Biking and Walking News 9-7-12

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Ira Weiss

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Sep 6, 2012, 3:19:31 PM9/6/12

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Mayor speaking

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Biking & Walking News

Ira S. Weiss, Editor September 7, 2012

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fairfield Heritage Trail Association

Monthly meeting agenda – September 11, 2012 – 6:00 pm

Olivedale Senior Center, Lancaster, OH (Rosedale Meeting Room, basement)

NOTE: AGENDA MAY BE ADJUSTED TO FACILITATE MEETING FLOW

1) CALL TO ORDER

2) APPROVAL OF August 14, 2012 MEETING MINUTES

3) APPROVAL OF THE TREASURER’S REPORT

4) Reports on/discussions oF ONGOING items

a) Safe Routes to Schools

b) Lancaster Trail Update/Signs/Educational Opportunities

c) Johns Trail Update

d) Regional Planning Commission Subcommittee/road signs

5) NEW BUSINESS

a) Graffiti- Peggy M.

b) Dollars for Dan

c) Chase Community Giving Program- Peggy M.

d) Bike Rodeo- Eric

e) Biking Action Alert- Ira and Eric

f) US 22 Bike Lane- Eric

g) Lance Armstrong

6) ADJOURN

www.fairfieldheritagetrail.org

Community Workshop Set

September 19, 2012, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

435 West State Street

Mayor Michael B. Coleman identified the need for the city of Columbus to lift up and restore Franklinton, the City’s birthplace in 1812, in his 2011 State of the City address. The City is progressing with its plans for revitalizing the historic neighborhood. Part of the initiative is the East Franklinton Plan, which calls for changing traffic operation and adding urban design elements to Rich and Town streets.

In conjunction with the Department of Development Division of Planning, the Department of Public Service is working on implementing the following:

• Converting Rich and Town streets to two-way traffic with on-street parking

• Adding bicycle facilities, signage, streetscape enhancements and street lighting

• Incorporating gateway features next to railroads viaducts on Rich and Town streets

• Project limits: Rich Street, Town Street, Belle Street, SR 315 Please join representatives from the city’s Division of Mobility Options and its consulting team on September 19 to learn more about the project.

This workshop will be your opportunity to review items discussed and suggested at the September 5 workshop and see the resulting concepts.

Project Consultant Team: Resource International, EMH&T, MKSK, PolicyWorks.

RSVP: City of Columbus Project Manager Terry Stewart, P.E., TLSt...@Columbus.gov

To RSVP or ask questions:

Terry Stewart, P.E.

Project Manager, Division of Mobility Options

TLSt...@Columbus.gov

Fall 2012 Mid-Ohio Regional Bike and Pedestrian Count

Greetings!

You’re invited to participate in the Fall 2012 Mid-Ohio Regional Bike and Pedestrian Count. The counts will be held on Wednesday, September 26, and will take place from 7am to 9am and from 11am to 1pm. These counts are an important aspect of our ongoing effort to understand bicycling and walking trends in the region. We have over 50 slots to fill, so we would be very grateful if you are able to help. A map of the locations to be counted is here: http://morpc.org/trans/BikePedCount_location_map.pdf.

To sign up, you can either register online here: http://bit.ly/OPkvrs, or contact me directly at jf...@morpc.org or (614) 233-4123. After you’ve signed up, I’ll send you a map for your specific location, as well as the forms and instructions to be used for the count

MORPC Summit on Sustainability & the Environment

MORPC’s Summit Session ‘Advancing Active Transportation Systems to Benefit People and the Planet’ will feature University of Minnesota’s Greg Lindsey. Don’t miss out on the engaging presentations and discussions about the latest environmental sustainability topics. Join the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for central Ohio’s signature environmental conference, the Summit on Sustainability & the Environment, on October 3 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

MORPC is pleased to announce Greg Lindsey, Professor and Executive Associate Dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota as the speaker for the Active Transportation session. Active transportation—or “human powered”--infrastructure is a crucial component in our ongoing quest to improve and protect the environment, local economies, and the health and welfare of those with whom we share the planet. During this session we will explore the positive impacts of trails, as well as examining ways in which key cities are successfully advancing their active transportation agenda.
The cost to register for the October 3 Summit is $75, and registrations can be made at www.greenregion.org. Sponsorships are also still available for this event. Please contact Brandi Whetstone at 614-233-4174, via email at bwhet...@morpc.org or visit www.greenregion.org. Thank you to the following sponsors for their support: Experience Columbus, Resource100, Ltd., RideSolutions, The Ohio State University School of Environment and Natural Resources.

