February 2008 - Bikeboard - lists.bikelover.org

Cycling safety statistics and considerations
by director 24 Aug '08

24 Aug '08

Good morning, Just one more thing to pass on and then I'll quit bugging everybody. I was recently reminded of this link to Ken Kifer's website which discusses statistics on bicycling and pedestrian accident/fatality rates. http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/health/risks.htm It's a good reminder about where to focus our attention when developing non-motorized amenities that allow all users to share the public roadways safely. Cyclist education is clearly the most effective form of accident prevention. For those who don't know, Ken was killed a few years ago by a drunk driver. This is also a reminder that drunk, inattentive and beligerent drivers - although a very small minority - are beyond the reach of cycling education but should be addressed better in driver education and enforcment. In the meantime be careful out there. Nick

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Addresses
by Frank Gmeindl 29 Feb '08

29 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, Barbara Shellito, the Traffic Commission Secretary asked me for an updated list of Bicycle Board members including member surface mail addresses. I have a current membership list with e-mail addresses but it does not include surface mail addresses. Could you please reply to this message and give me your surface mail address? Frank

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Re: [Bikeboard] MPO presentation
by director 29 Feb '08

29 Feb '08

Frank, You must have been nervous, Kennedy wasn't asking you to get Riverview residents on bikes. He was throwing you a red herring, asking you to find out why they won't walk 2 blocks to a bus stop. However, your presentation was excellent. The best part was after you'd answered a few questions when you summarized by saying "Well, I don't hear any disagreement." I realized at that point that what everyone was expressing was disbelief and obstruction. Asahel's obstruction amounted to "If we can't get everybody to change completely, then we might as well do nothing." I talked to Barbara Parsons afterwards, wanting to hear more about her initiative to reverse childhood obesity trends. She couldn't believe that roads would ever be safe for kids to ride on, so she's only considering indoor exercise. What I kept hearing sounded like people in a toxic relationship with their cars - knowing that the relationship is hurting them, but afraid to let it go. Not sure where to go from here. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Thu, 01 Mar 2007 06:53:59 -0500 >Don, Nick, Marilyn, Bill, Tyler, Autumn, Kelly, > >Thank you all for attending the MPO meeting last night! If you all >weren't there, I know I couldn't have delivered that presentation. As >it was, I was so nervous that I can't even remember what I did when I >was standing up there. I only remember losing my voice, grasping for >words, hearing stupid incorrect ones coming out, and fumbling to find >any straight line to take through it all. I should have rehearsed more. > >I was so nervous because, of all the bodies that the Bicycle Board deals >with: Traffic Commission, City Council, City Manager, the MPO is the >first one that really can reshape our cycling environment. For almost 3 >years, I've attended MPO meetings (irregularly) and watched them make >decisions that I knew would further diminish the quality and safety of >cycling in Mon County. After 3 years, last night, I finally had a >chance to show them the cyclists' perspective. I don't think I did any >damage but I also don't think I had much effect. And, boy do I regret >taking on yet another project to get Riverview residents on bikes:( > >Well, enough whining. Most of you were involved in helping me create >the materials that I presented last night and I think they were >excellent. Chet Parsons is going to put them up on the MPO website >(plantogether.org) and I'll ask Jeff Mikorski to put them in the Bicycle >Board archives at http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board-docs.htm . >Maybe you can make better use of them than I did. > >Now, let's all get out there an change the culture! > >Frank > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Bike culture in the Twin Cities - MSP
by director 28 Feb '08

28 Feb '08

Gunnar, Not to sound like a broken record, but the link below is also maintained by friends of mine. In fact I was in MSP 2 years ago for my niece's wedding and got a cook's tour of the trails from one of the city planners who designed them. I took enough pictures to make a photo essay about the wonderful trail and park facilities, but never got around to writing it. If there's interest I could try and do it now. We have an abundance of student volunteers at Positive Spin this semester and I could get help from one of them. I stayed for 3 days in July, the first 2 I spent entirely on bike with biker friends riding around on the trail system. The last day I spent with my family driving around in the car in 100F heat and gridlocked traffic. The place is like 2 different worlds depending on how you get around - much more pleasant on bike. When Minneapolis was being developed the parks director committed to planning so that all citizens would be <15 min walk from a public park - a decision that had enduring results. btw My niece's marriage didn't endure. I'm still in contact with some of the bike transportation advocates in MSP too. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "gunn4r Shogren" <gshogren(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:50:09 -0500 >Some communities, nations, and folks, really have the "right" idea- >http://www.velomobiling.com/gallery/TravelsAndEvents/fietscafe/ > >Maybe Motown needs one of these. >Gotta get the public interested somehow... > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fw: [WorkingBikes] New option for city bike rental program
by gunn4r Shogren 28 Feb '08

