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Fwd: Forks of the Ohio Trails Symposium- March 8
by Frank Gmeindl 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

FYI. Would be nice if some road cyclists attended. Begin forwarded message: > From: Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org> > Date: February 20, 2013 11:42:03 AM EST > To: Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Steve Selin <sselin(a)wvu.edu>, Bill Austin <baustin(a)moncpc.org>, Katy Moran <Katy.Moran(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, Chip Wamsley <chip(a)wamsleycycles.com>, Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net>, "Vicky Evans (mamasita1955(a)yahoo.com)" <mamasita1955(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Forks of the Ohio Trails Symposium- March 8 > > Hi everyone, > Casting a wide net in case some of you would be interested in this one-day trails conference. For some of us the interest is in the trails, for others it might be the workshops on the on-road and pedestrian improvements…. but I will say that I expect a good deal will focus on big picture, long-distance trail planning that may include some on-road linkages. > >> Trails symposium in Pittsburgh on Friday, March 8. Cost is $30 and includes lunch. The area of focus is Northern Panhandle and north-central WV (down to Harrison County- and North Bend folks?) to connect with neighboring states. This is an opportunity to hear and talk to some big funders and focus on big picture planning and marketing as we try to link across state lines and create more long-distance trails. Looks like Perry Keller will be speaking on behalf of WV in this picture. It would be great to get more WV in attendance to show our support and desire to be in these plans. Please share this and try to attend! Thanks, Ella >> >> TO REGISTER >> http://www.pecpa.org/event/2013-forks-ohio-regional-trail-symposium >> >> Ella Belling >> Executive Director >> Mon River Trails Conservancy >> P.O. Box 282 >> Morgantown, WV 26507 >> www.montrails.org >> 304-692-6782 >> >> > > > > Ella Belling > Executive Director > Mon River Trails Conservancy > P.O. Box 282 > Morgantown, WV 26507 > www.montrails.org > 304-692-6782 > > >

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3-foot passing law
by Frank Gmeindl 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

PLEASE DISREGARD THE MESSAGE I JUST SENT. I SENT IT BEFORE I FINISHED IT. Dear Bicycle Board Members, I'm thinking of changing my advocacy for a 3-foot passing law to advocacy for a law that would require motorists to change lanes when passing bicycles. I would like your thoughts and guidance. Attached is a report, "The 3 ft. Law: Lessons Learned from a National Analysis of State Policies and Expert Interviews" by Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. My reading of the report leads me to the following: The greatest benefit of the 3-foot law is educational by increasing motorist awareness of bicyclists but the educational benefit may be short-lived. The 3-foot law is hardly enforced if enforced at all in 20 states that have adopted it and it might be practically unenforceable. 3-feet is insufficient when motor vehicles are passing while traveling more than 25 mph faster than bicyclists. Motorists must change lanes when passing slower moving motor vehicles so changing lanes when passing bicyclists shouldn't be any more difficult or inconvenient. In WV, there are hardly any travel lanes wide enough that a motorist can pass without encroaching into the adjacent lane. While motorists and police officers may not be able to accurately judge 3-feet, they can all accurately judge which lane they're in or whether they're straddling two lanes. Since crossing the double yellow center line is common practice, the law should be modified to recognize such, particularly to permit crossing the center line when it is safe to do so. The WV Connecting Communities Legislative Agenda that we recommended includes a recommendation for a 4-foot rule. I think WVCC is trying to get legislation introduced in the session that is happening now. So, this would probably not be a good time to say, "Hey, wait. We changed our mind." However, quite commonly, legislation gets recycled through multiple sessions before it finally passes. The legislative process of getting a 3-foot law passed can have undesirable consequences such as requiring cyclists to ride on shoulders and banning bicycles from roadways that don't have shoulders.

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March Bike Board Meeting
by Gunnar Shogren 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

It's that time again! Let's get ready. Who is planning on attending? Any submissions for the agenda (besides the project reports)? Attached are the revised meeting minutes from the January meeting. Please review once more so we can accept it at the March meeting. Thanks and stay warm and dry.

