Bikeboard February 2009

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Ed committee minutes
by Frank Gmeindl 17 Mar '09

17 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached minutes of 8-January Education Committee meeting. The minutes summarize action items and discussion for planning implementation of the Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Program grant. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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[Fwd: WV Cycling Symposium in Charleston, WV - April 17 - 18]
by Frank Gmeindl 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, FYI, here's the agenda for the WV Cycling Symposium. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: WV Cycling Symposium in Charleston, WV - April 17 - 18 Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:11:36 -0500 From: Kim Broughton <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com> To: fgmeindl(a)verizon.net February 2009 *WV Cycling Symposium - April 17 - 18, 2009* /Charleston, WV/ The League of American Bicyclist <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>, Thunderhead Alliance <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> and a steering committee <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> of volunteers representing different areas and different interests in cycling in West Virginia have finalized the agenda for the Cycling Symposium being held April 17th and 18th in Charleston, WV. Invitations to speakers have been sent and we are putting the final touches on the details. Registration will open by March 8th! We wanted to share the agenda while we are waiting for speakers to confirm. We also wanted to invite you to recommend speakers for the break out sessions if you know of someone you think would be stellar! We are honored that Thunderhead Alliance has joined the cause and are grateful for the support of everyone who is making this possible! Here is a sneak peak... *Friday April 17 Plenary & Dinner 6:00-9:30pm* . Welcome and introductions, West Virginia Cycling Foundation President -- Dave Pray . Introduction to the League, BFC & BFS programs, Andy Clarke -- LAB Executive Director . West Virginia DOT's role commitment to bicycling . Importance of eco-tourism to West Virginia and bicycling potential role . Dinner & Drinks *Saturday April 18 9:00am-2:00pm* 9:00-10:00am Continental breakfast . State of the State('s bicycling) , Kimberly Broughton - Steering committee coordinator . Phenomenal success stories at the state level . Organizing Winning Campaigns/Grassroots efforts for bicycling, Jeff Miller -- Thunderhead Alliance Executive Director 10:00-10:45 am - Break-out sessions -- presentations on specific topics by presenters in each. See below for details. 10:45 -- 11:00 am Break 11:00 am - 12:00pm - Small group break outs within breakout sessions Goal of these group break outs is to: 1. Identify a champion for the topic who is willing to lead and organize the next step after the symposium 2. Identify the next action item towards the progression of the topic with help of presenters from the session. This is a time for WV attendees to share their projects so that the presenters can best help define the best next step! 12:15-1:00pm - Working lunch, Forming next steps -- Jeff Miller picking up from his previous presentation. 1:00-:1:45pm - Wrap-up 2:00pm - Group Ride to the Capital and back. Pedestrian parade from the Capitol to the bikers and back. Bigger ride after this for those interested. *Breakout Sessions* Creating Better On-road bicycling through mountain biking's success: How does West Virginia turn the successes of mountain biking into more bike friendly communities, policies and collaborative work between groups? Confirmed speaker: Jeff Peel, League of American Bicyclists JR Petsko, WV Mountain Bike Association Executive Director Building relationships with state legislators and state DOT for better policies and legislations and the role of citizens input and advocacy: Learning from South Carolina's example and Thunderhead's Winning Campaign strategy. Confirmed speakers: Jeff Miller, Thunderhead Andy Clarke, LAB Economic Impact of Bicycling: promoting bike trails and tours to have impact the economy. Education, Safe Routes to Schools and youth programs Confirmed speaker: Bill Nesper, LAB *Looking for more information* /Check out the website <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> and sign up for the mailing list <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>/ Did you know that the WV Cycling Foundation has been kind enough to let us use their resources to organize this event, to include the use of their email management facilities and website <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>? They are the organizers of the Cheat Mountain Challenge Century <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> rides at Snowshoe Mountain, WV. It is from the proceeds of this event that they have been able to support these types of activities. Registration in that event has a direct impact on the quality of cycling programs in West Virginia. If you would like to join the mailing list of folks interested in progressing cycling in West Virginia, visit our sign-up page here <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>. *Sponsors and Friends* *Are you interested in being a bigger part of the event?* We are accepting sponsors and have many exciting opportunities. Send me an email if you would like to know more. You can reach me, Kim Broughton, by emailing me at kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com <mailto:kimberlyjoshi@gmail.com?subject=Partners%20and%20sponsors>. I look forward to hearing from you. /Many thanks to the sponsor and friends who are making this possible./ WVCF <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>LAB <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>Wild and Wonderful WV <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> Thunderhead Alliance <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> Friends: Gail Pitchford, Mike Loughney This message was sent from Kim Broughton to fgmeindl(a)verizon.net. It was sent from: West Virginia Cycling Foundation, Route 2, Box 331 B, Charleston, WV 25314. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. Email Marketing Software <http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/144186> Manage your subscription <http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=70515743&l=137531&s=0AHE&m=…> <http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/forward?m=829729&s=70515743&c=0AHE&cid=3632…> Share this message with others: del.icio.us <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> Digg <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> reddit <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> Facebook <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…> StumbleUpon <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=829729&act=0AHE&c=…>