A Great Day to Find Another Way: Car Free Day 2012.

Join MORPC in celebrating Central Ohio Car Free Day on Friday, September 21. Car Free Day is an international event that challenges people to consider and experience the environmental and economic benefits of a variety of travel options, including transit, bicycling, walking and all alternative modes of transportation to meet daily travel needs. Residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to participate in Car Free Day.

Also on September 21, everyday parking spots will be transformed into "Car Free Spots" throughout downtown to demonstrate what our community could be like with fewer cars on the road. By repurposing these parking spots, people who live and work in central Ohio can envision a region with fewer vehicles, reduced congestion and emissions. Interested in hosting a Car Free Spot for your group or company? Learn more here. http://morpc.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2cb2461e42ec60600137325d2&id=766553de95&e=5a65ed972f

Stay updated on this year’s Car Free Day festivities on our Facebook page and learn more about the event at our website. Consider incorporating Car Free Day into your Five Days of Freedom pledge to avoid driving alone in a car for five days of one week. Take the pledge at www.morpc.org/5.

RIDES

Benefit raises $14K for Lancaster business owner

6:28 AM, Sep 5, 2012

Written by

Jeff Barron

The Eagle-Gazette Staff

WANT TO HELP?

People who want to donate money to Peters also can do so through a trust fund set up for him. The address is Sitterley & Vandervoort Law Firm, 123 S. Broad St., Suite 211, Lancaster, OH 43130. Write Dollar for Dan in the memo section of any checks donated.

LANCASTER -- More than $14,000 and counting. That's how much money bicycle riders in Saturday's Dollar for Dan benefit ride have raised so far to help Lancaster Bicycle owner Dan Peters in his fight against cancer. "I am totally shocked," benefit organizer Ron Burris said. "We were hoping for $3,000 or $4,000, but we got this much instead." He said donations still are coming in for Peters, an avid cyclist who started chemotherapy in August. About 100 riders followed the 20-, 40- and 60-mile routes of the Tour de Cause throughout Fairfield County. They pledged $1 per mile with the money going to Peters, 40, to help with medical and other expenses. "It was an emotional day," Burris said. "We were constantly thinking of Dan the whole ride…" http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20120905/NEWS01/209050301/Benefit-raises-14K-Lancaster-business-owner

Cross-country ride raises $10,000 for cancer research

CHILLICOTHE -- John Payne and Stephen Steele had a summer job unlike any other… http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120902/NEWS01/209020301/Cross-country-ride-raises-10-000-cancer-research

SAFETY

Sharing the road, on two wheels and four

By Kate Rousmaniere

Contributing Writer

(Editor’s note: Kate Rousmaniere is an Oxford resident and biking enthusiast.)

With school back in session and the weather at a more livable temperature, there are a lot more bicycles on the road — both in town and out. By Ohio law, bicycle riders have the same rights and duties as drivers, and so both groups need to learn how to live together safely and happily. Here are some best practices for those of us in cars and on bikes. Both cyclists and car drivers must obey traffic signals and stop signs and should ride on the right side of the road. Riding on the left is illegal and dangerous for both cars and bikes… http://www.oxfordpress.com/news/news/local/sharing-the-road-on-two-wheels-and-four/nRMgd/

August 30, 2012

Release #12-264

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 353-4719

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Shimano Recalls to Repair PRO VIBE Bicycle Handlebars Due to a Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: PRO VIBE Carbon bicycle handlebars

Units: About 67

Importer: Shimano American Corporation, of Irvine, Calif.

Manufacturer: Great Go Cycles Inc., of Taiwan

Hazard: The recalled handlebars can break during riding, posing a fall hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled bicycle handlebars, intended for high-end road racing bikes, are compact and drop-shaped . The handlebars are sold separately and they have two labels with "Pro Vibe" logo directly printed on them. The model number appears on the bar code sticker on the packaging and serial numbers are printed on a label inside the tube of the handlebar. The recalled model numbers are: PRHA0099, PRHA0102, PRHA0103, PRHA0105 and PRHA0106. The affected serial codes are: JE028ZG, JE101ZG, JE106ZG, JF081ZG, JF102ZG, JG048ZG, JH006ZG and JH077ZG.

