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2521 discussions

Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Jan '10

08 Jan '10

Bill, The Bicycle Board supports Jim Hudson's recommendation that ""Bicycle Specific Wrong Way" signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placards should be installed on the reverse side of every "Bicycle Lane" (R3-17) sign proposed". We will recommend to the Traffic Commission that these be added to the plan. A poll of Bicycle Board members revealed that bicyclists currently descend the east shoulder of Monongahela Blvd. from Evansdale Dr. to Eighth St. The poll also revealed that most bicyclists descend the west shoulder or the rightmost west side travel lane as is lawful. If traffic study data are available that show shoulder bicycle traffic and its direction of travel for that section of the boulevard, the Bicycle Board recommends that such data provide a baseline against which the efficacy of any changes could be measured. Also, if bicycle crash data are available for that section of the boulevard, the Bicycle Board recommends that such data also provide a useful baseline against which the efficacy of any changes could be measured. At the September 22, 2009 MPO TTAC meeting at which the City presented the bike lane concept, the WVDOT stated that they would review the concept for conformance to standards. The Bicycle Board has been confident that WVDOT would approve the concept since it was developed using the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. In Mr. Hudson's January 4, 2010 and January 6, 2010 messages and Mr. Lewis' January 6, 2010 message standards are not mentioned. However, the Bicycle Board appreciates Mr. Hudson's and Mr. Lewis' extensive knowledge and experience with bicycle facilities and is grateful for their opinions. While the aforementioned additional signage is not recommended by the AASHTO Guide, the Bicycle Board recognizes that the additional signage is likely to reinforce the AASHTO recommended one-way directional arrow that was included in the City's concept. The Bicycle Board does not know whether such additional signage will be sufficient to adequately prevent wrong way cycling. However, given that bicyclists already travel the wrong way on the east shoulder and given that apparently no crashes have resulted, the Bicycle Board recommends that the bike lane be installed as proposed with Mr. Hudson's recommended additional signage and that the WVDOT monitor bicycle traffic on that section of the boulevard. If wrong way cycling increases, the Bicycle Board has recommendations that it can develop and provide that would encourage bicyclists to descend the west side rightmost travel lane and physically discourage them from descending the east shoulder. Much attention has focused on the bike lane but little attention appears to be given to other parts of the Bicycle Board's recommendation that the Traffic Commission approved. Specifically, the following signage: . BIKE LANE (R3-17) ENDS (R3-17bP) at the end of the bike lane; . BEGIN RIGHT TURN LANE, YIELD TO BIKES (R4-4) at the beginning of the right turn lane; . SHARE THE ROAD (W16-1) placard in conjunction with the W11-1 (bicycle symbol in diamond shaped sign) sign every 250-feet on both sides along Don Knotts Blvd., Beechurst Av., the west side of Monongahela Boulevard between Eighth St. and Evansdale Drive, both sides of Monongahela Boulevard between Evansdale Dr. and the Edith Barrill (Star City) Bridge. Apparently, Mr. Lewis was not aware of these recommendations when he offered his option 2 for W11-1 signs accompanied by W7-3a placards. Bill, concerning Mr. Lewis' concerns about the bike lane's termination, you favored merging the bicycle lane into the rightmost travel lane as depicted in Figure 11-b of the AASHTO Guide. The Bicycle Board recommended simply terminating the bike lane as depicted in Figure 11-d because it is simpler. Given Mr. Lewis' comments about the bike lane's termination, the Bicycle Board would recommend the Figure 11-b treatment that extends the bike lane into the rightmost through lane if you thought it advisable. Please advise if these comments are sufficient for next Tuesday's TTAC meeting. Frank Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board League Cycling Instructor #1703 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Re: [Bikeboard] FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

