February 2012 - Bikeboard - lists.cheatlakeclear.org

February BB Minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 12 Feb '12

12 Feb '12

Please enjoy the attached minutes of the February BB meeting. And stay warm! Betsy

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Fwd: Please take action TODAY to save walking and biking! This is a urgent.
by Frank Gmeindl 10 Feb '12

10 Feb '12

Have you acted to keep congress from eliminating funding for Safe Routes to School, Transportation Enhancements, etc.? Begin forwarded message: > From: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > Date: February 10, 2012 9:49:43 AM EST > To: Bill Reger-Nash <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Bob Anderson <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Christiaan Abildso <cgabildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Dan Harris <harrisda(a)wvuhealthcare.com>, David Small <dsmall1(a)mix.wvu.edu>, Dwight Harshbarger <dwight.harshbarger(a)gmail.com>, George Lilley <mgranlil(a)frontier.com>, Ilana Chertok <ichertok(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Jan Derry <jderry(a)nwvcil.org>, Jimmie Simmons <Jsimmons2642(a)yahoo.com>, Margaret Stout <Margaret.Stout(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Maria Smith <mariasmith(a)busride.org>, Martha Summers <msummers(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Mary Gutmann <maryg1010(a)comcast.net>, Michael Graham <migraham(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Regina Mayolo <reginam(a)verizon.net>, Sarah Bias <sarahbias(a)gmail.com>, Stan Cohen <Stanley.Cohen(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Tom Bias <tbias(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Angela Wiley <wileya120(a)gmail.com>, Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, Claire Chantler <cchantler(a)nwvcil.org>, Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, Hugh Kierig <Hugh.Kierig(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Jim Rye <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org>, Josh Woods <joshua.woods(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Kevin Leyden <Kevin.Leyden(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Maria Brann <Maria.Brann(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Matt Cross <crossnyc(a)hotmail.com>, Melody Thomas <mthoma29(a)mix.wvu.edu>, Michael Simms <michael.d.simms(a)gmail.com>, Mike Breiding <mike(a)EpicRoadTrips.us>, Nick Hein <info(a)positivespin.org>, Roy Nutter <roy.nutter(a)mail.wvu.edu> > Subject: Fw: Please take action TODAY to save walking and biking! This is a urgent. > Reply-To: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > > All - > I added a paragraph at the beginning of the form text that I hope helped it hit home, feel free to use in whole or in part: > "A quick piece of local data: 20% of roadway miles in Morgantown are state or federally-maintained and funded. Roughly 66% of all pedestrian-vehicle accidents in Morgantown occurred on or along these roads. They are dangerous by design, making hazardous the daily commute for the roughly 20% of Morgantown residents that walk or bike as their primary mode of transportation. We MUST support non-motorized transportation. West Virginia is among the 5 lowest states in proportion of federal highway funding spent on pedestrian and bicycle facilities (roughly 0.6% - yes just more than half of one percent)!!! Please help support active transportation, a critical component to make the WV Physical Activity Plan a reality in saving our state's health." > For facebookers...please find a way to post. > Thanks > Christiaan > > Walk more, safely > > Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board > Christiaan Abildso, Chair > Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair > http://www.morgantown.com/ped-safety-board.htm > > ----- Forwarded Message ----- > From: "America Walks - Scott Bricker, Executive Director" <sbricker(a)americawalks.org> > To: walkmgw(a)yahoo.com > Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2012 2:00 PM > Subject: Please take action TODAY to save walking and biking! This is a urgent. > > > Please TAKE ACTION and contact your Representative and Senator TODAY to Protect funding for Walking and Biking! > Dear Christiaan, > > Some are calling the draft multiyear transportation bill being considered in the U.S. House of Representatives "the worst bill ever." > > We are asking Representatives to oppose the House transportation bill. Despite the fact that walking and bicycling infrastructure is a low-cost investment that creates more jobs per dollar than any other kind of highway spending, the House bill eliminates dedicated funding for walking and bicycling and repeals the Safe Routes to School program. > > The current Senate transportation bill dilutes walking and bicycling funding and programs like Safe Routes to School. It gives your state DOT the power to decide whether or not to make any funding available for these critical programs. > > To improve the bill, we are asking Senators to vote for the bi-partisan Cardin-Cochran amendment on the floor to guarantee local governments a voice in transportation decisions, allowing them to build sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways that keep people safe. This vote will take place early next week, so please take action now! > > By clicking the "Take Action" button, you can easily contact both your Senators and Representative in one simple step. > > Help spread the word! Forward this email. > Supporting walking and biking infrastructure and programs like Safe Routes to School have numerous benefits. Public Health organizations, community members, and businesses also benefit from the success of walking and biking initiatives. Contact your local county commissioners, public health organizations and local business leaders and ask them to call or write Senators and Representatives. > > Thank you for supporting walking and biking. > > Sincerely, > > Scott Bricker, Executive Director > America Walks > > Support our work with a donation > > Home l Endorse our vision statement > > Connect on facebook Follow us on twitter > > America Walks PO Box 10581 Portland OR 97296 703.738.4889 > > > Forward email > > This email was sent to walkmgw(a)yahoo.com by sbricker(a)americawalks.org | > Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. > America Walks | PO Box 10581 | Portland | OR | 97296 >

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Re: [Bikeboard] BB mapping team
by Derek Springston 10 Feb '12

10 Feb '12

Frank and others, - I definitely agree with including: Chet, Danielle, Ryan, Gunnar, Frank, Derek. - Alice, do you still want to be on the committee? - Others that have attended in the past or have been copied on emails include: Damien, Hugh, Don Spencer, Chip, and Nick. I've copied them in order to get their input on whether they'd still like to help us out. - I also copied the entire Bike Board (which may cause a duplicate email for some of you) and would like to request that anyone who is interested in helping or would like to receive the Mapping Team emails, let us know! - Anyone else need to be included? I just prefer not to flood other folks emails if they don't want them. Thanks Frank for starting this email to get our team roster updated! :) ~Derek On Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 8:16 AM, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net>wrote: > Mapping Team Members, > > Please copy all Mapping Team members on correspondence concerning the > Mapping Team. (When in doubt, copy the Team.) This will reduce confusion. > AFAIK, following are the Mapping Team Members. Please correct me if I'm > wrong. > Chet Parsons <chetparsons(a)gmail.com>, Derek Springston < > dspringston(a)gmail.com>, Danielle Williams <dwilliams(a)labyrinth.net> (Team > Leader), Ryan Post <rpostwvu(a)gmail.com>, Gunnar Shogren < > gshogren(a)gmail.com>, Alice Vernon <vernon.mail(a)gmail.com>,Frank Gmeindl < > frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> . > > > Frank D. Gmeindl > Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board > LCI #1703 > 491 WilsonAvenue > Morgantown, WV 26501 > 304-376-0446 > *Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles* > > > > -- *Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. -'Abdu'l-Baha* ** ** *“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells*

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Re: [Bikeboard] Mileground/705 comments
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Feb '12

08 Feb '12

Christiaan, Superlative comments! You've included all the relevant objective evidence that is so convincing that 4L(B) is the better alternative. I am also grateful for your including our recent discussions about lane width but don't think 10-foot inner lanes and 11-foot outer lanes is a good idea. (Your point #6.) First, for bicyclists and motorists to travel safely side-by-side within the lane, the lane must be 14-feet wide or wider (8-feet for MV + 3-feet space between MV and bicycle + 3-feet for bicycle = 14-feet). An 11-foot outside lane will only encourage motorists to try to squeeze by cyclists who hug the right edge. In discussions with you and the Pedestrian Safety Board, I've advocated for all travel lanes to be 10-feet wide to slow traffic and to discourage motorists from squeezing by cyclists but we don't have consensus on that. Another part of my rationale for 10-foot travel lanes is that they would free up 4-feet for an additional sidewalk within the current ROW. Since you're advocating for sidewalks on both sides with a green space buffer between the sidewalk and the travel lane (with which I strongly agree), advocating for two different lane widths can call your competence into question. If you're not going to advocate for all 10-foot travel lanes with firm justification, I'd leave it alone. Also, the sign is R4-11, Bicycles May Use FULL Lane. This is specified in the 2009 MUTCD. Section 9B.06 Bicycles May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part9/part9b.htm > Section 9B.06 Bicycles May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) > Option: > 01 The Bicycles May Use Full Lane (R4-11) sign (see Figure 9B-2) may be used on roadways where no bicycle lanes or adjacent shoulders usable by bicyclists are present and where travel lanes are too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side. > 02 The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane. > 03 Section 9C.07 describes a Shared Lane Marking that may be used in addition to or instead of the Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane. > Support: > 04 The Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC) defines a "substandard width lane" as a "lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the same lane." Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles On Feb 8, 2012, at 9:00 AM, Christiaan Abildso wrote: > Transportation Commission colleagues - > I had the pleasure of encountering David making a Pop Tart run this morning as I was loading up on caffeinated treats. The encounter reminded me that I wanted to share with all of you the comments I made re: Mileground/705 project via the DOT website. I would also like to make a clarification re: my letter to the editor from yesterday. I did NOT send it as the PSB chairman, simply from my personal account without any identification of my PSB role...the letter was not vetted or approved by the PSB. > > Please find attached a long list of points from which I picked a few for the DOT submission...enjoy! Two resources used were > 1) the consultant's report (Entran) about the Mileground:http://www.plantogether.org/documents/plan/MilegroundRoadReport.… > 2) DOT page for comment: > http://www.transportation.wv.gov/highways/engineering/comment/wv705connecto… > > Thank you all for making the TC an enjoyable experience. > Christiaan > <mileground comments.txt>

