I was at that meeting with the PSB, MRTC, BOPARC and a WVU extension rep.  I presented our recommendations from our Plan at the meeting.  Damien will be measuring bicyclists, and Christiaan will be measuring pedestrians; the developers are interested in these statistics.  We will be meeting up with the developers of Walgreen in a few weeks.

There was a definite interest in implementing activated signals, but many felt price would be an issue.  I have come to the conclusion that since Walgreen is a National chain it would be a positive move on their behalf to help provide financing for such a signal system.  There will be bicycle parking by the store, I am not sure what kind at this point.   However, there will also be a turn lane from the store close to where the trail crosses the Green Bag Road where cars may turn right and left.  Heading from Morgantown, the store is on the left before the crossing.   There will be a line of sight for vehicles driving out from the parking lot.  We do need to watch and work with the developers closely because this project will be coming online very fast.

I guess I am taking the lead for the BB on this issue with Frank's coaching, but others are encouraged to join along!

-Jonathan

On 4/21/2012 8:46 AM, Frank Gmeindl wrote:
In "DOH studies intersection of Green Bag Road, W. Va. 7" on page 9-A of today's Dominion Post, Bryan Radabaugh, DOH District 4 design engineer, said the division is counting the vehicles that travel east and west on W.Va. 7, as well as the ones turning left and right at the Green Bag Road intersection.  "We want to improve the efficiency and capacity of that intersection for everyday use."

Do you think they're measuring the number of bicycles that cross the road there?  How about the number of bicycles that go through that intersection?  Do you think they'll consider implementing our recommendations in the Greater Morgantown Bicycle Plan for bicyclist activated signals or any of the other measures we recommend?  

I understand that the Pedestrian Safety Board with MRTC is planning to measure bicycle traffic on the trail.  WHO'S GOING TO REPRESENT THE BICYCLE BOARD IN THESE PROCEEDINGS?

Here's a link to the article in today's DP: http://ee.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAxMi8wNC8yMSNBcjAwOTA1&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom

Frank

Begin forwarded message:

From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl@comcast.net>
Date: April 17, 2012 9:47:02 PM EDT
To: Bicycle Board <bikeboard@cheat.org>
Subject: Fwd: Decker's Creek Trail

Have you seen the new left turn lane and intersection widening WVDOH is installing at the western crossing of the rail trail with Deckers Creek Blvd?  On October 18, I copied you on a message to Chris Fletcher, Roy Nutter and Bill Austin suggesting that this was an opportunity to make that crossing safer for cyclists.  Does it look safer to you?

The subject of my October 18 message was Walgreen's new store that will replace Southern States.  The salient point of my message was that this was an opportunity to improve the terrible sight line where the trail heading east crosses the road.  On Dec. 26, a 10-year old bicyclist crossing there was hit by a pickup truck.  

Recently, I learned from WVDOH that they're considering transforming the signalized intersection there to a roundabout.  Walgreen has asked Damien to recommend bike racks and they're considering making a direct connection from their business to the trail.

Obviously, this is an opportunity for knowledgeable cyclists to get involved to improve the situation for cyclists or at least prevent increased endangerment.  We already have recommendations in the Bicycle Plan for cyclist activated crossing signals and a raised intersection.  (Wanna bet nobody thought of such at the other crossing?)

Several Bicycle Board members have expressed interest in the rail trail there (don't make me name you;)  NOW, WHO'S GOING TO REPRESENT THE BICYCLE BOARD IN THESE PROCEEDINGS?  Please reply-to-all ASAP and contact Christiaan about the Thursday 4/19 meeting.


Frank D. Gmeindl
Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board
LCI #1703
491 WilsonAvenue
Morgantown, WV 26501
304-376-0446
Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles



Begin forwarded message:

From: "Christiaan Abildso" <Christiaan.Abildso@mail.wvu.edu>
Date: April 17, 2012 3:40:23 PM EDT
Cc: "Mark Wise" <mwise@boparc.org>, "Christopher Fletcher" <cfletcher@cityofmorgantown.org>, "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl@gmail.com>, "Sam Zizzi" <Sam.Zizzi@mail.wvu.edu>
Subject: Re: Decker's Creek Trail

Troops -
Let's go with a 2:30 meeting in my office on Thursday (the 19th). I'm in room 132 of the Coliseum. Enter at the Blue Gate, turn right, my office is the first door on the right. Ella - feel free to invite others.
It appears the agenda will include
1) identifying how we can help the Walgreens development
2) checking out the infrared sensors Christiaan has & if/where to use them
3) discussing the project MRTC is planning w/the Nat'l RTC
4) identifying potential supplementary research to incorporate in the MRTC project
5) discussing next steps, including funding to pursue
 
Sound about right?
See you all at 2:30 on Thursday.
Christiaan
 
 
Christiaan Abildso, Ph.D., MPH
Weight Management Research and Evaluation Coordinator
WVU Health Performance Services
304.293.0860




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