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Sustainable Communities grant email/attachment review and approval...
by Derek Springston 13 Oct '12

13 Oct '12

Dear BB Members, Either late on Friday or early Monday morning, I would like to send the email text below and the letter attachment out to our identified stakeholders. Please review and give your approval as early as possible, but no later than Sunday. Also BIG THANKS to Butch and Emily for their drafts of the letter. They did most of the work! Here is the list of stakeholders we've identified: Hugh Kierig - hugh.kierig(a)mail.wvu.edu - 304-293-9095, Tom Arnold - tarnold(a)cityofmorgantown.org - 304-284-7435, Terrence Moore - tmoore(a)cityofmorgantown.org - 304-284-7405 Jeff Mikorski - jmikorski(a)cityofmorgantown.org - 304-284-7405 Chip Wamsley - chipwamsley(a)gmail.com Pathfinder - andrew(a)pathfinderwv.com - 304-296-0076 Perry Keller - Perry.J.Keller(a)wv.gov - 304-558-9591 Dave Bruffy - bruffy(a)busride.org - 304-296-3680 Bill Austin - baustin(a)labyrinth.net - 304-291-9571 University Health Associates- ??? Terry Cutright - MainStreet - director(a)downtownmorgantown.com - 304-292-0168 BOPARC - Mark Wise - mwise(a)boparc.org - 304-296-8356 Marjorie Gardens - ??? We also have two options for sending out via email... We can address by name each email and attachment letter to send each out individually OR make generic address and send out all together copying everyone in the TO: field so they can each see who else we're asking. Votes anyone? Will place the attached letter on the attache BB letterhead when I have access to scanners, printers! Review this email and comment: ------------------------------------------------------ Dear [insert stakeholder name], As a member of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board, I am requesting that you please review the attached letter. We are asking you to *support our request to the EPA to host a bikeshare program workshop* in Morgantown in Spring 2013. If Morgantown is selected as one of the communities to receive this technical assistance, *we also need your commitment to attend a one to two day workshop*. Please read the attached letter and reply to this email by Tuesday, October 16th with your response. Sincerely, Derek Springston Chair, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board - EPA Building Blocks Program Committee ------------------------------------------------------- Thanks, ~Derek

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge
by director 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