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Re: [Bikeboard] Mileground comment points
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Feb '12

08 Feb '12

Christiaan, Superlative comments! You've included all the relevant objective evidence that is so convincing that 4L(B) is the better alternative. I am also grateful for your including our recent discussions about lane width but don't think 10-foot inner lanes and 11-foot outer lanes is a good idea. (Your point #6.) First, for bicyclists and motorists to travel safely side-by-side within the lane, the lane must be 14-feet wide or wider (8-feet for MV + 3-feet space between MV and bicycle + 3-feet for bicycle = 14-feet). An 11-foot outside lane will only encourage motorists to try to squeeze by cyclists who hug the right edge. I've advocated for all travel lanes to be 10-feet wide to slow traffic and to discourage motorists from squeezing by cyclists but we don't have consensus on that. Another part of my rationale for 10-foot travel lanes is that they would free up 4-feet for an additional sidewalk within the current ROW. Since you're advocating for sidewalks on both sides with a green space buffer between the sidewalk and the travel lane (with which I strongly agree), advocating for two different lane widths can call your competence into question. If you're not going to advocate for all 10-foot travel lanes with firm justification, I'd leave it alone. Also, the sign is R4-11, Bicycles May Use FULL Lane. This is specified in the 2009 MUTCD. Section 9B.06 Bicycles May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part9/part9b.htm > Section 9B.06 Bicycles May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) > Option: > 01 The Bicycles May Use Full Lane (R4-11) sign (see Figure 9B-2) may be used on roadways where no bicycle lanes or adjacent shoulders usable by bicyclists are present and where travel lanes are too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side. > 02 The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane. > 03 Section 9C.07 describes a Shared Lane Marking that may be used in addition to or instead of the Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane. > Support: > 04 The Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC) defines a "substandard width lane" as a "lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the same lane." Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles On Feb 7, 2012, at 10:24 PM, Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board wrote: > Troops - > Please find attached some comments - some of which I've submitted - about the Mileground, and a link to the consultant's report (Entran) about the Mileground: http://www.plantogether.org/documents/plan/MilegroundRoadReport.pdf > > The attached file is in .txt format for easy copy & paste into the online form without formatting issues. Please let me know if there is a problem with the file. Comments are due by Feb 24th. > > I used some - not all - of the points in the attached, feel free to reword, mix/match. As you all may imagine, I used the points supported by data and/or the consultant's report. Please click here to comment at the DOH's website or, if that doesn't work, copy & paste the following URL: > http://www.transportation.wv.gov/highways/engineering/comment/wv705connecto… > > Enjoy my comments. Please provide input and feel free to forward my attached comments to friends/neighbors/interested fellow citizens. > Christiaan > > Walk more, safely > > Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board > Christiaan Abildso, Chair > Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair > http://www.morgantown.com/ped-safety-board.htm > <mileground comments.txt>

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Bicycle Friendly Community Application
by Frank Gmeindl 07 Feb '12

07 Feb '12

Sorry, I didn't realize the link required a log in. Now, I attached the PDF. Frank Bicycle Board Members, The Bicycle Friendly Community application is practically ready to submit. A PDF version is available at http://applications.bikeleague.org/application/bfc/Community_pdf.cfm?id=1323 I would appreciate your inspecting it for any errors or omissions. I would like to submit it this Wednesday, Feb. 8. (Please don't comment on format. The PDF version seems to ignore line breaks.) Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Fwd: Time sensitive opinion piece, must be in by Tuesday, Feb 7 (if fit to print) - thank you
by Frank Gmeindl 04 Feb '12

04 Feb '12

A provocative article by Christiaan Abildso about a Complete Streets bill, HB 4074 that the WV House of Delegates will vote on Wednesday Feb. 8. You could just say, "Please support HB4074". How hard is that? Our delegates are anthony.barill(a)wvhouse.gov barbaraf(a)wvhouse.gov charlene.marshall(a)wvhouse.gov amanda.pasdon(a)wvhouse.gov Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: Christiaan Abildso <cabildso(a)yahoo.com> > Date: February 4, 2012 4:08:20 PM EST > To: "opinion(a)dominionpost.com" <opinion(a)dominionpost.com> > Subject: Time sensitive opinion piece, must be in by Tuesday, Feb 7 (if fit to print) - thank you > Reply-To: Christiaan Abildso <cabildso(a)yahoo.com> > > TITLE: Act Now to Provide Transportation Options > > The default is powerful. Ask grocery store owners who influence your purchase by stocking certain items at eye level and at the end of aisles. Ask software companies, who encourage downloading add-ons by defaulting the settings to automatically download such add-ons unless you “uncheck” a box. Ask large employers, who default employees into a 401k plan to encourage retirement savings, rather than asking employees if they want a 401k. Ask city planners, highway engineers, and zoning officials, who can influence default health behavior options every day by designing our cities and streets to encourage or discourage active transportation. What is your default transportation “choice” every day? > According to national data, half of the 4 trips taken in an average household are 3 miles or less. This trip is very comfortable on a bike – in fact 85% of all bike trips are 3 miles or less - can burn up to 300 calories even at a modest pace, and cost up to $3.75 to drive in an SUV according to AAA. However, only 1.8% of these trips are ridden on a bike! Trips 1 mile or less encompass 27% of all daily trips yet 62% are taken in a vehicle. One mile is a very comfortable distance to walk, can burn up to 100 calories, and costs roughly $.75 in an SUV according to AAA. I save over $1,000 annually in transportation costs (not to mention the health care cost savings) by walking, riding, and using transit rather than driving my 7 mile round-trip daily. > Time is a common barrier to being more active. With so many commitments, most of us have very little time to devote to exercising. But, what do most of us do every day? Commute to work or school. This is a great captive moment where we must change the default option. What influences our commuting decision? A major factor is how our streets are designed. Bicycles have the same rights as vehicles on the road. Does the design of our roadways make you feel comfortable or uncomfortable riding on the road? Pedestrians have facilities to accommodate them – sidewalks and crosswalks. Does the design of our pedestrian infrastructure provide a continuous, well lit, safe route for you to commute on foot? Public transportation users walk 70 minutes more per week than non-users. Does the design of our transportation system encourage you to walk or bike to public transportation (happily, all Morgantown PRT stations and Mountain Line buses are equipped with bicycle racks)? > We live in an urban area that is ripe to become a national model for active commuting. However, our state maintained roads are dangerous by design limiting such beneficial activity. Roughly 20% of the road mileage in Morgantown is managed by the state, yet 66% of all pedestrian-vehicle accidents in the last six years have occurred on these roads! Unfortunately many roads managed by the state, such as South University Avenue, have been designed to make driving the default option. We must change this. Ask your local WV Legislative Delegates to support HB 4074 which would encourage the West Virginia Division of Highways to design our streets so that users of all ages and abilities have safe transportation options. Hurry, HB 4074 is set for House Roads and Transportation Committee (on which our own Delegate Pasdon serves) vote on Wednesday, February 8th! This is our chance to change the default!

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Fwd: Amendment to Preserve Dedicated Funding for Walk/Bike Voted Down!
by Frank Gmeindl 04 Feb '12

04 Feb '12

Bicycle Board Members, The message below provides some links to good info about the status and outlook on recent bike/ped funding legislation. I'm glad I contacted our representatives. At least Rahall voted for it. I couldn't contact Capito and she voted against it. I contacted McKinley but apparently he didn't vote. Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > Date: February 3, 2012 9:22:07 PM EST > To: Bill Reger-Nash <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Bob Anderson <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, George Lilley <mgranlil(a)frontier.com>, Ilana Chertok <ichertok(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Jimmie Simmons <Jsimmons2642(a)yahoo.com>, Martha Summers <msummers(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Stan Cohen <Stanley.Cohen(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Sarah Bias <sarahbias(a)gmail.com>, Christiaan Abildso <cgabildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Dwight Harshbarger <dwight.harshbarger(a)gmail.com>, Maria Smith <mariasmith(a)busride.org>, Regina Mayolo <reginam(a)verizon.net>, Jan Derry <jderry(a)nwvcil.org>, David Small <dsmall1(a)mix.wvu.edu>, Michael Graham <migraham(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Tom Bias <tbias(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Mary Gutmann <maryg1010(a)comcast.net>, Margaret Stout <Margaret.Stout(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Angela Wiley <wileya120(a)gmail.com>, Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org>, Matt Cross <crossnyc(a)hotmail.com>, Hugh Kierig <Hugh.Kierig(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Jim Rye <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org>, Nick Hein <info(a)positivespin.org>, Kevin Leyden <Kevin.Leyden(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Roy Nutter <roy.nutter(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Mike Breiding <mike(a)EpicRoadTrips.us>, Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, Josh Woods <joshua.woods(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, Claire Chantler <cchantler(a)nwvcil.org>, Michael Simms <michael.d.simms(a)gmail.com>, Sera Janson Zegre <sera(a)downstreamstrategies.com> > Subject: Fw: Amendment to Preserve Dedicated Funding for Walk/Bike Voted Down! > Reply-To: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > > OUCH! > > Walk more, safely > > Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board > Christiaan Abildso, Chair > Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair > http://www.morgantown.com/ped-safety-board.htm > > ----- Forwarded Message ----- > From: "America Walks - Scott Bricker, Executive Director" <sbricker(a)americawalks.org> > To: walkmgw(a)yahoo.com > Sent: Friday, February 3, 2012 12:50 PM > Subject: Amendment to Preserve Dedicated Funding for Walk/Bike Voted Down! > > We're down, but not out! Stay tuned for our follow-up strategy to save walking and biking. > > Dear Christiaan, > > Yesterday, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted down (27 to 29) an amendment to preserve dedicated funding for walking and biking in the proposed transportation bill. The bipartisan amendment was introduced by Representatives Petri (R-WI), Johnson (R-IL) and Lipinski (D-IL). Thank you to these Reps. and to the thousands of pedestrian and bicycling champions who contact their Representatives on the Committee. > > Find out how your Representative on the Transportation Committee voted. > > As the House transportation bill moves through other Committees and eventually onto the House floor, and as the Senate continues to finalize their version of the bill, we still have much work to do. > > So, lace up your walking shoes and hold onto your handlebars. We're in for a long fight. > Stay tuned for more updates about next steps. > > Click here to learn the top 10 reasons why the House's proposed transportation bill is terrible for walking and biking. > > Sincerely, > > Scott Bricker, Executive Director > America Walks > > Support our work with a donation > > Home l Endorse our vision statement > > Connect on facebook Follow us on twitter > > America Walks PO Box 10581 Portland OR 97296 703.738.4889 > > > Forward email > > This email was sent to walkmgw(a)yahoo.com by sbricker(a)americawalks.org | > Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. > America Walks | PO Box 10581 | Portland | OR | 97296 >

