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This Year's Walk to School Day
LAB's National Bike Summit a Success
Oregon to Study Aging, Driving Ability
May: Bike Month/Bike to Work Day
La Route Verte Links 4000km of Paths/Roads
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TX Cyclists to Leg: "We Bike & We Vote!"
Swiss Bike Soldiers Pedal into History
Alexandria to Put "Smartbikes" on Road
Making London Most Walking-Friendly City
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According to an April 12th news release from the UK
Department of Environment, Transport, & the Regions, "An
extra 4 million pounds to help open more footpaths was
pledged today by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. The
cash is part of a package of 27 million pounds announced
this week to help boost a rural economy suffering from foot
and mouth. The Deputy Prime Minister today re-opened one
thousand miles of canal towpaths - two thirds of the total
- closed since the outbreak of the epidemic. All British
Waterways 2,000 miles of canals and rivers are now open to
boating.
"Mr Prescott said: 'This is excellent news. I am delighted
British Waterways is opening up its canal towpaths wherever
they can safely without undermining efforts to stop the
spread of foot and mouth. Canalside attractions and
hundreds of miles of waterways and towpaths are now open to
visitors this Easter. I urge people to take advantage of
this and visit. I'd like to thank British Waterways for all
their hard work making this possible.'
"Mr Prescott and Environment Minister Beverley Hughes
visited the Grand Union Canal at Bulbourne, Hertfordshire,
to mark the grand re-opening. They met people who rely on
waterways and have been affected by the closure of canals,
rivers and towpaths. The #4 million announced today is a
Countryside Agency scheme to speed up the opening of
footpaths by local authorities..."
For the rest of the story:
http://www.press.detr.gov.uk/0104/0229.htm
THIS YEAR'S WALK TO SCHOOL DAY: TUES. OCT 2, 2001
According to the CDC's Physical Activity List newsletter,
"Walk to School Day is a great way to promote walking to
school year-long. Whether you walk to promote more active
children, safer streets, or cleaner air, Walk to School Day
events are aimed at bringing forth permanent change to
encourage a more walkable America - one community at a time.
"Last year children, parents, teachers and community
leaders in 47 states joined 2 million walkers around the
world to celebrate the first International Walk to School
Day. This year's event promises to be even bigger and more
exciting. Click on http://www.walktoschool-usa.org to register to
be part of the 2001 activities, see who else is walking,
receive e-mail updates and join the growing walking
community, and access resources to get your walk in motion."
To learn more about what's happening in other countries,
visit:
http:www.iwalktoschool.org
For help planning a walk to school program throughout the
school year visit the CDC website and download or order a
free copy of the KidsWalk-to-School program at:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/kidswalk.htm
According to a recent release from WalkBoston, "At
Dallin Elementary School in Arlington, Mass., surveys found
that, although few students walked to school, most would
prefer to walk, and two-thirds of parents would prefer that
their children walk. Students, parents and school
administrators worked to pinpoint problems, which included
lack of sidewalks, dangerous intersections, and parents
dropping their kids off at the school, causing congestion
and a hazard to children crossing the streets.
"Recommendations by the Safe Routes to Schools team
encompassed engineering and safety measures, such as
clearly marking pedestrian and bike routes and crossings;
school curricula, like bicycle safety training; and parent
and community activities, including 'walking school
buses,' where groups of children walk to school with parent
volunteers.
"On October 4, 1999, International Walk to School Day, more
than 300 of 400 Dallin Elementary students walked to
school. The challenge is to make that change
permanent--and to spread the program to schools throughout
the country."
For more information, contact WalkBoston at 617-232-0104 or
walkbos@shore.net
LAB'S NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT A SUCCESS
- Close to 200 bicycle advocates, enthusiasts,
transportation professionals and representatives of the
bicycle industry came out in full force and brought their
bicycling messages and concerns to the nation's Capital
during the first National Bike Summit.
Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Chairman of the
Congressional Bike Caucus, opened the Summit by reiterating
his strong commitment to the bicycling community. In
addition, DC Mayor Anthony Williams and EPA Administrator
Christine Whitman, both avid bicyclists, shared their
enthusiastic support with the Summit crowd.
Nearly 100 House Members and over a third of the Senate
heard first-hand from their bicycling constituents on a
variety of issues. In addition to promoting individual
state and local items of importance, participants urged
Congress to cosponsor bicycle commuting tax legislation,
join the House or Senate Bike Caucus, approve full funding
for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, maintain and
enhance bicycling provisions during reauthorization of
TEA-21, and support Safe Routes to Schools programs.
