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2521 discussions

Fwd: City Colasessano Pepperoni Roll Sale (benefits United Way)
by Frank Gmeindl 25 Oct '13

25 Oct '13

Begin forwarded message: > From: Barbara Shellito <bshellito(a)cityofmorgantown.org> > Date: October 23, 2013 at 1:56:24 PM EDT > To: "Lewis, Jamie" <j4im3s(a)gmail.com>, "mckain, david" <david.mckain(a)gmail.com>, "McCabe, Matt" <mmccabe(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, "Roberts, Margaret" <Margaretormike(a)aol.com>, "Nugent, Wes" <wes(a)wnugent.com>, "Wyant, William" <wwyant(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, "Thalman, Julie" <Julie.Thalman(a)mail.wvu.edu>, "Wolf, Mike" <mwolfe(a)mecca911.org>, Chris Gluck <thorny53(a)verizon.net>, Christiaan Abildso <Christiaan.Abildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net>, Paul Steel <psteel(a)access.K12.wv.us>, Roy Nutter <rsnutter(a)comcast.net> > Subject: Fwd: City Colasessano Pepperoni Roll Sale (benefits United Way) > > PLEASE help us sell Colasessano Pepperoni Rolls as our main fundraising effort for United Way! We need your help in circulating the attached flier to your friends and family (their workplaces..?) to get the word out so we can sell these rolls! Thanks! > > Barbara Morgan > City of Morgantown > Engineering Department >

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W.Va. Legislators Take New Ideas For a Spin
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 23 Oct '13

23 Oct '13

Barbara Fleischauer is interviewed in the news coverage. http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/Legislators-get-education-on-two-wheels-…

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Stop frac waste storage well on Decker's Creek
by Frank Gmeindl 21 Oct '13

21 Oct '13

Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 6:30 PM at the FODC office (1451 Earl Core Rd, Suite #4, in Sabraton behind the US Cellular store, 304-292-3970). 4ank Begin forwarded message: > From: "Elizabeth Wiles" <liz(a)deckerscreek.org> > Date: October 21, 2013 9:57:17 AM EDT > To: "Ann Payne" <paynestake(a)frontier.com>, "Bev Atkinson" <pierpont5(a)comcast.net>, "Doug Gilbert " <dgilbert11188(a)gmail.com>, "Garth Lindley" <garthlindley(a)yahoo.com>, "Joan McKay" <wvualum76(a)yahoo.com>, "John Bird" <johnbird(a)frontier.com>, "Kitty Lozier" <clozier(a)gmail.com>, "Marcedes Minana" <Marcedes.Minana(a)mail.wvu.edu>, "Ron Thompson" <ron_t_13(a)yahoo.com>, "Sunnie Morton" <sonjamorton1(a)netzero.net>, "Tim Terman" <Tim.Terman(a)mail.wvu.edu>, <ella(a)montrails.org>, <almostnixie(a)cs.com>, <jimscon(a)gmail.com>, <jkotcon(a)wvu.edu>, <blittle(a)citynet.net>, <shanda(a)appalachianstewards.org>, <jr(a)wvsierraclub.org>, <ehansen(a)downstreamstrategies.com>, <mglass(a)downstreamstrategies.com>, <citycouncil(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, <citycouncilward1(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, <citycouncilward2(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, <citycouncilward3(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, <citycouncilward4(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, <citycouncilward5(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, <citycouncilward6(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, <citycouncilward7(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, <hbury98(a)hotmail.com>, <kellyrwilliams(a)msn.com>, <heathermcd12(a)gmail.com>, <lejaygraffious(a)gmail.com>, <edfrohnae(a)aol.com>, <tbelden(a)access.k12.wv.us>, <sblinco(a)access.k12.wv.us>, <mwthorne(a)access.k12.wv.us>, <linda(a)wvbg.org>, <betty(a)DunkardCreek.org>, <amanda(a)cheat.org>, <asutch(a)mountain.org>, <pamela(a)cubberly.net>, <lewbaker(a)wvrwa.org>, <dcsoinks(a)comcast.net>, <anglerbill(a)frontiernet.net>, <mac4(a)mybluelight.com>, <barbaraf(a)wvhouse.gov>, <mike.manypenny(a)wvhouse.gov>, <twinsprucemarina(a)gmail.com>, <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, <bharpool(a)mix.wvu.edu>, <ebell2(a)mix.wvu.edu>, <randrew4(a)mix.wvu.edu>, <jash4(a)mix.wvu.edu>, <pbryant(a)mix.wvu.edu>, <rbay(a)mix.wvu.edu>, "Kristen de Graauw" <kkdegraauw(a)mix.wvu.edu> > Subject: Community Action Group on ECA wastewater injection well > > Dear Friends, > > We are writing to you because we believe you value Deckers Creek, the rail-trail and the natural beauty of this area, and would like to see your investment protected and thrive. As you may have already heard, the Energy Corporation of America is planning to install a wastewater storage injection well for liquid waste from hydraulically fractured gas wells less than 500 feet from the rail-trail and Deckers Creek, just off of the Masontown rail-trail trail head. In response to the threat posed by this wastewater injection well, Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC) is organizing a community-based action group. > > This action group will meet for the first time on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 6:30 PM. The meeting will take place at the FODC office (1451 Earl Core Rd, Suite #4, in Sabraton behind the US Cellular store, 304-292-3970). We are looking for all individuals who are willing to invest time and work to organize a community-based opposition to this well. We hope you can attend. > > If you cannot make this meeting, please pass the word on to others within your network who may wish to participate. This group will be based in large part on working volunteers. > > Please let us know if you will attend this meeting or have any questions. Also please let us know if you would like to be removed from this list. > > Best regards, > Liz Wiles > > Elizabeth Wiles, Executive Director > Friends of Deckers Creek > PO Box 877 > Dellslow, WV 26531 > Office: 304.292.3970 > Fax: 304.292.5070 > Email: liz(a)deckerscreek.org > Website: www.deckerscreek.org > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Deckers-Creek/155850824453758 > > A donation to Friends of Deckers Creek is an investment in your local environment AND your local economy. Help support a revitalized Deckers Creek and revitalized economy by visiting FODC’s website and clicking on the “Donate” button! >