Thanks for following through on this Frank. I agree with everyone else who said the "share" signs should extend all the way to I68. Ryan assumed the speed limit would be 25mph on the bridge, probably not. It's 35 on the rest of the road - and often ignored. Been riding on I68 this week, it's really not much different than 857 in overall risk and unpleasantness. Kind of a bugger having to cross private property in 2 places though. So far no complaints from owners. They just poured the approach on the Mtown side this week so I should be able to ride all the way across after the workday. They've been turning me away when I try to cross during work times. Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 803 East Brockway Ave Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 -----Original Message----- From: "Chet Parsons" <chetparsons(a)gmail.com> Sent 10/12/2012 3:18:54 PM To: "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> Cc: "Bicycle Board" <bikeboard(a)bikemorgantown.com> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge I agree with Chip's comments. Having the signage all the way to I-68 is a big component of this idea. That would be wonderful to have. Chet On Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 2:47 PM, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> wrote: Bicycle Board Members, Please give me your thoughts on this by Monday. DOH is probably ready to stripe the bridge so I'd like to respond no later than Monday. Basically, they're not going to do anything different than they originally planned. Except perhaps that they've decided on 11-foot travel lanes with 4-foot shoulders whereas what Bryan said a first was 11-12 foot travel lanes and 3-4 foot shoulders. Since 4-feet is narrower than the AASHTO recommended minimum for a bike lane and since an 11-foot travel lane is not wide enough for a bicycle and motor vehicle to travel safely side-by-side, I'm inclined to ask them to install R4-11 (Bicycles May Use Full Lane) signs as recommended in the 2009 MUTCD on the bridge and along the roadway all the way to the traffic light at I-68. I'm sure they expect bicyclists to ride on the shoulder and I expect most of you think that's fine. If so, I will simply respond to Bryan with thanks for consideration. Frank Begin forwarded message: From: "Radabaugh, Bryan L" <Bryan.L.Radabaugh(a)wv.gov> Date: October 12, 2012 11:43:53 AM EDT To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> Cc: Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, "Keller, Perry J" <Perry.J.Keller(a)wv.gov>, "Nelson, Jason W" <Jason.W.Nelson(a)wv.gov>, "Harris, Stephen R" <Stephen.R.Harris(a)wv.gov>, "Shoukry, Fouad N" <Fouad.N.Shoukry(a)wv.gov> Subject: RE: New Ice's Ferry Bridge Frank, After further reviewing this situation, we have determined we can stripe the structure for 2-11’ lanes and 2 -4’ shoulders. We are concerned that if we try to shift the centerline to one side or the other of the structure that it will create a few issues with tying in on each end and having the motorists driving on the crown between the two lanes. We are also concerned that if we stripe this for one wide lane going uphill that it will encourage motorists to drive faster and we will not be able to delineate them to the edge of their travel lane. If you would like to discuss further, please email me or call. Thanks, Bryan Radabaugh From: Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2012 3:25 PM To: Radabaugh, Bryan L Cc: Bill Austin; Keller, Perry J; Nelson, Jason W; Harris, Stephen R Subject: Re: New Ice's Ferry Bridge Bryan, Thanks for responding and for considering my requests. I would feel more comfortable if the climbing lane were 15-feet wide and the other dimensions adjusted accordingly. I could also be comfortable with an 10-12 foot uphill travel lane and a minimum 5-foot shoulder if the shoulder were always sound and free of debris, snow and ice. However, if the travel lane were 15-feet, extraordinary measures to keep the shoulder clean would not be necessary. Also, the transition from the bridge would be less abrupt for the cyclist than if he or she were segregated onto the shoulder on the bridge and then confronted with the narrow lane and no shoulder up the hill from the bridge. If you're thinking that cyclists would ride on the shoulder with the currently planned configuration, you're probably correct. Travel lanes that are too narrow for bicycles and motor vehicles to safely travel side-by-side within the lane give cyclists 3 choices: 1) to control the lane, i.e. ride far enough out in the lane to discourage overtaking motorists from passing until the oncoming lane is clear; 2) to ride as near as possible to the right edge of the travel lane and risk motorists passing them too closely, especially when there is traffic in the on-coming lane; 3) to ride on the shoulder if there is one. Choice 1 is actually the safest choice in a narrow lane but most cyclists won't take it because they don't want to hold up traffic and they fear getting hit from behind. Choice 2 is probably the least safe but frequently chosen by cyclists when there is no shoulder or when the shoulder is deteriorated or contains debris that could cause loss of control. (In my personal experience riding more than 150,000 miles, lanes wider than 10-feet but less than 15-feet are particularly dangerous because cyclists are reluctant to move far enough away from the right edge to control the lane and motorists are more likely to pass too closely because there is enough room to get by but not enough to pass safely.) Choice 3 would probably be chosen by cyclists and be reasonably safe If the shoulder is wide enough and continuously maintained sound and free of debris, snow and ice. AASHTO says that lane width of at least 15-foot is required for a bicycle and motor vehicle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane. AASHTO also recommends 5-feet as minimum bike lane width. It is my understanding that the only 2 cyclists that have been killed by a motor vehicle in WV were riding on the shoulder. I understand that the bridge will have a sidewalk on one side. Adding a bicycle climbing lane by simply adjusting the striping could create a Complete Street at practically no additional cost. Frank On Sep 12, 2012, at 3:41 PM, Radabaugh, Bryan L wrote: Frank, I apologize for the delay in responding. I did not go back and discuss the design particulars with the individual who managed this project, but Jason Nelson and I reviewed the plans and it appears we will have two 11 to 12’ lanes and 3 to 4’ shoulders in both directions on the structure. Do you feel comfortable this configuration would address your concern across the bridge? I do not believe we already have a name established for this structure, I would recommend prepare a letter of request to have the bridge named to the gentleman’s name as well as the background information and send the request to your local legislative members. These name changes must pass through legislature to be made effective. Jason/Randy, If I have misspoke about any of this, please copy everyone and address. Thanks, Bryan Radabaugh WVDOT - Division of Highways District 4 Design Engineer 304-842-1579 (O) 304-669-0599 (C) From: Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2012 1:47 PM To: Bill Austin Cc: Radabaugh, Bryan L; Keller, Perry J Subject: Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge Hi Bill, Below is the message that I mentioned to you that I sent to Bryan Radabaugh asking for a bike lane or wide travel lane on the uphill side of the new Ice's Ferry Bridge. This could be accomplished by moving the center line. This request is especially appropriate since that bridge is part of WVDOT's prospective West Virginia Bicycle Route 7 (see Table 2.1.7 in the attached "Establishing West Virginia Bicycle Transportation Routes" sent to me by Perry Keller). What will the bridge be named? Cheat Lake Bridge or Ice's Ferry Bridge seem most appropriate. However, there seems to be a recent trend to name bridges after people for example Edit B. Barrill Bridge = Star City Bridge. If the new bridge is going to get a new name, how do we go about getting it named the Edward Kean Bird Bridge? Kean died last year at the age of 52 of pancreatic cancer. He was one of the strongest and most loved cyclists in our community and frequently rode on both sides of the lake. He held the record for the fastest climb up Mud Pike. As head of social services at Ruby Memorial Hospital, he was also loved by the non-cycling community. The day after his funeral in Morgantown last September, we rode to the top of Mud Pike to conduct a service and to install a memorial. (Photo: 299976_10150296383661029_764441598_n.jpg ) We would have ridden across the Ice's Ferry Bridge to get there but WVDOH refused us permission. We rode through Pt. Marion adding 20-miles to our planned route; making it a 75-mile ride that probably discouraged some from attending. We plan to have an annual ride up to Kean's memorial at the top of Mud Pike. I know cyclists won't be able to cross Cheat Lake this September but it would be nice if in future years, we could ride safely over the Edward Kean Bird memorial bridge to get there and back. Frank Begin forwarded message: From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> Date: July 20, 2012 3:38:54 PM EDT To: Bryan L Radabaugh <Bryan.L.Radabaugh(a)wv.gov> Subject: New Ice's Ferry Bridge Hi Bryan, I hope all the work you have going this summer is progressing smoothly. I rode out by the new Ice's Ferry Bridge Tuesday. It's beautiful. With so many men working on it, I expect it will be done soon. Has any consideration been given to the fact that bicyclists heading west (uphill) on the bridge will probably be moving slower than motor traffic? A bike lane in that direction or at least a wide lane that could make passing safer would be appreciated. I don't know what the speed limit will be on the bridge but I would expect eastbound cyclists could probably keep up with motor traffic and not need a bike lane or wide lane on the descending side. Frank D. Gmeindl 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)bikemorgantown.com http://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard _______________________________________________ Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard(a)bikemorgantown.com http://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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Fwd: Re: Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge
by Chet Parsons 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "director" <director(a)positivespin.org> Date: Oct 12, 2012 7:00 PM Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge To: "Chet Parsons" <chetparsons(a)gmail.com> Thanks for following through on this Frank. I agree with everyone else who said the "share" signs should extend all the way to I68. Ryan assumed the speed limit would be 25mph on the bridge, probably not. It's 35 on the rest of the road - and often ignored. Been riding on I68 this week, it's really not much different than 857 in overall risk and unpleasantness. Kind of a bugger having to cross private property in 2 places though. So far no complaints from owners. Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 803 East Brockway Ave Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 -----Original Message----- From: "Chet Parsons" <chetparsons(a)gmail.com> Sent 10/12/2012 3:18:54 PM To: "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> Cc: "Bicycle Board" <bikeboard(a)bikemorgantown.com> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge I agree with Chip's comments. Having the signage all the way to I-68 is a big component of this idea. That would be wonderful to have. Chet On Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 2:47 PM, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Bicycle Board Members, > > Please give me your thoughts on this by Monday. DOH is probably ready > to stripe the bridge so I'd like to respond no later than Monday. > > Basically, they're not going to do anything different than they > originally planned. Except perhaps that they've decided on 11-foot travel > lanes with 4-foot shoulders whereas what Bryan said a first was 11-12 foot > travel lanes and 3-4 foot shoulders. > > Since 4-feet is narrower than the AASHTO recommended minimum for a bike > lane and since an 11-foot travel lane is not wide enough for a bicycle and > motor vehicle to travel safely side-by-side, I'm inclined to ask them to > install R4-11 (Bicycles May Use Full Lane) signs as recommended in the 2009 > MUTCD on the bridge and along the roadway all the way to the traffic light > at I-68. > > I'm sure they expect bicyclists to ride on the shoulder and I expect > most of you think that's fine. If so, I will simply respond to Bryan with > thanks for consideration. > > Frank > > Begin forwarded message: > > *From: *"Radabaugh, Bryan L" <Bryan.L.Radabaugh(a)wv.gov> > *Date: *October 12, 2012 11:43:53 AM EDT > *To: *Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> > *Cc: *Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, "Keller, Perry J" < > Perry.J.Keller(a)wv.gov>, "Nelson, Jason W" <Jason.W.Nelson(a)wv.gov>, > "Harris, Stephen R" <Stephen.R.Harris(a)wv.gov>, "Shoukry, Fouad N" < > Fouad.N.Shoukry(a)wv.gov> > *Subject: **RE: New Ice's Ferry Bridge* > > Frank, > After further reviewing this situation, we have determined > we can stripe the structure for 2-11’ lanes and 2 -4’ shoulders. We are > concerned that if we try to shift the centerline to one side or the other > of the structure that it will create a few issues with tying in on each end > and having the motorists driving on the crown between the two lanes. We > are also concerned that if we stripe this for one wide lane going uphill > that it will encourage motorists to drive faster and we will not be able to > delineate them to the edge of their travel lane. If you would like to > discuss further, please email me or call. > > Thanks, > > *Bryan Radabaugh* > > *From:* Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@gmail.com] > *Sent:* Thursday, September 13, 2012 3:25 PM > *To:* Radabaugh, Bryan L > *Cc:* Bill Austin; Keller, Perry J; Nelson, Jason W; Harris, Stephen R > *Subject:* Re: New Ice's Ferry Bridge > > Bryan, > > Thanks for responding and for considering my requests. > > I would feel more comfortable if the climbing lane were 15-feet wide and > the other dimensions adjusted accordingly. I could also be comfortable > with an 10-12 foot uphill travel lane and a minimum 5-foot shoulder if the > shoulder were always sound and free of debris, snow and ice. However, if > the travel lane were 15-feet, extraordinary measures to keep the shoulder > clean would not be necessary. Also, the transition from the bridge would > be less abrupt for the cyclist than if he or she were segregated onto the > shoulder on the bridge and then confronted with the narrow lane and no > shoulder up the hill from the bridge. > > If you're thinking that cyclists would ride on the shoulder with the > currently planned configuration, you're probably correct. Travel lanes > that are too narrow for bicycles and motor vehicles to safely travel > side-by-side within the lane give cyclists 3 choices: 1) to control the > lane, i.e. ride far enough out in the lane to discourage overtaking > motorists from passing until the oncoming lane is clear; 2) to ride as near > as possible to the right edge of the travel lane and risk motorists passing > them too closely, especially when there is traffic in the on-coming lane; > 3) to ride on the shoulder if there is one. > > Choice 1 is actually the safest choice in a narrow lane but most > cyclists won't take it because they don't want to hold up traffic and they > fear getting hit from behind. Choice 2 is probably the least safe but > frequently chosen by cyclists when there is no shoulder or when the > shoulder is deteriorated or contains debris that could cause loss of > control. (In my personal experience riding more than 150,000 miles, lanes > wider than 10-feet but less than 15-feet are particularly dangerous because > cyclists are reluctant to move far enough away from the right edge to > control the lane and motorists are more likely to pass too closely because > there is enough room to get by but not enough to pass safely.) Choice 3 > would probably be chosen by cyclists and be reasonably safe If the shoulder > is wide enough and continuously maintained sound and free of debris, snow > and ice. > > AASHTO says that lane width of at least 15-foot is required for a > bicycle and motor vehicle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane. > AASHTO also recommends 5-feet as minimum bike lane width. > > It is my understanding that the only 2 cyclists that have been killed > by a motor vehicle in WV were riding on the shoulder. > > I understand that the bridge will have a sidewalk on one side. Adding a > bicycle climbing lane by simply adjusting the striping could create a > Complete Street at practically no additional cost. > > Frank > > On Sep 12, 2012, at 3:41 PM, Radabaugh, Bryan L wrote: > > > Frank, > I apologize for the delay in responding. I did not go > back and discuss the design particulars with the individual who managed > this project, but Jason Nelson and I reviewed the plans and it appears we > will have two 11 to 12’ lanes and 3 to 4’ shoulders in both directions on > the structure. Do you feel comfortable this configuration would address > your concern across the bridge? > I do not believe we already have a name established for > this structure, I would recommend prepare a letter of request to have the > bridge named to the gentleman’s name as well as the background information > and send the request to your local legislative members. These name changes > must pass through legislature to be made effective. > > Jason/Randy, > If I have misspoke about any of this, please copy > everyone and address. > > Thanks, > > *Bryan Radabaugh* > *WVDOT - Division of Highways* > *District 4 Design Engineer* > *304-842-1579 (O)* > *304-669-0599 (C)* > > *From:* Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@gmail.com <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>] > *Sent:* Wednesday, August 29, 2012 1:47 PM > *To:* Bill Austin > *Cc:* Radabaugh, Bryan L; Keller, Perry J > *Subject:* Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge > > Hi Bill, > > Below is the message that I mentioned to you that I sent to Bryan > Radabaugh asking for a bike lane or wide travel lane on the uphill side of > the new Ice's Ferry Bridge. This could be accomplished by moving the > center line. > > This request is especially appropriate since that bridge is part of > WVDOT's prospective West Virginia Bicycle Route 7 (see Table 2.1.7 in the > attached "Establishing West Virginia Bicycle Transportation Routes" sent to > me by Perry Keller). > > What will the bridge be named? Cheat Lake Bridge or Ice's Ferry > Bridge seem most appropriate. However, there seems to be a recent trend to > name bridges after people for example Edit B. Barrill Bridge = Star City > Bridge. > > If the new bridge is going to get a new name, how do we go about > getting it named the Edward Kean Bird Bridge? Kean died last year at the > age of 52 of pancreatic cancer. He was one of the strongest and most loved > cyclists in our community and frequently rode on both sides of the lake. > He held the record for the fastest climb up Mud Pike. As head of social > services at Ruby Memorial Hospital, he was also loved by the non-cycling > community. The day after his funeral in Morgantown last September, we rode > to the top of Mud Pike to conduct a service and to install a memorial. > (Photo: 299976_10150296383661029_764441598_n.jpg<https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/299976_101502963836610…> ) > We would have ridden across the Ice's Ferry Bridge to get there but WVDOH > refused us permission. We rode through Pt. Marion adding 20-miles to our > planned route; making it a 75-mile ride that probably discouraged some from > attending. We plan to have an annual ride up to Kean's memorial at the top > of Mud Pike. I know cyclists won't be able to cross Cheat Lake this > September but it would be nice if in future years, we could ride safely > over the Edward Kean Bird memorial bridge to get there and back. > > Frank > > Begin forwarded message: > > > > *From: *Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> > *Date: *July 20, 2012 3:38:54 PM EDT > *To: *Bryan L Radabaugh <Bryan.L.Radabaugh(a)wv.gov> > *Subject: New Ice's Ferry Bridge* > > Hi Bryan, > > I hope all the work you have going this summer is progressing smoothly. > I rode out by the new Ice's Ferry Bridge Tuesday. It's beautiful. With > so many men working on it, I expect it will be done soon. > > Has any consideration been given to the fact that bicyclists heading > west (uphill) on the bridge will probably be moving slower than motor > traffic? A bike lane in that direction or at least a wide lane that could > make passing safer would be appreciated. I don't know what the speed limit > will be on the bridge but I would expect eastbound cyclists could probably > keep up with motor traffic and not need a bike lane or wide lane on the > descending side. > > > > Frank D. Gmeindl > 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)bikemorgantown.com > http://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > _______________________________________________ Bikeboard mailing listBikeboard@bikemorgantown.comhttp://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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Fwd: Smart Growth for Morgantown... We request your support!
by Derek Springston 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