Sold by: Bicycle specialty stores and dealers nationwide from June 2011 through April 2012 for about $370.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using bicycles with the recalled handlebars and contact Shimano for information about obtaining a free replacement from an authorized retailer in their area.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Shimano American Corporation at (800) 353-4719 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.shimano.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12264.html

August 30, 2012

Release #12-271

Specialized Recall Hotline: (877) 808-8154 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Specialized Bicycle Components Expands Recall of Bike Brake Levers Due to Crash Hazard

Name of Product: Bicycle Brake Levers

Units: About 100 (about 600 of the 2010 and 2011 Shiv Modules and 2012 Shiv TT modules were recalled in April 2012).

Importer: Specialized Bicycle Components Inc., Morgan Hill, Calif.

Hazard: The adjuster cap and brake cable can slide out of position and make the brakes non-operational. This can cause a rider to lose control of the bicycle and crash.

Incidents/Injuries: Specialized is aware of one incident worldwide in which the rider lost the function of both brakes. The firm has received no reports of injury or property damage.

Description: This recall includes Tektro TL-83 brake levers sold on 2012 S-Works Shiv bicycle frame modules, 2012 S-Works Shiv TT bicycle frame modules, and sold as aftermarket service parts for these modules. The TL-83 is a version of the TL-720 brake lever, modified with a quick release slot at the top of the lever arm and designed exclusively for use with aerodynamic handlebars (aerobars) sold as original equipment on these modules. They are black aluminum and model number "TL-720" can be read on the side of the lever arm when braking action is applied.

Sold at: Authorized Specialized Bicycle Components retailers from May 2011 to June 2012. The bicycle frame modules sold for between $5,500 and $6,100. The brake levers sold for about $80 as service parts.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding modules equipped with TL-83 brake levers and return the levers or modules to an authorized Specialized Bicycle Components retailer for free replacement brake levers.

Consumer Contact: For more information and to find the nearest authorized Specialized Bicycle Components retailer, contact Specialized customer service between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday at (877) 808-8154 or visit the firm's website at www.specialized.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12271.html

August 30, 2012

Release #12-272

Firm's Recall Hotline:(800) 927-8699

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Meijer Stores Recalls Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard

Name of Product: Various models of Huffy, Iron Horse, Mongoose, Northwoods, Pacific, Razor and Schwinn bicycles

Units: About 68,000

Retailer: Meijer Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Hazard: Pedals on the bicycles can loosen or detach during use, posing a fall hazard to the rider.

Incidents/Injuries: There are 29 reports of pedals detaching or coming loose during use, including 16 reports of minor injuries.

Description: This recall involves two-wheeled youth and adult Huffy, Iron Horse, Mongoose, Northwoods, Pacific, Razor, and Schwinn bicycles measuring 20" or more. They were assembled on-site at Meijer stores by Serv-U-Success of Grandville, Mich. The bicycles were sold between March 2012 and August 2012 and have a Serv-U-Success assembly sticker attached. This recall does not include bicycles with Serv-U-Success assembly stickers written in green marker. The Serv-U-Success assembly sticker is located on the bottom of the bicycle frame between the pedals or on the back of the frame facing the rear tire. A full list of affected models can be found on Meijer's website at http://www4.meijer.com/recall/bikebooklet.pdf.