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Monday - County-wide LSIC meeting and SRTS
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 20 Oct '13

20 Oct '13

Dear Board, I recently found out that Monongalia County schools will conduct its annual county-wide Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) meeting from 6-8pm. Monday at the University High School auditorium. The meeting will be preceded at 5:30pm by a "Showcase of the Arts" an exhibit of artwork created by county students, and by musical selections performed by the UHS jazz band. By state law, every school in WV is required to have a LSIC. Why is this important to the Bicycle Board? Look no farther than Suncrest Middle School and the successful implementation of the bicycle rack in front of the school. Why it is true that Matt Watson was instrumental in creating a movement of change within his school, it was his father's choice to sit on the schools LSIC that enabled the deal to be closed because the LSIC had to agree to the improvement for it to become a reality. In fact the principal at Suncrest Middle School made it a point that this was a necessary process. Another example is the successful implementation of the SRTS program at Peidmont Elementary School <http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/data-central/success-stories/charleston-west-…> in Charleston, see attached photos. I will not be able to attend this Monday because I am chairing a meeting for another organization. However, this would be potentially a good networking opportunity for bicycle board members to learn more about the LSICs in our county, and how we could get more local citizens involved in joining these boards to realize SRTS initiatives. I believe this annual meeting is also required by state law to ensure productive and safe schools. I hope some Bicycle Board members can attend on such a short notice. See attached LSIC FAQ. -Jonathan

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Fwd: Sheetz & Open Streets ("Streets Alive") updates
by Frank Gmeindl 17 Oct '13