BB Members, Below is the Smart Growth interest email I just sent out! Hope it works well for you, because it's out and about now! Thanks to Butch, Traci, Emily, Frank, Chip, Damien, and Christiaan for your help with this. We'll have more to do soon if we gather a few stakeholders! ~Derek ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Derek Springston <dspringston(a)gmail.com> Date: Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 5:16 PM Subject: Smart Growth for Morgantown... We request your support! To: hugh.kierig(a)mail.wvu.edu, tarnold(a)cityofmorgantown.org, tmoore(a)cityofmorgantown.org, jmikorski(a)cityofmorgantown.org, Chip Wamsley < chipwamsley(a)gmail.com>, andrew(a)pathfinderwv.com, Perry.J.Keller(a)wv.gov, bruffy(a)busride.org, Morgantown Monongalia MPO <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, director(a)downtownmorgantown.com, mwise(a)boparc.org, director < director(a)positivespin.org> Hi all, The Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board (“Bicycle Board”) is writing to let you know about an exciting opportunity to participate in an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program and to request your willingness to attend a one or two day workshop designed to explore the potential for creating a bikeshare program here in Morgantown. We are drafting a two-page Letter of Interest due to the EPA on October 26th upon which we'd like your signature. To be included on this letter, simply reply to this email stating you would like us to include your name on the Letter of Interest. First of all, what is a bikeshare program? According to the Federal Highway Administration, it is an “innovative transportation program, ideal for short distance point-to-point trips providing users the ability to pick up a bicycle at any self-serve bike station and return it to any bike station located within the system’s service area.”[1]<#13a56d5c15bfa34b__ftn1> As you may know, the Bicycle Board is actively working to reduce automobile congestion, improve air quality, and increase overall public health and quality of life. Due to our efforts, Morgantown was named in March 2012 as a Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. To continue with that momentum, we feel the now is the best time to consider a bikeshare program in Morgantown. The technical assistance we plan to apply for with your support is offered through the EPA’s Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program. It will provide quick, targeted technical assistance to selected local governments and communities by using a variety of tools developed by the EPA. These tools have shown positive results in communities across the country to reach development goals, improve quality of life, and become more economically and environmentally sustainable.[2]<#13a56d5c15bfa34b__ftn2> The specific tool we are requesting is technical assistance in planning a bikeshare program. If we are one of the 44 communities selected, we will receive technical assistance in early 2013 including: - · A one day workshop with an evening session open to the public and morning/ afternoon sessions with local government and other key stakeholders, - · Direct consultation with relevant decision-makers, - · A memo outlining specific steps to implement the ideas generated during the site visit. A key component to the success of our application is the support of local stakeholders and decision makers, such as yourself, with a commitment to attend the workshop and planning sessions. It’s important to emphasize that we are not asking for you to support a particular bikeshare program. However, we are asking you to support the opportunity to explore the feasibility and options for such a program in Morgantown with members of the Bicycle Board and EPA during a one to two day workshop. Further information about the program can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm The application deadline is Friday, October 26th so we would greatly appreciate a response by Wednesday, October 17th. Simply reply to this email stating that you would like us to place your name on the Letter of Interest. Then, for your review, we will email a copy of the Letter of Interest with your name on it prior to getting your actual signature. Thanks for your attention and consideration of this request. We look forward to working with you! Sincerely, Derek Springston Chair, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board - EPA Building Blocks Program Committee ------------------------------ [1] <#13a56d5c15bfa34b__ftnref1> DOT- FHA, *Bicycle Sharing in the United States: State of the Practice and Guide to Implementation*, http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/promote/bikeshareintheus.pdf [2] <#13a56d5c15bfa34b__ftnref2> EPA, epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm -- *Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. -'Abdu'l-Baha* *“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells*