During the Summit, Congressman Blumenauer, along with
Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL), introduced H.R. 1265, the
Bicycle Commuting Act. As a direct result of Summit
meetings, numerous members indicated that they would
cosponsor the measure. Furthermore, several Senators
indicated a desire to introduce and/or support similar
legislation in the Senate.
Follow-up work continues on legislative initiatives and
policy topics introduced at the Summit. To keep abreast of
our ongoing work, subscribe to the League of American
Bicyclists' e-newsletter, at http://www.bikeleague.org
--reported by Andy Clarke, APBP
OREGON TO STUDY AGING AND DRIVING ABILITY
The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, in partnership
with an Older Driver Advisory Committee, is conducting a
legislatively-mandated study on the effects of aging on
driving ability. The study will help officials understand
the needs and challenges of older drivers, and allow the
development of a more comprehensive approach to licensing
older drivers.
Source:
http://www.odot.state.or.us/dmv/olderdriver/olderdriver.htm
MAY: BIKE MONTH/BIKE TO WORK WEEK
According to the League of American Bicyclists' website,
"The year 2001 marks the 45th consecutive year that the
League of American Bicyclists has declared May to be
National Bike Month. The League is also promoting Bike to
Work Week from May 13 - 19th and Bike-to-Work Day on
Friday, May 18th. This year we are inviting communities,
corporations, clubs, and individuals to join us in
sponsoring bicycling activities during the month of May in
order to increase awareness and acceptance of bicycling
throughout the country.
"Bicycling is one of the most popular activities in the
United States, and National Bike Month provides an
opportunity for friends of bicycling and the League to
sponsor educational programs, bicycle commuting events,
trail work days, bicycle helmet promotions, and even
bicycle film festivals to draw positive attention to
bicycling. The League also produces the National Bike Month
Event Organizer's Kit, an invaluable aid to anyone planning
a Bike Month Promotion."
Source: http://www.bikeleague.org/educenter/bikemonth.htm
According to a recent email from Robert Zhou, "We are
professional exporter of various skate shoes in China, the
Rollers are hidden in the soles, so they can be used as
ordinary shoes, with which you can go walking, go up and
down stairs, ride a bicycle, etc. You can use them as
roller skates by pulling out the hidden rollers in the
soles. This is the unique feature of the 'flying' roller
skate shoes.
"Skate shoes will be next very popular item after scooters,
if you are interested in doing this business earlier, you
will make a good profit from this new fashion item.
Currently we have more than 20 most recent styles, and our
best price is FOB XIAMEN USD13.20/PAIR on container basis.
If you are interested in it, please let me know. Your early
reply will be highly appreciated.
"Best regards, Robert Zhou"
WebSite: http://www.chinaproducts-online.com
[Ed. Note: We hear that there have been significant technological improvements since the 'roller-clogs' marketed here in the 1970's.]
LA ROUTE VERTE LINKS 4000KM OF CYCLE PATHS/ROADS
According to a March 26th news release, "With the launch
of its Web site and a promotional campaign linking Quebec's
manufacturers and vendors of cycling products, la Route
verte is going forward with its 2,400 km of cycling
itineraries accessible in Quebec. The second phase of this
project to promote cycling tourism in Quebec was unveiled
in Montreal during a press conference where Mr. Jacques
Baril, delegated minister of Transportation, Mr. Raymond
Dutil, of Groupe Procycle, and Louis Garneau, of Louis
Garneau Sports, assembled as co-presidents of the
promotional campaign and representatives of the cycling
industry in Quebec.
"'When this second phase is completed in 2005, la Route
verte will link 4,000 km of cycling paths and roads, making
it possible to go across the province from East to West and
from North to South,' stated Jean-Franáois Pronovost,
Director of VÇlo QuÇbec, the organisation mandated by the
Quebec Ministry of Transportation to coordinate the
implementation of la Route verte. This unique concept must
be promoted to the largest possible number of people in
Quebec right away, as well as the whole of Canada and the
United States.'
"A major partner in the Route verte's development since
1995, the Quebec Ministry of Transportation funded its
preparation and the production of the promotional material
used during this campaign. The promotional and marketing
campaign will run until 2005, date of the Route verte's
international inauguration. It will invite cyclists to
discover, at a quaint and gentle rhythm, the several
touristic attractions of the Quebec regions."