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Bicycle Friendly Community Application
by Frank Gmeindl 04 Feb '12

04 Feb '12

Bicycle Board Members, The Bicycle Friendly Community application is practically ready to submit. A PDF version is available at http://applications.bikeleague.org/application/bfc/Community_pdf.cfm?id=1323 I would appreciate your inspecting it for any errors or omissions. I would like to submit it this Wednesday, Feb. 8. (Please don't comment on format. The PDF version seems to ignore line breaks.) Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Light at Mntr Station is actuated by bicycle
by Ryan Post 02 Feb '12

02 Feb '12

After tonight's meeting I checked if the light at Mountaineer Station was actuated by bicycle. In short, I believe it is actuated by a bicycle. It looks like the wait time is around 1:15 for an approach "mid-cycle", with a maximum wait of 2mins if you arrive at the yellow light. The light does not seem to cycle at all if no vehicles are present. Here is the data I collected for every vehicle that made a left hand turn. I think some right hand turning cars initiated the timer before a left hand approached. I think bike times are higher than avg because I approached very quickly after the cycle. I collected this on 2/2/12 between 8:25 and 9:00pm. I positioned myself at the center of the stop bar for a left hand turn, wearing a red jacket, blue jeans and helmet light. Car 0:55 Applebees Car 0:06 Applebees Van 2:00 Mtnr Station (Approached immediately after light cycled) Bike 1:15 Mtnr Station (Car approached from Applebees at 0:20) Bus 1:14 Mtnr Station SUV 1:44 Mtnr Station Multi cars 1:12 Both (May have been triggered early by car turning right) Car 1:11 Applebees SUV 1:55 Applebees Bike 1:50 Mtnr Station (Car approached from Applebees at 0:10) Bike 0:48 Mtnr Station (Already triggered by car?) Bike 1:50 Mtnr Station

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House Transportation Bill summary
by Chet Parsons 02 Feb '12

02 Feb '12

All - if you have been tracking these types of things, this should come as no surprise to you. The House released their version of a bill to reauthorize transportation funding and it is not kind at all to bike/ped funding, transit, safe routes to school, or Amtrak. Plus the Speaker has pledged to tie in approval for the Keystone XL pipeline to this bill. If you want to see a quick summary with links to the more detailed text, see below. We could possibly get into this tonight since it may impact future grant opportunities (or lack thereof) Chet http://blogs.planning.org/policy/2012/02/01/house-transportation-bill-would…

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Fwd: Sidewalk cycling
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Feb '12