Sold exclusively at: Meijer stores in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky from March 2012 through August 2012 for between $60 to $300. Bicycles sold at Michigan Meijer stores in Cadillac, Gaylord, Petosky and Traverse City are not included in this recall.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and return them to any Meijer store for a full refund or a replacement bicycle of the same type and value. Consumers will also receive a $10 store coupon.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Meijer at (800) 927-8699 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.meijer.com where a link to recalls can be found at the bottom of the homepage.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12272.html

Bicyclist dies in early morning crash in Marion

12:21 PM, Sep 1, 2012

MARION — A Marion man died early Saturday morning when his bicycle was hit by a car on Fairgrounds Road. The Marion post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that Nathan Smith, 18, was riding west in the eastbound lane of Fairgrounds Road east of Likens Chapel Road at 12:14 a.m. John Kearns Jr., 20, of Marion, headed west on Fairgrounds Road in a 1998 Honda Civic, attempted to pass another westbound vehicle when his car hit Smith’s bike, the patrol said. A press release from the patrol stated that Smith was ejected from the bicycle and the car drove off the south side of the road. The car left the scene but the driver returned later, the patrol said. Smith was pronounced dead at Marion General Hospital. The patrol stated that Smith was not wearing a helmet or other safety equipment at the time of the crash. There was no light or reflectors on the bike, according to the patrol. Kearns was not injured. The crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed. The Marion Township Fire Department and the Marion Police Department provided assistance. http://www.marionstar.com/article/20120901/NEWS01/120901003/Bicyclist-dies-early-morning-crash-Marion?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

Female Cyclist Killed After Being Struck By Vehicle

By: Jason Mays | NBC4
Published: September 04, 2012

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ohio --

A woman is dead after she was hit by a vehicle while riding a bike in Fayette County Monday night. Dispatchers from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office tell NBC4 that a woman has died after being hit by a vehicle Monday night. The crash happened in the 3000 block of state Route 41 at about 8 p.m. The identity of the woman has not been released. No word has been given on if the driver of the vehicle will face charges. For additional information, stay with NBC4 and refresh nbc4i.com. http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/sep/04/female-cyclist-killed-after-being-struck-vehicle-ar-1159655/?sc_cid=CMH-NEWS-9amDlyNews

Fayette County teen killed in bike crash

6:42 AM, Sep 5, 2012

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP -- The investigation is continuing into a Monday night crash that killed an 18-year-old Fayette County resident. According to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, Leah Mootispaw, 18, of Washington Court House, was riding a bicycle in the southbound lane of Ohio 41 NW at just before 9 p.m. Monday when Stephanie Leasure, 28, of Washington Court House, driving a 2002 Ford Escape, failed to see the rider. Leasure struck the rear of the bike, throwing Mootispaw. The crash victim was transported to Fayette County Memorial Hospital and airlifted to Ohio State University Medical Center, where she died early Tuesday. Preliminary reports indicate there was no illumination on Mootispaw's bike that would have made her more visible to motorists. Members of the Sheriff's Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit are investigating. http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120905/NEWS01/209050324/Fayette-County-teen-killed-bike-crash

OSU Student Hit By Dump Truck While Riding Bicycle

An 18-year-old student is hospitalized when his bicycle was hit by a dump truck on the Ohio State University campus Wednesday afternoon.

By: Denise Yost | NBC4
Published: September 05, 2012
Updated: September 05, 2012 - 7:35 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio --

An 18-year-old student is hospitalized when his bicycle was hit by a dump truck on the Ohio State University campus Wednesday afternoon. The crash occurred near a construction site across from 148 Woodruff Ave. at about 2:47 p.m. According to Ohio State police, officers received a call that a bicyclist had been struck by a dump truck. The bicyclist, an 18-year-old male student at The Ohio State University was transported to The Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University. A witness toldNBC4that the dump truck hit the bicyclist who was riding on the sidewalk. The witness said the dump truck driver did not appear to realize what happened, and drove over the bicyclist. Nearby students stopped the dump truck and alerted the driver to the crash. Ohio State police and Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating… http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/sep/05/3/osu-student-hit-dump-truck-while-riding-bicycle-ar-1161506/?sc_cid=CMH-NEWS-8pmDlyNews

