North Maple Street to make way for sidewalks as part of a Safe Routes to School plan. "Contractors expect to be complete by Aug. 31. The goal is to have all the sidewalks in place by the time school starts," Marysville City Project Engineer Rob Priestas said. "But that's weather-dependent, so there's no guarantee." The city of Marysville is using money from an Ohio Department of Transportation program called Ohio's Safe Routes to School that helps communities develop projects that encourage and help children through eighth grade walk or ride their bikes to school. "There are two completely separate funding projects with two separate funding cycles," Priestas said. "Back in 2010, we submitted the application for the infrastructure we're installing now… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/marysville/news/2012/08/03/safe-routes-to-school-new-sidewalks-should-be-finished-by-aug--31.html
August SRTS E-News
This month's articles include:
- Implementing MAP-21 –the New Transportation Law
- CDC Releases New Vital Signs Report on Walking
- National Partnership Releases CPPW Report
- Final Reminder to Sign Up for Our Free Annual Meeting
- State Network Project News
- Regional Network Project News
- Hawaii Creates New Safe Routes to School Funds
- National Partnership Has Grown to More Than 600 Partner Affiliates
- Highlighted Blogs
- Featured States
http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/enews/august2012
Safe Routes Coaching Action Network Webinar - August 21st (1pm ET)
SRTS In Indian Country Part One: Understanding Program Development Challenges
Presenters:
Katherine Campbell, U.S. Department of the Interior
Michia Casebier, ADOT SRTS Program Senior Planner and President of M.G. Tech Writing LLC
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs in Indian Country are faced with many challenges, including a dispersed school population, special school governance, land jurisdiction, funding structures, health disparities, and distinctive transportation dynamics.
In this sixty-minute webinar, Katherine Campbell, from the U.S. Department of the Interior will first provide an overview of the First Lady's Let's Move! in Indian Country and how the program has teamed up with SRTS in tribal communities. She will also provide essential Indian Country facts, including basic information about schools and programs, tribal nations, and the unique relationship between sovereign tribal nations and the US government.
Michia Casebier, ADOT SRTS Program Senior Planner and President of M.G. Tech Writing LLC, will provide an in-depth look at why SRTS matters in Indian Country and the challenges that SRTS programs in Indian Country face. Although focusing on Indian Country specifically, Michia's presentation will touch on universal issues such as outreach, overcoming obstacles and sustainability.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about SRTS programs in Indian County and how their lessons can translate to success within your own program!
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 https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/430834425
Safe Routes Coaching Action Network Webinar - September 4th (1pm ET)
SRTS In Indian Country Part Two: Success Stories and Lessons Learned
Presenters:
Katherine Campbell, U.S. Department of the Interior
Michia Casebier, ADOT SRTS Program Senior Planner and President of M.G. Tech Writing LLC
Part one of our series on Safe Routes to School in Indian Country provided background on Indian Country in general and challenges faced by many SRTS programs working with Tribal communities.
In part two, Katherine Campbell from the U.S. Department of the Interior and Michia Casebier, ADOT SRTS Program Senior Planner and President of M.G. Tech Writing LLC, will highlight lessons learned from specific SRTS programs in Indian Country and explain some of the strategies that those programs found successful. They will also discuss grants for Tribal SRTS and how to make your program sustainable.
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to learn from the lessons and success of SRTS Programs in Indian Country.
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 https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/641218937
Implementing a Complete Streets Policy: A Four Step Approach
Elizabeth Sliemers, PE
American Public Works Association article written by Beth Sliemers from LJB, Inc. that provides several examples of Ohio transportation projects that accommodate all users and saves money!