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2 pm TODAY Webinar on Promoting Walking & Biking
by Frank Gmeindl 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

Begin forwarded message: > From: "PBIC News" <PBIC_News(a)mail.vresp.com> > Date: February 26, 2013 8:41:10 AM EST > To: fgmeindl(a)gmail.com > Subject: PBIC News: Reminder--Webinar on Promoting Walking & Biking > Reply-To: "PBIC News" <reply-23652972f4-d07fa7ea7a-9bf0(a)u.cts.vresp.com> > > > > February 26, 2013 > > REMINDER: PBIC to hold Free Webinar on Promoting Walking and Cycling on Wednesday > > CHAPEL HILL, NC — The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) announces the next free Webinar in its Livable Communities Webinar Series: > > Promoting Cycling and Walking for Sustainable and Healthy Cities: Lessons from Europe and North America > Wednesday, February 27, 2013 > 2:00 p.m. — 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time > > To register, please visit https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/958583714. > > Promoting Cycling and Walking for Sustainable and Healthy Cities: Lessons from Europe and North America” examines ways in which communities can better encourage walking and bicycling. > > John Pucher, a professor in the School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University in New Jersey and visiting professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has spent more than three decades studying the difference in travel behavior and transport systems and policies in Europe, Canada, the USA, and Australia. > > Pucher’s presentation will discuss policies and programs needed to make cycling and walking safe and convenient; how Dutch, Danish and German cities get nearly everyone, including women, children and seniors, on bikes for a wide range of trop purposes; and what communities in the United States can do to increase walking and bicycling while also making them safer and more convenient for everyday travel to work, school and shopping. > > PBIC offers free, public Webinars approximately every other month. To register for upcoming Webinars and to access archived presentations, please visit www.walkinginfo.org/webinars. > > > Since its inception in 1999, PBIC's mission has been to improve the quality of life in communities through the increase of safe walking and bicycling as a viable means of transportation and physical activity. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center is maintained by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. > Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center > > 730 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd > Campus Box 3430 > Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3430 > Phone: 1.888.823.3977 > Fax: 919.962.8710 > www.walkinginfo.org > www.bicyclinginfo.org > > > > > > 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 > Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center > 730 MLK, Jr. Blvd. CB 3430 > Chapel Hill, NC 27599 > US > Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy. > > >

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3-foot passing law
by Frank Gmeindl 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

Dear Bicycle Board Members, I'm thinking of changing my advocacy for a 3-foot passing law to advocacy for a law that would require motorists to change lanes when passing bicycles. I would like your thoughts and guidance. Attached is a report, "The 3 ft. Law: Lessons Learned from a National Analysis of State Policies and Expert Interviews" by Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. My reading of the report leads me to the following: The greatest benefit of the 3-foot law is educational by increasing motorist awareness of bicyclists but the educational benefit may be short-lived. The 3-foot law is hardly enforced if enforced at all in 20 states that have adopted it and it might be practically unenforceable. 3-feet is insufficient when motor vehicles are passing while traveling more than 25 mph faster than bicyclists. Motorists must change lanes when passing slower moving motor vehicles so changing lanes when passing bicyclists shouldn't be any more difficult or inconvenient. In WV, there are hardly any travel lanes wide enough that a motorist can pass without encroaching into the adjacent lane. While motorists and police officers may not be able to accurately judge 3-feet, they can all accurately judge which lane they're in or whether they're straddling two lanes. Since crossing the double yellow center line is common practice, the law should be modified to recognize such, particularly to permit crossing the center line when it is safe to do so. The WV Connecting Communities Legislative Agenda that we recommended includes a recommendation for a 4-foot rule. I think WVCC is trying to get legislation introduced in the session that is happening now. So, this would probably not be a good time to say, "Hey, wait. We changed our mind." However, quite commonly, legislation gets recycled through multiple sessions before it finally passes. The legislative process of getting a 3-foot law passed can have undesirable consequences such as requiring cyclists to ride on shoulders and banning bicycles from roadways that don't have shoulders.

