Bikeboard June 2012

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17 participants
27 discussions

Host Sue Hersman
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

Sue Hersman of Dallas TX is looking for a woman or family to host her 1 or 2 nights, June 30 and July 1 while she's cycling around Morgantown. She contacted me because we are both members of WarmShowers.org. If you would consider hosting her, please contact her at suehersman(a)gmail.com. Following is her profile from WarmShowers and some excerpts from our e-mail dialog. Profile: "I have ridden the Southern Tier and half of the Northern tier, ND to ME, and am on a mission to ride at least 50 miles in all 50 states. I have four grown children, and an empty house. I do have a 2 cats and a dog; just wanted to warn you in case you have allergies. I am a non-smoker. Lots of privacy, if you want it. Private bedroom, private bathroom, pool, spa. Easy going. Can provide transportation if you need to get to the bike shop, (we have great bike shops around here) or airport. You must clean up after yourself....." Excerpts from e-mail dialog: "I am riding all 50 states; I have my final 16 to finish this summer. To finish these final 16 states, I am only riding 50 miles in each. I have done the southern tier, and half of the norhtern; those were supported rides. I am solo on this one.... As I have not been able to find SAG support, I am driving, then riding, usually loops or out and backs, then driving on to the next state. I want to ride the Decker Creek trail; my mother's family hails from Preston county, so this area holds a special meaning to me. (She was a Fairfax). My family is from Reedsville, and it looks like the old family farm is very close to the trail termination. I plan to do a bit of exploration of the area, visiting the farm, cemetery, etc. My great uncles owned the McVIckers drug store that once stood at 210 High St in Morgantown. It will be fun to visit the area. I plan to come in on June 30 after I ride VA. I would guess I would be there early evening. My plan is to perhaps ride with your bike group on Sunday morning. If we don't go 50 miles, no big deal; I'll just make up the mileage the next day. I am not as stuck on the 'data' as I used to be and have learned, (or am learning) to just enjoy the ride regardless of how it looks. (Dallas tends to be all about speed, and quite frankly, all I ever see on those rides is the wheel in front of me and the rider beside me. It's taken me some time to learn to just 'enjoy' the ride instead of always pushing) I don't expect someone to put me up for two nights--that is too much of an imposition. Staying with hosts, though, is what makes this trip so magnificent--it is the people! I am excited to visit Morgantown and the area. It's been a very long time since I was last there....40+ years...., and I am looking forward to exploring where my parents met and where my mother grew up." 4ank

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Sharrows article - is the use of them in Miami a cop-out?
by Chet Parsons 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

Interesting points raised. Of course a lot of the nitty-gritty depends on how much political will there is to actually create change. Chet http://www.transitmiami.com/bicycles/miamis-sharrow-boom-needs-to-evolve-or…

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Steps with bike ramp
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

Sorry, now photos are attached. Bike Board Members, What's the best design for steps with a bike ramp to enable cyclists to push their bikes up? The developer of the new condominiums on the uphill side of Jones Av. between First St. and Overhill St. wants to close First St. between Jones and the condos. The developer said he would upgrade the steps there. (See attached photo.) Last night, the Traffic Commission approved. I suggested that the developer also install a bike ramp adjacent to the steps to facilitate cyclists walking their bikes up the steps. A search of google images for "steps with bicycle ramp" reveals many interesting designs. If any strike you as being particularly worth recommending, please reply with the link to the image, e.g. steps with wheel ramps manningham st parkville.JPG and a short explanation of why you think it's a good design, e.g. "the bicycle can be rolled onto the ramp without lifting it; there are ramps on both sides of the steps making it easy for righties as well as lefties; the ramps are narrow enough and bounded by a wall to discourage cyclists from attempting to ride down them; there's a hand rail up the middle of the steps to make it easier for both pedestrians and bicyclists to haul themselves up as well as to stabilize them". Your reply is not crucial. Just pointing the developer at the search results might be sufficient. I thought you might have some fun with this. If the BB favors a particular design, I'll pass that on to the developer. Frank

