- Bikeboard - lists.bikelover.org

Re: [Bikeboard] DA article
by director 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

Jonathan, The article was posted on the Monbikeclub list too. I got a copy and will put it up at the shop. It reminded me of something I learned when I went to my first city council in high school. They would never hash things out in the general meeting. Everything had been decided in advance by committees. That way, when the press showed up they saw everyone happily agreeing on things. This article played up the drama, and mis-emphasized safety. I thought we had a model meeting - especially since we re-evaluated our agenda as part of it to make sure it fit our mission. I think the article was probably a net benefit though, and I'm certainly glad the reporter stayed for the whole thing. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org> Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:06:21 -0400 >There is an article about the BB in today's Daily Athanaeum titled >"Morgantown Bike Board pushes safety agenda": > >http://www.da.wvu.edu/show_article.php?&story_id=33553&archive_date=2008-03… > >-Jonathan > >_______________________________________________ >Bikeboard mailing list >Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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DA article
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 10 Mar '08

10 Mar '08

There is an article about the BB in today's Daily Athanaeum titled "Morgantown Bike Board pushes safety agenda": http://www.da.wvu.edu/show_article.php?&story_id=33553&archive_date=2008-03… -Jonathan

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Empower
by gunn4r Shogren 06 Mar '08

06 Mar '08

That's the word I was thinking of, To describe, kind-of, my "one thing". Course it's too broad and general, but that's the way it is. Bike routes and such can legitimize the use of bicycles, as Don S. said, and this can empower folks to try something new and different. Encouraging folks and showing them that they can commute, or just make a trip on a bike, empowers them as well. Etc. And all the other things we talk about and do help to empower the people. Most of the time folks just need some help. I'd just like to say that the last couple of MBB meetings have been positive and it seems as though a fair amount of things *are* coming to fruition. That's all for now, thanks, and have a nice day further, gunnar. "Empower the People!"

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Re: [Bikeboard] MPO committee meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Mar '08

05 Mar '08

Chet, Thanks for including me on your transmittal! I would like to encourage the MPO to consider widening the curb lane with those items on the list that seem to offer a ready opportunity to do so. In the attached, I highlighted 14 items that appear to involve roadway modifications and may offer the opportunity to widen curb lanes. As I presented to the MPO 28-Feb., widening curb lanes to 14 feet would enable motor vehicles and bicycles to drive side-by-side within the lane and would remove the speed difference problem that must annoy motorists, scare cyclists and potentially cause congestion if we are to have 10% of all trips by bicycle. I hope you will be able to include this request on the list for the March 11 meeting. Frank Chet Parsons wrote: > All - we will be meeting this month on March 11, at 1:30 pm in the > second floor conference room of the Morgantown Municipal Airport. > > We have been asked by the MPO Policy Board to discuss a listing of > lower-cost traffic ideas that may be implemented to improve > conditions. These ideas were presented at the Morgantown City COuncil > committee-of-the-whole meeting on February 26 and contain a number of > items that had been identified previously by the MPO as possible > solutions. Morgantown City Council has identified funds that can be > made available to the MPO for research and testing to make sure some > of these technologies and methods can actually make an impact on traffic. > > The MPO Policy Board has asked that the committee make a > recommendation of a handful of these ideas to move forward with and > begin the research and testing work. I am attaching the list for your > review prior to the meeting. Please bring other ideas with you as well. > > Chet > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > _______________ > > *Chet Parsons* > Executive Director > Greater Morgantown MPO > 180 Hart Field Road > Morgantown, WV 26505 > 304.291.9571 > > >