17 Oct '13

Begin forwarded message: > From: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > Date: October 17, 2013 8:59:11 PM EDT > To: Bill Reger-Nash <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Bob Anderson <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, George Lilley <mgranlil(a)frontier.com>, Ilana Chertok <ichertok(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Jimmie Simmons <Jsimmons2642(a)yahoo.com>, Martha Summers <msummers(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Stan Cohen <Stanley.Cohen(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Sarah Bias <sarahbias(a)gmail.com>, Christiaan Abildso <cgabildso(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Dwight Harshbarger <dwight.harshbarger(a)gmail.com>, Maria Smith <mariasmith(a)busride.org>, Regina Mayolo <reginam(a)verizon.net>, Jan Derry <jderry(a)nwvcil.org>, Tom Bias <tbias(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Mike Fike <micynster(a)gmail.com>, Kim Hartsell <Kim.Hartsell(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Debbie Cain <sunnybeewv(a)gmail.com>, Margaret Stout <Margaret.Stout(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Dan Harris <harrisda(a)wvuhealthcare.com>, Jonathan Rosenbaum <jr(a)wvcompletestreets.org>, Matt Cross <crossnyc(a)hotmail.com>, Jim Rye <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org>, Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Roy Nutter <roy.nutter(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Mike Breiding <mike(a)EpicRoadTrips.us>, Bill Kawecki <wm_a_kawecki(a)comcast.net>, Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, Josh Woods <joshua.woods(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Emily Vasile <emilyvasile(a)gmail.com>, Carol Rotruck <ccrotruck(a)aol.com>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, Claire Chantler <cchantler(a)nwvcil.org>, Michael Simms <michael.d.simms(a)gmail.com>, Maria Brann <Maria.Brann(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> > Subject: Sheetz & Open Streets ("Streets Alive") updates > Reply-To: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > > All - > After an extremely well-attended and expertly led meeting by Bill Reger-Nash about our Open Streets endeavor last night, I attended the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting with Bill Kawecki to hear information about the new Sheetz at South University & Foundry. There was little opposition to the development other than James Giuliani, who spoke eloquently and enthusiastically against it. I did speak under the assumption the development is inevitable, focusing more on what the impact will be on pedestrian flow and safety, noting (as Jimmie mentioned recently) the wonderful underpass to the trail for those afraid of the surface road traffic (which will only increase). > > The City Planner, Chris Fletcher, did speak to my concerns, noting some widening of sidewalks and refuge areas. I left at about 10:30 with the meeting still going on, and the lead engineer/permit manager from Sheetz (Robert Franks) tracked me down to ask what Sheetz could do to improve the area as he was unaware of the underpass for pedestrians and cyclists. I noted that the development in that location is unpopular so anything he could do to help their image would benefit their business. I focused on asking for signage to alert people about the alternate route, upgrading existing sidewalks on their property, and improving lighting to the underpass and in the underpass to improve safety. I hope I represented our concerns well. Mr. Franks seemed genuinely interested and he engaged Bill Kawecki in a discussion about making pedestrian improvements. I will follow-up with him as well. > > Thanks > Christiaan > > Walk more, safely > > Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board > Christiaan Abildso, Chair > Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair > http://www.morgantownwv.gov/government/advisory-boards/pedestrian-safety-bo…

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Fwd: Continued disregard for pedestrians
by Frank Gmeindl 17 Oct '13

17 Oct '13

Begin forwarded message: > From: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > Date: October 17, 2013 8:34:23 PM EDT > To: Jeff Mikorski <jmikorski(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Terry Hough <though(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Chris Fletcher <cfletcher(a)cityofmorgantown.org> > Cc: Bill Reger-Nash <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Bob Anderson <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, George Lilley <mgranlil(a)frontier.com>, Ilana Chertok <ichertok(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Jimmie Simmons <Jsimmons2642(a)yahoo.com>, Martha Summers <msummers(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Stan Cohen <Stanley.Cohen(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Sarah Bias <sarahbias(a)gmail.com>, Christiaan Abildso <cgabildso(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Dwight Harshbarger <dwight.harshbarger(a)gmail.com>, Maria Smith <mariasmith(a)busride.org>, Regina Mayolo <reginam(a)verizon.net>, Jan Derry <jderry(a)nwvcil.org>, Tom Bias <tbias(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Mike Fike <micynster(a)gmail.com>, Kim Hartsell <Kim.Hartsell(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Debbie Cain <sunnybeewv(a)gmail.com>, Margaret Stout <Margaret.Stout(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Dan Harris <harrisda(a)wvuhealthcare.com>, Jonathan Rosenbaum <jr(a)wvcompletestreets.org>, Matt Cross <crossnyc(a)hotmail.com>, Jim Rye <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org>, Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Roy Nutter <roy.nutter(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Mike Breiding <mike(a)EpicRoadTrips.us>, Bill Kawecki <wm_a_kawecki(a)comcast.net>, Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, Josh Woods <joshua.woods(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Emily Vasile <emilyvasile(a)gmail.com>, Carol Rotruck <ccrotruck(a)aol.com>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, Claire Chantler <cchantler(a)nwvcil.org>, Michael Simms <michael.d.simms(a)gmail.com>, Maria Brann <Maria.Brann(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> > Subject: Continued disregard for pedestrians > Reply-To: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > > Damien, Jeff, Terry, & Chris - > Sorry, but I'm now ticked off (must have been the Sheetz BZA hearing running so late last night). What the heck is going on and who is responsible? Photos attached about 3 different incidents of sidewalks or crosswalks being blocked without any advanced warning or detour. These, plus the ill-advised placement of the fence blocking the sidewalk at the Panera construction show blatant disregard for human beings and movement through our City. I'm sick of it and want someone in the City to take charge. I greatly respect the time you put into city affairs, but our great City must stop acting like a battered spouse that keeps letting their abusive spouse return "because we need 'em"! They need us! They need our City, our people, and our money! We are a great place that has standards that will be enforced - it's time to start acting like it. > > I don't usually get this excited, but I'm sick of it! I'm ready to "divorce" my abusive spouse. > > Please note the entire Pedestrian Safety Board membership and collaborators are cc'd. I expect the development of an action plan involving all city government agencies on the steps we will all take to implement our pedestrian safety plan and the comprehensive bicycle plan, including enforcement, planning, zoning, and engineering. I hope my friends cc'd on this email agree and voice their concerns. We MUST work together NOW or this city will lose even more of its best residents. > > How many have to die or be seriously injured before we take serious, swift action? Would we have this little movement if two people were shot, beaten, or stabbed to death in Morgantown? Would nothing be done if one lane of a road were closed for months without a safe detour for vehicles? We must reverse this pervasive, pernicious disregard for pedestrians at all levels of government and among all segments of our population. > > Thank you, > Christiaan > > Walk more, safely > > Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board > Christiaan Abildso, Chair > Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair > http://www.morgantownwv.gov/government/advisory-boards/pedestrian-safety-bo…