28 Feb '08

! On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 8:34 PM, director <director(a)positivespin.org> wrote: > Gunnar, > Actually, I'm the guy who gave the pictures to that guy for his web page. He's a friend of mine named Mark Garvey, from Cedar Rapids IA. You can see the same pictures on my PPV site... > http://bikelist.org/seawheels/NicksBikes/PPV/PPVHistory.htm You think things just *happen*? If you scroll just a little further down from the canopied PPVs you'll see what I mean... > > Although Mark updates his more often. > Nick > > > > ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- > From: "gunn4r Shogren" <gshogren(a)gmail.com> > Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:11:05 -0500 > > >Good job Nick, > > > >Nothing too controversial here. > >Looks like you're really taking our most recent talk to heart. > > > >Keep it up and I'm sure we'll even start to all ride recumbants and > >those PPV two-person bike cars you got holed up at the storage place. > >Check out the hottie we'll all be picking up (or the sweet dude if > >you're of that persuasion)- > >http://vine-ave.com/ppv.htm > > > >I personally like the ones with the canopies, about half way down or > >so, they remind my of the penny-farthing for the series "The > >Prisoner". > > > >Way to go Nick! > > > >...wonder if I sent this to the whole list? > > > >On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 12:59 PM, director <director(a)positivespin.org> wrote: > >> Good morning, > >> Here's how Chicago is trying to get city bike rentals at no cost to the city. One of their bus contractors is offering to renegotiate an existing bus shelter contract to include bike rentals. > >> Nick > >> > >> > >> http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/812569,CST-NWS-bike26.article > >> > >> New option for city bike rental program > >> French company offers to renegotiate bus-shelter deal to provide cheap rentals > >> > >> February 26, 2008 > >> > >> A French company awarded a bus shelter contract in 2001 -- after City Hall bypassed a more lucrative offer -- has offered to renegotiate its deal to incorporate a Paris-style, downtown bike rental program being pushed by Mayor Daley, Chicago's No. 1 cyclist. > >> > >> > >> > >> The Daley administration is entertaining the offer from JCDecaux after a "request for proposals" last year attracted only two competitors. Neither JCDecaux nor London-based OYBike met the mayor's mandate to operate a bike rental program "at low-cost or no-cost" to Chicago taxpayers. > >> > >> JCDecaux then came back with a more novel approach. Why not renegotiate the 2001 contract to include more bus shelters, newspaper boxes and city information panels? That way, there'll be enough advertising revenue to pay for as many as 1,000 bikes at 80 downtown stations, and bike rental fees can remain affordable. > >> > >> > >> > >> "You can make it more expensive and risk that less people will use it. Or it can be free, which promotes usage. You have a lot of options," said Nicolas Clochard-Boussuet, chief operating officer of JCDecaux North America. > >> > >> Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, said he hopes the rental fee will be "similar to Paris, where the first half-hour is free and it's $1.50 for every 30 minutes after that. It can't just be a bike rental for tourists. It has to be attractive financially -- and competitive with the CTA -- so people see it as a true transportation option." > >> > >> > >> > >> Transportation Department spokesman Brian Steele noted that the 2001 "street furniture" contract provided 2,100 bus shelters, newspaper racks and information panels at no cost to the city "and that's what we're trying to achieve through the bike rentals. ... We want a program that provides great amenities to Chicago residents." > >> > >> > >> > >> In Paris, JCDecaux offers 20,000 bikes for rental at 1,400 locations and charges a $200 deposit to the user's credit card only if the bike is stolen or damaged. The program has been credited with doubling bike use almost overnight. > >> > >> Clochard-Boussuet said he's confident the same thing will happen in Chicago. > >> > >> "Except for the first [winter] quarter, I don't see why not. Chicago is very bike-friendly. It's easier to ride a bike because of all of the bike paths," he said > >> > >> > >> > >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. > >> > >> __._,_.___ > >> Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic > >> Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar > >> > >> Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) > >> Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional > >> Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity > >> a.. 2New Members > >> b.. 2New Links > >> Visit Your Group > >> Yahoo! News > >> Kevin Sites > >> > >> Get coverage of > >> > >> world crises. > >> > >> Biz Resources > >> Y! Small Business > >> > >> Articles, tools, > >> > >> forms, and more. > >> > >> 10 Day Club > >> on Yahoo! Groups > >> > >> Share the benefits > >> > >> of a high fiber diet. > >> . > >> __,_._,___ > >> > >> > >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > >> > >> No virus found in this incoming message. > >> Checked by AVG Free Edition. > >> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.1 - Release Date: 2/25/2008 12:00 AM > >> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> Nick Hein > >> Director, Positive Spin > >> Morgantown, WV > >> ph 304-276-0213 > >> -- > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Bikeboard mailing list > >> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org > >> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > >> > > > > -- > Nick Hein > Director, Positive Spin > Morgantown, WV > ph 304-276-0213 > -- >