Construction truck strikes Ohio State student biker

By Kristen Mitchell and Lindsey Barrett

mitche...@osu.edu and barre...@osu.edu

Published: Thursday, September 6, 2012

Updated: Thursday, September 6, 2012 01:09

Police investigate the scene of an accident Wednesday afternoon after an 18-year-old student was struck by a construction truck while riding his bike on North Campus. A crowd of about 100 students stopped to watch as an 18-year-old student was taken away in an ambulance after a cycling accident Wednesday afternoon near a campus construction site. One witness, Xiao Yue, a first-year in finance, said the cyclist was riding his bike near a construction site off Woodruff Avenue, when he was struck by a truck backing out of the site. She said the Monesi Trucking vehicle paused for a few seconds after striking the student, then continued to back up the vehicle. Yue said the student who had been struck was screaming, and bystanders in the area yelled for the driver to stop. An ambulance arrived shortly after and took the cyclist away.
Deputy Chief Richard Morman said Ohio State Police was notified of the incident at 2:47 p.m. Morman said that an 18-year-old OSU student was riding his bike when he was struck by a dump truck across the street from 146 Woodruff Ave… http://www.thelantern.com/campus/construction-truck-strikes-ohio-state-student-biker-1.2893359#.UEjPapbLnd5

Texting while driving ban starts with warnings today

COLUMBUS -- People who text or fiddle with other hand-held electronic devices while driving anywhere in Ohio will be breaking the law beginning today… http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/viewart/20120831/NEWS01/208310311/Texting-while-driving-ban-starts-warnings-today

HEALTH – Nothing this issue

LOCAL NEWS

So to Speak

Bad driving easy to explain

Tuesday September 4, 2012 7:13 AM

An insurance company has determined that Columbus has a lot of bad drivers — a fact that will surprise no one who drives in Columbus… Let’s review some of the reasons we struggle to drive well:… Sensory inputs: Central Ohioans have instant reactions to certain stimuli… Bicyclists incite the shouting of imaginary traffic laws (“Get on the sidewalk, where you belong!”)… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/09/04/bad-driving-easy-to-explain.html

Columbus Academy graduate has become one of the best women triathletes in the world

By Blake Williams

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Monday September 3, 2012 6:09 AM

After an arduous hour in the water, Meredith Kessler has swum the equivalent of the Olentangy River from Lane Avenue to Goodale Boulevard. She still has at least eight taxing hours of biking and running left in her day, but she can’t think about that… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2012/09/03/going-the-distance.html

Sept. 11 meeting

Popa to discuss Tamarack Circle changes

By KEVIN PARKS

ThisWeek Community News Wednesday September 5, 2012 9:04 AM

A city official is scheduled to be on hand at the next Forest Park Civic Association meeting to discuss what the organization's president referred to as a "seismic shift" in the traffic pattern for Tamarack Circle. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 5100 Karl Road. Nick Popa, bikeways and community mobility manager with the Columbus Department of Public Service, will be the guest speaker, according to Mike Stone, civic association president. "He will present information, listen to feedback and take some questions," Stone wrote in an email announcing that Popa had accepted an invitation to city officials to address confusion resulting from the changes to Tamarack Circle. "I would encourage any resident with questions or concerns to attend." As part of a repaving project at one of the main arteries in the Forest Park area, bike paths were added to the circle, as anticipated. What had not been foreseen was the addition of striping for parking spaces on the outer lane of Tamarack Circle. Parking apparently had never been prohibited there but, by past practice of motorists, the lane was used as for travel… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/northland/news/2012/09/04/sept--11-meeting-popa-to-discuss-tamarack-circle-changes.html

Karl Road improvements to be discussed

Wednesday September 5, 2012 9:02 AM

A meeting about proposed improvements to Karl Road between East Dublin-Granville and Schrock roads is scheduled from 6-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, at Alpine Elementary School, 1590 Alpine Drive. * The proposed project includes: * Replacing existing pavement, curbs, curb ramps and sidewalks… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/northland/news/2012/09/04/karl-road-improvements-to-be-discussed.html

White and Orders roads

Public meeting set to discuss money for two road projects

By MARK DUBOVEC

ThisWeek Community News Wednesday September 5, 2012 10:34 AM

Grove City and Jackson Township officials will meet next week to discuss seeking state money for a pair of road projects. From 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, a public meeting will be held at the Jackson Township Administration Building, 3756 Hoover Road, to discuss the reconstruction projects on White and Orders roads. The White Road project, which is now in its third phase, will see the road's reconstruction from McDowell Road to Hoover Road. It includes widening the road and adding a curb and gutter, a closed storm sewer system, street lighting and a sidewalk. The cost of construction is estimated to be $2.2 million... http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/grovecity/news/2012/09/04/white-and-orders-roads-public-meeting-set-to-discuss-money-for-two-road-projects.html

Knox County Trail Updates

Here are the latest updates concerning our special trail system:

Kokosing Gap Trail: Columbus Outdoor Pursuits will host the 24th annual Knox County Bicycle Challenge on September 22nd on the Kokosing Gap Trail. Click here for details. Contact Gary Schmidt for more information at 614-657-9669 or gtsc...@wideopenwest.com .