Source: http://www.routeverte.com
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TX CYCLISTS TO LEGISLATURE: "WE BIKE & WE VOTE!"
According to an April 10th story in the Univ. of
Texas-Austin Daily Texan, "More than 100 cyclists from
across the state put on their suits, skirts and slacks
Monday and took to the Capitol, lobbying state senators and
representatives for more representation. The Texas Bicycle
Coalition began organizing its first 'Cyclists in Suits'
day at the start of the 77th Legislature, hoping to bring
bicycle issues into the lawmakers' agendas, said Preston
Tyree, TBC education director.
"'We want to make sure everybody knows that cyclists are
there and let people understand that cycling cuts across
all political and economic strata,' he said. John
Fusselman, one of the cyclists who met at the Capitol, said
he and the others had a message for state lawmakers. 'We
bike, and we vote,' he said..."
For the rest of the story:
http://news.excite.com:80/news/uw/010410/politics-206
According to an April 11th article in the Savannah
Morning News, "Efforts to begin restoring a historic
Chatham County canal are inching forward. The canal
restoration would give walkers and bicyclists a scenic
recreation trail, possibly increasing tourism in the county
and city, but the project has stalled because a group of
residents is worried about losing its property rights. A
new plan on the table is to work around them.
"The money is there. The county paid the Hinesley-Hickson
Association $200,000 to develop a master plan for the $6.5
million restoration of the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal, and has
$400,000 set aside to start preservation efforts. But the
plan calls for the gradual elimination of Bush Road
driveways that now cross the canal near the south end of
the 16.5-mile corridor, and residents don't want to lose
direct property access. They don't want cyclists riding on
a path in front of their houses, either. Until the conflict
can be resolved, county officials will now propose starting
work on the other end of the trail..."
Source:
http://www.savannahmorningnews.com:80/smn/stories/041101/LOCcanal.shtml
Search: http://www.savannahmorningnews.com/search.shtml
Title: "Canal restoration back on track -- in low gear"
Author: Shannon Lynch
According to a story in the April 7th edition of the
Kansas City Star, "Vince Bilardo, director of Kansas City's
"brownfields" program, envisions the park along the
Missouri River as the hub of a hiking and biking network
called the Riverfront Heritage Trail. The trail will not
only give many Kansas Citians new opportunities for outdoor
recreation but also reunite the city with its riverfront
roots.
"'The heritage trail,' Bilardo said, 'is precisely the kind
of amenity that's going to attract young urban
professionals -- or old urban professionals, for that
matter -- back inside the downtown loop.' And the trail is
only one of several projects that collectively suggest the
downtown is on the verge of becoming alluring and alive.
After decades of suburban flight, highway-building and
neglect, downtown is zeroing in on ideas about how people
can live, work and play there. Together the ideas might add
up to the greening of downtown Kansas City.
"Key ingredients in the transformation will be green
spaces, public plazas, tree-lined streets, nature trails
and other calming features. Not only do such improvements
look and feel good, but also they have economic value, too,
planners say. 'If you look at downtowns that are coming
back around the country," said Marlene Nagel, director of
community development of the Mid-America Regional Council,
"most of them have created important public spaces for
people to gather -- places to relax, to recharge during the
workday ... or to bring people downtown for nighttime
activities. Some of them are small, and some are more on a
grand level...'"
Source:
http://www.kcstar.com:80/item/pages/home.pat,local/3acc93e2.407,.html
Search: http://www.kcstar.com/newslibrary/
Title: "KC planners hope a greener city will spur rebirth"
Author: Steve Paul
Cost for archive use: $1.95 per article
SWISS BIKE SOLDIERS PEDAL INTO HISTORY
According to an April 9th story on CNN.com, "The Swiss
army bicycle brigade, a proud and unique part of the Alpine
nation's sturdy defenses, is set to follow the mounted
cavalry and carrier pigeon service into history. The
abolition of the world's last remaining combat cyclist
regiment -- along with a 2,800-strong transport horse unit
-- is part of sweeping Defense Ministry reforms to
modernize and rationalize Switzerland's militia army.
'There's no more room for the cyclists. They're not
protected enough,' bemoans Col. Jean-Pierre Leuenberger,
one of the commanders of the 3,000 men."