02 Feb '12

Excellent idea! Seems like there's also a place for article 374. Alternative Transportation within 372. Pedestrians, 373. Bicycles and 375. Motorcycles. We'll need to study these to understand what goes in these articles. On Feb 2, 2012, at 11:10 AM, Scott Ferris wrote: > Although I am unfamiliar with the procedure, it seems that adding an article in CHAPTER 9 - Pedestrians and Bicycles to handle alternate modes of transportation would be beneficial. This could allow each mode of transportation to be defined more specifically and dealt with individually instead of attempting to classify skateboards and unicycles under a bicycle issue. > > Thanks for the opportunity to discuss and help resolve this issue, > scott ferris > > > On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 10:26 PM, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> wrote: > In my last point below, I meant, I'm advocating for DELETING section 303.99 (b) > ************ > In the file, Morgantown Code pertaining to Bicycling- edited.doc that I attached to my message, the revision I am advocating for 373.05 RIDING ON ROADWAYS AND BICYCLE PATHS is straight out of the UVC Section 11-1205 Position on the Roadway copied from p. 57 of Bicycling & The Law by Bob Mionske. > > I'm advocating for deleting 373.05 (c) mandatory side path because "side path" is undefined, "usable" is undefined and "adjacent" is moot. > > I'm advocating for deleting 373.08 (d) because it is about skateboards and roller skates which are irrelevant to bicycles and therefore irrelevant to article 373 which is on bicycles. > > I'm advocating for section 303.99 (b) which is referred to in 373.99 PENALTY because 303.99 (b) addresses the requirement for motorists to have insurance which is irrelevant to bicycle. > > On Feb 1, 2012, at 9:22 AM, director wrote: > >> Good morning, >> I'd think we'll have better success if we propose legislation that's been researched, enacted and shown to be successful - rather than trying to do something original. I've found (what I think is) the full UVC text on the subject at this link: (search for § 11-1209 Bicycles and human powered vehicles on sidewalks) >> >> http://bikelaws.org/laws/UVC-model-bike.pdf >> >> It legislates behavior (ie "act like a pedestrian", rather than specifying vehicle type) so it is a simple, enforcable and effective way to let everyone know what they should do to be safe. It also fits with the League mantra of acting predictably. >> >> In a quick search I found this article with links to laws in all states, and some discussion including a partial citation of the UVC text which forms the basis for Florida law. >> http://azbikelaw.org/blog/sidewalk-cycling-in-arizona/ >> >> Here's the Florida statute that I believe addresses all of the concerns that have been expressed so far. >> http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety/ped_bike/laws/ped_bike_bikeLaws1.shtm#Sid… >> >> Sidewalk riding >> (Section 316.2065(10) and (11), F.S.) >> A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances. >> >> Comment: Sidewalks are not designed for bicycle speeds, but a bicycle propelled by human power may be used except where prohibited by local ordinance (e.g. in the central business districts of many cities). No bicycle may be propelled by other than human power on a sidewalk. Although a cyclist riding on a sidewalk has the rights and duties of a pedestrian, he is still a "bicycle rider" and his bicycle is still a "bicycle". Consequently, laws that pertain to required equipment and to carriage of passengers (see above) are still applicable. >> >> Since a cyclist riding on a sidewalk does not have the duties (or rights) of a driver, he may ride in either direction. (However, it is safer to ride in the direction of traffic, since drivers do not expect cyclists to come from the other direction at driveways and crosswalks. Crash risk is 3 to 4 times as great for sidewalk riders who ride facing roadway traffic as for sidewalk riders who ride in the direction of traffic.) >> >> At a signalized intersection, a sidewalk rider must obey the instructions of any applicable pedestrian control signal. That is, he may start to cross a roadway in a crosswalk only during a steady Walk phase, if one is displayed. If no pedestrian signal is provided, the cyclist may proceed in accordance with the signal indications for the parallel roadway traffic flow (Section 316.075, F.S.). >> >> A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. >> >> >> Nick Hein LCI# 1705 >> Director, Positive Spin >> 803 East Brockway Ave >> Morgantown, WV >> ph 304-276-0213 >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: "Frank Gmeindl" <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> >> Sent 2/1/2012 7:55:16 AM >> To: "Bicycle Board" <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> >> Cc: scott.r.ferris(a)gmail.com, "Christiaan Abildso" <christiaan.abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> >> Subject: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Fwd: Sidewalk cycling >> >> Bicycle Board Members, >> >> I preparation for our discussion of the unicycle issue, the following link is to the agenda for last night's CC COW meeting. It contains the proposed ordinance amendments: http://www.morgantown.com/agendas/2012/Council-packet-1-31-12.pdf >> >> Attached to this message are proposed amendments to Morgantown Code article 373. Bicycles. I have proposed these changes more than once to the BB. We've had some discussion but didn't do anything. Perhaps this is the right time to do something. >> >> Frank >> >> >> Begin forwarded message: >> >>> From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> >>> Date: January 31, 2012 5:44:07 PM EST >>> To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> >>> Cc: Christiaan Abildso <christiaan.abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> >>> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Sidewalk cycling >>> >>> Bicycle Board Members, >>> >>> I met with Terrence at 4 pm today to discuss the city code amendments that were supposed to undergo their first reading at tonight's City Council Committee Of the Whole meeting. Those amendments would essentially ban unicycles from City sidewalks and streets. When Council comes to that item on the agenda, Terrence will tell them that he is not ready to read the amendments because he needs more time to meet with relevant stakeholders on the topic. (Curious: I just went to the City's website to review the proposed amendments that were in the agenda and the agenda's not there anymore.) Terrence asked the Bicycle Board to discuss the issue and to prepare to participate in a meeting with him, Chief Preston, legal counsel and others that have an interest in the topic. He will contact me Friday to set up that meeting. I pointed out that unicycles are not in the Bicycle Board's scope but agreed to take up the subject with the BB and establish recommendations. I guess this could be a ripe banana issue for tomorrow's BB meeting. >>> >>> During our discussion, I emphasized that we need the police to enforce laws that endanger cyclists and to get on board with our effort to educate cyclists as summarized on the police info cards and the CCC business cards. Next week, at 3 pm on Feb. 8, Terrence has a meeting scheduled with Chief Preston to discuss police performance goals and objectives and their budget for the coming year. Terrence invited me to participate in that meeting. On Monday, Feb. 13, Terrence will present his departments' budgets, goals and objectives to a special meeting of City Council. It would be nice if that presentation included goals and objectives that were aligned with ours. What do you think they should be? >>> >>> >>> Frank D. Gmeindl >>> Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board >>> LCI #1703 >>> 491 WilsonAvenue >>> Morgantown, WV 26501 >>> 304-376-0446 >>> Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles >>> >>> >>> >>> On Jan 31, 2012, at 4:14 PM, Frank Gmeindl wrote: >>> >>>> The unicycle ordinance revisions will not be read tonight. More later. >>>> Frank >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Jan 31, 2012, at 12:53 PM, Gunnar Shogren <gshogren(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> What's the Bike League's view on what exactly a Unicycle is? >>>>> A toy? Sidewalk toy? >>>>> >>>>> On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 12:42 PM, Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org> wrote: >>>>> I have been doing a little research, and according to this article, http://stason.org/TULARC/sports/unicycling/1-6-What-is-a-unicycle-under-the… in California, unicycles are considered pedestrians. In WV, as many of you know, bicycles are defined differently: >>>>> §17C-1-8. Bicycle. >>>>> "Bicycle" means every device which does not have a motor attached and which is propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is more than twenty inches in diameter. >>>>> >>>>> §17C-1-30. Pedestrian. >>>>> "Pedestrian" means any person afoot or any person using a wheelchair. >>>>> >>>>> However, according to WV's definition, a unicycle isn't a bicycle nor is it a pedestrian. Ofcourse, an adult tricycle isn't a bicycle either .. hmm. >>>>> >>>>> However, Ames, Iowa, does allows unicycles everywhere: http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=282 >>>>> >>>>> So how should we define Unicycles? I strongly advise that the City not rush to a decision. >>>>> >>>>> -Jonathan >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 1/31/2012 12:24 PM, Ryan Post wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> I did reply, first just to Frank then I sent a personal email to the city, asking them to reconsider. I didn’t think opinion on Unicycles pertained to the BB, so I didn’t include the BB. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> I got a reply back from Preston implying that he thought they should already be banned, and they were merely clarifying the law. To that response, Nutter, who was my advisor and instructor at WVU and who saw me with my unicycle with me a lot, backed me up, asking them to reconsider the ban. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> I can see Frank’s point about this leading towards enforcement of bicycle on sidewalks, but I don’t think that’s where Preston is going with this, but honestly, I don’t see his point at all. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> In the event that Terrence is still on our side, and to keep from wasting both of your time, I’d just have you ask Terrance if there’s any new ideas he has that could help us meet our goals better. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> From: bikeboard-bounces(a)cheat.org [mailto:bikeboard-bounces@cheat.org] On Behalf Of Gunnar Shogren >>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 11:10 AM >>>>>> To: Frank Gmeindl >>>>>> Cc: Bicycle Board >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Sidewalk cycling >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> I'll be interested in hearing what becomes of the meeting. >>>>>> >>>>>> And though I didn't say so earlier, why the sudden "attacks" or "interest" in unicycles? (I thought Ryan would have replied to this...) >>>>>> But having said that, I will note that we saw a Uni on High St.(sidewalk), Thursday (?) evening, I think he was delivering something, and just yesterday I saw a Uni locked outside the new entrance to White Hall. >>>>>> Are these events related? >>>>>> >>>>>> On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 9:44 AM, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> FYI, I have a meeting with Terrence today at 4 pm (Think of me while you're riding!) >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> For those of us who have short memories, attached is a list of talking points that we developed and provided to Chief Preston in a >>>>>> >>>>>> meeting the week of September 11. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm sending this because some of you have responded with recommendations that were already in the attached. Namely, >>>>>> >>>>>> Cyclists may perceive that riding on sidewalks is safer that riding on streets. Citing them may cause them to stop riding their bikes and use their cars instead. Before citing sidewalk cyclists, instruct them that they have the same rights to the road as drivers of vehicles and that they must obey the same rules. Direct them to Morgantown’s Confident City Cycling Traffic Skills 101 course to learn to drive their bicycles as vehicles. Distribute the Police Information Cards that the Bicycle Board produced and the Confident City Cycling business cards that have the Five Steps for Better Riding on the back. >>>>>> >>>>>> I thought Chief Preston agreed with this. Perhaps his memory is short, too. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Frank >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Begin forwarded message: >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> >>>>>> >>>>>> Date: January 30, 2012 10:09:10 AM EST >>>>>> >>>>>> To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> >>>>>> >>>>>> Cc: Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> >>>>>> >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Sidewalk cycling >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> I tried to schedule a meeting with Terrence but he's out of town today and tomorrow. I propose to send the following message to him by 1 pm today unless you object. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Dear Terrence, >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> The proposed amendments of the City code to control unicycles on sidewalks and streets could damage our efforts to reduce traffic congestion and to make Morgantown a Bicycle Friendly Community. Our concern is that those who are bicycling on the sidewalks and get tickets will end up driving cars. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> The Bicycle Board recognizes that sidewalk bicycling is dangerous to bicyclists as well as to pedestrians. Our approach to getting bicyclists off the sidewalks and onto the streets is to educate them that the law gives them same rights to the road as motorists and subjects them to the same duties. We produced 5,000 police information cards (http://bikemorgantown.com/articles.php?str=2012/01/ticketing-cyclists.html) and gave them to Chief Preston and WVU police for this purpose. We encourage police to give these cards to bicyclists as well as motorists that violate laws that jeopardize bicyclists' safety. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Now, I recognize that the subject for Tuesday's Committee of the Whole is unicycles but since one of the code amendments is to article 373. Bicycles, specifically 373.08 Riding on Sidewalks, the discussion is likely to stray from unicycles to bicycling on sidewalks. I explicitly request that you consider our points above if discussion does stray to sidewalk bicycling. Perhaps you could even distribute some police information cards. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> One element of the procedural guidelines under which the City chartered the Bicycle Board is "review and support the implementation of Article 373 on Bicycles of the Morgantown Municipal Code." We have been working on this for years and have preliminary recommendations for updates but we are not yet ready to propose them to the Traffic Commission. One of those recommendations is to remove 373.08 (d) from 373 since 373.08 (d) has nothing to do with bicycles. Another reason for removing the language of 373.08 (d) from 373 is that doing so would diminish the grouping of bicycles with skateboards, roller skates, and soon, unicycles. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> We need to recognize that one reason Morgantown residents may choose to bicycle on the sidewalks rather than on the streets is that they perceive the streets to be more dangerous. Until we can educate them that they can ride safely on the streets and until we can make the streets safer for bicycling, e.g. by enforcing laws whose violation endangers cyclists, we could consider amending the 373.08 Riding on Sidewalks to make riding on sidewalks safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. One such measure could be to amend 373.08 to permit bicycling on the sidewalks at a speed no greater than the prevailing speed of pedestrian traffic. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> I hope that we will discuss this matter before Tuesday Committee of the Whole meeting. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Frank D. Gmeindl >>>>>> Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board >>>>>> LCI #1703 >>>>>> 491 WilsonAvenue >>>>>> Morgantown, WV 26501 >>>>>> 304-376-0446 >>>>>> Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> What say youy? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Frank >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Jan 30, 2012, at 9:06 AM, Christiaan Abildso wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> A great idea. I, too, cringe when I see those on sidewalks and fear for their safety, especially if they are novice cyclists. >>>>>> >>>>>> Thanks for including me on the discussion. >>>>>> >>>>>> Christiaan >>>>>> >>>>>> >>> On 1/30/2012 at 8:52 AM, <dspringston(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> Hey guys, >>>>>> I cringe when I see cyclists riding on the sidewalks, but at the same time I see a potential teaching opportunity to those riding on sidewalks. Is there any way we could allocate some financial resources to make the Traffic Skills 101 class free for those folks we see riding on the sidewalks and encourage the police to recommend the course? What about giving them a ticket or warning with the understanding that attending a Traffic Skills 101 course could release the fee for the ticket? This could create an influx of educated cyclists in a best case scenario! I imagine many folks riding on the sidewalks just aren't aware of the law, and I'd hate to be too harsh on them, even though it is dangerous. After all, they are just as motivated to be out riding as we are. >>>>>> Thanks, >>>>>> ~Derek >>>>>> >>>>>> On Sun, Jan 29, 2012 at 7:49 PM, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> Hugh, >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm certainly not suggesting that we advocate for sidewalk cycling. Cycling on the sidewalk is more dangerous for the cyclist than riding on the roadway. Anyone who's taken Traffic Skills 101 understands why. Our strategy has been to guide sidewalk cyclists from the sidewalks onto the roadway through education. I'm concerned that the extended outcome of Tuesday's meeting could be that those who are bicycling on the sidewalks and get tickets will drive cars. >>>>>> >>>>>> The police information cards that we developed and distributed to both Morgantown and WVU police tell people not to ride on the sidewalk. But, the cards also say that cyclists have the same rights to the roads as motorists and instructs them to drive their bicycles as they would drive vehicles. I wonder how many of those cards the police have given out? I wonder how many citations the police wrote to motorists that pulled out in front of cyclists, passed cyclists when it was unsafe to do so. >>>>>> >>>>>> If you could show me how, I'd like to direct any discussion Tuesday from penalizing sidewalk cyclists to getting more people out of the cars and on bikes on the streets. What do you recommend? >>>>>> >>>>>> Frank >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Jan 29, 2012, at 7:03 PM, Hugh Kierig wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> > Bicycles should not be allowed to be riden on sidewalks in commercial areas. In these instances the present a pedestrian hazard. >>>>>> > Hugh E. Kierig >>>>>> > -----Original Message----- >>>>>> > From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> >>>>>> > Cc: Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> >>>>>> > To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> >>>>>> > >>>>>> > Sent: 1/29/2012 6:57:09 PM >>>>>> > Subject: [Bikeboard] Sidewalk cycling >>>>>> > >>>>>> > Bicycle Board Members, >>>>>> > >>>>>> > At this Tuesday's meeting, City Council will discuss riding on sidewalks. See Agenda. >>>>>> > >>>>>> > WHAT SHOULD WE DO? We have 2 days to decide. >>>>>> > >>>>>> > Primarily, in response to a request from Chief Preston, they're banning unicycles from sidewalks and streets, effectively banning unicycles. I imagine this will lead to discussing bicycling on sidewalks which I imagine could lead to police ticketing bicyclists who ride on sidewalks. IMO, that won't exactly help us realize our vision of every resident being able to bicycle safely and fearlessly anywhere, anytime for any reason or to achieve our goal of having 1 or every 20 vehicles on Morgantown streets be a bicycle by 2020. >>>>>> > >>>>>> > I would like to turn this around from being negative to some kind of positive action to support our vision, goal, objectives and recommended action but I don't know how. Ideas? >>>>>> > >>>>>> > Specifically, they're going to revise two parts of the code: 311.02 TOY VEHICLES ON STREETS and 373.08 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS, specifically 373.08 (d). Personally, I've always had a problem with 373.08 (d) because 373 is entitled "Bicycles" but 373.08 (d) is about skateboards and roller skates and soon to include unicycles. If they had asked me about this ordinance change, I would first have recommended that they remove part (d) from 373. (See Bicycle Law .) >>>>>> > >>>>>> > Frank D. Gmeindl >>>>>> > Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board >>>>>> > LCI #1703 >>>>>> > 491 WilsonAvenue >>>>>> > Morgantown, WV 26501 >>>>>> > 304-376-0446 >>>>>> > Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles >>>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Bikeboard mailing list >>>>>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >>>>>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> >>>>>> Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. -'Abdu'l-Baha >>>>>> >>>>>> “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Bikeboard mailing list >>>>>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >>>>>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Bikeboard mailing list >>>>>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >>>>>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>>>> >>>>> >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Bikeboard mailing list >> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > >

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Fwd: Pedestrian Safety Board, Feb 6 meeting materials
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Feb '12

02 Feb '12

I'm forwarding to you the Pedestrian Safety Board's agenda for their meeting next Monday, 2/6. Please look at VI. a. They're going to try to leverage on-going and planned projects by others to include pedestrian features. They have invited us to join them on this regarding bicycling features. We can discuss this under the grants topic at tonight's meeting. They are going to form groups to review the following (based on our training in PGH, do the Find for "bicycle" or "pedestrian"): 1) the WV Strategic Highway Safety Plan:http://www.transportation.wv.gov/communications/Documents/WestVirginia… 2) capital improvement plans of a) MUB, Verizon, Comcast b) Dominion Hope c) Mon Power d) others? Especially re: street lighting 3) Using the Ped/Bike Benchmarking report to get some media attention:http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/memberse… 4) Lastly, identify members to serve on (ie, inflitrate) as many boards & commissions as possible. Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles Begin forwarded message: > From: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > Date: February 2, 2012 12:54:45 PM EST > To: Bill Reger-Nash <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Bob Anderson <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Christiaan Abildso <cgabildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>, David Small <dsmall1(a)mix.wvu.edu>, Dwight Harshbarger <dwight.harshbarger(a)gmail.com>, George Lilley <mgranlil(a)frontier.com>, Ilana Chertok <ichertok(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Jan Derry <jderry(a)nwvcil.org>, Jimmie Simmons <Jsimmons2642(a)yahoo.com>, Margaret Stout <Margaret.Stout(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Maria Smith <mariasmith(a)busride.org>, Martha Summers <msummers(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Mary Gutmann <maryg1010(a)comcast.net>, Michael Graham <migraham(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Regina Mayolo <reginam(a)verizon.net>, Sarah Bias <sarahbias(a)gmail.com>, Stan Cohen <Stanley.Cohen(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Tom Bias <tbias(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Angela Wiley <wileya120(a)gmail.com>, Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, Claire Chantler <cchantler(a)nwvcil.org>, Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, Hugh Kierig <Hugh.Kierig(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Jim Rye <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org>, Josh Woods <joshua.woods(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Kevin Leyden <Kevin.Leyden(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Matt Cross <crossnyc(a)hotmail.com>, Michael Simms <michael.d.simms(a)gmail.com>, Mike Breiding <mike(a)EpicRoadTrips.us>, Nick Hein <info(a)positivespin.org>, Roy Nutter <roy.nutter(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Sera Janson Zegre <sera(a)downstreamstrategies.com> > Subject: Pedestrian Safety Board, Feb 6 meeting materials > Reply-To: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > > Fellow advocates...we are on schedule for a Monday, Feb 6th meeting at 4:30 in the public safety building. I look forward to seeing you all! > Agenda & Jan minutes attached for your review prior to the meeting. > Hard copies will be provided. As usual, lots to discuss! > Thanks > Christiaan > > Walk more, safely > > Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board > Christiaan Abildso, Chair > Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair > http://www.morgantown.com/ped-safety-board.htm

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Fwd: U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Fourth Round of Funding Under Highly Successful TIGER Program
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Feb '12