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Fwd: AARP WV Legislative Update
by Gunnar Shogren 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

Interesting that Complete Streets is on their radar. Yes I belong to AARP... (mainly for the IHoP discount) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: AARP West Virginia <aarpwebact(a)action.aarp.org> Date: Tue, Feb 26, 2013 at 12:00 PM Subject: AARP WV Legislative Update To: gshogren(a)gmail.com AARP West Virginia State Legislative Update F E B R U A R Y 2 6 , 2 0 1 3 ------------------------------ *[image: WV State Capitol (Photo: AARP West Virginia)]* *AARP West Virginia leaders **outline advocacy agenda **for 2013 West Virginia Legislature * *“Complete Streets,” enhancing retirement security and financial exploitation protections among session goals* *AARP West Virginia state leaders today detailed the organization’s legislative agenda for the first session of the 81st West Virginia Legislature, with a focus on legislative action in the areas of community development, retirement security, financial exploitation issues, and home energy affordability.* *AARP West Virginia staff and volunteers are maintaining a very active presence at the State Capitol throughout the 60-day regular session (which concludes April 13)*, working on behalf of nearly 300,000 members across the Mountain State. AARP is working closely with state leaders on the passage of legislation impacting West Virginians 50-plus, which includes: - *Adoption of “Complete Streets” legislation: AARP supports “Complete Streets” legislation that formally adopts state policies that promote effective transportation planning, coordination and community development. *“Complete Streets” is a transportation development concept that incorporates features in transportation design and planning that enhance safety, mobility and accessibility for all transportation users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transportation users. *During the past decade, nearly 300 pedestrians and cyclists have died on West Virginia roadways as a result of injuries sustained in motor-vehicle related traffic accidents,* according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). *Between 2000 and 2006, the total human capital costs associated with these types of motor vehicle accidents on West Virginia roadways was approximately $565 million ($80.7 million per year), based on a West Virginia University study *that determined costs borne by individuals and corporations in medical costs, emergency services, property damage and lost productivity. - *Helping People Stay in Their Own Homes and Communities:* AARP supports efforts to take advantage of new and existing opportunities to improve access to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS); and to protect and expand the Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) program, State respite funding for the Family Alzheimer’s In-Home Respite (FAIR) program, and the Lighthouse program.* * - *Protecting Older West Virginians Against Fraud and Financial Exploitation:* Working with the *West Virginia Financial Exploitation Task Force*, AARP supports state laws that strengthen protections against fraud, deception, and unfair practices; and equip consumers with the tools needed to make informed choices and to protect themselves. - *Enhancing Retirement Security:* AARP supports efforts by the *West Virginia Association of Retired School Employees (WVARSE)* to protect retirees from reduction or elimination of promised benefits, preserve access to defined benefit plans and cost of living adjustments, and limit taxation of retirement income. - *Fighting for the West Virginia Utility Consumer: AARP will continue its utility advocacy*, with an emphasis on defeating or mitigating unfair rate increases for utility ratepayers; opposing legislation that would require advanced payments for multibillion dollar power plants; and, ensuring that providers of electricity, gas, landline, wireless and broadband internet offer services customers can depend on. “For more than 50 years, AARP has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age. We’re actively engaging our members for their input on the issues that are most important to them, and our advocacy agenda for this session reflects the feedback we’ve received from West Virginians 50-plus,” said *Gaylene Miller, AARP West Virginia state director *. *Older West Virginians want to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible*, and many of the issues AARP is focusing on this legislative session address home and community issues important to those 50-plus. “Livable communities provide safety and security for individuals who wish to remain in their homes and communities as they age. Complete Streets policy represents a mindset that encourages common sense planning for new infrastructure development, where state transportation planners would consider all transportation users as they relate to the unique transportation needs of growing communities in the Mountain State,” said *Randy Myers, AARP West Virginia state president*. *Home energy affordability continues to be a major issue for low- to moderate-income West Virginians of all ages.* AARP West Virginia has heard from thousands of the state’s utility customers about the challenges they’re facing in paying their monthly bills. “*There are many challenges that lie ahead for West Virginia utility ratepayers.* Billion dollar acquisition deals associated with electric generating capacity and a focus on improved reliability in the wake of last year’s severe storms would likely result in higher future costs for state ratepayers. Additionally, thousands of West Virginians could face a significant increase in water rates by the end of 2013,” said Miller. “For thousands of older West Virginians, many of whom live on fixed incomes, any increase in home energy costs has a significant impact. We remain focused on these important pocket-book issues and the potential impact any rate increases would have on West Virginia families.” ------------------------------ *For the latest developments on AARP West Virginia's advocacy work at the West Virginia State Capitol, connect with us online:* *Facebook: www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia<http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=DGsuCAqp1Rr9YroaiWLdfQ> * *Twitter: www.twitter.com/AARPWV<http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=-cBbHxfJYDZtzULrZtoz_Q> * *This email was sent to you by AARP.* To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add aarpwv(a)aarp.org to your address book. This e-mail is being sent by the AARP West Virginia State Office, 300 Summers Street, Suite 400, Charleston, WV 25301. Visit us at http://www.aarp.org/wv<http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=Bw-U_uE3LE0vbjwf5-clwQ> . AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and over ~ http://www.aarp.org/about_AARP<http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=h47AKK1WVhV-28tLDwju7w><http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=dvJaW7x-LYxRictGUhCD0Q> . Join or renew your membership at http://www.aarp.org/join/<http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=3_mBamH4jCLSKZtjdmdO2w>. AARP Privacy Policy <http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=LrsY1ZGBMOfAlafKja0jTQ>| (c)1995-2009 <http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=JPKKyG4FmixvZZbWHPCMYg>, AARP. All rights reserved. Unsubscribe<http://action.aarp.org/site/CO?i=OC2EG6Lw0BGIYlIVCQBOFW3bWQnPLxkp&cid=0>Or visit the email preferences page <http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=kd5D6Kw_mmKk9Uv2VOwpFw>to manage the types of email you receive from AARP. 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Fwd: Register by March 4 for Forks of the Ohio Regional Trails Symposium
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Feb '13