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Re: [Bikeboard] [Fwd: Re: [Fwd: RE: Uphill Struggle]]
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Nick, Here's what I mean when I say torpedo: A little over a year ago the whole bike board identified and organized sets of goals: Infrastructure, Education, Commuting, etc. Committees formed and worked way above and beyond the call of duty to create comprehensive recommendations to the Traffic Commission in the areas of Infrastructure, Education and Commuting. The TC accepted those recommendations. Among the Infrastructure recommendations were the chevrons and the Campus Connector. Those both have traction with the Traffic Commission. The City has budgeted for the chevrons. The City Manager has directed the Director of Public Works to make them happen. They have been reviewed by the WVDOH. To support our Eduction recommendations, the City Manager has submitted a grant application to the WVDOH. The Mayor, City Manager and Executive Director of the MPO carefully reviewed, discussed with us and signed and submitted our Bicycle Friendly Community award application. Having people who are not members of the Bicycle Board presenting ideas to government officials as if they were approved by the Bicycle Board when they were not even reviewed by the Bicycle Board can torpedo both our recommendations and our team spririt, as it were. Frank director wrote: > Frank, > I'll be giving the update on this. I've been attending the meetings. Please contact me privately with your concerns, I wouldn't want to do anything that would torpedo anything else I'm doing. I'm not certain how you see that would happen with this but I'm happy to listen. > > I would like to share a story from a pre-school bike rodeo I did last Saturday. We had an indoor course setup in a room at the Fun Factory last Saturday. All day long pre-school kids were driving around this course with mini-traffic signs. Toward the end of the day as discipline started getting a little slack some older siblings started coming onto the course. When they would get a little too wild we'd take them aside and tell them that we were teaching the younger kids to share the road safely. Older kids could either help with the teaching or would have to leave. They stayed and taught. At the very end a baby crawled from another room right into the middle of the track. The kids' first reaction was "We've got to get the baby out of the way!" to which I responded "No, this road is for everyone - not just the ones on wheels." > > I didn't have to do anything else. The kids all made room for the baby and everyone continued to ride safely, just because they were all looking out for each other. > > It drove home with me the point that if we can change the minds of drivers, we'll have a lot less work to do changing roads. > > Anyway, I look forward to hearing from you. > Thanks. > Nick > > ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- > From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> > Date: Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:54:09 -0500 > > >> Bicycle Board Members, >> >> Please read the thread below. I have no idea what the Bicycle Board >> should do about this, if anything. I'm concerned that things like this >> can torpedo the projects to which the Traffic Commission and the >> Assistant City Manager, and, most recently, the MPO have signed up for. >> Perhaps we can discuss this during the action items update on Thursday >> when somebody gives an update on Max's Challenge. I understand neither >> John Lozier nor Marilyn Newcome will be there. >> >> Frank >> >> -------- Original Message -------- >> Subject: Re: [Fwd: RE: Uphill Struggle] >> Date: Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:07:17 -0500 >> From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> >> To: John Lozier <jl(a)harpingforharmony.org> >> CC: Newcome Marilyn <mjcycling(a)msn.com>, Laura Kemp-Rye >> <Kemprye(a)verizon.net> >> References: <45E6C992.8020509(a)verizon.net> >> <DF8CEEBB-5F9B-428D-8523-62454276B0F9(a)harpingforharmony.org> >> >> >> >> John, >> >> So no one is responsible for this project. Then, how do you see the >> relationship between this project and its task groups and the Bicycle Board? >> >> Frank >> >> John Lozier wrote: >> >>> Frank, I'm out of the picture till March 25, so I'll say little more. >>> >>> The project has lots of energy, several new participants, has grown >>> beyond Bike Board. Although Marilyn is chair, there are several task >>> groups, Laura Kemp-Rye chairs one of them, there is a lot of mutual >>> trust so "responsibility for leading" is somewhat distributed. >>> >>> Took a ride today, along Uphill Struggle route, I think it will work >>> out great. 15 minutes, at moderate speed, from Seneca Center to Star >>> City Park. I hope the chevrons can be placed on Monongahela Boulevard >>> before August. >>> >>> Best, >>> >>> John >>> >>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 7:39 AM, Frank Gmeindl wrote: >>> >>> >>>> John, Marilyn, >>>> >>>> What is this about a path? I don't recall that being part of Max's >>>> Challenge. You guys need to come back through the Bicycle Board if >>>> you're going to change the scope. Rr, quit saying that these things >>>> have been approved by the Bicycle Board. >>>> >>>> Will one of you please take responsibility for leading this project >>>> and contain errant communications? >>>> >>>> Frank >>>> >>>> -------- Original Message -------- >>>> Subject: RE: Uphill Struggle >>>> Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:45:45 -0500 >>>> From: Laura Kemp-Rye <kemprye(a)verizon.net> >>>> To: 'John Lozier' <jl(a)harpingforharmony.org>, 'Gmeindl >>>> Frank' <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> >>>> CC: 'Newcome Marilyn' <mjcycling(a)msn.com> >>>> References: >>>> <A0A242E5-EF10-4FC2-98B9-C7D176FCA364(a)harpingforharmony.org> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Hi -- I've got an even more recent update. Max and I met with Chet >>>> Parsons of the MPO today at the Moose. I wanted to work with him to >>>> get an estimate for the path. He heard about the whole thing and is >>>> really helpful on some next steps to take. I think he sees this as a >>>> simple opportunity to get support for the non-vehicular part of the >>>> transportation plan, which the county will just have to inch toward. >>>> >>>> In the past, he has worked with Barbara Evans Fleisheur (sp?) on Safe >>>> Routes To School. He would support and assist in transportation >>>> enhancement (through Bikes Belong) and Safe Routes to Schools Grants. >>>> >>>> Great meeting overall. He saw some potential alliances that could >>>> all work in the same direction, the Green team, bikes, schools, etc. >>>> These are all groups that they've had lackluster support from before. >>>> >>>> He asked if I would email him the resolution and if you would present >>>> it this evening. >>>> >>>> Call if you need me. >>>> >>>> Laura Kemp-Rye >>>> Office: 304.291.5485 >>>> Cell: 304.216.5485 >>>> kemprye(a)verizon.net >>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>>> *From:* John Lozier [mailto:jl@harpingforharmony.org] >>>> *Sent:* Thursday, February 28, 2008 8:57 AM >>>> *To:* Gmeindl Frank >>>> *Cc:* Laura Kemp-Rye; Newcome Marilyn >>>> *Subject:* Uphill Struggle >>>> >>>> Frank, this is just a heads-up for MPO presentation. >>>> >>>> Uphill Struggle met Tuesday and will meet again next Tuesday. I'm >>>> leaving for three weeks starting Wednesday, this is why I'm trying >>>> not to be the spokesperson, but Marilyn might not be in touch before >>>> tonight. We have working groups, budget (and sponsorship goals), good >>>> energy, new participants, contacts with Mon County Schools, etc. >>>> >>>> In a nutshell, Uphill Struggle is a project to >>>> encourage Morgantown residents of all ages to consider bicycles as an >>>> appropriate form of transportation. It involves a program of uphill >>>> training on Decker's Creek trail, starting in April, and a "main >>>> event" on Monongahela Boulevard in August. >>>> >>>> Here are two points for you to consider in relation to MPO: >>>> >>>> 1) Uphill Struggle is considering raising money to create a path >>>> (bike, walking) to Mountainview School, from the top ofGrand Avenue. >>>> Maybe raise matching funds for WV Transportation Enhancement grant? >>>> >>>> 2) Uphill Struggle is soliciting endorsements from organizations, >>>> perhaps from MPO. (Draft resolution in a separate message.) >>>> >>>> John Lozier >>>> "It's an UPHILL STRUGGLE to get folks to think of bikes as >>>> TRANSPORTATION" >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >> >> >> >> > > -- > Nick Hein > Director, Positive Spin > Morgantown, WV > ph 304-276-0213 > -- > > > >