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Fwd: Certif. of Appreciation for Matt Watson
by Emily Vasile 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

Hi All, Matt Watson of Suncrest Middle will be presented with a certificate of appreciation at the next City Council meeting on 10/16. The certificate is attached. Please take a look and let me know if you have any objections by the end of the day tomorrow, Friday, and I will pass them along. I think it looks great! Thanks, Emily ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bethany Sypolt <bsypolt(a)cityofmorgantown.org> Date: Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 8:27 AM Subject: Re: Certif. of Appreciation for Matt Watson To: emilyvasile(a)gmail.com Cc: Linda Little <llittle(a)cityofmorgantown.org> Emily- Attached. Bethany D. Sypolt | Deputy City Clerk | City of Morgantown 389 Spruce Street, Room 10 | Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 direct 304.284.7439 | fax 304.284.7525 | www.morgantownwv.gov<http://www.morgantown.com/> ------------------------------ *From: *"Linda Little" <llittle(a)cityofmorgantown.org> *To: *"Bethany Sypolt" <bsypolt(a)cityofmorgantown.org> *Sent: *Wednesday, October 10, 2012 3:59:30 PM *Subject: *Fwd: Certif. of Appreciation for Matt Watson Linda Little, CMC City Clerk City of Morgantown 389 Spruce St. Morgantown WV. 26505 304-284-7434 304-284-7525(fax) llittle(a)cityofmorgantown.org ------------------------------ *From: *"Emily Vasile" <emilyvasile(a)gmail.com> *To: *"Linda Little" <llittle(a)cityofmorgantown.org> *Cc: *"Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> *Sent: *Wednesday, October 10, 2012 3:56:14 PM *Subject: *Re: Certif. of Appreciation for Matt Watson Hello Linda, This is fantastic! We let Matt know about the certificate and are waiting to hear back from him to make sure he will be able to attend the meeting. Could you please send a copy of the certificate (the computer file) so that I may circulate it to the Bike Board for their approval? Thank you, Emily Vasile On Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 10:41 AM, Linda Little <llittle(a)cityofmorgantown.org > wrote: > Emily, the City will present a Certificate to Matt on October 16, 2012 at > it's Regular Meeting at 7pm during Correspondence. City Hall is on 389 > Spruce Street, beside the City Library. If you have any questions feel free > to contact me. Thank you. > > Linda Little, CMC > City Clerk > City of Morgantown > 389 Spruce St. > Morgantown WV. 26505 > 304-284-7434 > 304-284-7525(fax) > llittle(a)cityofmorgantown.org > > >

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge
by Chip Wamsley 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

