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Check out the League of American Bicyclists' Advocacy Center!
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Mar '09

09 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, The LAB will send on your behalf to Governor Manchin your ideas for spending stimulus money. Click on this URL to take action on bicycling issues now http://capwiz.com/lab/utr/2/?a=12859566&i=1234&c= If your email program does not recognize the URL as a link, copy the entire URL and paste it into your Web browser. Following is what I sent: Soon you'll be deciding to fund "shovel ready" infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy. I urge you to set a goal to make every roadway curb lane 14-feet wide. 14-foot wide curb lanes would enable motor vehicles and bicycles to travel together in the lane. Last year, bicycle sales almost equaled car and light truck sales [Spiegel]. Wide curb lanes would give people the option of bicycling safely to any destination that they would otherwise drive. 14-foot curb lanes could: . Reduce our dependence on foreign oil; . Reduce obesity and all its attendant issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and health care expense; . Reduce pollution; . Reduce future roadway maintenance expense; . Return some civility to our society. [Spiegel] Spiegel, Jan Ellen; A Surge in Bicycles Seems to be Waiting; New York Times Business/Small Business, January 01, 2009. ------------------------------------- Powered by Capitol Advantage, LLC http://www.capitoladvantage.com "Connect and Be Counted" ------------------------------------- Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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MEBEP MOU - Positive Spin
by director 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Good afternoon, My apologies for sending this late. I made the changes immediately after the last meeting, but lost the file immediately after that. I've incorporated the changes discussed at last month's meeting. It has not been reviewed by a lawyer for Positive Spin - the lawyer who had offered his services hasn't been available. If anyone can recommend a good on for that purpose I would appreciate it enormously. See you tonite. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Tonight's report to Traffic Commission
by Frank Gmeindl 04 Mar '09

04 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, I plan to present the attached report to the Traffic Commission tonight. Please look it over and send me recommended changes. Sorry for not getting this out earlier! Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Thursday's Bicycle Board Agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Mar '09

03 Mar '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached the minutes of our February meeting and a suggested agenda for this Thursday's meeting. Frank

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[Fwd: Resignation]
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Mar '09

03 Mar '09

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Resignation Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:50:19 -0500 From: Chris Phillips <cphillips106(a)hotmail.com> To: <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> References: <49A49D66.1010402(a)verizon.net> Frank, Sorry for the late reply, I have been swamped in the office lately grading papers and tests in time for mid-terms this week. You may however, accept this email as my *formal resignation* from the bicycle board effective this *Tuesday, 03/03/09*. With this, please also remove my email address from any further board email communique. I am sorry that I was not able to contribute more to the board, however in my current situation I do not have the time to be an effective member. I would suggest that whomever you find to fill my spot, you spend some time getting them acquainted with the board and its current topics/ agenda so that they can become familiar with the way that the board works and what they are trying to achieve. As a new member I was quite perplexed at how the bicycle board was run and all the 'bureaucratic' issues that had to be dealt with. It would be easy for a new member to get lost in all of this, become uninterested and lose the overall objective of the bicycle board. I remember being asked to help with several issues which I gladly accepted, however when it came time to act on the issue out side of the meeting, nobody did anything (bicycle racks in the parking garage) or got a hold of me. I would not consider this lack of involvement, but rather lack of communication. I was also not aware that there was an attendance policy, however I would suggest adding a formal attendance policy to the agenda if we are going to be asking people to resign for inadequate meeting attendance. Morgantown has a good start to becoming a bicycle friendly city, and I hope that the board can further this objective. Best Regards, Christopher Phillips 03/03/09 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Windows Live™ Groups: Create an online spot for your favorite groups to meet. Check it out. <http://windowslive.com/online/groups?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_groups_032009>

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Safety Town
by director 01 Mar '09

01 Mar '09

Good evening, A few days ago I was talking to Kristen Dieffenbach (professor of Phy Ed instruction at WVU and CycleAmerica coach) about gradeschool bike safety education in European cities. Her eye's lit up and she started talking about a program at the grade school she attended in Cedarburg, WI - "Safety Town". It is a parking lot with streets painted on it and temporary buildings and traffic signs/lights. I found more info on it at this link: http://www.cedarburgpolice.com/Safety%20Town.htm The picture shows pre-K kids on 4-wheel pedal cars, I assume you could ride bikes there just as well. Kristen said the crossing guard position was popular with the kids, and they took it seriously and did a good job. Thought this might be a practical possibility here in Morgantown. In fact we've done this indoors with signs owned by Fun Factory. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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

27 Feb '09

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

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Agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Feb '09

26 Feb '09

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

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Bicycle Parking
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Feb '09

16 Feb '09

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

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

15 Feb '09

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

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