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FWD: [Thunderhead] Senator Harkin Introduces Complete Streets Bill
by director 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Good afternoon, Here's some good national news Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Dominic Liberatore" <dominic(a)thunderheadalliance.org> Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 17:06:14 -0500 For Immediate Release: March 3, 2008 Contact: Jennifer Mullin / Semonti Mustaphi (202) 224-3254 HARKIN INTRODUCES BILL TO MAKE ROADS SAFE FOR EVERYONE To reduce accidents, legislation will create 'Complete Streets' to keep motorists, transit vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today introduced The Complete Streets Act of 2008, which would work to promote the design of streets that are safe for all of those using the street- including motorists, bus riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians, including people with disabilities. Between 1993 and 2003, nearly 52,000 pedestrians and more than 7,400 bicyclists were killed in road accidents; studies show that the designing streets with pedestrians in mind may reduce pedestrian risk by as much as 28 percent. Harkin was joined in this effort by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE). "Making our streets bike and pedestrian friendly is a win-win for us all," said Harkin. "It not only promotes healthier lifestyles, it lowers the amount of traffic congestion that many people deal with every day." A recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that providing more travel options, including public transportation, bicycling and walking facilities, is an important element in reducing traffic congestion. The study reported that congestion was responsible for an annual $78.2 billion loss in fuel during traffic jams in 2005, an increase from $57.6 billion in 2000. Also, as recently as 30 years ago, up to 70 percent of children were walking or riding bikes to school. Currently, the number has dropped to only 10 percent. Parents report that traffic safety is the main reason they do not permit their children to walk or bike to school. This legislation will make our environment more inviting for physical activity, especially for kids. Harkin's proposal has been endorsed by: AARP, America Bikes, America Walks, American Council of the Blind, American Planning Association, American Public Transportation Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, League of America Bicyclists, National Center for Bicycling and Walking, Safe Routes to School National Partnership, Smart Growth America, Surface Transportation Policy Partnership, Thunderhead Alliance, and Rails to Trails Conservancy. Dominic J. Liberatore Interim Executive Director The Thunderhead Alliance www.thunderheadalliance.org/join Cell: 614-204-4628 Washington, DC Office: 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 400, 20006-4707 202-349-1479 AOL IM Dctea21man -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Bike/Bus promotion
by director 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Good morning, I came across this catchy promotion for using bike racks on buses at: http://www.carectomy.com/index.php/Bus/Make-it-Funky-Hip-Hop-Video-Promotes… Here's the direct link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoFFg0W9UME Also saw this message on buses in Atlanta, GA that basically says "Share the road with us." http://bicycledesign.blogspot.com/2008/02/share-road-message-on-buses.html Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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[Fwd: Re: [Fwd: RE: Uphill Struggle]]
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Mar '08