Frank, The suggestion of using the share the lane signs is good, experienced riders will take the lane and slower more timid riders may be inclined to use the shoulder--everyone wins. Chip -----Original Message----- From: "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> Sent 10/12/2012 2:47:27 PM To: "Bicycle Board" <bikeboard(a)bikemorgantown.com> Subject: [Bikeboard] Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge Bicycle Board Members, Please give me your thoughts on this by Monday. DOH is probably ready to stripe the bridge so I'd like to respond no later than Monday. Basically, they're not going to do anything different than they originally planned. Except perhaps that they've decided on 11-foot travel lanes with 4-foot shoulders whereas what Bryan said a first was 11-12 foot travel lanes and 3-4 foot shoulders. Since 4-feet is narrower than the AASHTO recommended minimum for a bike lane and since an 11-foot travel lane is not wide enough for a bicycle and motor vehicle to travel safely side-by-side, I'm inclined to ask them to install R4-11 (Bicycles May Use Full Lane) signs as recommended in the 2009 MUTCD on the bridge and along the roadway all the way to the traffic light at I-68. I'm sure they expect bicyclists to ride on the shoulder and I expect most of you think that's fine. If so, I will simply respond to Bryan with thanks for consideration. Frank Begin forwarded message: From: "Radabaugh, Bryan L" <Bryan.L.Radabaugh(a)wv.gov> Date: October 12, 2012 11:43:53 AM EDT To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> Cc: Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, "Keller, Perry J" <Perry.J.Keller(a)wv.gov>, "Nelson, Jason W" <Jason.W.Nelson(a)wv.gov>, "Harris, Stephen R" <Stephen.R.Harris(a)wv.gov>, "Shoukry, Fouad N" <Fouad.N.Shoukry(a)wv.gov> Subject: RE: New Ice's Ferry Bridge Frank, After further reviewing this situation, we have determined we can stripe the structure for 2-11’ lanes and 2 -4’ shoulders. We are concerned that if we try to shift the centerline to one side or the other of the structure that it will create a few issues with tying in on each end and having the motorists driving on the crown between the two lanes. We are also concerned that if we stripe this for one wide lane going uphill that it will encourage motorists to drive faster and we will not be able to delineate them to the edge of their travel lane. If you would like to discuss further, please email me or call. Thanks, Bryan Radabaugh From: Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2012 3:25 PM To: Radabaugh, Bryan L Cc: Bill Austin; Keller, Perry J; Nelson, Jason W; Harris, Stephen R Subject: Re: New Ice's Ferry Bridge Bryan, Thanks for responding and for considering my requests. I would feel more comfortable if the climbing lane were 15-feet wide and the other dimensions adjusted accordingly. I could also be comfortable with an 10-12 foot uphill travel lane and a minimum 5-foot shoulder if the shoulder were always sound and free of debris, snow and ice. However, if the travel lane were 15-feet, extraordinary measures to keep the shoulder clean would not be necessary. Also, the transition from the bridge would be less abrupt for the cyclist than if he or she were segregated onto the shoulder on the bridge and then confronted with the narrow lane and no shoulder up the hill from the bridge. If you're thinking that cyclists would ride on the shoulder with the currently planned configuration, you're probably correct. Travel lanes that are too narrow for bicycles and motor vehicles to safely travel side-by-side within the lane give cyclists 3 choices: 1) to control the lane, i.e. ride far enough out in the lane to discourage overtaking motorists from passing until the oncoming lane is clear; 2) to ride as near as possible to the right edge of the travel lane and risk motorists passing them too closely, especially when there is traffic in the on-coming lane; 3) to ride on the shoulder if there is one. Choice 1 is actually the safest choice in a narrow lane but most cyclists won't take it because they don't want to hold up traffic and they fear getting hit from behind. Choice 2 is probably the least safe but frequently chosen by cyclists when there is no shoulder or when the shoulder is deteriorated or contains debris that could cause loss of control. (In my personal experience riding more than 150,000 miles, lanes wider than 10-feet but less than 15-feet are particularly dangerous because cyclists are reluctant to move far enough away from the right edge to control the lane and motorists are more likely to pass too closely because there is enough room to get by but not enough to pass safely.) Choice 3 would probably be chosen by cyclists and be reasonably safe If the shoulder is wide enough and continuously maintained sound and free of debris, snow and ice. AASHTO says that lane width of at least 15-foot is required for a bicycle and motor vehicle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane. AASHTO also recommends 5-feet as minimum bike lane width. It is my understanding that the only 2 cyclists that have been killed by a motor vehicle in WV were riding on the shoulder. I understand that the bridge will have a sidewalk on one side. Adding a bicycle climbing lane by simply adjusting the striping could create a Complete Street at practically no additional cost. Frank On Sep 12, 2012, at 3:41 PM, Radabaugh, Bryan L wrote: Frank, I apologize for the delay in responding. I did not go back and discuss the design particulars with the individual who managed this project, but Jason Nelson and I reviewed the plans and it appears we will have two 11 to 12’ lanes and 3 to 4’ shoulders in both directions on the structure. Do you feel comfortable this configuration would address your concern across the bridge? I do not believe we already have a name established for this structure, I would recommend prepare a letter of request to have the bridge named to the gentleman’s name as well as the background information and send the request to your local legislative members. These name changes must pass through legislature to be made effective. Jason/Randy, If I have misspoke about any of this, please copy everyone and address. Thanks, Bryan Radabaugh WVDOT - Division of Highways District 4 Design Engineer 304-842-1579 (O) 304-669-0599 (C) From: Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2012 1:47 PM To: Bill Austin Cc: Radabaugh, Bryan L; Keller, Perry J Subject: Fwd: New Ice's Ferry Bridge Hi Bill, Below is the message that I mentioned to you that I sent to Bryan Radabaugh asking for a bike lane or wide travel lane on the uphill side of the new Ice's Ferry Bridge. This could be accomplished by moving the center line. This request is especially appropriate since that bridge is part of WVDOT's prospective West Virginia Bicycle Route 7 (see Table 2.1.7 in the attached "Establishing West Virginia Bicycle Transportation Routes" sent to me by Perry Keller). What will the bridge be named? Cheat Lake Bridge or Ice's Ferry Bridge seem most appropriate. However, there seems to be a recent trend to name bridges after people for example Edit B. Barrill Bridge = Star City Bridge. If the new bridge is going to get a new name, how do we go about getting it named the Edward Kean Bird Bridge? Kean died last year at the age of 52 of pancreatic cancer. He was one of the strongest and most loved cyclists in our community and frequently rode on both sides of the lake. He held the record for the fastest climb up Mud Pike. As head of social services at Ruby Memorial Hospital, he was also loved by the non-cycling community. The day after his funeral in Morgantown last September, we rode to the top of Mud Pike to conduct a service and to install a memorial. (Photo: 299976_10150296383661029_764441598_n.jpg ) We would have ridden across the Ice's Ferry Bridge to get there but WVDOH refused us permission. We rode through Pt. Marion adding 20-miles to our planned route; making it a 75-mile ride that probably discouraged some from attending. We plan to have an annual ride up to Kean's memorial at the top of Mud Pike. I know cyclists won't be able to cross Cheat Lake this September but it would be nice if in future years, we could ride safely over the Edward Kean Bird memorial bridge to get there and back. Frank Begin forwarded message: From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> Date: July 20, 2012 3:38:54 PM EDT To: Bryan L Radabaugh <Bryan.L.Radabaugh(a)wv.gov> Subject: New Ice's Ferry Bridge Hi Bryan, I hope all the work you have going this summer is progressing smoothly. I rode out by the new Ice's Ferry Bridge Tuesday. It's beautiful. With so many men working on it, I expect it will be done soon. Has any consideration been given to the fact that bicyclists heading west (uphill) on the bridge will probably be moving slower than motor traffic? A bike lane in that direction or at least a wide lane that could make passing safer would be appreciated. I don't know what the speed limit will be on the bridge but I would expect eastbound cyclists could probably keep up with motor traffic and not need a bike lane or wide lane on the descending side. Frank D. Gmeindl 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)bikemorgantown.com http://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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Fwd: Register today for free webinar on tools for building health into SRTS
by Frank Gmeindl 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

