Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition September-October Newsletter
Bob Krzewinski
Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition
September-October 2009 Newsletter
WBWC Meetings
WBWC Board Meetings - WBWC Board meetings are held at the Ecology Center (117 N. Division in Ann Arbor - just north of Huron) on the first Thursday of every month (i.e. September 3rd, October 1st) starting at 7pm. Bicycle (and auto) parking is available right behind the Ecology Center.
For previous WBWC Board meeting minutes, and to see the many activities that the WBWC is involved with, visit http://www.wbwc.org/minutes.htm.
Local News
Tim Pincikowski Memorial Ride
From AnnArbor.com comes this story about the recent WBWC-led Pincikowski Memorial Ride…
Tim Pincikowski's death sent shockwaves through the Ann Arbor-area biking community. And tonight, that community rode in Pincikowski's memory, hoping to promote greater coexistence between cyclists and motorists. The Saline man was heading north on Maple Road near Ellsworth Road in Pittsfield Township when he was struck by a 2002 Dodge Caravan heading in the same direction on July 28. Pincikowski, 45, left behind not only his wife, Lisa, son Michael, daughter Lauren, and parents Ruth and Leonard - but also a biking community that was reminded of its own vulnerability.
In a show of solidarity, about 200 supporters of the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition took part in a symbolic, three-and-a-half mile bike ride - guided by a police escort - from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School to the spot where Pincikowski was killed three weeks earlier. Members of the bicycling community say their goal is to foster greater mutual respect between cyclists and motorists.
On Maple Road, where Pincikowski was killed, the speed limit is 55 miles per hour. That puts a premium on driver awareness on the part of both cyclists and motorists, said Matt Harshberger, director of public safety for Pittsfield Township.
When the bikers reached the site where Pincikowski was killed, Joel Pannozo, a member of the local cycling community, posted a black-and-white sign near the shoulder bearing Pincikowski's name and the date of his death. That sign, along with the ghost bike a quarter mile up the road, are intended to encourage motorists and cyclists to share the road and commute with awareness. When a cyclist dies in an accident, members of the local cycling community lock a white-washed bike to a nearby road sign. The ghost bike tradition started in St. Louis in 2003, "to serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists' right to safe travel." Harshberger said that the ghost bike honoring Pincikowski will soon be relocated to the actual spot of his death.
After the memorial sign was posted, Pincikowski's brother, Scott, gave a short speech and led a moment of silence. After recounting the incident to a rally participant who hadn't heard the story, Scott thanked the crowd and rejoined his family. Scott said he's is planning to start a foundation dedicated to stressing the need for motorists and bikers to share the roadways, and for motorists to give at least three feet to cyclists.
Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal said she hopes his death "puts a human face" on the need for peaceful coexistence between cyclists and motorists. In the near term, Grewal wants to put bike lane road markers on shoulders like the one on Maple Road, as well as signs encouraging motorists to share the road with bikers.
Cyclists hoping for word on whether the driver of the Dodge Caravan would be criminally charged left the rally without an answer. The Pittsfield Township Police Department submitted the results of its investigation last week to Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie, who has yet to decide whether to press charges.
For a YouTube video of the Memorial Ride, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iVK1xDFaP4
WBWC Board & Officer Elections
At its annual November membership meeting, WBWC members will select approximately half the sitting members of the WBWC Board of Directors for a two-year term of office. Then at it’s December meeting, the WBWC Board will select its officers for a one year term of office. If interested in running for either a WBWC Board member, or officer, position, please contact WBWC Chair Pete Hines at phi...@mindspring.com.
WBWC Valet Bicycle Parking
This summer saw the WBWC take part in valet bicycle parking at major local events, including the Ann Arbor Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Summerfest Bike Night, and the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival. Valet bike parking allows a cyclist to simply drop off their bike at a parking station, fill out a claim form, and then have their bike guarded by volunteers.
Both the Art Fair and Heritage Festival valet parking services were widely used, although the Summerfest Bike Night was unfortunately rained out. Plans are being made to repeat the valet parking next year.
Ann Arbor Considers Ban On Cell Phones While Driving
With both cyclists and pedestrians often being the victims of inattentive motorists who choose to pay more attention to their cell phone conversations, or texting, than driving, two members of the Ann Arbor City Council are considering a resolution to ban cell phone usage in the City while driving.