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Agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Feb '09

26 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, A week from today is our regular monthly meeting. Please send me any topics that you would want to put on the agenda. Please include a desired outcome of discussing the topic and an approximate length of time for discussion. I will issue the agenda Sunday so I would appreciate your inputs by then. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as .../

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Bicycle Parking
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Feb '09

16 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Attached, please find a zip folder that contains the Bicycle Board's request of the City Manager for an $11,800 budget to provide bicycle parking on High Street and at the library on Spruce Street. The attached zip folder contains the request letter and supporting documentation. Frank

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Cheat Lake Park/Trail - comments due Feb 29!
by Peggy Pings 15 Feb '09

15 Feb '09

All, Friends of Cheat Lake Trail, the rail-trail community, the Mon County/Morgantown bike-ped boards, and WV State Trails Coordinator Bill Robinson, Spread the word.... Please read the attached 1.5 MB file. It is the Cheat Lake Park/Trail Recreation Update, found at: http://www.cheatlaketoday.com/ Have you been to the Cheat Lake Park & Trail before? Opened in June 2000, it is a 4.5 mile rail-trail, and 263 acre park, that includes the "140-acre Cheat Haven Peninsula nature viewing area". It is all owned & managed by Allegheny Power, as part of their hydropower license with FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). They are undergoing their Triennial Review requirements, to prove that they are meeting the public need. It is my personal opinion that they have a lot more they could be doing to better meet the public need. Feb 29. Written comments are due. Chuck Simon's email is csimons(a)alleghenyenergy.com Mar 11. Public meeting, 7pm, Cheat Lake VFD. ( mailto:csimons@alleghenyenergy.com ) Read on..... ------------- Here's a couple quick thoughts, and yes, I think letters are in order from whoever wants the Cheat Lake Park/Trail improved: Proposed Changes Page 8. Sec 3.4. "As previously stated, the recreational facilities provided are meeting the demonstrated demand for the general use for this area. Based on an evaluation of the usage figures the facilities are adequate for non-peak period demand. AE will continue to monitor usage to determine if any changes are warranted; however, at this time, no changes to the type, access and operation of facilities is proposed in this update." Hiking Trail. Yes, we should support the trail system, but we (the group) are suggesting a single-track dirt trail, nothing more. I would like to see this trail system link up into the Greystone community, slipping in from the wooded edge of the golf course to the roads, so the neighborhood that is not adjacent will have better bike/ped access. Need interpretive & directional signs, a little trailhead to park bikes safely while you walk the trail, and control of invasive species mentioned. Page 4. Sec 2.4. "The 140 acre Cheat Haven Peninsula area was designed to allow hikers to leave the hiking/biking trail and hike through the woods. AE is currently working with several individuals in the development of a primitive walking trail in this area. If an agreement can be reached, AE will include this new trail as part of this Plan Update and will file for an amendment with the FERC, if required. AE believes that a developed walking trail will help eliminate the possible destruction of habitat because individuals will be directed through the viewing area." Public Access Docks. Did you notice all 5 docks have been removed? Now, the visiting public has even worse access to the water. The map on page 26 shows where they used to be (as if they are still there). Page 3. Sec 2.2. "The five public access decks have been removed due to safety concerns. Over the last several years, vandalism of the locking pins and general horseplay on the access docks has lead to their removal. Also, in several locations with the shoreline shifting, several of the stairways were rendered unsafe and have been removed.The five public access decks have been removed due to safety concerns. Over the last several years, vandalism of the locking pins and general horseplay on the access docks has lead to their removal. Also, in several locations with the shoreline shifting, several of the stairways were rendered unsafe and have been removed." Trail Closure. The southern 3.1 miles is still closed to the public 4 months of the year (Nov1-Mar1). This has always been Totally Unacceptable to everyone, except a few adjacent Greystone landowners up high on the hill! Folks, winter conditions are not a problem for rail-trails, as they have repeatedly suggested! No other rail-trails that I know of close down for the winter. It looks like perhaps Page 3. Sec 2.2. "After the previous Recreation Plan Update (RPU) in 2006, AE did agree to open the the Southern Trail two additional months each year. This section of trail is now open from March 1 through October 31st." Management. Nothing on proposed/improved management changes (Bruce Miller's written proposal), nor changes made over the years -- this has been very secretive - not transparent at all. It should be managed as a community park, and it is not. For the amount of money AP spends on security and maintenance, we could have a very nicely managed regional park. The security guy is nice enough, but not welcoming. In fact, he has told me that "this is private property" when I stopped into his office one afternoon, making me feel unwelcome (but I knew better... that it was free & open to the public). There is no promotion of the Park/Trail, except word of mouth, and a really bad website that hardly anyone knows about. Directional Signs are missing along Rt 857. The map at the parking area has bad water/sun damage & cannot be read. There are no decent maps/brochures available. There are no events / activities. The park/trail is over 50% underutilized -- I can guess why. Page 7. Sec 3.1. "Most of the facilities at Cheat Lake Park and Trail are currently being used at less than 50% capacity for off-peak weekend days." I have plenty more ideas for improvement. What can you come up with? Peggy Pings 304-879-5622 home mpings(a)wvu.edu