Heart of Ohio Trail: Centerburg Lions Club will host their annual 5K race on September 15th. Registration that day will begin at 7:30 am, with the race starting at 8:30 am. Registration will take place in Memorial Park, in front of the brick building near the bike trail and State Route 314.

Kokosing Water Trail: Stay tuned! We'll announce exciting news concerning the Kokosing Water Trail in next month's e-newsletter. 　

Kokosing Gap Trail Bollard Upgrade Completed

Users of the Kokosing Gap Trail will notice that the center yellow post (bollard) at road intersections has changed. The large metal posts were removed, and a smaller, flexible plastic bollard was installed. The rules of the trail do not change - STOP at all road intersections along the trail. Additionally, use good trail etiquette when enjoying the trail, whether on foot, rollerblade or bike! Thanks to the Kokosing Gap Trail Board for their efforts in replacing the bollards.

Marion Tallgrass trail makes outdoors accessible

6:58 AM, Sep 3, 2012

With the craziness and the constant hustle of everyday life, do you ever have a moment when you feel like all you want to do is turn off the TV, put down the smartphone that you are probably reading this on, and just escape to a place of peace and quiet? Maybe even a place of nature?... http://www.marionstar.com/article/20120903/NEWS01/209030302/Tallgrass-trail-makes-outdoors-accessible

Lancaster Avenue

Repaving should end in October

By Pamela Willis

ThisWeek Community News Wednesday September 5, 2012 12:03 PM

Construction crews will begin drilling this week to inspect the concrete base beneath Lancaster Avenue for stability before starting to repave the road. City Engineer Matt Lambert said the repaving will stop at the Reynoldsburg city limit just south of Broad Street. "We expect to have all the repaving done on Lancaster Avenue by early October, although there will be some cleanup work after that," he said. The city bid out the project and awarded the bid to Columbus Asphalt for approximately $1,032,000, Lambert said. He said there will be intermittent lane closings on Lancaster Avenue during the paving project, but crews will be working only during regular daytime hours. Lancaster Avenue was closed for an extended time Aug. 28 after Columbus Asphalt workers hit and ruptured a natural gas line at the intersection with East Main Street. Lambert said that occurred around 1 p.m… http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/reynoldsburg/news/2012/09/05/lancaster-avenue-repaving-should-end-in-october.html

Bicycle clinic a success for Reynoldsburg church

(by Alicia Ritchey, staff writer - September 05, 2012)

When Pastor David DeYanni started a bike clinic at Vineyard Community Church, he had no idea how successful the program would become. Now, at any given time, a dozen bicycles rest outside one of the garages on the church’s property – some waiting repair, while others donated by community members. “We had a few guys who know a lot about bicycles and they offered to do this as a community service,” he said. “So we just got together and planned how we could do it and then offered it, and it took off.” Bicycle enthusiasts can find a wealth of resources at the bike clinic, held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at the church, located at 15187 Palmer Road in Reynoldsburg. The program offers everything from light bicycle repair to educational opportunities and will run through October. “The clinic offers basic bike maintenance, repairs and safety checks for anyone who brings a bike to us, at no charge,” said John Conley, a senior mechanic and Vineyard member. The program is sponsored by roll: Polaris, a local bike shop. Free bicycles also are given to those in need. “We have been getting a lot support from our church members and the community,” DiYanni said. “We get bicycles donated throughout the month. This is our second year doing this and so far we have given away or repaired about 100 bicycles.” He said volunteers enjoy helping a certain group in particular. “We especially like to help out young children, since we have a lot of the small 20-inch bicycles to give away,” he said. Services available include:… http://www.columbusmessenger.com/NC/0/11896.html

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL

FROM KATE MOENING

Hello, All! Here are a few great opportunities in Ohio related to the Ohio Safe Routes Network:

1) FACEBOOK IS HERE! The Ohio Safe Routes Network Facebook page is UP! Give it a “like” and keep up-to-date on information, news and opportunities! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Safe-Routes-Ohio-Network/515382951810443?ref=hl#!/pages/Safe-Routes-Ohio-Network/515382951810443

2) NEXT NETWORK MEETING: If you have not yet RSVP’d for the Ohio Safe Routes Network Meeting on Wednesday, September 12, please email Kate at ka...@saferoutespartnership.org. Can’t make it? Please email your comments on the DRAFT Ohio Safe Routes Action Plan to me by Monday, September 10.