Considering that WV has the third highest incidence of obesity in the nation, this webinar may be particularly useful for us to get SRTS funding. Begin forwarded message: > From: "Deb Hubsmith" <Deb_Hubsmith(a)mail.vresp.com> > Date: October 12, 2012 12:12:23 PM EDT > To: frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net > Subject: Register today for free webinar on tools for building health into SRTS > Reply-To: "Deb Hubsmith" <reply-783495a15c-ba6c4ec446-fd79(a)u.cts.vresp.com> > > > > > > The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is hosting a free webinar: > > Health is a Calling Card: > Tools to Build Health into Safe Routes to School > Thursday, November 1 > 2-3pm eastern/1-2pm central/12-1pm mountain/11am-12pm pacific > > > Register today! > > Safe Routes to School started with traffic safety, but health is now a stronger calling card for Safe Routes to School. Health champions are becoming strong partners for Safe Routes to School at federal, state and local levels. Learn about how to involve health champions in your programs and how to include health in all policies related to Safe Routes to School. > > We'll hear from the following speakers on how health champions and Safe Routes to School advocates are working together to get kids more physically active and improve our communities: > > Robert Ping, Technical Assistance Director, Safe Routes to School National Partnership -- Robert will explain why we should all have health policies in our communities and the importance of including health in your Safe Routes to School planning. > > Candace Rutt, Ph.D., Health Psychologist, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity at the Centers for Disease Control -- Learn what a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is and why it's a good tool. Candace will also explain the different levels of HIAs and how to conduct one. > > Fred Boykin, President of Bicycle South, and Decatur City Commissioner -- Fred will share the story about a Rapid Response HIA, and explain the process he undertook. Learn about HIA planning steps and the follow-through that resulted in changes for the city of Decatur. > > Brian Fellows, Safe Routes to School Coordinator at the Arizona Department of Transportation -- Hear an overview of the Active School Neighborhood Checklist (ASNC) and how it differs from a standard walkabout. Brian will share the process he used in his efforts to create an ASNC. > > This webinar is the 7th in a series of monthly webinars on topics related to Safe Routes to School and other policy and program initiatives that can increase walking and bicycling to school and in daily life. > > We encourage you to forward this announcement to your networks and listserves. > > > > > > Click to view this email in a browser > > If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe > Safe Routes to School National Partnership > PO Box 2359 > Boulder, Colorado 80306 > US > Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy. > > >

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Re: [Bikeboard] Sustainable Communities grant email/attachment review and approval...
by Chip Wamsley 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