This one from the DOH is interesting. If they are so concerned about the speed up the boulevard why don't they lower the regulatory posting to 25 mph during the MUB project (or longer) rather than to recommend installing signage that makes bicyclists appear as though they are a gaggle of ducklings that require protection .. and according to an earlier posting, even if they do approve the climbing lane, they won't finance or maintain the project anyways. Are they going to annex the shoulder to the City? I doubt it. On top of it, these so call experts know absolutely nothing about the nature of cyclists who will be using this detour. I really can't see cyclists riding down the proposed climbing lane of a two way highway as being a common occurrence .. really I can't! However, I have seen cars go the wrong way on badly marked one way roads around Morgantown fairly often. I find the third recommendation especially profound, but I would like to avoid this recommendation in this particular application at all costs simply because it appears to me that DOH's goal is to keep us off the roads at all costs while do everything they can to continue to enable the flow and resulting congestion of "very heavy vehicular traffic". -Jonathan Frank Gmeindl wrote: > > Bicycle Board Members, > > > > It keeps coming. Comments? > > > > Frank > > /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > > > > > > > *From:* Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] > *Sent:* Wednesday, January 06, 2010 2:46 PM > *To:* 'Frank Gmeindl'; 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough' > *Subject:* FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane > > > > Frank, Damien, and Terry, > > > > Please see the e-mail below. This appears to be the starting point > from DOH. We will need to discuss these issues at the TTAC meeting. > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > *Bill Austin, AICP* > > *Executive Director* > > *Morgantown Monongalia MPO* > > 180 Hart Field Road > > Morgantown, WVA 26508 > > 304-291-9571 > > 304-692-7225 Mobile > > > > > > > > *From:* Lewis, Ray C [mailto:Ray.C.Lewis@wv.gov] > *Sent:* Wednesday, January 06, 2010 2:38 PM > *To:* Hudson, Jim E; Robinson, Bill C > *Cc:* Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin > *Subject:* RE: Morgantown Bicycle Lane > > > > We have reviewed the various documents, drawings, and other materials > generated as a result of this proposal. > > We are reluctant to approve the proposed "bicycle climbing lane". > While it may be somewhat useful to give cyclists a defined space when > climbing most of the grade, the location and the surrounding traffic > and environment make this facility highly undesirable. The posted > speed limit on Monongahela Boulevard is 45 mph; this traffic > operating speeds throughout most of the day are consistent with the > regulatory posting. The termination of the climbing lane requires > that the cyclists who are bound for the Evansdale Campus must share > the right-turn lane with very heavy vehicular traffic. Cyclists > desiring to continue north will be operating at single-digit speeds > and will be forced to merge left into a high speed, heavy traffic > stream. Finally, the bicycle lane in question has no > logically-defined origin, and does not provide satisfactory access to > the Evansdale Campus. > > Since this is a bicycle facility that is shared with the shoulder, the > bicycle traffic in the climbing lane must move in the same direction > as the highway traffic. There is no provision for a bike lane in the > opposite direction. This is likely to lead to bicyclists trying to > ride downhill in the climbing lane. If so, the potential exists for > head-on collisions between bicyclists, which are often severe or > fatal; or to cyclists riding downhill being forced into oncoming > motor vehicle traffic. Any action taken to provide a northbound > bicycle lane must be matched by compatible actions on the southbound side. > > After considering the matter further, we suggest that there are three > alternatives open to the City of Morgantown and/or the WVDOH: > > · Do nothing > > · Warn motorists of the potential for bicycles to be present by > installing assemblies consisting of black on yellow, diamond-shaped > bicycle symbol(W11-1) signs accompanied by distance plaques with the > wording, NEXT __ MI W7-3A). If the City and the MPO accept this > alternative, we will place these sign assemblies at ¼ mile increments > for both directions of traffic between 8^th Street and Patteson Drive, > at our expense. > > · The third alternative is for the City and the MPO to design > and construct a separate shared-use path from the presently-proposed > ending point of the bicycle climbing lane to an appropriate junction > with Evansdale Drive or some other roadway in the vicinity of the > Creative Arts Center, along with developing a compatible southbound > bicycle lane on the west side of Monongahela Boulevard. > > These are "broad-brush" proposals, which are meant as > discussion-starters at Tuesday's TTAC meeting. We will be happy to > work with any and all parties as necessary. > > If I may be of further assistance, please contact me. > > Ray Lewis > > Staff Engineer -- Traffic Research > > and Special Projects > > WVDOT, Division of Highways > > 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East > > Charleston, WV 25305 > > Telephone: (304) 558-9451 > > Fax: (304) 558-1209 > > e-Mail: ray.C.lewis(a)wv.gov <mailto:ray.C.lewis@wv.gov> > > _____________________________________________ > *From:* Hudson, Jim E > *Sent:* Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM > *To:* Robinson, Bill C > *Cc:* Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad > N; 'Bill Austin' > *Subject:* Morgantown Bicycle Lane > > Bill > > After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our > signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited > access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway > markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley > By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both > sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed > and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is > necessary. > > While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do > not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely > maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on > the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the > road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same > category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane > where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. > > A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to > this email. > > << OLE Object: Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) >> > > Jim Hudson > > Community Development Specialist > > Building 5, Room 863 > > 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. > > Charleston, WV 25305-0430 > > (304) 558-9613 > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: > 01/06/10 02:35:00 > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Bikeboard mailing list > Bikeboard(a)cheat.org > http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