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2014 legislative agenda
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Oct '13

16 Oct '13

Hi Kasey, How difficult would it be to get WV Attorney General, Patrick Morrisey to issue a WV law interpretation that requires motorists to change lanes to pass bicyclists? Iowa's Attorney General did it. I will not be able to attend the Oct. 24 WVCC meeting which will discuss the 2014 legislative agenda so I'm writing this message to ask the WVCC to consider adopting Iowa's approach rather than trying to pass 4-foot or 3-foot passing legislation. Just like WV, Iowa law says that bicyclists have the same rights as the driver of a vehicle; that a motorist must pass at a safe distance and not return to the right side of the road until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle; and that bicycles are not vehicles. The Iowa Attorney General said that since bicyclists have the same rights as motorists and that motorists must change lanes to pass other vehicles, they must also change lanes to pass bicycles. For more details see http://iowabicyclecoalition.org/safepassing/ . I've attached a comparison of the relevant WV and IA laws. The fact that the Iowa driver manual instructs motorists to change lanes to pass bicyclists helps inculcate the Attorney General's interpretation. We should also consider working with WVDOT to improve the WV Driver Manual to better guide motorists on how to drive around bicyclists. Perhaps WVDOT would work with us to persuade the Attorney General? After I drafted last year's legislative agenda that included a 4-foot passing law, I obtained "The 3 ft. Law: Lessons Learned from a National Analysis of State Policies and Expert Interviews" by Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy published May 2012. (Attached) The report indicates that: • The greatest benefit of the 3-foot law is educational by increasing motorist awareness of bicyclists but the educational benefit may be short-lived. • The 3-foot law is hardly enforced if enforced at all in 20 states that have adopted it and it might be practically unenforceable. • 3-feet is insufficient when motor vehicles are traveling more than 35 mph. After reading the report, I offer the following to support requiring motorists to change lanes to pass bicycles: • Iowa did it. • Since most travel lanes in WV are not wide enough for a motor vehicle and bicycle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane, motorists must encroach into the adjacent lane to pass bicyclists while allowing more than 3 or 4-feet. If they're going to encroach into the adjacent lane, why not just move into it? • Motorists must change lanes when passing slower moving motor vehicles so changing lanes when passing bicyclists shouldn't be any more difficult or inconvenient. • While motorists and police officers may not be able to accurately judge 3 or 4-feet, they can certainly accurately judge which lane they're in or whether they're straddling two lanes. One caveat: on narrow two lane roads with lanes separated by a double yellow center line, I believe crossing the double yellow center line is prohibited (although everybody does it). Whether we advocate for a 3 or 4-foot passing rule or for motorists to change lanes to pass, motorists would have to be allowed to cross the double yellow line. I don't know how WV code addresses crossing the double yellow line. The Rutgers report says that Arkansas and Maine have modified their law to allow motorists to pass bicycles in no passing zones when it is safe to do so. I understand that PA who passed their 4-foot rule after the Rutgers report was published has done similarly. Finally, I would ask the WVCC to concentrate on repealing 17C-11-5 (a) which requires cyclists to ride as far to the right as practicable. For justification, I've attached again the talking points that I sent you on April 2, 2013. Frank D. Gmeindl LCI #1703 491 Wilson Avenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Re: [Bikeboard] No 1 Cycling City in the World
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Oct '13