02 Feb '12

Here's a grant opportunity we can discuss tonight. TIGER IV Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: "Sara Walfoort" <swalfoort(a)spcregion.org> > Date: February 1, 2012 2:24:17 PM EST > To: <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com>, "Lena Andrews" <LAndrews(a)URA.ORG>, <lbeattie(a)downtownpittsburgh.com>, "Jamin Bogi" <jamin(a)gasp-pgh.org>, <Stephan(a)Riverlifepgh.org>, "Scott Bricker" <scott(a)bike-pgh.org>, <brilhart(a)twpusc.org>, <darla.cravotta(a)alleghenycounty.us>, <deanem(a)cdmsmith.com>, <andrew.dewitt(a)pittsburghpa.gov>, "Dietrich, Carla" <CDietrich(a)mbakercorp.com>, <kayclarke(a)comcast.net>, <greenways(a)ficda.org>, <dandrus(a)beavercountypa.gov>, <rwg(a)mackinengineering.com>, <mgerkey(a)moontwp.com>, <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net>, <Cgould(a)sustainablepittsburgh.org>, <n0di(a)Yahoo.com>, <Jgrim(a)ceo.co.indiana.pa.us>, "Hannah Hardy" <hhardy(a)pecpa.org>, "Kim Harris" <kharris(a)oilregion.org>, "John Haven" <johnhaven(a)zoominternet.net>, "Heckman, Lynn" <Lynn.Heckman(a)AlleghenyCounty.US>, <hilton(a)clarion.edu>, <cmh140(a)pitt.edu>, <Tkravits(a)state.pa.us>, "Laurie Lafontaine" <trailsrme(a)hughes.net>, <bletrick(a)state.pa.us>, "Rhonda Madden" <Rhonda(a)riverlifepgh.org>, <petermcginty(a)verizon.net>, "Cheryl Moon Sirianni" <Csirriani(a)state.pa.us>, "Stephen Patchan" <Stephen.Patchan(a)city.pittsburgh.pa.us>, <Kpower(a)pa.gov>, <Mrainey(a)otma-pgh.org>, <rapp4swissvale(a)gmail.com>, <rhodesdp(a)cdmsmith.com>, "Saunders, Angela" <ansaunders(a)state.pa.us>, <rs2(a)comcast.net>, <joe.shafer(a)cranberrytownship.org>, <james.snow(a)pittsburghpa.gov>, <Kstefani(a)atwic.org>, <theakstj(a)co.washington.pa.us>, <sthompson(a)pashekla.com>, <awiles(a)mackingengineering.com>, "Jakob zumFelde" <jakob(a)wilkinsburgcdc.org> > Cc: "Darren Flusche" <Darren(a)bikeleague.org>, "Brighid O'Keane" <brighid(a)peoplepoweredmovement.org>, "Matt Wempe" <matt(a)bikeleague.org> > Subject: FW: U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Fourth Round of Funding Under Highly Successful TIGER Program > > Dear Pedestrian-Bicycle Planner, Advocate or Friend; > > First of all, please let me express my thanks for your participation at the Action 2020 pedestrian and bicycle funding event we co-hosted with Bike Pittsburgh a week or so ago. The diversity of participants, viewpoints and priorities made the exercise interesting, and the results meaningful for the entire region. We look forward to building toward implementation of some of the ideas that we heard at that event. > > One of the items I took away from that event was an understanding that SPC could do a better job of letting people know when funding opportunities become available. This sounds like an easy task, but in reality is somewhat challenging, as we don’t always have a full understanding of WHEN an existing program might next be accepting applications for funding; when a new program might emerge; or even whether any given program is relevant to your particular needs, or interests. > > In this context, I send you the following NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA) for the TIGER IV Program. In the past, TIGER program funds have been used to fund sustainable, livable projects, many of which include pedestrian and bicycle specific program elements. They have also been used to fund lots of other project types (double stack clearance of the CSX line in western Pennsylvania, for example.) > > My point is, you MIGHT have a project that is eligible under the TIGER IV program. Therefore, I am sending this to you for your review and consideration. However, you should understand that this is a very competitive program, with a very tight application window (pre-applications are due in just a couple of weeks.) > > We received this NOFA late yesterday, or this morning. It was released by the US Department of Transportation yesterday. We are getting this information out to you as quickly as we possibly can, to give you as much time as possible to consider whether you might have a project that could compete under the TIGER IV program. I encourage you to look the information over promptly, due to the tight application deadline. Please also be advised that some projects have, in the past, been “bundled” and have been awarded funding under the TIGER program. So, think in larger terms than just a small stand alone project. Can you combine a local sidewalk project with an economic development initiative? Assemble several communities to tackle a trail connection project? Otherwise think bigger, better, more competitive? > > In the event that I learn anything more about this program, I’ll be sure to pass it on to each of you. > > P.S. My apologies to any of you who may receive this notice more than once. I have not yet fully integrated all my email distribution lists, and there are some folks that I would rather annoy with a second email than risk not sending information to at all. > > Sara > > > Sara Walfoort > Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission > 425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2500 > Pittsburgh, PA 15219 > (412) 391-5590, ext. 339 > > > ****************************************************************************************************** > DOT 13-12 > Tuesday, January 31, 2012 > Contact: Justin Nisly > Tel.: (202) 366-4570 > > U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Fourth Round of Funding Under Highly Successful TIGER Program > > Following President Obama's call in his State of the Union address for greater infrastructure investment as part of “An America Built to Last,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the availability of funding for transportation projects under a fourth round of the popular TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant program. TIGER 2012 will make $500 million available for surface transportation projects having a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area, or region. > > The previous three rounds of the TIGER program provided $2.6 billion to 172 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Demand for the program has been overwhelming, and during the previous three rounds, the Department of Transportation received more than 3,348 applications requesting more than $95 billion for transportation projects across the country. > > “President Obama made clear in his State of the Union address that investing in transportation means putting people back to work, and that’s just what our TIGER program is doing in communities across the country,” said Secretary LaHood. “Americans are demanding investments in highways, ports, commuter rail, streetcars, buses, and high-speed rail. These kinds of projects not only mean a stronger economic future for the U.S., but jobs for Americans today.” > > As in previous rounds, high-speed rail and intercity passenger rail projects remain eligible for funding. TIGER 2012 provides for the possibility of up to $100 million being used toward these projects. TIGER 2012 will also continue to encourage the development of transportation projects in rural areas, providing $120 million for rural transportation projects. > > On November 18, 2011, the President signed the FY 2012 Appropriations Act, which provided $500 million for Department of Transportation infrastructure investments. Like the first three rounds, TIGER 2012 grants are for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and are to be awarded on a competitive basis. > > Projects will be evaluated on primary criteria that include safety, economic competitiveness, livability, environmental sustainability, state of repair and short-term job creation. > > Pre-applications are due February 20 and applications are due March 19. You can click here to view the Notice of Funding Availability. > > ### > > > > You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. > > > > > A Message from Ray LaHood - Every single time someone takes their eyes or their focus off the road – even for just a few seconds – they put their lives and the lives of others in danger. Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and in a split second, its consequences can be devastating. > > > Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support(a)govdelivery.com. All other inquires can be directed todot.comments(a)ost.dot.gov. > > This service is provided to you at no charge by the U.S. Department of Transportation. > > > U.S. Department of Transportation · 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE · Washington DC 20590 · 202-385-HELP (4357) > >

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Fwd: 2012 Fifth Grade National Cycling Poster Contest
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Feb '12

02 Feb '12

Saris bike rack company is sponsoring a poster contest for 5th grade students. The poster must contain the words "Bicycling takes me places". This could be an opportunity to get 5th graders interested in cycling or at least aware of it. If you want to pursue this, please contact Stacy Bisker, "A Simple Six" <asimplesix(a)gmail.com> Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: "director" <director(a)positivespin.org> > Date: February 1, 2012 4:57:29 PM EST > To: <asimplesix(a)gmail.com>, "Frank Gmeindl" <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> > Subject: Fw: 2012 Fifth Grade National Cycling Poster Contest > > cc: Frank Gmeindl - chairman Morgantown Bicycle Board > > Ms. Bisker, > Thank you for contacting us about the poster contest. Here in Morgantown, in addition to Positive Spin we have a very active and effective Municipal Bike Board and I am forwarding this to them to see if they are interested in helping distribute it through the school system. At least one of the board members is a teacher. Between us we'll see that this gets distributed in our area. > > Dennis may have also referred you to Kimberly Jo Koram in Parkersburg who is very active in educating and advocating youth cyclists. I'm only able to find her on facebook at the moment, but let me know if you need email or phone no. and I'll look for them. > Thanks again. > Nick > > Nick Hein LCI# 1705 > Director, Positive Spin > 803 East Brockway Ave > Morgantown, WV > ph 304-276-0213 > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: "A Simple Six" <asimplesix(a)gmail.com> > Sent 2/1/2012 11:10:34 AM > To: director(a)POSITIVESPIN.ORG > Subject: 2012 Fifth Grade National Cycling Poster Contest > > Mr. Hein, > > Dennis Strawn forward your contact information to me as part of my efforts to get the word out about the Saris Poster Contest. It seems your organization is the only pedestrian and cycling advocacy group I can find in the state. I am currently researching our options here in Huntington and have been reviewing information on Positive Spin's website. Thank you for all you do, the influence goes beyond Morgantown. > > I was certain you would like to know about this National Contest for Fifth Graders, Bicycling Takes Me Places. I am coordinating the efforts here in WV and would like to ask your assistance in forwarding the attached information and images below to schools, groups and individuals as you see appropriate. I feel this is a great opportunities to educate students and submit for entries that lead to more bicycle racks, bikes and advocacy relationships. > > Thank you for your consideration and assistance. If you have further questions, please feel welcome to contact me. State deadline is March 1. > > Stacy Bisker > > > > > > Fifth Grade National Poster Contest > "Bicycling takes me places" > With spring around the corner it is a great opportunity to get our fifth grade students thinking about the bicycle as a way of getting places (for fun or for transportation). > > > Ask each student to create a poster that reveals his or her understanding of the many different values of bicycling (it is fun, healthy and green). Students should make sure their poster follows the contest rules by using the checklist below. The winners will be selected by a panel of individuals from the Bicycling Industry. > > Contest Rules > 1. Only one winner from each school will be eligible to compete in the State contest. > > 2. Entry must be original artwork created by a student who is currently in the fifth grade. A student may enter the contest only once. > > 3. The student's first and last name must be written or signed in the lower right-hand corner on the back of the poster. > > 4. Design: > > a. Poster may be done in marker, crayon, paint pens, watercolor, ink, acrylic, colored pencil, and/or tempera paint. > > b. Collages are not acceptable. (Do not glue anything on your poster). > > c. Computer or photo generated art and/or printing is not acceptable. > > d. Entries should not display the names of commercial products, companies or organizations. > > 5. Entry must be no smaller than 8Â½ x 11" and no larger than 14 x 18". > > 6. Entry must be done on paper that will allow for duplication, display and framing. > > 7. The poster must be related to the contest theme in some way. The theme "Bicycling takes me places." must be on the poster. All words must be spelled correctly. > > 8. Entry should not be matted, mounted, laminated, framed or folded. Poster may be rolled and mailed in a mailing tube. > > 9. Submit entry by March 1st to your state coordinator. > > 10. A completed entry form must be attached to the back of the winning poster. > > Prizes: > One National Winner > In addition to a bike, light and a helmet one National winner will receive a three day/two night trip for two (parent or guardian and child) to Washington DC during the 2013 National Bike Summit (airfare and lodging included). > > > National winning school will receive bike parking for 20 bikes and The Hub System. The Hub is an active transportation tracking system. The Hub makes it easy, fun, and educational for a school to implement a walking & biking incentive program. Hardware, technology and a web-site gives students an easy way to count their trips; a place to watch the total participation of students; and a piece of cake way to administer the incentives to give to students. > > > thehub.saris.com > > Contest Coordinator will receive $250 > > State Winners > Each state will have the following winners: > > First Place > • Bicycle > • Helmet > • Light > > Second Place > • Helmet > • Light > > Third Place > • Helmet > > > As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of: > · Designing a product in light of information given. > > · Explore the causes, consequences and possible solutions to persistent, contemporary and emerging issues. > > · How to act on personal and social issues, develop decision-making skills, and provide them with a foundation on which to base decisions they will face as citizens. > > > Resources for teachers: > www.saferoutesinfo.org > www.bikeleague.org > www.peopleforbikes.org > www.bikesbelong.org > > Submit entry by March 1st. We will accept one poster per school. Please send the winning poster to your state contest coordinator. Find your coordinator here or contact Heather Fortune at hfortune(a)saris.com. > > > Event Sponsors > > > >