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bike item - London Shifts Gears to Favor Bicycles
by John Lozier 27 Feb '08

27 Feb '08

> London Shifts Gears to Favor Bicycles Armed with a proposal to develop 12 major "superhighways" for bicyclists throughout the city, along with a daily "congestion charge" of almost $50 for polluting vehicles, England's capital city is gearing up to become the world's newest bicycle utopia. London's mayor hopes the programs will result in a 400 percent increase in the number of cyclists in the city by ... GET THE WHOLE STORY: http://www.newsdesk.org/archives/004569.html John Lozier "It's an UPHILL STRUGGLE to get folks to think of bikes as TRANSPORTATION"

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Fw: [WorkingBikes] New option for city bike rental program
by director 27 Feb '08

27 Feb '08

Good morning, Here's how Chicago is trying to get city bike rentals at no cost to the city. One of their bus contractors is offering to renegotiate an existing bus shelter contract to include bike rentals. Nick http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/812569,CST-NWS-bike26.article New option for city bike rental program French company offers to renegotiate bus-shelter deal to provide cheap rentals February 26, 2008 A French company awarded a bus shelter contract in 2001 -- after City Hall bypassed a more lucrative offer -- has offered to renegotiate its deal to incorporate a Paris-style, downtown bike rental program being pushed by Mayor Daley, Chicago's No. 1 cyclist. The Daley administration is entertaining the offer from JCDecaux after a "request for proposals" last year attracted only two competitors. Neither JCDecaux nor London-based OYBike met the mayor's mandate to operate a bike rental program "at low-cost or no-cost" to Chicago taxpayers. JCDecaux then came back with a more novel approach. Why not renegotiate the 2001 contract to include more bus shelters, newspaper boxes and city information panels? That way, there'll be enough advertising revenue to pay for as many as 1,000 bikes at 80 downtown stations, and bike rental fees can remain affordable. "You can make it more expensive and risk that less people will use it. Or it can be free, which promotes usage. You have a lot of options," said Nicolas Clochard-Boussuet, chief operating officer of JCDecaux North America. Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, said he hopes the rental fee will be "similar to Paris, where the first half-hour is free and it's $1.50 for every 30 minutes after that. It can't just be a bike rental for tourists. It has to be attractive financially -- and competitive with the CTA -- so people see it as a true transportation option." Transportation Department spokesman Brian Steele noted that the 2001 "street furniture" contract provided 2,100 bus shelters, newspaper racks and information panels at no cost to the city "and that's what we're trying to achieve through the bike rentals. ... We want a program that provides great amenities to Chicago residents." In Paris, JCDecaux offers 20,000 bikes for rental at 1,400 locations and charges a $200 deposit to the user's credit card only if the bike is stolen or damaged. The program has been credited with doubling bike use almost overnight. Clochard-Boussuet said he's confident the same thing will happen in Chicago. "Except for the first [winter] quarter, I don't see why not. Chicago is very bike-friendly. It's easier to ride a bike because of all of the bike paths," he said -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity a.. 2New Members b.. 2New Links Visit Your Group Yahoo! News Kevin Sites Get coverage of world crises. Biz Resources Y! Small Business Articles, tools, forms, and more. 10 Day Club on Yahoo! Groups Share the benefits of a high fiber diet. . __,_._,___ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.1 - Release Date: 2/25/2008 12:00 AM -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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History of unsafe cycling
by director 27 Feb '08