02 Mar '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please read the thread below. I have no idea what the Bicycle Board should do about this, if anything. I'm concerned that things like this can torpedo the projects to which the Traffic Commission and the Assistant City Manager, and, most recently, the MPO have signed up for. Perhaps we can discuss this during the action items update on Thursday when somebody gives an update on Max's Challenge. I understand neither John Lozier nor Marilyn Newcome will be there. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Fwd: RE: Uphill Struggle] Date: Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:07:17 -0500 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: John Lozier <jl(a)harpingforharmony.org> CC: Newcome Marilyn <mjcycling(a)msn.com>, Laura Kemp-Rye <Kemprye(a)verizon.net> References: <45E6C992.8020509(a)verizon.net> <DF8CEEBB-5F9B-428D-8523-62454276B0F9(a)harpingforharmony.org> John, So no one is responsible for this project. Then, how do you see the relationship between this project and its task groups and the Bicycle Board? Frank John Lozier wrote: > Frank, I'm out of the picture till March 25, so I'll say little more. > > The project has lots of energy, several new participants, has grown > beyond Bike Board. Although Marilyn is chair, there are several task > groups, Laura Kemp-Rye chairs one of them, there is a lot of mutual > trust so "responsibility for leading" is somewhat distributed. > > Took a ride today, along Uphill Struggle route, I think it will work > out great. 15 minutes, at moderate speed, from Seneca Center to Star > City Park. I hope the chevrons can be placed on Monongahela Boulevard > before August. > > Best, > > John > > On Mar 1, 2007, at 7:39 AM, Frank Gmeindl wrote: > >> John, Marilyn, >> >> What is this about a path? I don't recall that being part of Max's >> Challenge. You guys need to come back through the Bicycle Board if >> you're going to change the scope. Rr, quit saying that these things >> have been approved by the Bicycle Board. >> >> Will one of you please take responsibility for leading this project >> and contain errant communications? >> >> Frank >> >> -------- Original Message -------- >> Subject: RE: Uphill Struggle >> Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:45:45 -0500 >> From: Laura Kemp-Rye <kemprye(a)verizon.net> >> To: 'John Lozier' <jl(a)harpingforharmony.org>, 'Gmeindl >> Frank' <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> >> CC: 'Newcome Marilyn' <mjcycling(a)msn.com> >> References: >> <A0A242E5-EF10-4FC2-98B9-C7D176FCA364(a)harpingforharmony.org> >> >> >> >> Hi – I’ve got an even more recent update. Max and I met with Chet >> Parsons of the MPO today at the Moose. I wanted to work with him to >> get an estimate for the path. He heard about the whole thing and is >> really helpful on some next steps to take. I think he sees this as a >> simple opportunity to get support for the non-vehicular part of the >> transportation plan, which the county will just have to inch toward. >> >> In the past, he has worked with Barbara Evans Fleisheur (sp?) on Safe >> Routes To School. He would support and assist in transportation >> enhancement (through Bikes Belong) and Safe Routes to Schools Grants. >> >> Great meeting overall. He saw some potential alliances that could >> all work in the same direction, the Green team, bikes, schools, etc. >> These are all groups that they’ve had lackluster support from before. >> >> He asked if I would email him the resolution and if you would present >> it this evening. >> >> Call if you need me. >> >> Laura Kemp-Rye >> Office: 304.291.5485 >> Cell: 304.216.5485 >> kemprye(a)verizon.net >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> *From:* John Lozier [mailto:jl@harpingforharmony.org] >> *Sent:* Thursday, February 28, 2008 8:57 AM >> *To:* Gmeindl Frank >> *Cc:* Laura Kemp-Rye; Newcome Marilyn >> *Subject:* Uphill Struggle >> >> Frank, this is just a heads-up for MPO presentation. >> >> Uphill Struggle met Tuesday and will meet again next Tuesday. I'm >> leaving for three weeks starting Wednesday, this is why I'm trying >> not to be the spokesperson, but Marilyn might not be in touch before >> tonight. We have working groups, budget (and sponsorship goals), good >> energy, new participants, contacts with Mon County Schools, etc. >> >> In a nutshell, Uphill Struggle is a project to >> encourage Morgantown residents of all ages to consider bicycles as an >> appropriate form of transportation. It involves a program of uphill >> training on Decker's Creek trail, starting in April, and a "main >> event" on Monongahela Boulevard in August. >> >> Here are two points for you to consider in relation to MPO: >> >> 1) Uphill Struggle is considering raising money to create a path >> (bike, walking) to Mountainview School, from the top ofGrand Avenue. >> Maybe raise matching funds for WV Transportation Enhancement grant? >> >> 2) Uphill Struggle is soliciting endorsements from organizations, >> perhaps from MPO. (Draft resolution in a separate message.) >> >> John Lozier >> "It's an UPHILL STRUGGLE to get folks to think of bikes as >> TRANSPORTATION" >> >> >> >> >