Studies say that drivers using phones are four times as likely to cause a crash as other drivers, and the likelihood that they will crash is equal to that of someone with a .08 percent blood alcohol level, the point at which drivers are generally considered intoxicated. Research also shows that hands-free devices do not eliminate the risks, and may worsen them by suggesting that the behavior is safe. A 2003 Harvard study estimated that cell phone distractions caused 2,600 traffic deaths every year, and 330,000 accidents that result in moderate or severe injuries.
Ann Arbor's RAT! - The Ride Around Town - celebrates effective cycling in a downtown setting. The concept is to provide an alternative to Critical Mass, which may accomplish visibility for bicyclists but, by ignoring the requirement of all road users to provide due care to other road users, also has generated a great deal of negative press for cyclists. Effective cycling isn't always the most efficient style of cycling, but it does promote the right concepts that lead to greater bicycling safety - predictability, providing due care, attention to the rights of others and assertive (as opposed to aggressive) lane positioning.
In early August, the University of Michigan Parking and Transportation Services office (see http://www.pts.umich.edu/alternative_transportation/bicycles.php for their biking web page) held a general meeting on a University bicycle blueprint. The University Record (a publication geared towards U of M staff and faculty) reported the following…
This summer, Parking & Transportation Services (PTS) is assessing ways to encourage and accommodate faculty, staff and student cyclists, as part of an overall strategy to promote alternatives to bringing autos to campus. Covered bike racks, tax credits for cyclists, more bike lockers and a campus center where parts and repairs could be available will be studied, says PTS Executive Director David Miller. "We're trying to keep the demand on parking under control so we don't have to keep building parking structures all over the place," Miller says. "We're researching improvements to support bike commuters and will be looking to put some resources behind it. I want to earmark some parking funds to help fund biking facilities."
An example of such coordination is the university's successful effort to create a bike path along Palmer Field, so cyclists don't have to ride on Washtenaw Road. Gott says her department also worked with PTS to create a Web site where bike rack locations around campus are shown, and continues to work closely with Miller to coordinate a variety of facilities to meet user needs. University Planning also communicates with city government agencies to coordinate connectivity. Miller says currently there are 4,000 racks or loops available on campus for bike commuters, and 21 bike lockers — mainly on the Medical Campus — each able to accommodate two bicycles. The locker cost is $5 per month.
Bike commuters say more covered bike racks would be welcome. One of the new things we've got planned as part of the Thompson Street parking garage addition is converting the old parking office to a covered bike-storage area," Miller says, adding lockers to accommodate 50 bikes also will be added. MCards will be used to access the site. Miller says building managers interested in more bike loops for locking can check the PTS Web site for information. Individual facilities managers can choose to pay out of their respective budgets or submit a funding request to the Office of Budget & Planning External Elements Design Review Committee.
Bike Ypsi recently announced their fall 2009 programs, including a Taco Tour (September 26th - five restaurants, veggie and meaty taco options at each), Big Fall Ride (October 11th – short and longer ride options) and Metro Parks Rides (third Saturday of the month). For more information, visit www.bikeypsi.org.
Michigan News
League Of Michigan Bicyclists Urges Radio Station Boycott
In mid-August, the League of Michigan Bicyclists (www.lmb.org) issued the following open letter boycotting Greater Media radio for their intolerable remarks against bicyclists…
Greater Media’s radio station, WCSX, aired deplorable remarks the morning of August 6, 2009 that encouraged violence against bicyclists. These reprehensible comments not only belittled cyclists for enjoying a healthy legitimate form of transportation, they made reference to Grand Theft Auto, an intensely violent video game where players run over and maim people. Greater Media has failed to take appropriate corrective measures to date. I request that Greater Media immediately publicly retract these statements, as well as publicly censure the employees involved in these appalling comments.
Until they do so, I will not listen to any Greater Media radio station, including Detroit-based WCSX, WRIF, and WMGC. Additionally, I encourage businesses not to support these unacceptable and intolerant views by declining to advertise on any Greater Media station. I also pledge to personally not patronize businesses who advertise with Greater Media until corrective action is taken.