26 Feb '13

Begin forwarded message: > From: Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org> > Date: February 26, 2013 1:48:47 PM EST > To: Steve Selin <sselin(a)wvu.edu>, Tom Pinto <Tom.Pinto(a)mail.wvu.edu>, "dwayt(a)frontier.com" <dwayt(a)frontier.com>, Katy Moran <Katy.Moran(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Victoria Evans <mamasita1955(a)yahoo.com>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu> > Subject: Fwd: Register by March 4 for Forks of the Ohio Regional Trails Symposium > > In case you had trouble accessing the registration from my last email and are interested: > Doug- please send this on to Michael Kinter (sp?) or have him call Amy Camp or Susan Gold at 412-481-9400. > >> >> Having trouble viewing this email? Click herehttp://www.pecpa.org/event/2013-forks-oh >> Hi, you're receiving this email because you've expressed an interest in the projects of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. >> >> You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails. >> >> >> Register by March 4 for Forks of the Ohio Regional Trails Symposium >> >> REGISTER NOW! >> >> The Forks of the Ohio Regional Trails Symposium is fast approaching and we're excited for an interactive day that focuses on advancing the regional trails agenda. >> >> The 2013 Forks of the Ohio Regional Trail Symposium builds on the Western PA Trail Symposia held in 2006 and 2010, as well as the Power of 32 Regional Trails Meeting in 2011. Attendees will continue the dialog to make our trail system the strongest, most connected and best managed system. Stakeholders from Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, Northern West Virginia and Western Maryland are encouraged to attend. >> >> The 2013 event will bring together trail stakeholders for a thought-provoking keynote address by Earl F. Gohl, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission; informative educational sessions; interactive working sessions; and networking opportunities. Symposium topics will include: completion of mega greenways, connecting to communities, developing healthy communities, planning tools and more. >> >> More Information and Registration >> >> Please register online by Monday, March 4. Read more about the event and the day's agenda, and direct any questions to Amy Camp at acamp(a)pecpa.org. >> >> Space will be provided for organizations to display and share information with attendees. Display tables are offered at no cost to non-profit organizations that request a table in advance. >> >> >> Forward email >> >> This email was sent to ella(a)montrails.org by jkarns(a)pecpa.org | >> Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. >> Pennsylvania Environmental Council | 800 N. 3rd St. | Suite 304 | Harrisburg | PA | 17102 > > Ella Belling > Executive Director > Mon River Trails Conservancy > P.O. Box 282 > Morgantown, WV 26507 > www.montrails.org > 304-692-6782 > > >

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Fwd: March Traffic Commission Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Feb '13