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Ed committee 2/12/09 minutes
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Feb '09

14 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Thanks to Paul Becker for composing the attached minutes of last Thursday's meeting of the committee that's planning the implementation of the Morgantown Effective Cycling Education Program grant. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Ed Grant Meeting Tonight
by Frank Gmeindl 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Reminder: Education Grant Meeting tonight 6:00 PM at Paul Becker's house: 245 Allison Street. Attached are minutes of the last meeting. Frank

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Yield to Life
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Perhaps we should link up with Yield to Life to leverage our Effective Bicycling Education program. I just got the following from the LCI group: > *From: *Jon Spangler > *Date: *February 8, 2009 1:00:35 AM PST > *To: *ebbc-talk(a)lists.ebbc.org <mailto:ebbc-talk@lists.ebbc.org> , > BikeAlameda List <discuss(a)bikealameda.org > <mailto:discuss@bikealameda.org> > > *Subject: [Ebbc-Talk] Fwd: Yield To Life > * > Bikies, > > I just found out that professional bike racer David Zabriskie (who is > racing in the Amgen Tour of California, I am pretty sure) has > established an advocacy organization called Yield to Life. Here are > the link and a description from the site: > > http://yieldtolife.org > > Yield to Life's Mission > > Yield to Life will engage in a vigorous awareness campaign to promote > positive attitudes toward cyclists and replace any hostility that > exists between motorists and cyclists with understanding, respect, and > appreciation for all life on the road. Safety for every cyclist is the > top priority of Yield to Life. > > Cycling is a healthy, life-affirming, environmentally-sound activity > that adds value to anyone's life. Since cyclists' lives are often in > motorists' hands, motorists must understand the vital role they play > in a cyclist's safety. > > Yield to Life will concentrate on road-rule education programs for > motorists and cyclists alike through driver's education programs, > public awareness movements and media campaigns in order to ensure a > safer and more harmonious environment for all those on the road. > > Yield to Life will engage in a hands-on educational program with > target audiences that range from school assemblies to corporate > conventions. Workshops will be created to arm cyclists with tips for > navigating through traffic and tools for riding in a safe and > responsible manner. Yield to Life will work on a database for cyclists > to find the best, the safest and the most accommodating roads for > commuting and for recreation. > > Regards, > > Jon > > > Jon Spangler > Writer/Editor > Linda Hudson Writing > 510-864-0370/FAX 864-2144 > MOBILE 510-846-5356 The web site, http://yieldtolife.org is worth a look. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of bicycles/

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Year of Active Transport meeting Tues. 5 PM
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Feb '09

08 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Reminder: Year of Active Transport meeting Tues. 5 PM Public Safety Center Training Room. Walk It, Bike It, Bus It, PRT It. Frank

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Agenda for this Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Feb '09

03 Feb '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached a zip folder that contains the agenda and read-aheads for this Thursday's meeting. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Bikeboard February 2009