And, more. From: Damien Davis [mailto:ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 11:05 AM To: Bill Austin; Frank Gmeindl; Terry Hough Subject: RE: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill, on the cross-sections of the Mon Blvd bike lane proposal I show that the shoulder on the PRT side is between 8 and 13.5 feet wide. While the bike lane side is between 7.5 to 13 feet wide J. Damien Davis, EIT, 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.morgantown.com _____ From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 9:15 AM To: 'Frank Gmeindl'; Damien Davis; Terry Hough Subject: FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Importance: High Frank, Damien, Terry, Please see the correspondence below. I do not believe the proposed signage is adequate or acceptable for addressing the concern expressed by the Bicycle Board. Previous correspondence I have seen says that the shoulder on the down hill side of Mon Boulevard is the same width as on the uphill side. I do not believe that this true. I don't believe it is either the same width or of the same pavement quality as the shoulder on the uphill side. Can anyone confirm this for me? The comment below that cyclists on the down slope cannot keep up with traffic is simply a mis-expectation on the writers part. Cyclists should not be expected to match speeds even on flat sections they should be expected to not impede the flow of traffic. These are not the same things. We need to address this misconception quickly. I am not sure how Jim Hudson fits into the picture, I will look into it. Please let me know your thoughts. I would like to respond to this comment ASAP. Thanks, Bill From: Hudson, Jim E [mailto:Jim.E.Hudson@wv.gov] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM To: Robinson, Bill C Cc: Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin Subject: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is necessary. While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to this email. Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) Jim Hudson Community Development Specialist Building 5, Room 863 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25305-0430 (304) 558-9613 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/05/10 02:35:00

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FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

More From: Damien Davis [mailto:ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 10:57 AM To: Bill Austin; Frank Gmeindl; Terry Hough Subject: RE: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill, The signs proposed by Mr. Hudson are meant as directional guides for cyclists to get to a specific location. They are used to show cyclists that the signed route is the preferred route over other routes. These signs could be used in conjunction with what we are proposing to guide cyclists to the rail-trail but the proposed sign do nothing to warn motorist or make cyclists more visible to the motoring public by themselves. The climbing lane provides cyclists a visibly safe area to maneuver while climbing Mon Blvd, while our proposed "Share the Road" signs bring to motorist attention that cyclists are permitted to use the roadway. I agree with you that cyclists should not be expected to match the speed of the motorist, just not impede the flow of traffic. This should not be an issue on Mon Blvd as it is two lanes at the top. This provides for the safe passing of a slower cyclist. Although Mr. Hudson is correct, traffic does frequently exceed the speed limit, the increased use and visibility of cyclists on Mon Blvd could help to reduce that speed. J. Damien Davis, EIT, 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.morgantown.com _____ From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 9:15 AM To: 'Frank Gmeindl'; Damien Davis; Terry Hough Subject: FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Importance: High Frank, Damien, Terry, Please see the correspondence below. I do not believe the proposed signage is adequate or acceptable for addressing the concern expressed by the Bicycle Board. Previous correspondence I have seen says that the shoulder on the down hill side of Mon Boulevard is the same width as on the uphill side. I do not believe that this true. I don't believe it is either the same width or of the same pavement quality as the shoulder on the uphill side. Can anyone confirm this for me? The comment below that cyclists on the down slope cannot keep up with traffic is simply a mis-expectation on the writers part. Cyclists should not be expected to match speeds even on flat sections they should be expected to not impede the flow of traffic. These are not the same things. We need to address this misconception quickly. I am not sure how Jim Hudson fits into the picture, I will look into it. Please let me know your thoughts. I would like to respond to this comment ASAP. Thanks, Bill From: Hudson, Jim E [mailto:Jim.E.Hudson@wv.gov] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM To: Robinson, Bill C Cc: Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin Subject: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is necessary. While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to this email. Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) Jim Hudson Community Development Specialist Building 5, Room 863 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25305-0430 (304) 558-9613 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/05/10 02:35:00