27 Feb '08

Good morning, I stumbled across this article during my daily news-read and thought it might be of interst to others. It describes the evolution of the "stay out of my way" mentality of motorists toward cyclists (vs. the "share the right of way safely" motive of effective cycling.) http://www.johnforester.com/Articles/Social/aaas94.htm Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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MPO presentation Thursday
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Feb '08

26 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, First, thanks to the two Dons, Autumn, Leah, Marilyn, Nick and Tyler for critiquing my Accommodating Bicycles presentation last Thursday. Attached is the result of our efforts. Autumn suggested that I conclude with a call to action. Before I present it to them, I feel like I need your concurrence on the last 4 slides since they may set a direction that we'll have to live with for a while. Particularly the goal that by 2030, 10% of all trips in the Morgantown MSA will be by bicycle. If you look at the PowerPoint file, please be aware that there's a lot of content in the notes section below the slides. Also attached is the agenda for the MPO meeting this Thursday. They have a lot of work to do, they don't have times on the agenda and I'm up last. I know I asked you all to attend but I wouldn't be surprised if they run out of steam before I'm up. I'll be prepared to sit through their whole meeting and come back again if necessary. I'd still like you all to come but I'll certainly understand if you don't. Frank

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[Fwd: Addresses]
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Feb '08

26 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, Thank you all who replied to my message below. Attached is a file that contains your responses. One respondent suggested that it would be handy if we all had each others' phone numbers. While I didn't ask for them in my original message, if you send me your phone number, I'll add it to the attached list and send an update out. I'll submit the attached list, without phone numbers to Barbara Shellito today. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Addresses Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:25:44 -0500 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: bikeboard(a)cheat.org Bicycle Board Members, Barbara Shellito, the Traffic Commission Secretary asked me for an updated list of Bicycle Board members including member surface mail addresses. I have a current membership list with e-mail addresses but it does not include surface mail addresses. Could you please reply to this message and give me your surface mail address? Frank

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walkable scoring website
by John Lozier 25 Feb '08

25 Feb '08

This website lets you enter a home address and then calculates how "walkable" it is. Very interesting. I'm a 58! http://www.walkscore.com/ John Lozier "It's an UPHILL STRUGGLE to get folks to think of bicycles as TRANSPORTATION"

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Re: [Bikeboard] walkable scoring website
by director 24 Feb '08

24 Feb '08

John, Thanks for that. Our address ranks a 65, although I would have put it higher. Walkability was one of the first things that sold us on the neighborhood. It's an uphill struggle from the river, but my kids have a shorter walk to college than they did to high school. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: John Lozier <jl(a)harpingforharmony.org> Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:53:32 -0500 >This website lets you enter a home address and then calculates how >"walkable" it is. Very interesting. I'm a 58! > >http://www.walkscore.com/ > >John Lozier >"It's an UPHILL STRUGGLE to get folks to think of bicycles as >TRANSPORTATION" > > > > > > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Interesting bus message
by director 23 Feb '08

23 Feb '08

Good evening, I came across this on one of the bike design blogs I read. I wonder if we could get a picture like this on the Mountain Line Buses. Wouldn't it be great to have a picture of the biking city council members? http://bicycledesign.blogspot.com/2008/02/share-road-message-on-buses.html As the blogger says, it carries a much bigger effect when the share-the-road message has a face and not just a diagram. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Campus Connector Meeting - Monday February 25
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 21 Feb '08

21 Feb '08

Please join us at the Campus Connector meeting this Monday, February the 25th at 6:00 p.m. in the Morgantown Public Safety Building on Spruce Street. The meeting will take place in the conference room near the beginning of the building close to the Blue Moose Cafe across the street. Please email me if you have a specific area you want to cover on the agenda. Attached is a tentative agenda. -Jonathan p.s. Interestingly, the Pedestrian Safety Board meeting precedes this meeting from 4:00-6:00 p.m., however, from my understanding it will meet in the training room.