I agree with Butch's recommendations. Great job guys! Chip -----Original Message----- From: "Derek Springston" <dspringston(a)gmail.com> Sent 10/12/2012 10:00:59 AM To: "Emily Vasile" <emilyvasile(a)gmail.com> Cc: "Bike Board - Morgantown" <bikeboard(a)bikemorgantown.com> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Sustainable Communities grant email/attachment review and approval... Emily, I share your concern about email getting buried on a late Friday afternoon, but Frank recommended (and I agree) that we give the BB at least one day to preview what we're sending out, so I'd like to give everyone else a chance to chime in through the end of the day today. Sorry this took me a day longer to get out than I'd planned. Let's just send it out at the end of the day, hope folks reply to it by Wednesday, the 17th, and if not you can follow-up. Thanks for offering to do that. It will be a big help! Big thanks to you and Butch for drafting most of the text. I wanted to include all of the text from both letters, but couldn't due to length! :) Take care, ~Derek On Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 9:48 AM, Emily Vasile <emilyvasile(a)gmail.com> wrote: Agree on getting it out today and extending to 10/17. The earlier we send it out today, the better. I think e-mails tend to get lost on Fridays. I'm happy to set aside some time next week to help follow up with folks we haven't heard from, as well. Nice work! On Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 9:34 AM, Graber, Stephen <sggraber(a)hsc.wvu.edu> wrote: Very welcome! I say today, by all means today! But I'd give them until the 17th just the same :) ------------------------------------------- Stephen G. Graber Biochem & Mol Pharmacology PO Box 9142, HSN-3122 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 26506-9142 phone: 304-293-2305 ------ _0 ------ _ \<,_ ---- (*)/ (*) From: Derek Springston [dspringston(a)gmail.com] Sent: Friday, October 12, 2012 9:01 AM To: Graber, Stephen Cc: Bike Board - Morgantown Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Sustainable Communities grant email/attachment review and approval... Butch, Thanks so much for your quick response. You must have been eating your Wheaties while typing! We'll see what others say today, and finish it up. Do you think we should send out at the end of the day today or earlier Monday? I vote today since we're requesting a reply by the 16th. I've bought in to the single email with no attachment now. In just a few weeks we'll be sending them a letter on letter head with our signatures and requesting theirs, so I think skipping the formal letter is ok initially, too. Also, we ask for their support and reply by email, but we need to make it clear that we must have their signature(s) on the our application to, "...represent the community's support and commitment..." to the bikeshare program as the Letter of Interest, so I'll make sure to add that clarification in the opening and closing of the letter. Thanks again, ~Derek On Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 8:02 AM, Graber, Stephen <sggraber(a)hsc.wvu.edu> wrote: Here's my three cents...... I strongly favor the email that shows all the addressees in the "To:" field. I think it's important that the stakeholders can see who's been included. I remain ambivalent about attaching the letter- personally I hate the extra steps involved in having to click and wait for the attachment to open, however, some may prefer the appearance and weight of a more official document. The attached letter also creates a two step process- busy people may decide to wait and open it later when they have "more time". There is never more time so this may lead to fewer responses than an immediate all in one process. If I were doing it I'd probably skip the attachment and make the email the letter addressed to Dear Stakeholder, or Hi All, Two short suggestions for editing the letter- I like the combination you've created of our two letters- it balances the greater informational content of Emily's and the quicker informailty of mine nicely. So consider these suggestions and move on! I think the first sentence in both email and document (assuming you decide to keep both) should not use the pronoun "I". Something like "The Morgantown Bike Board is requesting....." carries more weight in my view. The Word document is good but has several overly lengthy sentences that have a staccato like feel and too many commas! For example: "The technical assistance we plan to apply for with your support is offered through the EPA’s Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program, which provides quick, targeted technical assistance to selected local governments and communities using a variety of tools developed by the EPA and contracted consultants, which have shown positive results." I'd suggest breaking them up into two or three individual sentences. Cheers, Butch ------------------------------------------- Stephen G. Graber Biochem & Mol Pharmacology PO Box 9142, HSN-3122 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 26506-9142 phone: 304-293-2305 ------ _0 ------ _ \<,_ ---- (*)/ (*) From: bikeboard-bounces(a)bikemorgantown.com [bikeboard-bounces(a)bikemorgantown.com] On Behalf Of Derek Springston [dspringston(a)gmail.com] Sent: Friday, October 12, 2012 12:14 AM To: Bike Board - Morgantown Subject: [Bikeboard] Sustainable Communities grant email/attachment review and approval... Dear BB Members, Either late on Friday or early Monday morning, I would like to send the email text below and the letter attachment out to our identified stakeholders. Please review and give your approval as early as possible, but no later than Sunday. Also BIG THANKS to Butch and Emily for their drafts of the letter. They did most of the work! Here is the list of stakeholders we've identified: Hugh Kierig - hugh.kierig(a)mail.wvu.edu - 304-293-9095, Tom Arnold - tarnold(a)cityofmorgantown.org - 304-284-7435, Terrence Moore - tmoore(a)cityofmorgantown.org - 304-284-7405 Jeff Mikorski - jmikorski(a)cityofmorgantown.org - 304-284-7405 Chip Wamsley - chipwamsley(a)gmail.com Pathfinder - andrew(a)pathfinderwv.com - 304-296-0076 Perry Keller - Perry.J.Keller(a)wv.gov - 304-558-9591 Dave Bruffy - bruffy(a)busride.org - 304-296-3680 Bill Austin - baustin(a)labyrinth.net - 304-291-9571 University Health Associates- ??? Terry Cutright - MainStreet - director(a)downtownmorgantown.com - 304-292-0168 BOPARC - Mark Wise - mwise(a)boparc.org - 304-296-8356 Marjorie Gardens - ??? We also have two options for sending out via email... We can address by name each email and attachment letter to send each out individually OR make generic address and send out all together copying everyone in the TO: field so they can each see who else we're asking. Votes anyone? Will place the attached letter on the attache BB letterhead when I have access to scanners, printers! Review this email and comment: ------------------------------------------------------ Dear [insert stakeholder name], As a member of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board, I am requesting that you please review the attached letter. We are asking you to support our request to the EPA to host a bikeshare program workshop in Morgantown in Spring 2013. If Morgantown is selected as one of the communities to receive this technical assistance, we also need your commitment to attend a one to two day workshop. Please read the attached letter and reply to this email by Tuesday, October 16th with your response. Sincerely, Derek Springston Chair, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board - EPA Building Blocks Program Committee ------------------------------------------------------- Thanks, ~Derek -- 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)bikemorgantown.com http://wvcompletestreets.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)bikemorgantown.com http://wvcompletestreets.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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Minutes from 10/4 Mtg
by Traci Liebig 11 Oct '12

11 Oct '12

Good Morning All, Attached are the minutes from the October Bike Board meeting. Thanks! Traci Traci Liebig Conservation Specialist Facilities Management West Virginia University P.O. Box 6570 Morgantown, WV 26506 304.293.9500 wecan.wvu.edu Think before you print. Thanks!

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Instead Of Surgery, Man Pedals Off The Pounds
by Christiaan Abildso 10 Oct '12

10 Oct '12

An inspiring story of the power of cycling in the pursuit of a healthy life: http://www.npr.org/2012/10/09/162586325/instead-of-surgery-man-pedals-off-t… Christiaan

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