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Re: [Bikeboard] Steps with bike ramp
by Chip Wamsley 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

I know that place and it is really steep, as steep as any place in town and will be a challenge to build steps. A ramp would be great, still a tough push up. Chip -----Original Message----- From: "Frank Gmeindl" <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> Sent 6/14/2012 2:48:08 PM To: "Bike Board - Morgantown" <bikeboard(a)cheat.org> Subject: [Bikeboard] Steps with bike ramp Sorry, now photos are attached. Bike Board Members, What's the best design for steps with a bike ramp to enable cyclists to push their bikes up? The developer of the new condominiums on the uphill side of Jones Av. between First St. and Overhill St. wants to close First St. between Jones and the condos. The developer said he would upgrade the steps there. (See attached photo.) Last night, the Traffic Commission approved. I suggested that the developer also install a bike ramp adjacent to the steps to facilitate cyclists walking their bikes up the steps. A search of google images for "steps with bicycle ramp" reveals many interesting designs. If any strike you as being particularly worth recommending, please reply with the link to the image, e.g. steps with wheel ramps manningham st parkville.JPG and a short explanation of why you think it's a good design, e.g. "the bicycle can be rolled onto the ramp without lifting it; there are ramps on both sides of the steps making it easy for righties as well as lefties; the ramps are narrow enough and bounded by a wall to discourage cyclists from attempting to ride down them; there's a hand rail up the middle of the steps to make it easier for both pedestrians and bicyclists to haul themselves up as well as to stabilize them". Your reply is not crucial. Just pointing the developer at the search results might be sufficient. I thought you might have some fun with this. If the BB favors a particular design, I'll pass that on to the developer. Frank _______________________________________________ Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard(a)cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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Steps with bike ramp
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

Bike Board Members, What's the best design for steps with a bike ramp to enable cyclists to push their bikes up? The developer of the new condominiums on the uphill side of Jones Av. between First St. and Overhill St. wants to close First St. between Jones and the condos. The developer said he would upgrade the steps there. (See attached photo.) Last night, the Traffic Commission approved. I suggested that the developer also install a bike ramp adjacent to the steps to facilitate cyclists walking their bikes up the steps. A search of google images for "steps with bicycle ramp" reveals many interesting designs. If any strike you as being particularly worth recommending, please reply with the link to the image, e.g. steps with wheel ramps manningham st parkville.JPG and a short explanation of why you think it's a good design, e.g. "the bicycle can be rolled onto the ramp without lifting it; there are ramps on both sides of the steps making it easy for righties as well as lefties; the ramps are narrow enough and bounded by a wall to discourage cyclists from attempting to ride down them; there's a hand rail up the middle of the steps to make it easier for both pedestrians and bicyclists to haul themselves up as well as to stabilize them". Your reply is not crucial. Just pointing the developer at the search results might be sufficient. I thought you might have some fun with this. If the BB favors a particular design, I'll pass that on to the developer. Frank

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Bicycle Safety Cards
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

Wes, At last night's Traffic Commission meeting, First Sargent McCabe reported that Morgantown Police are not distributing the bicycle safety cards (see attached) but are rather issuing warnings and citations. As I mentioned last night, the Bicycle Board discourages sidewalk bicycling but recognizes that most bicyclists as well as motorists do not recognize that bicyclists have the same rights to the road as motorists and are subject to the same duties. The Bicycle Board would like the police to encourage bicyclists to ride on the road and provide them information with which they can learn how to do so legally and safely. I would like to suggest that you and I meet with Terrence and Chief Preston to determine what it would take to get the police to distribute these cards. Attached are some talking points that Damien, on behalf of the Bicycle Board, discussed with Chief Preston last October 14. Perhaps we could begin our meeting reviewing these points. 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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Shift paradigm
by Frank Gmeindl 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