The on air diatribe went on for over eight minutes and at one point even ridicules the use of bike helmets. A sampling of the intolerable comments made by radio hosts Jeff Deminiski and Bill Doyle are:
“How many of us drivers are disgusted with how bicyclists take to the road. … I’m sorry, they’re jerks. I doubt very much that any cyclist would have the gumption to call us, but how many of them have seen a bicyclist and would just LOVE to lob something at their heads? … God forbid we try to get by them! The guy on the bike is doing 19 m.p.h., they won’t get over, … and it is just flat-out arrogance. … OH GOD, you just want to go Grand Theft Auto on them. … Just move over. That’s all I’m saying. … I don’t see why they are so arrogant. They are riding something which against your 4,000 pound vehicle could launch them like an acorn.“
In addition to countless cyclists, both the LMB and the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) have contacted the station and parent company to express their dismay at these reprehensible comments. The League of American Bicyclists have added Jeff Deminski, Bill Doyle and Station Manager Doug Podell to their Trash Talking Website. There you can read a response by LAB President Andy Clarke and find full contact info for Greater Media President and CEO Peter Smyth.
The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports realizes that individuals are busy and can’t always take the time to track down news about what communities across the state are doing to create active living environments. So, to maximize your time and help you stay updated on active living initiatives occurring statewide, the Governor’s Council provides the Active Michigan Communities Newsletter with resources that will help stay connected to all of the active living news and information from around the state. To receive the newsletters via email, contact Sarah Panken at slpa...@michiganfitness.org.
Fall Mid-American Trail & Greenway Conference Held In Michigan
Mark your calendars for October 25th through the 28th as the 2009 Mid-America Trails and Greenways Conference is coming to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Anyone interested in planning, acquiring, building, operating and connecting to trails. Individual trail advocates, federal and state department officials, transportation planners, local government planners, parks and recreation officials, elected officials, landscape architects, engineers, health professionals . . . are all anticipated to be in attendance. Past conferences have attracted 300-400 attendees. For more information, including registration, visit http://www.michigantrails.org/trails-conference.
Michigan Smart Commute Site Helps People Change Habits
A new Michigan web resource has arrived on the scene, complete with tools, information and inspiration to help community leaders encourage residents to 'Smart Commute' (walk, bike, carpool, or use public transit). Created by the Michigan Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, and GreenLite Web Solutions, the MI Smart Commute site offers step-by-step instructions for creating a successful Smart Commute event to show how easy it is to save money, think green, and get fit by using alternative transportation. The user-friendly tools, developed by seasoned Smart Commute coordinators, make it easy for communities to join the movement towards creating a healthier Michigan. To view the website, visit http://www.mismartcommute.org/.
Representatives Tom Petri (R-WI) and Mike Michaud (D-ME) have authored a sign on letter asking Congressman Jim Oberstar to support higher funding for the Recreational Trail Program, including an administrative set aside and study of off-highway fuel use. Please contact your Congress members, and ask them to sign!
Traffic Safety Culture Index
Recently the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety completed a survey on the driving habits of a typical cross section of motorists. They found that…
· 35% of drivers report that driving feels less safe today than it did five years ago.
- Distracted driving, mentioned by 31%, was the most often cited reason.
- Other major reasons that respondents mentioned for feeling less safe driving today than five years ago included aggressive driving and/or road rage (20%) and speeding (15%).
- When asked about their driving behavior in the past month: 67% of drivers reported talking on the cell phone while driving-- 44% reported speeding 15 mph over the speed limit on freeways. 29% reported driving through a light that had already turned red even though they could have stopped safely. 27% reported tailgating another driver when they could have backed off. 24% reported speeding 15 mph over the speed limit on residential streets. 21% of drivers reported text messaging while driving.
Transportation Secretary Calls For Americans To Drive Less
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's writes in a recent blog entry titled "Smart Community Planning, More Transportation Options Lead to Reduced Carbon Emissions" that, "If we want to reduce transportation carbon emissions, we need to reduce the amount of driving we do." Additionally, he calls for communities to have additional transportation choices, such as light rail, fuel-efficient buses, and paths for pedestrians and bicycles that intersect with transit centers. For more on this story, visit http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/07/smart-community-planning-more-transportation-options-lead-to-a-reduced-carbon-emissions.html.