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Fwd: Sidewalk cycling
by director 01 Feb '12

01 Feb '12

Good morning, I'd think we'll have better success if we propose legislation that's been researched, enacted and shown to be successful - rather than trying to do something original. I've found (what I think is) the full UVC text on the subject at this link: (search for § 11-1209 Bicycles and human powered vehicles on sidewalks) http://bikelaws.org/laws/UVC-model-bike.pdf It legislates behavior (ie "act like a pedestrian", rather than specifying vehicle type) so it is a simple, enforcable and effective way to let everyone know what they should do to be safe. It also fits with the League mantra of acting predictably. In a quick search I found this article with links to laws in all states, and some discussion including a partial citation of the UVC text which forms the basis for Florida law. http://azbikelaw.org/blog/sidewalk-cycling-in-arizona/ Here's the Florida statute that I believe addresses all of the concerns that have been expressed so far. http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety/ped_bike/laws/ped_bike_bikeLaws1.shtm#Sid… Sidewalk riding (Section 316.2065(10) and (11), F.S.) A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances. Comment: Sidewalks are not designed for bicycle speeds, but a bicycle propelled by human power may be used except where prohibited by local ordinance (e.g. in the central business districts of many cities). No bicycle may be propelled by other than human power on a sidewalk. Although a cyclist riding on a sidewalk has the rights and duties of a pedestrian, he is still a "bicycle rider" and his bicycle is still a "bicycle". Consequently, laws that pertain to required equipment and to carriage of passengers (see above) are still applicable. Since a cyclist riding on a sidewalk does not have the duties (or rights) of a driver, he may ride in either direction. (However, it is safer to ride in the direction of traffic, since drivers do not expect cyclists to come from the other direction at driveways and crosswalks. Crash risk is 3 to 4 times as great for sidewalk riders who ride facing roadway traffic as for sidewalk riders who ride in the direction of traffic.) At a signalized intersection, a sidewalk rider must obey the instructions of any applicable pedestrian control signal. That is, he may start to cross a roadway in a crosswalk only during a steady Walk phase, if one is displayed. If no pedestrian signal is provided, the cyclist may proceed in accordance with the signal indications for the parallel roadway traffic flow (Section 316.075, F.S.). A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 803 East Brockway Ave Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 -----Original Message----- From: "Frank Gmeindl" <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> Sent 2/1/2012 7:55:16 AM To: "Bicycle Board" <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> Cc: scott.r.ferris(a)gmail.com, "Christiaan Abildso" <christiaan.abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> Subject: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Fwd: Sidewalk cycling Bicycle Board Members, I preparation for our discussion of the unicycle issue, the following link is to the agenda for last night's CC COW meeting. It contains the proposed ordinance amendments: http://www.morgantown.com/agendas/2012/Council-packet-1-31-12.pdf Attached to this message are proposed amendments to Morgantown Code article 373. Bicycles. I have proposed these changes more than once to the BB. We've had some discussion but didn't do anything. Perhaps this is the right time to do something. Frank Begin forwarded message: From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> Date: January 31, 2012 5:44:07 PM EST To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> Cc: Christiaan Abildso <christiaan.abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Sidewalk cycling Bicycle Board Members, I met with Terrence at 4 pm today to discuss the city code amendments that were supposed to undergo their first reading at tonight's City Council Committee Of the Whole meeting. Those amendments would essentially ban unicycles from City sidewalks and streets. When Council comes to that item on the agenda, Terrence will tell them that he is not ready to read the amendments because he needs more time to meet with relevant stakeholders on the topic. (Curious: I just went to the City's website to review the proposed amendments that were in the agenda and the agenda's not there anymore.) Terrence asked the Bicycle Board to discuss the issue and to prepare to participate in a meeting with him, Chief Preston, legal counsel and others that have an interest in the topic. He will contact me Friday to set up that meeting. I pointed out that unicycles are not in the Bicycle Board's scope but agreed to take up the subject with the BB and establish recommendations. I guess this could be a ripe banana issue for tomorrow's BB meeting. During our discussion, I emphasized that we need the police to enforce laws that endanger cyclists and to get on board with our effort to educate cyclists as summarized on the police info cards and the CCC business cards. Next week, at 3 pm on Feb. 8, Terrence has a meeting scheduled with Chief Preston to discuss police performance goals and objectives and their budget for the coming year. Terrence invited me to participate in that meeting. On Monday, Feb. 13, Terrence will present his departments' budgets, goals and objectives to a special meeting of City Council. It would be nice if that presentation included goals and objectives that were aligned with ours. What do you think they should be? Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles On Jan 31, 2012, at 4:14 PM, Frank Gmeindl wrote: The unicycle ordinance revisions will not be read tonight. More later. Frank On Jan 31, 2012, at 12:53 PM, Gunnar Shogren <gshogren(a)gmail.com> wrote: What's the Bike League's view on what exactly a Unicycle is? A toy? Sidewalk toy? On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 12:42 PM, Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org> wrote: I have been doing a little research, and according to this article, http://stason.org/TULARC/sports/unicycling/1-6-What-is-a-unicycle-under-the… in California, unicycles are considered pedestrians. In WV, as many of you know, bicycles are defined differently: §17C-1-8. Bicycle. "Bicycle" means every device which does not have a motor attached and which is propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is more than twenty inches in diameter. §17C-1-30. Pedestrian. "Pedestrian" means any person afoot or any person using a wheelchair. However, according to WV's definition, a unicycle isn't a bicycle nor is it a pedestrian. Ofcourse, an adult tricycle isn't a bicycle either .. hmm. However, Ames, Iowa, does allows unicycles everywhere: http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=282 So how should we define Unicycles? I strongly advise that the City not rush to a decision. -Jonathan On 1/31/2012 12:24 PM, Ryan Post wrote: I did reply, first just to Frank then I sent a personal email to the city, asking them to reconsider. I didn’t think opinion on Unicycles pertained to the BB, so I didn’t include the BB. I got a reply back from Preston implying that he thought they should already be banned, and they were merely clarifying the law. To that response, Nutter, who was my advisor and instructor at WVU and who saw me with my unicycle with me a lot, backed me up, asking them to reconsider the ban. I can see Frank’s point about this leading towards enforcement of bicycle on sidewalks, but I don’t think that’s where Preston is going with this, but honestly, I don’t see his point at all. In the event that Terrence is still on our side, and to keep from wasting both of your time, I’d just have you ask Terrance if there’s any new ideas he has that could help us meet our goals better. From: bikeboard-bounces(a)cheat.org [mailto:bikeboard-bounces@cheat.org] On Behalf Of Gunnar Shogren Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 11:10 AM To: Frank Gmeindl Cc: Bicycle Board Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Sidewalk cycling I'll be interested in hearing what becomes of the meeting. And though I didn't say so earlier, why the sudden "attacks" or "interest" in unicycles? (I thought Ryan would have replied to this...) But having said that, I will note that we saw a Uni on High St.(sidewalk), Thursday (?) evening, I think he was delivering something, and just yesterday I saw a Uni locked outside the new entrance to White Hall. Are these events related? On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 9:44 AM, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> wrote: FYI, I have a meeting with Terrence today at 4 pm (Think of me while you're riding!) For those of us who have short memories, attached is a list of talking points that we developed and provided to Chief Preston in a meeting the week of September 11. I'm sending this because some of you have responded with recommendations that were already in the attached. Namely, Cyclists may perceive that riding on sidewalks is safer that riding on streets. Citing them may cause them to stop riding their bikes and use their cars instead. Before citing sidewalk cyclists, instruct them that they have the same rights to the road as drivers of vehicles and that they must obey the same rules. Direct them to Morgantown’s Confident City Cycling Traffic Skills 101 course to learn to drive their bicycles as vehicles. Distribute the Police Information Cards that the Bicycle Board produced and the Confident City Cycling business cards that have the Five Steps for Better Riding on the back. I thought Chief Preston agreed with this. Perhaps his memory is short, too. Frank Begin forwarded message: From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> Date: January 30, 2012 10:09:10 AM EST To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> Cc: Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Sidewalk cycling I tried to schedule a meeting with Terrence but he's out of town today and tomorrow. I propose to send the following message to him by 1 pm today unless you object. Dear Terrence, The proposed amendments of the City code to control unicycles on sidewalks and streets could damage our efforts to reduce traffic congestion and to make Morgantown a Bicycle Friendly Community. Our concern is that those who are bicycling on the sidewalks and get tickets will end up driving cars. The Bicycle Board recognizes that sidewalk bicycling is dangerous to bicyclists as well as to pedestrians. Our approach to getting bicyclists off the sidewalks and onto the streets is to educate them that the law gives them same rights to the road as motorists and subjects them to the same duties. We produced 5,000 police information cards (http://bikemorgantown.com/articles.php?str=2012/01/ticketing-cyclists.html) and gave them to Chief Preston and WVU police for this purpose. We encourage police to give these cards to bicyclists as well as motorists that violate laws that jeopardize bicyclists' safety. Now, I recognize that the subject for Tuesday's Committee of the Whole is unicycles but since one of the code amendments is to article 373. Bicycles, specifically 373.08 Riding on Sidewalks, the discussion is likely to stray from unicycles to bicycling on sidewalks. I explicitly request that you consider our points above if discussion does stray to sidewalk bicycling. Perhaps you could even distribute some police information cards. One element of the procedural guidelines under which the City chartered the Bicycle Board is "review and support the implementation of Article 373 on Bicycles of the Morgantown Municipal Code." We have been working on this for years and have preliminary recommendations for updates but we are not yet ready to propose them to the Traffic Commission. One of those recommendations is to remove 373.08 (d) from 373 since 373.08 (d) has nothing to do with bicycles. Another reason for removing the language of 373.08 (d) from 373 is that doing so would diminish the grouping of bicycles with skateboards, roller skates, and soon, unicycles. We need to recognize that one reason Morgantown residents may choose to bicycle on the sidewalks rather than on the streets is that they perceive the streets to be more dangerous. Until we can educate them that they can ride safely on the streets and until we can make the streets safer for bicycling, e.g. by enforcing laws whose violation endangers cyclists, we could consider amending the 373.08 Riding on Sidewalks to make riding on sidewalks safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. One such measure could be to amend 373.08 to permit bicycling on the sidewalks at a speed no greater than the prevailing speed of pedestrian traffic. I hope that we will discuss this matter before Tuesday Committee of the Whole meeting. Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles What say youy? Frank On Jan 30, 2012, at 9:06 AM, Christiaan Abildso wrote: A great idea. I, too, cringe when I see those on sidewalks and fear for their safety, especially if they are novice cyclists. Thanks for including me on the discussion. Christiaan >>> On 1/30/2012 at 8:52 AM, <dspringston(a)gmail.com> wrote: Hey guys, I cringe when I see cyclists riding on the sidewalks, but at the same time I see a potential teaching opportunity to those riding on sidewalks. Is there any way we could allocate some financial resources to make the Traffic Skills 101 class free for those folks we see riding on the sidewalks and encourage the police to recommend the course? What about giving them a ticket or warning with the understanding that attending a Traffic Skills 101 course could release the fee for the ticket? This could create an influx of educated cyclists in a best case scenario! I imagine many folks riding on the sidewalks just aren't aware of the law, and I'd hate to be too harsh on them, even though it is dangerous. After all, they are just as motivated to be out riding as we are. Thanks, ~Derek On Sun, Jan 29, 2012 at 7:49 PM, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> wrote: Hugh, I'm certainly not suggesting that we advocate for sidewalk cycling. Cycling on the sidewalk is more dangerous for the cyclist than riding on the roadway. Anyone who's taken Traffic Skills 101 understands why. Our strategy has been to guide sidewalk cyclists from the sidewalks onto the roadway through education. I'm concerned that the extended outcome of Tuesday's meeting could be that those who are bicycling on the sidewalks and get tickets will drive cars. The police information cards that we developed and distributed to both Morgantown and WVU police tell people not to ride on the sidewalk. But, the cards also say that cyclists have the same rights to the roads as motorists and instructs them to drive their bicycles as they would drive vehicles. I wonder how many of those cards the police have given out? I wonder how many citations the police wrote to motorists that pulled out in front of cyclists, passed cyclists when it was unsafe to do so. If you could show me how, I'd like to direct any discussion Tuesday from penalizing sidewalk cyclists to getting more people out of the cars and on bikes on the streets. What do you recommend? Frank On Jan 29, 2012, at 7:03 PM, Hugh Kierig wrote: > Bicycles should not be allowed to be riden on sidewalks in commercial areas. In these instances the present a pedestrian hazard. > Hugh E. Kierig > -----Original Message----- > From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> > Cc: Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> > To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> > > Sent: 1/29/2012 6:57:09 PM > Subject: [Bikeboard] Sidewalk cycling > > Bicycle Board Members, > > At this Tuesday's meeting, City Council will discuss riding on sidewalks. See Agenda. > > WHAT SHOULD WE DO? We have 2 days to decide. > > Primarily, in response to a request from Chief Preston, they're banning unicycles from sidewalks and streets, effectively banning unicycles. I imagine this will lead to discussing bicycling on sidewalks which I imagine could lead to police ticketing bicyclists who ride on sidewalks. IMO, that won't exactly help us realize our vision of every resident being able to bicycle safely and fearlessly anywhere, anytime for any reason or to achieve our goal of having 1 or every 20 vehicles on Morgantown streets be a bicycle by 2020. > > I would like to turn this around from being negative to some kind of positive action to support our vision, goal, objectives and recommended action but I don't know how. Ideas? > > Specifically, they're going to revise two parts of the code: 311.02 TOY VEHICLES ON STREETS and 373.08 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS, specifically 373.08 (d). Personally, I've always had a problem with 373.08 (d) because 373 is entitled "Bicycles" but 373.08 (d) is about skateboards and roller skates and soon to include unicycles. If they had asked me about this ordinance change, I would first have recommended that they remove part (d) from 373. (See Bicycle Law .) > > Frank D. Gmeindl > Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board > LCI #1703 > 491 WilsonAvenue > Morgantown, WV 26501 > 304-376-0446 > Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > > > _______________________________________________ Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard(a)cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard -- Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. -'Abdu'l-Baha “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells _______________________________________________ Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard(a)cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard _______________________________________________ Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard(a)cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard _______________________________________________ Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard(a)cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Fwd: Sidewalk cycling
by Aira Loren Burkhart 01 Feb '12