3) TRAINING OPPORTUNITY: The City of Oregon, Ohio and Safe Kids Greater Toledo have received a "Walk This Way" grant from Safe Kids USA and FedEx. A nationally recognized pedestrian safety expert will facilitate a 2-day training on walking audits and how to identify infrastructure projects related to pedestrian/cycling safety near schools. Registration for this FREE training is being opened to the other communities, and is scheduled for Oct. 11-12, 2012 - contact Gina Veres at mailto:gina....@promedica.orgfor details and to register!

4) Clif Kids/Walk to School Day Kits: LET’S MAKE OHIO #1! If you know of schools conducting Walk to School Day events in October, have them order a Walk to School Day Kit, courtesy of Clif Kids and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership! The kit includes a banner, education materials, reflective stickers and 250 Clif Kid bars to use at the event! (By ordering a kit, the school contact agrees to I commit to holding a Walk to School Day event in October 2012 and to complete a short survey about their event.) Contact Kate at ka...@saferoutespartnership.org with a School Contact Name, School Name, Shipping Address, City, State, Zip, and Contact Email by September 12 to register! Limited supply – email today!

5) MINI-GRANT OPPORTUNITY: The Child Injury Action Group (CIAG) of the Ohio Injury Prevention Partnership (OIPP) is excited to announce the availability of mini-grants in the amount of up to $2,000 each. Grants will be used to implement policy, environmental, or systems change related to one of the following priority areas: Teen driving, Infant sleep-related suffocation, Bicycle and wheeled sports helmets, Sports-related TBI (traumatic brain injury), and child passenger safety . The proposal can also be downloaded from the CIAG website http://ohiociag.org/ under the Grants tab and are due October 15, 2012. Questions can be directed to Elizabeth Fries at elizabe...@health.co.union.oh.us or 937-642-2053.

Feel free to pass along this information, as well as my contact information, to anyone you feel would be interested in it or in joining the Ohio Safe Routes Network!

September SRTS E-News

This month's articles include:

National Partnership Releases Air Quality Report
Implementing MAP-21 –the New Transportation Law
Supporting Your Efforts This Fall with Clif Kid
Safe Routes to School National Conference to Be Held in Sacramento
State Network Project News
Regional Network Project News
Regional Network Project News
Two New Complete Streets Resources
Highlighted Blogs
Featured States

http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/resourcecenter/enews/september2012

Safe Routes Coaching Action Network Webinar - September 25th (1pm ET)

The Community Connection: School Travel Plans and Building Community Support

Presenters:

Julie Walcoff, Ohio Department of Transportation

Carmen Burkes, Cincinnati Public Schools SRTS Program Director

Jacqueline Fischer, Executive Director, Ottauquechee Community Partnership, Healthy Youth Healthy Communities

School travel plans can provide a road map for schools to build successful walking and biking programs and also strengthen community support for Safe Routes to School. Travel plans include observations and ideas for addressing the five E's of Safe Routes to School-Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Evaluation, and Engineering. In this webinar we will learn about two different approaches to travel planning, starting at the school district level in Ohio contrasted with a small town approach in Vermont. Both cases demonstrate the value of engaging the larger community during the planning process.

Julie Walcoff, from the Ohio Department of Transportation, will open the webinar with a description of how the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) successfully developed and piloted a district-wide travel plan approach with the Cincinnati Public Schools. This model translated the traditional SRTS School Travel Plan concept to large school districts (20+ schools). Carmen Burkes, from the Cincinnati Public School System, will explain how critical the community participation was to the process and the tools the team used to engage the community.