Overweight U.S. States (i.e. Michigan) Lack Bicycle Commuters
The nation's most overweight states have low bicycle commuter populations according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009. Mississippi, Alabama and West Virginia rank as the most obese states with 32.5, 31.2 and 31.1 percent of their populations categorized as obese. Interestingly, only 0.1 percent of Mississippians and Alabamans bicycle commute, while 0.2 percent of West Virginians do. Oregon, the state with the highest bicycle commuting rate, has a 1.7 percentage of bicycle commuters.
Michigan has the 9th highest rate of adult obesity in the nation, at 28.8 percent and the 26th highest of overweight youths (ages 10-17) at 30.6 percent, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The rate of obese adults increased in Michigan for the third year in a row.
Missouri City Passes Bicyclist Harassment Ordinance
In the “wouldn’t this be nice here” news comes this story from Columbia, Missouri…
A bicyclist harassment ordinance passed unanimously at the City Council meeting Monday after nearly an hour and a half of discussion. The ordinance makes harassment of bicyclists — including throwing objects, verbal assault and other offenses — a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine or one year of jail time, the council said.
After the lengthy testimony from citizens and discussion by the council, the ordinance passed with plans to amend it at the July 20 City Council meeting. At that time, the ordinance will be expanded to include other types of pedestrian traffic. The delay in a decision was due to debate over who should be covered under the harassment ordinance. Some council members felt the ordinance should be broader and encompass other types of pedestrian traffic, while others thought protecting bicyclists was important now and the rest could be added later.
Many in the bicycling community showed up to voice their feelings about the ordinance. Twenty individuals, some with children in tow, lined up to wait for their turn at the microphone. All 20 supported the ordinance. Residents cited a number of reasons for their support and shared horror stories from bike riding. The tales ranged from waking up face down in ditches to having ashtrays dumped on their heads. The consensus among supporters was that the ordinance would help protect them on the streets. “Unfortunately, there are people in our community who believe that roads are for automobiles and bicyclists who dare ride on the road should be honked at, yelled at or even have something thrown at them,” PedNet Education Coordinator Robert Johnson said.
The ordinance, which is modeled after similar ordinances in South Carolina and Colorado, makes it a misdemeanor to do the following: throw an object at or in the direction of a cyclist, threatening a cyclist to frighten or disturb the cyclist, sounding a horn with the intention to frighten or disturb a cyclist, knowingly placing a cyclist in the path of physical injury, or knowingly engaging in conduct that creates a risk of death or serious physical injury for a cyclist. Residents who spoke at the meeting said they have experienced all of the above, and those who remained after the deliberation stood and cheered when the ordinance passed.
“If you’ve ever been in a subcompact car and had a semi get on your back bumper and blow the horn, that’s what it was like,” ordinance supporter Steve Epstein said of being tailed by motorists. Before the ordinance passed, the only charge for a cyclist to file against a motorist exhibiting these behaviors was third-degree assault. The new ordinance “fills in the gaps,” Columbia Police Chief Ken Burton said. Although both bicyclist harassment and third-degree assault are Class A misdemeanors, the language of the new ordinance includes actions that do not fall under a third-degree misdemeanor charge.
New York Bike Safety Ads Take A Confrontational Approach
In the early summer, the New York City Department of Transportation, cycling groups and drivers’ organizations started a new campaign aimed at bicycle safety. Called Look, the campaign features posters, postcards, a radio spot and a video ad encouraging people to be more aware of other road users.
The campaign is aimed at both cyclists and drivers and hopes to “increase the culture of respect on city streets,” said Dani Simons, director of strategic communications with the D.O.T. Ms. Simons, who used to work for Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group for cyclists and pedestrians, praised the city’s efforts to increase safe cycling with new cycling lanes and routes but noted that more can be done.
Though some of the campaign’s materials, like a postcard reading, “Helmet hair is beautiful,” are whimsical, the TV ad, which features a bloodied and bruised cyclist being transported in an ambulance, is a graphic reminder that bicyclists are vulnerable on city streets.
The campaign is sponsored by the city’s Bicycle Safety Coalition. The campaign was put together by the New York City Bicycle Safety Coalition, which counts the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission and the New York City Bicycle Messenger Association among its members. The coalition formed in 2006 in response to a 40 percent increase in bicycle fatalities from 2004 to 2005. A recent study [pdf] found that 92 percent of New York City cyclist fatalities resulted from crashes with automobiles. According to the D.O.T., over 3,000 collisions between cyclists and drivers occur each year in New York City.