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Agenda for this Thu BB meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Mar '08

02 Mar '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached a zip folder that contains the agenda for this Thursday's meeting plus the read-aheads. Thanks to Betsy for completing the annual report and for indicating the status of each of the goals that we identified Dec06. Please at least review those in advance of the meeting so we don't have to waste time reading them during the meeting. Also included in the zip folder is a list of Bicycle Board members with surface mail addresses and telephone numbers. Frank

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Petition to get bike routes on Google Maps
by director 29 Feb '08

29 Feb '08

Good evening, There is a petition to request that Google add a "bike there" option to their mapping site. Read the petition and sign if you think it's a good idea. http://www.petitiononline.com/bikether/petition.html Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Addresses
by Frank Gmeindl 29 Feb '08

29 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, Barbara Shellito, the Traffic Commission Secretary asked me for an updated list of Bicycle Board members including member surface mail addresses. I have a current membership list with e-mail addresses but it does not include surface mail addresses. Could you please reply to this message and give me your surface mail address? Frank

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Re: [Bikeboard] MPO presentation
by director 29 Feb '08

29 Feb '08

Frank, You must have been nervous, Kennedy wasn't asking you to get Riverview residents on bikes. He was throwing you a red herring, asking you to find out why they won't walk 2 blocks to a bus stop. However, your presentation was excellent. The best part was after you'd answered a few questions when you summarized by saying "Well, I don't hear any disagreement." I realized at that point that what everyone was expressing was disbelief and obstruction. Asahel's obstruction amounted to "If we can't get everybody to change completely, then we might as well do nothing." I talked to Barbara Parsons afterwards, wanting to hear more about her initiative to reverse childhood obesity trends. She couldn't believe that roads would ever be safe for kids to ride on, so she's only considering indoor exercise. What I kept hearing sounded like people in a toxic relationship with their cars - knowing that the relationship is hurting them, but afraid to let it go. Not sure where to go from here. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Thu, 01 Mar 2007 06:53:59 -0500 >Don, Nick, Marilyn, Bill, Tyler, Autumn, Kelly, > >Thank you all for attending the MPO meeting last night! If you all >weren't there, I know I couldn't have delivered that presentation. As >it was, I was so nervous that I can't even remember what I did when I >was standing up there. I only remember losing my voice, grasping for >words, hearing stupid incorrect ones coming out, and fumbling to find >any straight line to take through it all. I should have rehearsed more. > >I was so nervous because, of all the bodies that the Bicycle Board deals >with: Traffic Commission, City Council, City Manager, the MPO is the >first one that really can reshape our cycling environment. For almost 3 >years, I've attended MPO meetings (irregularly) and watched them make >decisions that I knew would further diminish the quality and safety of >cycling in Mon County. After 3 years, last night, I finally had a >chance to show them the cyclists' perspective. I don't think I did any >damage but I also don't think I had much effect. And, boy do I regret >taking on yet another project to get Riverview residents on bikes:( > >Well, enough whining. Most of you were involved in helping me create >the materials that I presented last night and I think they were >excellent. Chet Parsons is going to put them up on the MPO website >(plantogether.org) and I'll ask Jeff Mikorski to put them in the Bicycle >Board archives at http://www.morgantown.com/bike-board-docs.htm . >Maybe you can make better use of them than I did. > >Now, let's all get out there an change the culture! > >Frank > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Bike culture in the Twin Cities - MSP
by director 28 Feb '08

28 Feb '08

Gunnar, Not to sound like a broken record, but the link below is also maintained by friends of mine. In fact I was in MSP 2 years ago for my niece's wedding and got a cook's tour of the trails from one of the city planners who designed them. I took enough pictures to make a photo essay about the wonderful trail and park facilities, but never got around to writing it. If there's interest I could try and do it now. We have an abundance of student volunteers at Positive Spin this semester and I could get help from one of them. I stayed for 3 days in July, the first 2 I spent entirely on bike with biker friends riding around on the trail system. The last day I spent with my family driving around in the car in 100F heat and gridlocked traffic. The place is like 2 different worlds depending on how you get around - much more pleasant on bike. When Minneapolis was being developed the parks director committed to planning so that all citizens would be <15 min walk from a public park - a decision that had enduring results. btw My niece's marriage didn't endure. I'm still in contact with some of the bike transportation advocates in MSP too. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "gunn4r Shogren" <gshogren(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:50:09 -0500 >Some communities, nations, and folks, really have the "right" idea- >http://www.velomobiling.com/gallery/TravelsAndEvents/fietscafe/ > >Maybe Motown needs one of these. >Gotta get the public interested somehow... > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fw: [WorkingBikes] New option for city bike rental program
by gunn4r Shogren 28 Feb '08