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BB December report to TC
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, Attached, please find a draft report of Bicycle Board progress that I plan to present to the Traffic Commission at their meeting next Wednesday, 1/13. Please reply with any changes that you want me to make. Reading the attached report in preparation for tomorrow's Bicycle Board meeting might help you understand what we're talking about at the meeting. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Agenda for 1/7 Bicycle Board Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached, version 2 of the agenda for tomorrow's (1/7) Bicycle Board meeting and the minutes of our last meeting. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Re: [Bikeboard] Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

Bill, Mr. Hudson says, "I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways". Monongahela Blvd. is not a limited access highway. Mr. Hudson's proposed sign violates WV 17C-11-2. WV 17C-11-2 says, "Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties as the driver of a vehicle". Mr. Hudson's proposed sign provides no benefit to anyone since a cyclist may ride on the shoulder if he or she deems it safer to do so. Signing the roadway as Mr. Hudson proposes denies cyclists use of the roadway that WV 17C-11-2 gives them. Prohibiting bicyclists from using the roadway and forcing them to use the shoulder as Mr. Hudson promotes is dangerous for the following reasons: 1. The shoulder is not wide enough to descend at the 45 mph speed limit: a speed achievable by a descending bicycle. 2. The downhill shoulder has large drainage grates that are at least 6-inches below grade: essentially holes that could easily kill a descending cyclist. 3. The downhill shoulder is bounded by an approximate 5-foot high concrete wall with a chain link fence on top. This wall could kill a cyclists should he or she run into it. 4. The shoulder ends in a curb at the bottom where a cyclist's speed could be maximum. Hitting the curb at speed could be fatal. 5. Even if the shoulder is regularly swept, because motor traffic does not regularly travel on the shoulder, occasional debris can be expected to collect presenting a crash hazard. 6. The shoulder is intended as a "break down lane". Given the potential descending cyclist speed, the curvature of the roadway and the distraction of passing motor traffic, a cyclist may not see a broken down vehicle parked on the downhill shoulder in time to take evasive action. Mr. Hudson cites the Class B cyclist but don't the roadways have to accommodate all cyclists? What data does anybody have about current bicycle use of Mon Blvd? I know at least I and Don Spencer use it regularly and we descend in the rightmost lane in accordance with traffic law. The fact that the lanes are 12 feet wide and that there are two lanes on either side of the roadway permit motorists to pass bicyclists safely without having to wait. Finally, this is not the first time that WVDOH personnel have referred to bicyclists impeding traffic. When bicycles are traveling on the roadway, they are part of "traffic". Case law: Trotwood v. Selz, 746 N.E. 2d 235 (Ohio Ct. App. 2000) has found that "a bicyclist is not in violation of the ordinance (prohibiting vehicle operators from driving at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic) when he is traveling as fast as he reasonably can". The fundamental problem that the WVDOH has is that they want to violate 17C-11-2. I will add that I agree with Mr. Hudson's proposals in his previous message for increased signage on the climbing lane. These are my personal comments and do not represent the consensus of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board. I need more time for that. Frank Gmeindl League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor #1703 From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 9:15 AM To: 'Frank Gmeindl'; 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough' Subject: FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Importance: High Frank, Damien, Terry, Please see the correspondence below. I do not believe the proposed signage is adequate or acceptable for addressing the concern expressed by the Bicycle Board. Previous correspondence I have seen says that the shoulder on the down hill side of Mon Boulevard is the same width as on the uphill side. I do not believe that this true. I don't believe it is either the same width or of the same pavement quality as the shoulder on the uphill side. Can anyone confirm this for me? The comment below that cyclists on the down slope cannot keep up with traffic is simply a mis-expectation on the writers part. Cyclists should not be expected to match speeds even on flat sections they should be expected to not impede the flow of traffic. These are not the same things. We need to address this misconception quickly. I am not sure how Jim Hudson fits into the picture, I will look into it. Please let me know your thoughts. I would like to respond to this comment ASAP. Thanks, Bill From: Hudson, Jim E [mailto:Jim.E.Hudson@wv.gov] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM To: Robinson, Bill C Cc: Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin Subject: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is necessary. While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to this email. Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) Jim Hudson Community Development Specialist Building 5, Room 863 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25305-0430 (304) 558-9613 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/05/10 02:35:00