We will then hear from Jacqueline Fischer, Executive Director, Ottauquechee Community Partnership, Healthy Youth Healthy Communities. Ms. Fischer will share her organization's experience participating in the School Travel Plan process with Woodstock Elementary School, as part of the school's first year of Safe Routes to School participation. We will learn how the school planning team gained the interest and involvement of students, parents and community partners. And, building on increasing community-wide awareness of walking and biking issues, how the School Travel Plan is helping to make walking and biking to school not only a regular part of school life, but a bigger part of the Village's culture as well.

Join us to learn more how to successfully make school districts of every shape and size more Safe-Routes-to-School-friendly.

For more information contact Michelle Gulley at: mgu...@americawalks.org REGISTER NOW: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/666821241

New Feature of SRTS Data System Expands Data Reporting Capabilities

Understanding changes in walking and bicycling to school just became easier for communities that use the National Center for Safe Routes to School’s data system. A new reporting feature makes comparing data on walking and bicycling to school from the beginning of a program to any subsequent time that data were collected an automatic process.
“We are particularly pleased to be adding this feature, which is designed to both produce comparison reports and provide an explanation that helps interpret these findings,” said Lauren Marchetti, director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School. “It automatically calculates the significance of changes and provides that information as part of the report.”
The Data System, which is free to use, offers communities Parent Surveys in multiple languages, Student Travel Tally questionnaires, and reports that summarize those data. If a local Safe Routes to School program has collected Student Travel Tally questionnaires for the same school more than once, the Data System now offers the option to create a report that directly compares student travel data from two data collection periods. For example, if a school collected Travel Tallies in April 2011 and again in March 2012, a report can be created that uses tests to determine whether any increases or decreases in student travel modes between April and March were statistically significant—e.g., the change was too great to be attributable to chance.
The Student Travel Tally and the Parent Survey questionnaires yield information about students’ school travel patterns and parents’ perceptions of walking and bicycling to school. Local programs at more than 6,350 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have used these resources to gather and study information about student travel modes.
The online Data System offers local Safe Routes to School Programs a mechanism for storing, retrieving and creating summary reports of the Student Travel Tally and Parent Survey questionnaire data they collect. To learn more about the data services offered by the National Center, please visit www.saferoutesinfo.org/data-central.

OTHER NEWS

Game plan: September

As season winds down, it’s time for bargains on summer stuff

Sunday September 2, 2012 7:12 AM

BUY IT NOW

Pedal pushers

Christmas and summer are the two big seasons for bicycle sales, and it’s easy to see why. Kids always love getting bikes for Christmas, and everyone loves to get out on the two-wheelers when the weather warms up. By this time of year, however, few people want to buy a new bike. And that spells trouble for retailers, who know that the industry’s annual trade show, Interbike, is coming in October and that the time to sell remaining stock is right now, which means discounts are expected this month… http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2012/09/02/game-plan-september.html

Half a gigameter of biking navigation in 12 countries in Google Maps for Android — (Cross-posted on the Official Google Blog) — Whether you're a seasoned century rider or a casual beach cruiser, finding the best biking routes can be a challenge. That's why today we're bringing mobile … http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/08/half-gigameter-of-biking-navigation-in.html

New bike from NeilPryde, BMW: clever design cross-pollination

By Reena Jana

September 2, 2012, 1:57 PM PDT

A sleek new bike frame is always exciting news to cycling fans. But in the case of NeilPryde's latest release, it also illustrates the beauty of applying existing design knowledge across industries.,, http://ct.smartplanet.com/clicks?t=1150035198-c783eaf6e01054a368c09ee456387ac4-bf&brand=SMARTPLANET&s=5

Is this the strangest bike concept ever?

By Tyler Falk | September 3, 2012, 7:13 PM PDT

This year we’ve seen an overabundance of bike concepts aimed at urban commuters. At SmartPlanet alone we’ve looked at a folding e-bike, an ultra-light e-bike, a super-thin bike for a small apartment, a wooden bike, a glowing bike, and a bike with a reimagined basket, and, of course, the “bicycle of the future.” But they’re all designed with basic bicycle concepts intact: a handlebar, pedals, gears, two-wheels, and a seat… http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/cities/is-this-the-strangest-bike-concept-ever/5009?tag=nl.e660