“Awareness is the biggest issue,” said Leah Todd, a spokesperson with Streets Memorial Project, the group responsible for the white cyclist memorial ghost bikes. Ms. Todd praised the campaign but said her group would like to see more enforcement of traffic infractions that endanger cyclists and pedestrians. She said she knows of three bicycle fatalities so far this year.
The TV ad, shown on major networks often during morning hours, juxtaposes automobile safety terms with close-up shots of the injured cyclist. The words “crumple zone” are superimposed over a shot of the man’s contused ribs, his worn sneakers appear with the phrase “emergency brakes.” The final shot of the man, being wheeled on a gurney into a hospital with his bicycle helmet resting on his lap, is graced by the words “body shop.” The ad fades to black as white text appears, reading: “The best protection a cyclist has is our attention. There is one thing we can all do,” the campaign’s logo appears, reading, “Look.”
The New York ads take a decidedly more confrontational approach, not unlike some of the more striking efforts by the city to curb smoking with ads of the amputee Maria from the Bronx. “That woman sticks with you,” said Ms. Simons, noting that in a media-saturated city, getting out a message often requires a striking campaign. Radio ads voiced by Wallace Wright, a wide receiver and special teams player for the Jets, and outdoor ads round out the campaign. “What the D.O.T. is doing is going in the right direction,” said Bill DiPaola, the executive director of Time’s Up, the environmental nonprofit organization often associated with Critical Mass rides. Mr. DiPaola said he hoped that the campaign would extend to permanent “Share The Road” signs like those used in many other American cities.
“Cycling is improving in the city,” he said. “The more infrastructure and the more signs, we feel in the long run, the streets will be safer and there will be more respect for different kinds of transportation.” Ms. Simons hopes to expand the campaign to focus on cyclist-pedestrian safety this fall, no small issue since cyclists do not always follow the law. The NYC Bicycle Safety Coalition, which has “I brake for bikes” bumper stickers for drivers, is already handing out “I brake for peds,” stickers to cyclists, she said. See the Look commercial at http://www.nyc.gov/html/look/html/home/home.shtml or visit http://bikingrules.org/.
Access Board Issues Accessible Ped Signal Guidance
According to the June 25th edition of the US Access Board's Access Currents, "Product innovations and improved technologies have enhanced the accessibility of pedestrian signals now on the market. Low-volume audible signals and tactile features have been incorporated into the design of products to provide access to pedestrians with vision impairments more effectively. The industry standard, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, includes specifications for accessible pedestrian signals which derive from recommendations developed by a former Board advisory panel, the Public Rights-of-Way Access Advisory Committee.
"The Board has released new guidance on installing these types of pedestrian signals. 'Common Problems Arising in the Installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals' reviews access features of available products, including locator tones, audible and vibrotactile indicators of crossing cycles, and signal volume and explains important considerations in the placement and orientation of signal devices. The low-volume indicators of current products make proper installation essential in order for signals to be effective. The bulletin uses case studies and field evaluations to illustrate various installation 'do's and don'ts' in relation to common site conditions and factors." The publication, which includes an installation checklist and other resources on accessible public rights-of-way are available on the Board's website at http://tinyurl.com/ncogn4.
U.S. Senators Seek a Ban on Texting and Driving
States that do not ban texting by drivers could forfeit hundreds of millions of dollars in federal highway funds under legislation introduced Wednesday in the Senate. Under the measure, states would have two years to outlaw the sending of text and e-mail messages by drivers or lose 25 percent of their highway money each year until the money was depleted.
“Studies show this is far more dangerous than talking on a phone while driving or driving while drunk, which is astounding,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York, one of four Democratic senators to introduce the proposal. Mr. Schumer said the authors were responding to recent studies that have begun to quantify the risks of texting while driving. One study released this week from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that truck drivers face a 23 times greater risk of crash or near crash when texting than when not doing so. (http://www.vtti.vt.edu/whats-new.html#driving-distraction) Research from the University of Utah, which used a driving simulator to study the ability of motorists to multitask, found an eightfold greater risk of crashing when texting. By comparison, Utah researchers showed that drivers using a cellphone to talk face a four times greater risk of crashing, about equal to someone with a 0.08 blood alcohol level, generally the legal limit for intoxication.