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FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, Comments? Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 9:15 AM To: 'Frank Gmeindl'; 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough' Subject: FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Importance: High Frank, Damien, Terry, Please see the correspondence below. I do not believe the proposed signage is adequate or acceptable for addressing the concern expressed by the Bicycle Board. Previous correspondence I have seen says that the shoulder on the down hill side of Mon Boulevard is the same width as on the uphill side. I do not believe that this true. I don't believe it is either the same width or of the same pavement quality as the shoulder on the uphill side. Can anyone confirm this for me? The comment below that cyclists on the down slope cannot keep up with traffic is simply a mis-expectation on the writers part. Cyclists should not be expected to match speeds even on flat sections they should be expected to not impede the flow of traffic. These are not the same things. We need to address this misconception quickly. I am not sure how Jim Hudson fits into the picture, I will look into it. Please let me know your thoughts. I would like to respond to this comment ASAP. Thanks, Bill From: Hudson, Jim E [mailto:Jim.E.Hudson@wv.gov] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM To: Robinson, Bill C Cc: Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin Subject: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is necessary. While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to this email. Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) Jim Hudson Community Development Specialist Building 5, Room 863 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25305-0430 (304) 558-9613 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/05/10 02:35:00

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Re: [Bikeboard] FW: Morgantown Bike Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Jan '10