Please watch the narrated slideshow at https://vimeo.com/43603867. It explains how we managed to transform bicycling: the most efficient, healthful and safe mode of personal short-trip transportation into an activity most people are afraid to do. It also explains how to turn that around. I look forward to discussing your reactions. The slideshow is long: 36 minutes, however one person that I asked to review it said, “I thought I’d watch the first few minutes but watched it all because it’s so concise and lively”. 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] Walgreens Development in Sabraton
by Frank Gmeindl 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

I thought today's meeting was about access from Walgreen's directly to the trail. Had I known that you were going to discuss the trail crossing Green Bag Rd. (or is it Decker Creek Blvd.?) and exits and entrances from Walgreen's onto the roadway, I'd have been there. I call your attention to the Greater Morgantown Bicycle Plan that has been unanimously approved by Morgantown City Council: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2qudksezy7cl4et/Morgantown_Bicycle_Plan_v15.docx . Specifically, the Engineering section entitled Bike Paths says: "Crossings between trails and roadways can be more dangerous than crossings between roadways because trails crossings may not have good sight lines and may not have sufficient traffic control. To reduce crossing conflicts, the following measures should be considered · grade separated crossings; · signalized crossings · raised intersections; · cyclist activated crossing controls; · signage." Also, Engineering Action #20: "Take the lead and work with appropriate entities to improve alignment and sight lines at Deckers Creek trail crossings of Deckers Creek Blvd. and consider enhanced traffic control measures." The Bicycle Board has discussed the Decker Creek Trail crossing of Decker Creek Blvd. (Green Bag Rd.) and recommended removing the site line obstruction that Southern States currently presents and cyclist activated crossing controls. Were these discussed? What was the outcome? 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 Jun 12, 2012, at 6:29 PM, Ella Belling wrote: > Hi all, > This is what I had in mind. Let me know the time and place to approach the DOH with this idea. Though not sure this one actually has traffic stop when ped/cyclists are near. I would like a red light for traffic as an option. > <http://www.crossalert.com/oursystem.html> > > Also Plan A is much better than plan B. Please try hard for Plan A. And then when the time comes, we discuss adding this traffic cross alert. Thanks for including us at the table. Ella > > > > On Jun 12, 2012, at 3:29 PM, Trevor Lloyd wrote: > >> Not necessarily. It is a DOH road and signage must be approved through them. We will try and work Plan "A" first. >> >> From: "Jonathan Rosenbaum" <freesource(a)cheat.org> >> To: "Trevor Lloyd" <tlloyd(a)cityofmorgantown.org> >> Cc: "Christiaan Abildso" <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>, "Damien Davis" <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, "Bill Austin" <baustin(a)moncpc.org>, "Mark Wise" <mwise(a)boparc.org>, "Ella Belling" <ella(a)montrails.org> >> Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 2:55:18 PM >> Subject: Re: Walgreens Development in Sabraton >> >> Thanks. This will apply to Plan A, too. Correct? >> >> -Jonathan >> >> On 6/12/2012 2:27 PM, Trevor Lloyd wrote: >> > signage with strobe lights in order to demand attention. >> > >> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> > *From: *"Jonathan Rosenbaum" <freesource(a)cheat.org> >> > *To: *"Ella Belling" <ella(a)montrails.org> >> > *Cc: *"Christiaan Abildso" <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>, "Damien >> > Davis" <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, "Bill Austin" >> > <baustin(a)moncpc.org>, "Trevor Lloyd" <tlloyd(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, >> > "Mark Wise" <mwise(a)boparc.org> >> > *Sent: *Tuesday, June 12, 2012 1:57:30 PM >> > *Subject: *Re: Walgreens Development in Sabraton >> > >> > Could someone re-clarify to me what we discussed concerning Plan B? >> > Thanks. >> > >> > -Jonathan >> > >> > On 6/6/2012 9:55 AM, Ella Belling wrote: >> > > Hi all, >> > > I have added me, Mark Wise, and Bill Austin to your email on this. >> > > Thank you for some time on this. I appreciate that there is increased >> > > sight line visibility but am most concerned about the plan for a >> > > Walgreens exit (right turn only) onto Greenbag Road. This is very >> > > close to the trail crossing and drivers will only be looking to left >> > > for oncoming traffic. >> > > >> > > I would like to make a plea for a pedestrian / bike crossing stop >> > > light at the trail, especially if this is to become a truck route in >> > > the future. We have thousands of trail users each year and this is >> > > one of our most popular areas. It is an important and well used >> > > crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. If it is a matter of cost, >> > > then I would like to open the door to partnering to fund it and will >> > > include MRTC as a possibility in that mix. Thanks, Ella >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > All: >> > > >> > > The meeting with the Walgreen's developer is tentatively scheduled for >> > > Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 12:00 PM in the Engineering Conference Room >> > > at City Hall. We are awaiting confirmation from the developer. I >> > > will email the group to confirm the final date and time as soon as we >> > > hear back from the developer. >> > > >> > > Respectfully, >> > > >> > > Christopher M. Fletcher, AICP >> > > Director of Development Services >> > > Ella Belling >> > > Executive Director >> > > Mon River Trails Conservancy >> > > P.O. Box 282 >> > > Morgantown, WV 26507 >> > > www.montrails.org <http://www.montrails.org> >> > > 304-692-6782 >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> >> >> > > Ella Belling > Executive Director > Mon River Trails Conservancy > P.O. Box 282 > Morgantown, WV 26507 > www.montrails.org > 304-692-6782 > >