01 Feb '12

I really like Nick's suggestion to change the law to allow vehicles "behaving as pedestrians" etc in accordance with other cities. This change would leave a lot of interpretation to the police officers, but I'm sure they can handle it with some training and possibly pointing the radar gun at cyclists who appear to be cycling at faster than walking pace on the sidewalk. aira

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Re: [Bikeboard] Sidewalk cycling
by Hugh Kierig 01 Feb '12

01 Feb '12

Bicycles should not be allowed to be riden on sidewalks in commercial areas. In these instances the present a pedestrian hazard. Hugh E. Kierig -----Original Message----- From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> Cc: Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> Sent: 1/29/2012 6:57:09 PM Subject: [Bikeboard] Sidewalk cycling Bicycle Board Members, At this Tuesday's meeting, City Council will discuss riding on sidewalks. See Agenda. WHAT SHOULD WE DO? We have 2 days to decide. Primarily, in response to a request from Chief Preston, they're banning unicycles from sidewalks and streets, effectively banning unicycles. I imagine this will lead to discussing bicycling on sidewalks which I imagine could lead to police ticketing bicyclists who ride on sidewalks. IMO, that won't exactly help us realize our vision of every resident being able to bicycle safely and fearlessly anywhere, anytime for any reason or to achieve our goal of having 1 or every 20 vehicles on Morgantown streets be a bicycle by 2020. I would like to turn this around from being negative to some kind of positive action to support our vision, goal, objectives and recommended action but I don't know how. Ideas? Specifically, they're going to revise two parts of the code: 311.02 TOY VEHICLES ON STREETS and 373.08 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS, specifically 373.08 (d). Personally, I've always had a problem with 373.08 (d) because 373 is entitled "Bicycles" but 373.08 (d) is about skateboards and roller skates and soon to include unicycles. If they had asked me about this ordinance change, I would first have recommended that they remove part (d) from 373. (See Bicycle Law .) Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Re: [Bikeboard] Unicycles on sidewalks/streets
by Frank Gmeindl 31 Jan '12

31 Jan '12

Dear Mr. Ferris, I know this is short notice but if you can, please attend the Bicycle Board's regular monthly meeting tomorrow (Thursday) night at 6:30 pm in the Public Safety Center Conference Room. Attached is the agenda. Since the attached agenda was created a week ago, you won't see the unicycle topic on it. However, we will address the unicycle issue under topic #5, ripe bananas at 6:48 pm. Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles On Jan 31, 2012, at 8:13 PM, Wesley Nugent wrote: > Dear Roy and Frank, > > At the Committee of the Whole meeting on January 31, the issue of unicycles riding on streets and sidewalks was referred with Council consensus to the Bike Board for further investigation. Once the Bike Board has explored the issue, It's requested that recommendations be presented to the Traffic Commission for consideration and afterward have the Traffic Commission forward recommendations to Council for full consideration. > > Mr. Scott Ferris, whom I've included on this correspondence, is interested in working with the Bike Board on this issue. > > Please work with the City Manager's office to receive additional information and direction in this regard. > > Thanks in advance for your assistance. > > Sincerely, > Wes > > -- > Wesley "Wes" Nugent > Morgantown City Councilor > Connect online @ WNugent.com > > Confidentiality Notice: This email, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. > >

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Fwd: Unicycles on sidewalks/streets
by Frank Gmeindl 31 Jan '12

31 Jan '12

Anyone know who Scott Ferris is? Begin forwarded message: > From: Wesley Nugent <wes(a)wnugent.com> > Date: January 31, 2012 8:13:01 PM EST > To: Roy Nutter <roy.nutter(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> > Cc: scott.r.ferris(a)gmail.com, "Terrence R. Moore ICMA-CM" <tmoore(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, City Council <CityCouncil(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org> > Subject: Unicycles on sidewalks/streets > > Dear Roy and Frank, > > At the Committee of the Whole meeting on January 31, the issue of unicycles riding on streets and sidewalks was referred with Council consensus to the Bike Board for further investigation. Once the Bike Board has explored the issue, It's requested that recommendations be presented to the Traffic Commission for consideration and afterward have the Traffic Commission forward recommendations to Council for full consideration. > > Mr. Scott Ferris, whom I've included on this correspondence, is interested in working with the Bike Board on this issue. > > Please work with the City Manager's office to receive additional information and direction in this regard. > > Thanks in advance for your assistance. > > Sincerely, > Wes > > -- > Wesley "Wes" Nugent > Morgantown City Councilor > Connect online @ WNugent.com > > Confidentiality Notice: This email, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. > >

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Bikeboard February 2012