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Reminder
by Frank Gmeindl 19 Feb '08

19 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, This is a reminder that I will be presenting a dry run "Accommodating Bicycles" presentation this Thursday, 21-Feb, 7-9 pm at the City Council Chambers. I would like your critique of the presentation and my delivery so I can improve it in preparation for delivery to the MPO the following Thursday, same time same place. Frank

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Uphill Struggle Project Draft Resolution - for organizations to endorse endorsements
by John Lozier 17 Feb '08

17 Feb '08

(All: the committee is hoping for the Traffic Commission and other organizations and individuals to endorse and/or sponsor this project. Therefore, please pass this along to anyone who might be interested. To repeat an earlier message, the Uphill Struggle committee will meet at 6 PM February 26 at Panera's. My apologies for duplications. Thanks! JL) Whereas The landscape of Morgantown is hilly by nature, and roads are narrow; Travel in Morgantown by motor vehicle is often congested; Motor vehicles in Morgantown add to air pollution and noise; Bicycle travel is an appropriate option for many travelers; The Morgantown public benefits when people choose to travel by bicycle; Travelers of all ages benefit in health and convenience when they choose to go by bicycle; Despite the benefits of cycling, it is an uphill struggle to get people to think of bicycles as transportation. This organization ___________therefore resolves and affirms as follows: 1) Bicycles are vehicles, by law entitled to use public roads; 2) Using bicycles for transportation in Morgantown is a win for everyone - drivers, cyclists and the general public; 3) Cycling on hilly terrain is a challenge that requires training for safety, comfort, and health; 4) We endorse the efforts of a group of cyclists and other organizations to design and implement a program of education and training to be known as AN UPHILL STRUGGLE (or "Max's Challenge"), to be realized in the spring and summer of 2008. The program consists of a series of weekly training rides for all ages and skill levels (on Decker's Creek Trail) , and a final event involving an uphill group ride on a public road.

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Uphill Struggle - planning meeting 2/26
by John Lozier 17 Feb '08

17 Feb '08

(DP: A planning meeting for interested public is set for 6 PM Tuesday, February 26, at Panera's, 357 Patteson Drive. Committee would like to see appropriate coverage as events progress. Please assign to a reporter and contact committee chair Marilyn Newcome, 598-5078, or me, John Lozier, 599 8233.) AN UPHILL STRUGGLE (Max's Challenge) Local 7-year-old Encourages Community to Bike It is an uphill struggle to get people to think of bicycles as transportation. However, cyclists young and old in Morgantown are gearing up to change the way people think about bikes. An Uphill Struggle, "Max's Challenge", will be celebrated in mid- August with an all-ages group ride up Monongahela Boulevard, past the Creative Arts Center, and down to the Star City Park. The point of the ride is not speed but success in arriving at the top. The biggest reward will be coasting down the other side. Starting in spring, the Uphill Struggle committee is scheduling a series of regular bicycle training events for riders of all ages and skill levels. Tentatively set for 2 PM every Sunday, riders will meet in Sabraton and ride up the Decker's Creek trail. Veteran cyclists will offer guidance about bicycle safety, comfort and fitness. The idea springs from conversations between Laura Kemp-Rye and her 7- year-old son Max. Like so many of us, Max learned to ride on a gently descending slope. Faced with the greater challenge of riding uphill, Max came up with an idea to make it fun. "Riding a bike is good exercise and it is a great way to reduce pollution," says Max. "We're going to have a lot of fun on this ride, and afterward we'll have a party!" Since then, the idea has grown to encompass a challenge not just to cyclists, but to drivers, who need to understand that bicycles help reduce traffic congestion, have a right to be on the road, and take up a lot less room than cars. After Max's mother mentioned the idea to several local cyclists, the Uphill Struggle Committee was formed. Headed by North Elementary teacher Marilyn Newcome, members and other interested parties include Kemp-Rye, John Lozier, Nick Hein, Bill Reger-Nash, Alice Vernon, Lynn Ryan, and Tim Nelms. The concept has been positively received by Morgantown mayor Ron Justice, and Star City mayor Allen Sharp, and also by the Morgantown Bicycle Board. The committee is currently seeking the widest possible endorsement from civic and government units concerned with topics such as transportation, education, and fitness. In decades past, becoming a competent bicyclist as a child meant freedom to travel independently, to school, playground, and the homes of friends. Today, more than ever, getting from place to place can be an uphill struggle. Especially here in Morgantown, where no matter what your destination, it seems to be uphill both ways! If you would like to be involved in the planning and implementation of this project, or to be a sponsor or mentor, please contact Marilyn Newcome at 598 5078, or mjcycling(a)msn.com.

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February Bicycle Board Meeting Minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 17 Feb '08

17 Feb '08

Attached, please find the minutes for the February meeting of the Bicycle Board. BETSY SHOGREN

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Secretary Working Hard
by gunn4r Shogren 15 Feb '08

15 Feb '08

Proof positive. Friday evening. New puppy wanting to go out, scratching at the door. Working on the minutes. Diligently and with fervor.