05 Jan '10

Nick, Just to clarify a few points but not to address all of yours: 2) The thing you describe in Seattle is not a bike lane. It is a bike path. A bike lane is a portions of the roadway marked for exclusive or preferential use by bicycles. A bike path is physically separated from the roadway. Such arrangements, called cycle tracks in Denmark, have been shown in Copenhagen to decrease same direction accidents by 63% but to increase right hooks by 129% and left crosses by 48% at crossings. See http://www.trafitec.dk/pub/Road%20safety%20and%20percieved%20risk%20of%20cyc le%20tracks%20and%20lanes%20in%20Copenhagen.pdf 3) The start and end of the Mon Blvd. bike lane were explicitly described in the preliminary design document that was reviewed by the Bicycle Board. Since you are on the bikeboard(a)cheat.org list, you received it. The bike lane will begin just north of the driveway that is north of Advance Auto. The bike lane will end 150 feet before the right turn lane onto Evansdale Drive. Extending the bike lane to the left of the right turn lane at Evansdale Drive was considered but rejected because that would require reconfiguring the northbound lanes and we supposed that WVDOH would not be willing to do that, thus killing the project. Instead, we recommended that signage be placed near the end of the bike lane notifying cyclists that the Bike Lane Ends and signage at the beginning of the turn lane notifying motorists to Watch for Merging Bicycles. 4) A bike lane is not recommended on the descending side of Mon Blvd. because descending at 45 mph in a 5-foot wide lane with adjacent 8" deep drainage grates, probable debris, a 4-foot high concrete wall with a chain link fence 2-3 feet to the right plus dead-ending in a curb at the bottom where speed may be maximum is probably less safe than descending at 45 mph in a clean 12-foot wide lane on a 45 mph roadway that includes a passing lane. Also, a bike lane on the descending side was not recommended because it would practically preclude bicycles from traveling in the travel lanes. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles -----Original Message----- From: director [mailto:director@positivespin.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 11:22 AM To: Frank Gmeindl Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] FW: Morgantown Bike Lane Frank, Comments.... 1) One comment comes to mind immediately. Jim Hudson tacitly condones motorists exceeding the speed limit, but insists that bicycling laws be strictly enforced (?!). Naturally everyone should be held equally accountable for knowing and following the laws. Speeding motorists make it harder for cyclists to ride safely by shortening decision times. 2) In Seattle there were several locations where 2-way bike lanes were installed along busy thoroughfares. In all cases a physical barrier (Jersey barriers, or a purpose-built concrete wall) was placed between the bike/ped traffic and the motor vehicle traffic. I road this route a few times when there was high speed traffic only a few feet away and instantly wished for a screen fence atop the barrier to prevent debris from getting kicked up from oncoming cars at the right-side cyclist. To make the lane without a barrier of some kind is going to get people hurt. 3) It isn't clear to me where the bike lane will start/end. Is there a plan for safe entrance and exit to the lane at the ends? 4) I agree that a 2-way bike lane on both sides of the boulevard (is this what Jim means by "symmetrical"?) would be a good idea, again assuming a physical barrier between bike/auto traffic and that space permits it. Was there a reason this wasn't proposed? If these questions have already been answered please let me know where I can find the info. Thanks for doing such a diligent and effective job at researching and sharing this information. Sincerely, Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:45:10 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > > > >Any comments? > > > >Frank > >Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > > >From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] >Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:39 AM >To: 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough'; fgmeindl(a)verizon.net >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Damien, Terry, Frank, > > > >Please find below one preliminary response from DOH on the Monongalia >Boulevard Bike Lane. We should be prepared to discuss the concerns expressed >at the upcoming TTAC meeting. I do have a question about the statement that >the shoulder is the same width on both sides of the Boulevard in the >comment. I do not recall this being the case from when I have been out >there. For your information Fouad Shoukry from the Division will not be at >the TTAC Meeting since he will be at TRB on the 12th. > > > >Thanks, > > > > > >Bill Austin, AICP > >Executive Director > >Morgantown Monongalia MPO > >180 Hart Field Road > >Morgantown, WVA 26508 > >304-291-9571 > >304-692-7225 Mobile > > > > > > > >From: Warner, Richard L [mailto:Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov] >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 1:37 PM >To: Bill Austin; Lewis, Ray C >Cc: Robinson, Bill C; Hudson, Jim E >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Bill and Ray, > > FYI, Jim Hudson has reviewed the City's Monongahela Boulevard bike >lane proposal and has generated the comments below. Jim is the primary >author of the WVDOT/DOH statewide bicycle/pedestrian plan that is undergoing >internal review prior to its official release for public review. In addition >to his other responsibilities, Jim also assists Bill Robinson in his duties >as WVDOT/DOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and has a background in law >enforcement in Morgantown. These comments are intended for use as input to >further discussions regarding the proposed bike lane. Additional comments >from other reviewers may be supplied prior to the 1/12/10 TAC meeting (1:30 >pm at the MPO offices, Morgantown Municipal Airport). > >Ray, > > Please forward these comments to Cindy Cramer and Fouad Shoukry as >appropriate, and invite Mr. Shoukry to attend the TAC meeting. Per our >earlier discussion, I'm assuming that implementation details will ultimately >fall to him. > >--Richard > >_____________________________________________ >From: Hudson, Jim E >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:52 AM >To: Robinson, Bill C >Cc: Warner, Richard L; Keller, Perry J >Subject: Morgantown Bike Lane > >Bill, > >As I understand it, the proposed bicycle Lane in Morgantown includes one >bicycle "climbing" lane delineated on the existing shoulder on the hill side >of Monongahela Boulevard and some signs identifying it. Delineating the >lane and installation of the signage is to be entirely funded by some entity >other than WVDOH. I am not aware of who will be conducting or funding the >maintenance on the delineated bicycle lane or the signage related to it. > >There will be no effort to widen the shoulder or to delineate a bicycle lane >on the opposite side of the road (the PRT side) even though the shoulder on >that side are the same width as the shoulder on the hill side. It should be >noted that there are no entrances or exits to Monongahela Boulevard in this >segment except for one maintenance access for the PRT system on the side >opposite the proposal. Also, while the posted speed limit is 45 mph, >traffic frequently exceeds this by a significant amount. Finally, the only >"No Parking" signs I recall along this stretch of road are attached flat >against the fence between the PRT and the Boulevard. I do not recall any >"No Parking" signs on the hill side of the road where the proposed bicycle >lane is to be established. I definitely recall seeing several vehicles >parked along the hill side shoulder during basketball games, concerts and >other events at the WVU Coliseum. > >First, let me say that I am opposed to establishing a one way bicycle lane >on only one side of a street or road unless that street or road is also one >way. This can only "invite" bicyclists to ride against traffic in violation >of current traffic laws. In short I prefer a symmetrical bicycle lane on >both sides of the road. > >In the proposed situation on Monongahela Boulevard, the proposed directional >arrows on the pavement are insufficient as indicators of it being one way. >The origin or destination of the vast majority of the bicycle traffic along >this route will be on the same side of the boulevard as the proposed bicycle >lane. Few bicyclists will cross the four lane boulevard to ride with the >traffic when there is a designated bicycle lane on one side of the road. > >However, if WVDOH agrees to this proposed one way bicycle lane and the >subsequent narrowing of the shoulder on that side of the road, I think >additional signage to that proposed is necessary. "No Parking At Any Time" >signs (R7-201) should be installed along both sides of the road which are >clearly visible to motorists while driving. "Bicycle Specific Wrong Way" >signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placards should be installed >on the reverse side of every "Bicycle Lane" (R3-17)sign proposed. > >In addition to the signage, I think the City of Morgantown and/or the MPO >and/or the WVDOH should mail a letter to the WVU Security Police, the >Morgantown City Police, The Monongalia County Sherriff's Office and the >Morgantown Detachment of the WV State Police requesting strict enforcement >of the traffic regulations relating to bicycles with an emphasis on >enforcing the bicycle related laws along this stretch of Monongahela >Boulevard. > >Thank you, > >Jim Hudson > >Community Development Specialist > >Building 5, Room 863 > >1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. > >Charleston, WV 25305-0430 > >(304) 558-9613 > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/04/10 >03:24:00 > > > > > > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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FW: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Jan '10