Bicycles were introduced to the army in 1891 in the face of
stiff opposition from the cavalry. But its speed and
stealth eventually made the bicycle a backbone of the Swiss
defense force. The single-speed Swiss army bike, used from
1905 to 1993, became the stuff of legend. The current
mountain bike-style seven-gear model has attachments for
machine guns, bazookas, grenade launchers and basic army
kits, and can carry up to 330 pounds, including the rider.
While many Swiss resent military conscription, the bicycle
regiment is oversubscribed because it provides excellent
athletic training. 1996 Olympic road race champion Pascal
Richard, for example, passed through its ranks.
Defense Minister Samuel Schmid admits "the reforms are a
blow to traditionalists but says priority must be given to
sophisticated weaponry and communications technology." The
proposal is still in draft form, and will be debated by
parliament later this year. If adopted, it will become law
in 2003.
Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/04/09/cyclingsoldiers.ap/index.html
Search: http://search.cnn.com:80/
Title: "Swiss bike soldiers pedal into history"
Author: Clare Nullis
ALEXANDRIA TO PUT "SMARTBIKES" ON ROAD
According to a story in the March/April Ride-On
newsletter of WABA, the Washington Area Bicycle
Association, "Following the lead of Annapolis, the City of
Alexandria, Arlington County, and the Washington
Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) are
developing a SmartBike program-a bike-sharing plan that
would be used in conjunction with WMATA's 'SmarTrip'
smartcard technology.
"The SmartBike program functions by a customer waiving
their SmarTrip card over the target on a specialized bike
rack to unlock a SmartBike. SmartBikes themselves are built
to be durable, with steel frames, solid rubber tires and an
adjustable seat post. Racks would be located at Metrorail
stations, commercial centers, tourist attractions, and
large office buildings.
"SmartBike programs exist in The Netherlands, France, and
Singapore and are planned to be implemented for the first
time in the US this summer in Annapolis. With 140,000
SmarTrip cards in use, SmartBikes in the Washington region
would be a boon for all. Contact
paul.demaio@ci.alexandria.va.us for more information."
Source: http://www.waba.org/new/news/3028.php
MAKING LONDON WORLDS MOST WALKING-FRIENDLY CITY
According to an article in the March 2001 issue of the
TRL News, "Walking is the most common form of transport in
Inner London. Forty percent of trips made in the heart of
the city are on foot, and for London as a whole 33% of
trips are made on foot. This is twice the number of trips
made by public transport and over thirty times the number
of trips made by pedal cycle.
"London's Mayor, Ken Livingstone, has pledged through his
draft Transport Strategy to make London one of the world's
most walking friendly cities by the year 2015. This is a
challenge that will be welcomed by many, as it will give
new direction to the funding of walking schemes and provide
for new ways of improving the environment for pedestrians.
Evidence of the Mayor's commitment to walking can clearly
be seen from his intention to take the World Squares for
All initiative forward with the Trafalgar Square
pedestrianisation scheme and his policy of Streets for All.
For many London roads there will be a greater emphasis on
the use of street space for walking..."
Source: http://www.trl.co.uk/TRLNews/TRLNews_mar01.pdf
And now for something completely different...
PEDESTRIAN POETRY FOR PARTICULAR PEOPLE
"Welcome. Pedestrian Poetry. It is here you will find
poetry that is hard as sleet - freezing rain pounding on a
bare naked back, and poetry that is soft and fuzzy -
tainted with sleep, like a goose down comforter wrapped in
flannel. Pedestrian Poetry began in an attic with a circle
of friends who were dead set on sleep depravation as poetic
inspiration."
Source: http://www.platypuspranks.com/poetry/a-ped.htm
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"VILLAGE TRAFFIC CALMING"
"A new Traffic Advisory Leaflet has been produced by
[Britain's] Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) to assess
the effect on accidents of traffic calming measures in a
number of villages. In all, accidents in 56 village traffic
calming schemes were studied. Overall, the frequencies of
all injury accidents and ksi accidents have reduced by
about 25% and 50%, respectively. National trends over a
similar period, see TRL Report 452, excluding motorways,
show a 7% reduction in all accidents, and a 27% reduction
in ksi accidents."
