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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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