28 Feb '08

! On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 8:34 PM, director <director(a)positivespin.org> wrote: > Gunnar, > Actually, I'm the guy who gave the pictures to that guy for his web page. He's a friend of mine named Mark Garvey, from Cedar Rapids IA. You can see the same pictures on my PPV site... > http://bikelist.org/seawheels/NicksBikes/PPV/PPVHistory.htm You think things just *happen*? If you scroll just a little further down from the canopied PPVs you'll see what I mean... > > Although Mark updates his more often. > Nick > > > > ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- > From: "gunn4r Shogren" <gshogren(a)gmail.com> > Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:11:05 -0500 > > >Good job Nick, > > > >Nothing too controversial here. > >Looks like you're really taking our most recent talk to heart. > > > >Keep it up and I'm sure we'll even start to all ride recumbants and > >those PPV two-person bike cars you got holed up at the storage place. > >Check out the hottie we'll all be picking up (or the sweet dude if > >you're of that persuasion)- > >http://vine-ave.com/ppv.htm > > > >I personally like the ones with the canopies, about half way down or > >so, they remind my of the penny-farthing for the series "The > >Prisoner". > > > >Way to go Nick! > > > >...wonder if I sent this to the whole list? > > > >On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 12:59 PM, director <director(a)positivespin.org> wrote: > >> Good morning, > >> Here's how Chicago is trying to get city bike rentals at no cost to the city. One of their bus contractors is offering to renegotiate an existing bus shelter contract to include bike rentals. > >> Nick > >> > >> > >> http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/812569,CST-NWS-bike26.article > >> > >> New option for city bike rental program > >> French company offers to renegotiate bus-shelter deal to provide cheap rentals > >> > >> February 26, 2008 > >> > >> A French company awarded a bus shelter contract in 2001 -- after City Hall bypassed a more lucrative offer -- has offered to renegotiate its deal to incorporate a Paris-style, downtown bike rental program being pushed by Mayor Daley, Chicago's No. 1 cyclist. > >> > >> > >> > >> The Daley administration is entertaining the offer from JCDecaux after a "request for proposals" last year attracted only two competitors. Neither JCDecaux nor London-based OYBike met the mayor's mandate to operate a bike rental program "at low-cost or no-cost" to Chicago taxpayers. > >> > >> JCDecaux then came back with a more novel approach. Why not renegotiate the 2001 contract to include more bus shelters, newspaper boxes and city information panels? That way, there'll be enough advertising revenue to pay for as many as 1,000 bikes at 80 downtown stations, and bike rental fees can remain affordable. > >> > >> > >> > >> "You can make it more expensive and risk that less people will use it. Or it can be free, which promotes usage. You have a lot of options," said Nicolas Clochard-Boussuet, chief operating officer of JCDecaux North America. > >> > >> Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, said he hopes the rental fee will be "similar to Paris, where the first half-hour is free and it's $1.50 for every 30 minutes after that. It can't just be a bike rental for tourists. It has to be attractive financially -- and competitive with the CTA -- so people see it as a true transportation option." > >> > >> > >> > >> Transportation Department spokesman Brian Steele noted that the 2001 "street furniture" contract provided 2,100 bus shelters, newspaper racks and information panels at no cost to the city "and that's what we're trying to achieve through the bike rentals. ... We want a program that provides great amenities to Chicago residents." > >> > >> > >> > >> In Paris, JCDecaux offers 20,000 bikes for rental at 1,400 locations and charges a $200 deposit to the user's credit card only if the bike is stolen or damaged. The program has been credited with doubling bike use almost overnight. > >> > >> Clochard-Boussuet said he's confident the same thing will happen in Chicago. > >> > >> "Except for the first [winter] quarter, I don't see why not. Chicago is very bike-friendly. It's easier to ride a bike because of all of the bike paths," he said > >> > >> > >> > >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. > >> > >> __._,_.___ > >> Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic > >> Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar > >> > >> Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) > >> Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional > >> Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity > >> a.. 2New Members > >> b.. 2New Links > >> Visit Your Group > >> Yahoo! News > >> Kevin Sites > >> > >> Get coverage of > >> > >> world crises. > >> > >> Biz Resources > >> Y! Small Business > >> > >> Articles, tools, > >> > >> forms, and more. > >> > >> 10 Day Club > >> on Yahoo! Groups > >> > >> Share the benefits > >> > >> of a high fiber diet. > >> . > >> __,_._,___ > >> > >> > >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >> > >> > >> No virus found in this incoming message. > >> Checked by AVG Free Edition. > >> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.1 - Release Date: 2/25/2008 12:00 AM > >> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> Nick Hein > >> Director, Positive Spin > >> Morgantown, WV > >> ph 304-276-0213 > >> -- > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Bikeboard mailing list > >> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org > >> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > >> > > > > -- > Nick Hein > Director, Positive Spin > Morgantown, WV > ph 304-276-0213 > -- >