Currently, texting while driving is banned in 14 states, including Alaska, California and New Jersey, as well as the District of Columbia. The legislature in New York recently passed such a measure and sent it to the governor for a signature. Regulation of the roadways generally happens at the state level. But the federal government has exerted pressure on the states based on the threat of withholding federal highway funds, as Congress did in 1984 to pressure states to raise the minimum drinking age to 21 years. Mr. Schumer said that the legislation was essentially based on the drinking age law.
The Governors Highway Safety Association, a group that represents state highway safety agencies in every state, opposes texting while driving but does not support the proposed legislation. “We oppose sanctioning states since there is not yet a proven effective method for enforcing a texting or cellphone ban,” an association spokesman, Jonathan Adkins, said. Safety advocates said that such concerns about enforcement were raised about seat belt laws but argued that the value of such laws — even if they could not be enforced all the time — created awareness about the issue and set societal guidelines for the behavior.
Complete Streets Could Help America Lose Weight, Says CDC
Not only are tens of thousands of Americans killed and injured in car crashes every year, not only are countless thousands of others killed and sickened by air pollution caused by motor vehicles -- on top of that, the link between obesity and automobile dependence is increasingly well-documented. As Elana Schor wrote here a couple of weeks ago, "Transportation reform is health reform."
Now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has weighed in with a list of recommendations on fighting obesity in the United States, and 6 of the 24 suggested actions have to do with the creation of "complete streets," one of the major reforms advocates are asking for.
A street with sidewalk extensions and bollards makes for a better walking experience.
In a comprehensive report just released by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a national team of researchers and policy experts is recommending that communities adopt "Complete Streets" policies in their fight against obesity. The authors cite over 100 recent scientific studies to justify their proposed interventions and suggested measurements.
The critical need to create streets that are safe and accessible for physical activity for residents of all ages and abilities has become one of the driving forces behind the Complete Streets movement. Transportation reform in general is also seen by national experts, like the Convergence Partnership and the Living Cities Collaborative, as a cornerstone of more sustainable and equitable neighborhoods.
Despite strong policy recommendations from the Federal Government and many other groups across the country, complete streets cannot be created overnight, because they involve much more than just crosswalks, adequate sidewalks, bike lanes or sharrows painted on the roads. More complex treatments such as traffic circles, pedestrian refuge medians, bollards and curb extensions…which can enhance safety and actually make traffic flow more smoothly, are also needed to encourage walkability.
Web Resources
Motorist Shoots Cyclist – Helmet Stops Bullet
Story about a cyclist who was shot in the head by a driver who didn't like that the rider's son was in a child seat - http://tinyurl.com/mzztpl
Homeless Given Bikes To Find And Keep Jobs
Innovative program started in Chattanooga to aid the homeless - http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20090713/NEWS/307139974
Area Cyclist/Author Talk On Cycling Book
One-hour long video on the Ann Arbor Public Library page of Author Joel Howell who talks about road riding in Washtenaw County - http://www.aadl.org/video/view/3859
How Much Money Can You Save By Commuting By Bike?
If you switch from driving, here's a simple calculator that shows the amount your bank account will benefit each day - http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/bike
Dutch Economy Benefits From Recreational Cycling
Annually over 50 per cent of the Dutch population (which means over 8.5 million people) make a recreational cycling trip. This results in over 200 million cycling trips of one hour or more and approximately 750 million Euro in expenses en route, reports Stichting Landelijk Fietsplatform - http://tinyurl.com/mgh5o5
Active Commuting And Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Article from the Archives of Internal Medicine - http://tinyurl.com/nqx9n8
Safe Routes To School
Report titled “Making A Big Difference Via Small Steps” - Article in the July/Aug. 2009 Public Roads journal of the Federal Highway Administration - http://tinyurl.com/kmkgzp
League of Michigan Bicyclists – www.lmb.org - Lansing office: off...@lmb.org, 888/642-4537
League of Michigan Bicyclists Region (Washtenaw County) Director – Paul Alman, pal...@LMB.org
State of Michigan Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator – Todd Kauffman, 517/335-2918, kauf...@michigan.gov
Next WBWC Newsletter deadline – October 10th, 2009 (for the November/December 2009 edition). Submissions can be sent to Bob Krzewinski at wolv...@gmail.com