05 Jan '10

-----Original Message----- From: director [mailto:director@positivespin.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 11:22 AM To: Frank Gmeindl Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] FW: Morgantown Bike Lane Frank, Comments.... 1) One comment comes to mind immediately. Jim Hudson tacitly condones motorists exceeding the speed limit, but insists that bicycling laws be strictly enforced (?!). Naturally everyone should be held equally accountable for knowing and following the laws. Speeding motorists make it harder for cyclists to ride safely by shortening decision times. 2) In Seattle there were several locations where 2-way bike lanes were installed along busy thoroughfares. In all cases a physical barrier (Jersey barriers, or a purpose-built concrete wall) was placed between the bike/ped traffic and the motor vehicle traffic. I road this route a few times when there was high speed traffic only a few feet away and instantly wished for a screen fence atop the barrier to prevent debris from getting kicked up from oncoming cars at the right-side cyclist. To make the lane without a barrier of some kind is going to get people hurt. 3) It isn't clear to me where the bike lane will start/end. Is there a plan for safe entrance and exit to the lane at the ends? 4) I agree that a 2-way bike lane on both sides of the boulevard (is this what Jim means by "symmetrical"?) would be a good idea, again assuming a physical barrier between bike/auto traffic and that space permits it. Was there a reason this wasn't proposed? If these questions have already been answered please let me know where I can find the info. Thanks for doing such a diligent and effective job at researching and sharing this information. Sincerely, Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:45:10 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > > > >Any comments? > > > >Frank > >Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > > >From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] >Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:39 AM >To: 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough'; fgmeindl(a)verizon.net >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Damien, Terry, Frank, > > > >Please find below one preliminary response from DOH on the Monongalia >Boulevard Bike Lane. We should be prepared to discuss the concerns expressed >at the upcoming TTAC meeting. I do have a question about the statement that >the shoulder is the same width on both sides of the Boulevard in the >comment. I do not recall this being the case from when I have been out >there. For your information Fouad Shoukry from the Division will not be at >the TTAC Meeting since he will be at TRB on the 12th. > > > >Thanks, > > > > > >Bill Austin, AICP > >Executive Director > >Morgantown Monongalia MPO > >180 Hart Field Road > >Morgantown, WVA 26508 > >304-291-9571 > >304-692-7225 Mobile > > > > > > > >From: Warner, Richard L [mailto:Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov] >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 1:37 PM >To: Bill Austin; Lewis, Ray C >Cc: Robinson, Bill C; Hudson, Jim E >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Bill and Ray, > > FYI, Jim Hudson has reviewed the City's Monongahela Boulevard bike >lane proposal and has generated the comments below. Jim is the primary >author of the WVDOT/DOH statewide bicycle/pedestrian plan that is undergoing >internal review prior to its official release for public review. In addition >to his other responsibilities, Jim also assists Bill Robinson in his duties >as WVDOT/DOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and has a background in law >enforcement in Morgantown. These comments are intended for use as input to >further discussions regarding the proposed bike lane. Additional comments >from other reviewers may be supplied prior to the 1/12/10 TAC meeting (1:30 >pm at the MPO offices, Morgantown Municipal Airport). > >Ray, > > Please forward these comments to Cindy Cramer and Fouad Shoukry as >appropriate, and invite Mr. Shoukry to attend the TAC meeting. Per our >earlier discussion, I'm assuming that implementation details will ultimately >fall to him. > >--Richard > >_____________________________________________ >From: Hudson, Jim E >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:52 AM >To: Robinson, Bill C >Cc: Warner, Richard L; Keller, Perry J >Subject: Morgantown Bike Lane > >Bill, > >As I understand it, the proposed bicycle Lane in Morgantown includes one >bicycle "climbing" lane delineated on the existing shoulder on the hill side >of Monongahela Boulevard and some signs identifying it. Delineating the >lane and installation of the signage is to be entirely funded by some entity >other than WVDOH. I am not aware of who will be conducting or funding the >maintenance on the delineated bicycle lane or the signage related to it. > >There will be no effort to widen the shoulder or to delineate a bicycle lane >on the opposite side of the road (the PRT side) even though the shoulder on >that side are the same width as the shoulder on the hill side. It should be >noted that there are no entrances or exits to Monongahela Boulevard in this >segment except for one maintenance access for the PRT system on the side >opposite the proposal. Also, while the posted speed limit is 45 mph, >traffic frequently exceeds this by a significant amount. Finally, the only >"No Parking" signs I recall along this stretch of road are attached flat >against the fence between the PRT and the Boulevard. I do not recall any >"No Parking" signs on the hill side of the road where the proposed bicycle >lane is to be established. I definitely recall seeing several vehicles >parked along the hill side shoulder during basketball games, concerts and >other events at the WVU Coliseum. > >First, let me say that I am opposed to establishing a one way bicycle lane >on only one side of a street or road unless that street or road is also one >way. This can only "invite" bicyclists to ride against traffic in violation >of current traffic laws. In short I prefer a symmetrical bicycle lane on >both sides of the road. > >In the proposed situation on Monongahela Boulevard, the proposed directional >arrows on the pavement are insufficient as indicators of it being one way. >The origin or destination of the vast majority of the bicycle traffic along >this route will be on the same side of the boulevard as the proposed bicycle >lane. Few bicyclists will cross the four lane boulevard to ride with the >traffic when there is a designated bicycle lane on one side of the road. > >However, if WVDOH agrees to this proposed one way bicycle lane and the >subsequent narrowing of the shoulder on that side of the road, I think >additional signage to that proposed is necessary. "No Parking At Any Time" >signs (R7-201) should be installed along both sides of the road which are >clearly visible to motorists while driving. "Bicycle Specific Wrong Way" >signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placards should be installed >on the reverse side of every "Bicycle Lane" (R3-17)sign proposed. > >In addition to the signage, I think the City of Morgantown and/or the MPO >and/or the WVDOH should mail a letter to the WVU Security Police, the >Morgantown City Police, The Monongalia County Sherriff's Office and the >Morgantown Detachment of the WV State Police requesting strict enforcement >of the traffic regulations relating to bicycles with an emphasis on >enforcing the bicycle related laws along this stretch of Monongahela >Boulevard. > >Thank you, > >Jim Hudson > >Community Development Specialist > >Building 5, Room 863 > >1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. > >Charleston, WV 25305-0430 > >(304) 558-9613 > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/04/10 >03:24:00 > > > > > > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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