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bike item - London Shifts Gears to Favor Bicycles
by John Lozier 27 Feb '08

27 Feb '08

> London Shifts Gears to Favor Bicycles Armed with a proposal to develop 12 major "superhighways" for bicyclists throughout the city, along with a daily "congestion charge" of almost $50 for polluting vehicles, England's capital city is gearing up to become the world's newest bicycle utopia. London's mayor hopes the programs will result in a 400 percent increase in the number of cyclists in the city by ... GET THE WHOLE STORY: http://www.newsdesk.org/archives/004569.html John Lozier "It's an UPHILL STRUGGLE to get folks to think of bikes as TRANSPORTATION"

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Fw: [WorkingBikes] New option for city bike rental program
by director 27 Feb '08

27 Feb '08

Good morning, Here's how Chicago is trying to get city bike rentals at no cost to the city. One of their bus contractors is offering to renegotiate an existing bus shelter contract to include bike rentals. Nick http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/812569,CST-NWS-bike26.article New option for city bike rental program French company offers to renegotiate bus-shelter deal to provide cheap rentals February 26, 2008 A French company awarded a bus shelter contract in 2001 -- after City Hall bypassed a more lucrative offer -- has offered to renegotiate its deal to incorporate a Paris-style, downtown bike rental program being pushed by Mayor Daley, Chicago's No. 1 cyclist. The Daley administration is entertaining the offer from JCDecaux after a "request for proposals" last year attracted only two competitors. Neither JCDecaux nor London-based OYBike met the mayor's mandate to operate a bike rental program "at low-cost or no-cost" to Chicago taxpayers. JCDecaux then came back with a more novel approach. Why not renegotiate the 2001 contract to include more bus shelters, newspaper boxes and city information panels? That way, there'll be enough advertising revenue to pay for as many as 1,000 bikes at 80 downtown stations, and bike rental fees can remain affordable. "You can make it more expensive and risk that less people will use it. Or it can be free, which promotes usage. You have a lot of options," said Nicolas Clochard-Boussuet, chief operating officer of JCDecaux North America. Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, said he hopes the rental fee will be "similar to Paris, where the first half-hour is free and it's $1.50 for every 30 minutes after that. It can't just be a bike rental for tourists. It has to be attractive financially -- and competitive with the CTA -- so people see it as a true transportation option." Transportation Department spokesman Brian Steele noted that the 2001 "street furniture" contract provided 2,100 bus shelters, newspaper racks and information panels at no cost to the city "and that's what we're trying to achieve through the bike rentals. ... We want a program that provides great amenities to Chicago residents." In Paris, JCDecaux offers 20,000 bikes for rental at 1,400 locations and charges a $200 deposit to the user's credit card only if the bike is stolen or damaged. The program has been credited with doubling bike use almost overnight. Clochard-Boussuet said he's confident the same thing will happen in Chicago. "Except for the first [winter] quarter, I don't see why not. Chicago is very bike-friendly. It's easier to ride a bike because of all of the bike paths," he said -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity a.. 2New Members b.. 2New Links Visit Your Group Yahoo! News Kevin Sites Get coverage of world crises. Biz Resources Y! Small Business Articles, tools, forms, and more. 10 Day Club on Yahoo! Groups Share the benefits of a high fiber diet. . __,_._,___ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.1 - Release Date: 2/25/2008 12:00 AM -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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History of unsafe cycling
by director 27 Feb '08

27 Feb '08

Good morning, I stumbled across this article during my daily news-read and thought it might be of interst to others. It describes the evolution of the "stay out of my way" mentality of motorists toward cyclists (vs. the "share the right of way safely" motive of effective cycling.) http://www.johnforester.com/Articles/Social/aaas94.htm Nick Hein -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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MPO presentation Thursday
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Feb '08

26 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, First, thanks to the two Dons, Autumn, Leah, Marilyn, Nick and Tyler for critiquing my Accommodating Bicycles presentation last Thursday. Attached is the result of our efforts. Autumn suggested that I conclude with a call to action. Before I present it to them, I feel like I need your concurrence on the last 4 slides since they may set a direction that we'll have to live with for a while. Particularly the goal that by 2030, 10% of all trips in the Morgantown MSA will be by bicycle. If you look at the PowerPoint file, please be aware that there's a lot of content in the notes section below the slides. Also attached is the agenda for the MPO meeting this Thursday. They have a lot of work to do, they don't have times on the agenda and I'm up last. I know I asked you all to attend but I wouldn't be surprised if they run out of steam before I'm up. I'll be prepared to sit through their whole meeting and come back again if necessary. I'd still like you all to come but I'll certainly understand if you don't. Frank