Unanimous Approval of Ordinance from Indy Council -- The 28-member Indianapolis City-County Council voted unanimously in favor of a Complete Streets ordinance on August 13. "As Indianapolis continues to grow, it is essential we plan for the safe and mixed use of our streets and sidewalks," said Council President Maggie Lewis. Sponsored by Lewis and Councilor John Barth, the ordinance is the product of a months-long collaboration between public health officials, AARP, bicycle advocates, transportation staff, and community leaders. Columnist Matthew Tully framed the shift to Complete Streets in terms of Indianapolis thinking big about its future, saying, "While [Complete Streets] sounds wonkish, it's actually one of the most important developments to emerge from the council in some time." http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/marion_county/complete-streets-ordinance-would-improve-safety-on-roads?ref=scroller&categoryId=10001&status=true
Bluffton endorses bike task force
By ALLISON BORGELT
Staff writer
BLUFFTON -- Bluffton Village Council approved a resolution Monday endorsing the creation of the Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Task Force. The task force is "charged with making Allen County and its environs more bike and pedestrian friendly," the resolution says. Thom Mazur of the Lima/Allen County Regional Planning Commission requested the resolution, and "I know that members of the Bluffton Pedestrian and Bike Pathway Board have been attending the meetings of the Allen County Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force," Village Administrator Jamie Mehaffie wrote in his report. According to the resolution, the Lima area has a higher number of bicycle and pedestrian crashes compared to similar sized communities. "I believe one of the missions of the task force is to take a look to see what can be done to reduce the number of traffic crashes involving pedestrians and bikers and trying to address that issue," Mehaffie said… http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2012/Aug/14/ar_news_081412_story5.asp?d=081412_story5,2012,Aug,14&c=n
Popularity of electric bikes on the rise
By Tyler Falk | August 2, 2012, 3:13 PM PDT
What’s the world’s best selling electric vehicle?
Trick question. It’s a two-wheeled vehicle, the electric bike. In 2012, 30 million units were sold. However, 92 percent of the world’s e-bike sales come from China. What’s the future of the e-bike in the rest of the world? According to a new report from Pike Research, the market for electric bikes will increase in the coming years even in places where sales have been minimal. This year in the United States, for example, only about 89,000 e-bikes will be sold. But in the next six years sales are expected to triple, increasing to 265,000 in 2018. Worldwide, sales will reach 47 million by 2018, bringing in $12 billion that year… http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/cities/popularity-of-electric-bikes-on-the-rise/4413?tag=nl.e660
Village council concerned for student safety
(by Dedra Cordle, Staff Writer - August 14, 2012)
As kids prepare to head back to school, officials in the village of Urbancrest prepare to address safety concerns. At the Aug. 7 meeting, village council discussed ways to keep children safe as they walk to and from their bus stop. Council members discussed installing more speed limit or cautionary signs to remind motorists that children are in the area… The topic of sidewalks received mixed opinions. Kenneth Skeaton said he has heard from residents who are not in favor of sidewalks because they would cut into their property, but S. Henry Warr said he is in favor of them. “It’s a matter of safety,” said Warr. Warr said when the streets were first developed, they did not think to put in sidewalks because there were so few children and residents. Over the years, that has changed. “We have to be cognizant of the children,” Warr said. “That’s the main thing. Adults can look out for themselves, but kids can’t.” Barnes suggested council conduct surveys to get community feedback on sidewalks then hold a public meeting at a later date. http://www.columbusmessenger.com/NC/0/11811.html
For Bike Advocates, Delayed Gratification
By J. DAVID GOODMAN
Published: August 10, 2012
IT was supposed to be the summer of bike share.
And for Transportation Alternatives, the bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group, it was supposed to be a time to celebrate. A fund-raising party in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn — complete with a choreographed “Bike Ballet” — was set for Aug. 23, a date chosen early this summer and meant to occur long after the bikes had rolled out. The party will go on. But, with Labor Day looming, the city’s bike-share program, to be the largest in the country and once promised for July, has not yet hit the streets… http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/12/nyregion/for-new-york-bike-advocates-delayed-gratification.html?_r=2
Outlook | Trends shaping our world
Sunday August 12, 2012 7:38 AM
Greeks abandon cars for bicycles
The economic crisis in Greece has forced many of its citizens to quit driving and start pedaling. According to the government’s statistics office, the number of cars on Greek roads declined by more than 40 percent in each of the past two years. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/insight/2012/08/12/1-insbrfs-0812-art-gdoine8r-1.html
Past issues are available here: http://www.considerbiking.org/category/newsletters/
Contact Information
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Web site - www.considerbiking.org
Facebook - Facebook Page change to http://www.facebook.com/considerbiking
Twitter - @Consider_Biking http://twitter.com/#!/consider_biking
Biking and Walking Newsletter Editor, Ira S. Weiss - iwe...@insight.rr.com
Consider Biking Staff, http://www.considerbiking.org/contact/ 614-447-8894
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Ira S. Weiss
11735 Eddington
Pickerington, OH 43147