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Seattle Hospital Launches Bike Fleet
by director 14 Feb '08

14 Feb '08

Good evening, I came across this article when I should have been doing more important things. Children's hospital is in a busy metropolitan area of Seattle near the University of Washington. It's exceptional that they're encouraging bike commuting in this car-heavy area - I rode the area all frequently and fearlessly when I lived in the area and went to school there (ca 2000). http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/966.html Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Re: [Bikeboard] Positive steps for urban bicycling
by Frank Gmeindl 13 Feb '08

13 Feb '08

Nick, Of course, people will say, "Where will the money come from to support this?" I just heard on NPR that today, London imposed a *$49 a DAYfee for SUVs and other gas guzzlers to drive into London*. Compare that with our failed user fee! Frank director wrote: > Good evening, > That thing in the news about Chicago raising fines was OK, but this one gets me really excited in only good ways! > > http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/02/mayor-of-london.html#more > > Part of the text.... > The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, announced a major package of five programs to create a new network of quick, simple, and safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians that represents the largest investment in walking and cycling in the city's history. The plan also makes cycling a fully-funded part of the public transport network for the first time. > > The city of London is implementing these measures with the aim of having one in ten round trips in London each day made by bike, and saving some 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 per year as Londoners increasingly walk or cycle for short trips instead of taking their cars. > > Nick > > -- > Nick Hein > Director, Positive Spin > Morgantown, WV > ph 304-276-0213 > -- > > > _______________________________________________ > Bikeboard mailing list > Bikeboard(a)cheat.org > http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > > >

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[Fwd: FW: WVU business class has $20, 000 for local organizations]
by Frank Gmeindl 12 Feb '08

12 Feb '08

Alice, Last year's recipients seem to have similar enough agendas to ours that it the maps project and Max's Challenge would qualify. I'm forwarding this to the Board to see if anybody wants to pursue it. Thanks! Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: WVU business class has $20,000 for local organizations Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:08:15 -0500 From: Alice Vernon <VernonA(a)monhealthsys.org> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Just wondering if this could help our projects like the maps or Max's Challenge? alice -----Original Message----- From: Lori Beth DeHart [mailto:ldehart@mix.wvu.edu] Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 11:12 PM To: American Liver Foundation; American Red Cross- Blood Services; American Red Cross- River Valley Chapter; Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.; Children's Home Society of WV; Dunkard Creek Watershed; Excellence in Women's Health; Friend's of Decker's Creek; Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council; Greater Morgantown Area Youth Commision; Hospice Care Corporation; In Touch and Concerned, Inc. ; Job Squad Inc.; Kaleidoscope- Mon. County Schools; Milan Puskar Health Right; Monongalia Co. Child Advocacy Center; Monongalia Co. Democratic Party; Today's Youth; United Way; Workforce WV; WV Women Work; WVU Cultural Resources Management; Youth United; Morgantown Theatre Company; Morning Glory Ministries; Mountaineer Area Council, Boy Scouts of America ; Mountaineer Boys and Girls Club; PACE-TEC; Paws4People/Paws4Prisons; Positive Spin; Preston Co. Literacy Volunteers; Rape and Domestic Violence Info Center; Raymond Wolfe Center; Rock Forge Neighborhood House; Scott's Run Settlement House; Secure Female Facuility- Hazelton; St. John University Parish; Stepping Stones; Sundale Nursing Home; The Shack Neighborhood House Subject: WVU business class has $20,000 for local organizations Print Dear Non-Profits, Twenty students at West Virginia University are learning how to think like corporate philanthropists again this semester. They are accepting applications for grants through, Friday, March 28, 2008. On May 2, 2008 the class will hand out $20,000 to local organizations. Called the Corporate Citizenship Project, the program is in its seventh year at the WVU College of Business and Economics. Students have given away a total of $145,000 since 2001. Funding for the program comes from WVU alumni who recognize the importance of businesses contributing to the community. The program was originally designed by Management Professor Gerald Blakely to teach future business leaders the value of contributing to society and the community. This year, Dr. Joyce Heames is leading the program. Attached is a flier about the program and details on what to send in and the necessary deadlines. Thank you so much for your time and if you have any questions please contact Dr. Joyce Heames (304-293-7936, joyce.heames(a)mail.wvu.edu).