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[Fwd: Addresses]
by Frank Gmeindl 26 Feb '08

26 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, Thank you all who replied to my message below. Attached is a file that contains your responses. One respondent suggested that it would be handy if we all had each others' phone numbers. While I didn't ask for them in my original message, if you send me your phone number, I'll add it to the attached list and send an update out. I'll submit the attached list, without phone numbers to Barbara Shellito today. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Addresses Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:25:44 -0500 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: bikeboard(a)cheat.org Bicycle Board Members, Barbara Shellito, the Traffic Commission Secretary asked me for an updated list of Bicycle Board members including member surface mail addresses. I have a current membership list with e-mail addresses but it does not include surface mail addresses. Could you please reply to this message and give me your surface mail address? Frank

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walkable scoring website
by John Lozier 25 Feb '08

25 Feb '08

This website lets you enter a home address and then calculates how "walkable" it is. Very interesting. I'm a 58! http://www.walkscore.com/ John Lozier "It's an UPHILL STRUGGLE to get folks to think of bicycles as TRANSPORTATION"

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Re: [Bikeboard] walkable scoring website
by director 24 Feb '08

24 Feb '08

John, Thanks for that. Our address ranks a 65, although I would have put it higher. Walkability was one of the first things that sold us on the neighborhood. It's an uphill struggle from the river, but my kids have a shorter walk to college than they did to high school. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: John Lozier <jl(a)harpingforharmony.org> Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:53:32 -0500 >This website lets you enter a home address and then calculates how >"walkable" it is. Very interesting. I'm a 58! > >http://www.walkscore.com/ > >John Lozier >"It's an UPHILL STRUGGLE to get folks to think of bicycles as >TRANSPORTATION" > > > > > > > -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Interesting bus message
by director 23 Feb '08

23 Feb '08

Good evening, I came across this on one of the bike design blogs I read. I wonder if we could get a picture like this on the Mountain Line Buses. Wouldn't it be great to have a picture of the biking city council members? http://bicycledesign.blogspot.com/2008/02/share-road-message-on-buses.html As the blogger says, it carries a much bigger effect when the share-the-road message has a face and not just a diagram. Nick -- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Campus Connector Meeting - Monday February 25
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 21 Feb '08

21 Feb '08

Please join us at the Campus Connector meeting this Monday, February the 25th at 6:00 p.m. in the Morgantown Public Safety Building on Spruce Street. The meeting will take place in the conference room near the beginning of the building close to the Blue Moose Cafe across the street. Please email me if you have a specific area you want to cover on the agenda. Attached is a tentative agenda. -Jonathan p.s. Interestingly, the Pedestrian Safety Board meeting precedes this meeting from 4:00-6:00 p.m., however, from my understanding it will meet in the training room.

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Reminder
by Frank Gmeindl 19 Feb '08

19 Feb '08

Bicycle Board Members, This is a reminder that I will be presenting a dry run "Accommodating Bicycles" presentation this Thursday, 21-Feb, 7-9 pm at the City Council Chambers. I would like your critique of the presentation and my delivery so I can improve it in preparation for delivery to the MPO the following Thursday, same time same place. Frank

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Uphill Struggle Project Draft Resolution - for organizations to endorse endorsements
by John Lozier 17 Feb '08

17 Feb '08

(All: the committee is hoping for the Traffic Commission and other organizations and individuals to endorse and/or sponsor this project. Therefore, please pass this along to anyone who might be interested. To repeat an earlier message, the Uphill Struggle committee will meet at 6 PM February 26 at Panera's. My apologies for duplications. Thanks! JL) Whereas The landscape of Morgantown is hilly by nature, and roads are narrow; Travel in Morgantown by motor vehicle is often congested; Motor vehicles in Morgantown add to air pollution and noise; Bicycle travel is an appropriate option for many travelers; The Morgantown public benefits when people choose to travel by bicycle; Travelers of all ages benefit in health and convenience when they choose to go by bicycle; Despite the benefits of cycling, it is an uphill struggle to get people to think of bicycles as transportation. This organization ___________therefore resolves and affirms as follows: 1) Bicycles are vehicles, by law entitled to use public roads; 2) Using bicycles for transportation in Morgantown is a win for everyone - drivers, cyclists and the general public; 3) Cycling on hilly terrain is a challenge that requires training for safety, comfort, and health; 4) We endorse the efforts of a group of cyclists and other organizations to design and implement a program of education and training to be known as AN UPHILL STRUGGLE (or "Max's Challenge"), to be realized in the spring and summer of 2008. The program consists of a series of weekly training rides for all ages and skill levels (on Decker's Creek Trail) , and a final event involving an uphill group ride on a public road.

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