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BB report to TC
by Frank Gmeindl 12 Jun '12

12 Jun '12

Bicycle Board Members, I only learned today that the Traffic Commission is meeting this Wednesday. Attached is the report that I will present. Please reply at your earliest convenience with your concurrence or suggested changes. (I think I might have omitted some plans for next month.) 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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Action: House Aims to Eliminate Local Funds for Biking and Walking
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 11 Jun '12

11 Jun '12

Take Action: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/7093/p/dia/action/public/index.sjs?acti… Safe Routes to School National Partnership - logo <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/home> Contribute <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/contribute>|Research <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/mediacenter/research>|E-News <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/mediacenter/enews>|Contact <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/about/contacts> Changing the Habits of an Entire Generation Home <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/home> About Us <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/about> Local <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/local> State <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/state> National <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/national> Get Involved <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/getinvolved> Media Center <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/mediacenter> Pictures of children and adults walking and riding bikes. Legislative Priorities and Actions <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/national/5890> Safe Routes to School Implementation <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/national/45755> Policy Background <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/national/45980> Engaging Congress in SRTS <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/national/164969> Research <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/mediacenter/research> Meetings & Events <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/getinvolved/events> Submit a SRTS Story <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/national/SubmitStory> Deja Vu: House Aims to Eliminate Local Funds for Biking and Walking It's come down to a fight for local control. Negotiations on the federal transportation bill are at a critical point and twenty years of gains on bicycling, walking and Safe Routes to School are at risk. Cities and counties all over the country need transportation funding to build sidewalks and bike paths to make streets safer, get local economies moving, and encourage active living. The Senate heard from you how important this was andacted accordingly <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/node/808/>. But in transportation conference negotiations, the House is again proposing to eliminate local access to these federal funds. Please contact your members of Congress now to protect local access to funds for Safe routes to School, bicycling and walking projects. Thank you for making a difference. In order to address your message to the appropriate recipient, we need to identify where you are. Please enter your zip/postal code: Home <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/home>|About Us <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/about>|Local <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/local>|State <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/state>|National <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/national>|Get Involved <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/getinvolved>|Media Center <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/mediacenter>|E-News <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/mediacenter/enews>|Contact <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/about/contacts>|Site Map <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/sitemap>|Login <https://www.same-page.com/studio/v7/securelogin.cfm> © Copyright 2007 Safe Routes to School National Partnership (SRTSNP). All rights reserved. |Privacy Policy <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/privacypolicy>

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Bikeboard June 2012