26 Feb '13

Anything for the Traffic Commission? I've heard some more Bicycle Friendly Community signs have been erected. Anybody see any? I've heard School Zone signs have been erected around Suncrest Elementary that should clear the way for Matt Watson's bike rack installation. Anybody seen the signs? I'd like to know the status of the Mon Blvd. Bicycle Climbing lane and the plan to keep it clean throughout the year. Anybody ridden up there lately? WVU's building a housing complex taking up the whole block bounded by Univ. Av., 3rd St., Grant St. and Huston St.. In the middle of it, they're going to have a "grand staircase" that connects Grand to University. I'd like to advocate for a bicycle ramp to enable cyclists to roll their bikes up the steps rather than having to carry them. I wonder what became of our recommendation to put such a ramp along the stairs that the builder of those apartments was supposed to reconstruct by the orphaned 1st St. from Jones to Lorentz? Traffic Commission meetings are such fun. I don't understand why the whole BB doesn't attend! Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org> > Date: February 25, 2013 10:20:56 PM EST > To: lisa k mardis <lisa.k.mardis(a)gmail.com>, normawyant(a)comcast.net, Susan Sullivan <ssullivan(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Julie.Thalman(a)mail.wvu.edu, Bethany Sypolt <bsypolt(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Linda Little <llittle(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, William Wyant <wwyant(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, mmccabe(a)cityofmorgantown.org, wes(a)wnugent.com, Jeff Mikorski <jmikorski(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, j4im3s(a)gmail.com, david.mckain(a)gmail.com, christophergluck(a)gmail.com, psteel(a)access.k12.wv.us, "Gmeindl, Frank" <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net>, Barbara Shellito <bshellito(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Margaret Roberts <Margaretormike(a)aol.com>, Roy Nutter <rnutter(a)wvu.edu>, Terry Hough <though(a)cityofmorgantown.org> > Subject: March Traffic Commission Meeting > Reply-To: ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org > > All, > > Please send any items you might like to discuss at the upcoming TC meeting. Thank you. > J. Damien Davis, PE, CFM > Assistant City Engineer > City of Morgantown > Public Works Department - Engineering Division > 389 Spruce Street > Morgantown, WV 26505 > Office: 304.284.7398 > Fax: 304.284.7409 > www.MorgantownWV.gov > >

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Fwd: Sheepskin Trail Community Kick-off- March 7
by Frank Gmeindl 25 Feb '13

25 Feb '13

See any humor in this? Begin forwarded message: > From: Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org> > Date: February 22, 2013 4:26:57 PM EST > To: Ella Belling <ellabelling(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Sheepskin Trail Community Kick-off- March 7 > > Please join in the Sheepskin Trail Community Kick-Off in Point Marion, PA on March 7th at 4:30PM. The more the merrier! > > The Sheepskin Trail, which will connect Point Marion to Morgantown and eventually to the Great Allegheny Passage, is one step closer. For many years trail advocates and organizations in both WV and PA have been working to move rail-trail boundaries past the WV State Line, where the Mon River Trail currently ends. Please join us and our friends in Point Marion, PA for a community gathering to hear more about this effort and to celebrate some good news. > > 4:30PM Gather for walking tour- Penn and Railroad Street > 5-6PM Refreshments and Speakers-Jordan Building- corner of Main and Penn Street > 6PM Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant > > Please RSVP 724.437.9877 > > The invitation to the Sheepskin Trail Kick-Off is attached. I hope to see you there! Spread the word, Ella > > Directions from Morgantown > Follow US 119 North approximately 10 miles > After you enter Point Marion 119N will curve to the left > One block down on left is parking lot > across from United Bank and adjacent to post office. > > > Ella Belling > Executive Director > Mon River Trails Conservancy > P.O. Box 282 > Morgantown, WV 26507 > www.montrails.org > 304-692-6782 > > > > > > > > >

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Fwd: Save the Date: Woodburn Visioning Sessions info attached
by Frank Gmeindl 23 Feb '13

23 Feb '13

> >>> On 2/20/2013 at 2:47 PM, <chrishaddox(a)frontier.com> wrote: > Hi folks, > > The Woodburn Elementary Reuse Study group will be hosting two visioning sessions and your participation is needed at one of the events (or both if you like)! > > Sunday, March 3 2:30 – 5:00 > Monday, March 4 5:30 – 8:00 > > These will be short, intense and fun . Both sessions will be held at Woodburn Elementary School and you need not attend both (unless you want to). > > The purpose of the sessions is to engage the public in exploration and development of viable re-use concepts for the Woodburn Elementary School property. > > As you are aware, the City finances are tight, but the investment in and reuse of this property for the public benefit represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to add value back to our city core. Please come and make your ideas heard. > > Please share this with your friends and groups! (flyer attached) > > The City desires to purchase this site, but needs our help in making the case to do so! > > As always, please contact me should you have questions. > > Thanks, folks! > >

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