16 Oct '13

"Easier by bike than by car, actually" 90,000 population, inc. 50,000 students; 60% trips in city center by bike 1977 traffic circulation plan blocked motorists from city center; they must go around; only cyclists and pedestrians could go through ==> trip by car: 12 minutes; trip by bike: 2 minutes. No sprawl. Central transit stop has 5,000 indoor bike racks, no charge plus 5,000 more with fee. "On weekend, all full." Employers REQUIRED to provide secure parking, showers. Bike share system with stations at every transit stop. New residential and commercial developments extend the bicycling and pedestrian network; even building special bridges. "You're not going to get a cycling revolution by having a few 30 km narrow streets, by building just a few cycle paths or by traffic calming a few streets; you have to do everything and you have to do it everywhere" Quiet, peaceful... but also, flat. Crossings between motor traffic and bicycle traffic not shown: no crash statistics. No mention of cost but savings from not having to build more motorways is evident. Frank On Oct 15, 2013, at 4:51 PM, zhang jing wrote: > > Just excellent > > http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/i-b-i-k-e-l-o-n-d-o-n/185191/whats-i…

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Proposed Language Change to Membership Definitions
by Traci Knabenshue 11 Oct '13

11 Oct '13

Hi BB! I was tasked with an action item at the September meeting to draft a broader membership definition for the board, and we did not have time to discuss the changes at the October meeting. See attached and as you review these proposed changes, keep a few things in mind: 1) I'm not sure if anything I'm proposing is against some sort of procedural rule, so don't yell at me if I did something wrong. 2) I'm not married to the proposed changes I have, just trying to spur some discussion so we can all land where we want to be. 3) The attached document shows the current language on page 1 and everything I changed I have highlighted on page 2. Page 3 shows a breakdown of our current membership for your reference. 4) Can someone tell me what we mean by 'Transit Authority' in this definition? Does that mean Mountain Line? Traci Knabenshue Conservation Specialist Facilities Management West Virginia University 304.293.9500 traci.knabenshue(a)mail.wvu.edu<mailto:traci.knabenshue@mail.wvu.edu> www.wecan.wvu.edu

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Email to State Legislators
by Traci Knabenshue 11 Oct '13

11 Oct '13

Hi again, I also took an item to forward along the email I drafted to the state legislators in our district to invite them to the Oct 20th ride in Charleston. Here's what I sent. Thanks! Traci ___________________________________________ Good Afternoon, I am a resident of the city of Morgantown, and I am also a member of the Morgantown Municipal Bike Board. Last year, along with the non-profit WV Connecting Communities, our board advocated for HB 3021, which would have repealed the rule requiring bicyclists to use a side path instead of the road when a usable side path is available, and instituted a 4-foot passing rule when motorists overtake a bicyclist on the road. Another goal we have for bicycle safety that was amended out of the bill is to repeal the requirement that bicyclists ride as far to the right of the road as practicable. The bill missed the deadline to move out of the House and into the Senate, but we plan on introducing it again during the next legislative session. While certain bicycle safety measures may seem to make sense on paper, there's no better way to test what works and what doesn't than to experience riding a bicycle on the road yourself. That's why I'd like to invite you to the first ever legislative bicycle ride being hosted by WV Connecting Communities and the Mountain State Wheelers Bicycling Club on Sunday, October 20th. The ride will be a chance for you, as my elected voice in state government, to experience what it is to cycle in our beautiful state and hear from other cyclists about how bike legislation such as HB 3021 can save lives and encourage a strong cycling community. Why do we want a strong cycling community in WV? Because research shows cycling improves tourism, economic development, public health, and safety. I've attached a flier with more details for you, and I hope that you will attend. Regrettably, I will not be able to drive to Charleston that day. Sincerely, Traci Knabenshue Secretary, Morgantown Municipal Bike Board bikemorgantown.com<http://bikemorgantown.com>

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