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MPO presentation
by Frank Gmeindl 12 Feb '08

12 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, On Thursday, 21-Feb. at 7:00 PM, I will do a dry run of the presentation "Accommodating Bicycles" in the City Council Chambers. Please come and help me maximize the impact that the presentation will have on the MPO when I present it again to them on 28-Feb. Frank

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Uphill Struggle / Uphill Challenge Project Draft
by John Lozier 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

(All: this is my current draft of a project to be presented Wednesday night to the Traffic Commission. Although the plan is quite clear, we are somewhat divided as of now whether to call it the Uphill Struggle, or the Uphill Challenge. (My original draft said Struggle.) Of course, anyone with thoughts on this and other details is very welcome to join the committee. Just reply to Marilyn Newcome or to me. JL) MAX'S UPHILL STRUGGLE (CHALLENGE) Local 7-year-old Encourages Community to Bike It is an uphill struggle to get people to think of bicycles as transportation. However, cyclists young and old in Morgantown are gearing up to change the way people think about bikes. "Max's Uphill Struggle" will be celebrated in mid-August with an all- ages group ride up Monongahela Boulevard, past the Creative Arts Center, and down to the Star City Park. The point of the ride is not speed but success in arriving at the top. The biggest reward will be coasting down the other side. Starting in spring, the Uphill Struggle committee is scheduling a series of regular bicycle training events for riders of all ages and skill levels. Tentatively set for 2 PM every Sunday, riders will meet in Sabraton and ride up the Decker's Creek trail. Veteran cyclists will offer guidance about bicycle safety, comfort and fitness. The idea springs from conversations between Laura Kemp-Rye and her 7- year-old son Max. Like so many of us, Max learned to ride on a gently descending slope. Faced with the greater challenge of riding uphill, Max came up with an idea to make it fun. "Riding a bike is good exercise and it is a great way to reduce pollution," says Max. "We're going to have a lot of fun on this ride, and afterward we'll have a party!" Since then, the idea has grown to encompass a challenge not just to cyclists, but to drivers, who need to understand that bicycles help reduce traffic congestion, have a right to be on the road, and take up a lot less room than cars. After Max's mother mentioned the idea to several local cyclists, the Uphill Struggle Committee was formed. Headed by North Elementary teacher Marilyn Newcome, members and other interested parties include Kemp-Rye, John Lozier, Nick Hein, Bill Reger-Nash, Alice Vernon, Lynn Ryan, and Tim Nelms. The concept has been positively received by Morgantown mayor Ron Justice, and Star City mayor Allen Sharp, and also by the Morgantown Bicycle Board. The committee is currently seeking the widest possible endorsement from civic and government units concerned with topics such as transportation, education, and fitness. In decades past, becoming a competent bicyclist as a child meant freedom to travel independently, to school, playground, and the homes of friends. Today, more than ever, getting from place to place can be an uphill struggle. Especially here in Morgantown, where no matter what your destination, it seems to be uphill both ways! If you would like to be involved in the planning and implementation of this project, or to be a sponsor or mentor, please contact Marilyn Newcome at 598 5078, or mjcycling(a)msn.com.

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Sheldon "Irreplaceable" Brown
by director 05 Feb '08

05 Feb '08

Gunnar, Thanks for passing this on. Sheldon's interests went well beyond the bounds of the "normal" cycling industry. He was well known in the recumbent and HPV communities - even in the paranormal (for his April Fool's day product announcements). I met him once at a recumbent rally and he's always been the guy I go to when we get a bike or part at the shop that I can't identify. His passion, knowledge, interest, humor and generosity were an inspiration. Have a great riding day. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "gunn4r Shogren" <gshogren(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 23:26:30 -0500 >I'm sure Nick knows by now- >http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheldon_Brown_(bicycle_mechanic) > >But anyone who's interested in cycling and just *living* should look >at any and all of his stuff. >It's a sad day. > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Off-topic, but incredibly cool
by director 04 Feb '08

04 Feb '08

Good morning, Had to pass this on. There are several videos, all worth watching. AMP energy drink sponsored a tent with a large number of pedal generators powering the lights and charging batteries to upload to the grid. I wonder if we could get an event together like this, except using the energy onsite. http://www.humanenergy.ampenergy.com/ Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Agenda for this Thursday's 7-Feb BB meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Feb '08

03 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached a zip folder that contains the agenda and read-aheads for this Thursday's Bicycle Board meeting. Frank

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Bikeboard February 2008