http://www.roads.detr.gov.uk/roadnetwork/ditm/tal/traffic/00-11/index.htm
"A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO TRANSPORTATION DECISION-MAKING"
The Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit
Administration developed a guide for citizens to help them
understand federal requirements in the transportation
decision-making process. The Basics of Transportation
Decisionmaking is available at:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/citizen/index.htm
"CITIZENS GUIDE TO TRANSPORTATION PLANNING"
Atlanta Regional Commission report developed "as a tool to
enable citizens to understand and participate in
transportation planning activities that impact their
community and their quality of life. It was written to
inform interested citizens of the goals and processes of
transportation planning, who is doing this planning, when
is it being done, and who to contact to get involved. It
includes a contact list, maps, and a glossary."
http://www.atlantaregional.com/download/misc_transp/Citizens-Guide.pdf
"LEFT/RIGHT - A LIBERAL AND A CONSERVATIVE DISCUSS HOW
TO RESPOND TO ANTI-TRANSIT RHETORIC"
"During the American Public Transportation Association's
(APTA) recent Legislative Conference, Representative Earl
Blumenauer (D-OR) and Paul Weyrich, President of the Free
Congress Foundation, participated in a mock radio talk show
and answered questions from "listeners." The topic of the show
was "How to Respond to Anti-Transit Rhetoric." Rep.
Blumenauer was the host, and Paul Weyrich was his guest."
See edited transcript at:
http://www.apta.com/info/online/weyrich_blumenauer.htm
"SAN FRANCISCO BIKE LANE STUDY"
To get a copy of the report on San Francisco's Valencia
Street bike lanes (mentioned in issue 15 of CenterLines),
contact Michael Sallaberry of San Francisco Department of
Parking and Traffic at: mike_sallaberry@ci.sf.ca.us
EXCERPTS FROM "THE CITY IN MIND"
Two chapters of James Howard Kunstler's forthcoming book,
"The City in Mind," are available on his website:
"ATLANTA: DOES EDGE CITY HAVE A FUTURE"
"They ran the environmental people out of here a long time
ago. You've got no trees. You've got no streams. You've got
no mountains. It's a developer's paradise." --Gwinnett
County Developer Wayne Mason.
http://www.kunstler.com/excerpt_atlanta.htm
"LAS VEGAS: UTOPIA OF CLOWNS"
"They say that Antarctica is the worst place on earth, but
I believe that distinction belongs to Las Vegas, hands
down. For one thing, Antarctica is more pleasing to look
at."
http://www.kunstler.com/excerpt_lasvegas.htm
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May 13-19, 2001, Bike to Work Week. Info: League of
American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street NW, Suite 401,
Washington, DC 20006-2082, voice: (202) 822-1333, fax:
(202) 822-1334, email: bikeleague@bikeleague.org
website: http://www.bikeleague.org/educenter/bikemonth.htm
July 3-6, 2001,Environmental Design Research Association
(EDRA) Annual Meeting, Edinburgh, Scotland. Info: EDRA,
P.O. Box 7146, Edmond, OK 73083-7146, voice: (405)330-4863
fax: (405)330-4150, email: edra@telepath.com
website: http://www.telepath.com/edra/home.html
August 3-5, 2001, Bikefest 2001 - LAB's National Rally,
Altoona, PA. Info: League of American Bicyclists, voice:
(202) 822-1333, email: bikeleague@bikeleague.org
website: http://www.bikeleague.org/rallies/rallies.html
August 16-18, 2001, First National Congress of Pedestrian
Advocates, Oakland, CA. Info: AmericaWalks, email:
info@americawalks.org
website: http://americawalks.org/news
September 13-16, 2001, Rail~Volution, San Francisco, CA.
For more information go to:
website: http://www.railvolution.com/ataglance.htm
September 17-21, 2001, Velo-city 2001, Edinburgh/Glasgow,
Scotland. Info: Meeting Makers Ltd, Jordanhill Campus, 76
Southbrae Drive, Glasgow G13 1PP, Scotland, voice: 0141 434
1500 fax: 434 1519, e-mail: Velo_city@meetingmakers.co.uk
website: http://velo-city2001.org/
September 21-22, 2001, New Zealand Cycling Conference 2001,
Chateau on the Park, Christchurch. Call for Papers out now.
Info: NZ Cycling Conference, PO Box 237, Christchurch, NZ,
voice: 03 371 1472, fax: 03 371 1864. email: cycling@ccc.govt.nz
September 26-29, 2001, TrailLink 2001: the 3rd International
Trails and Greenways Conference, St. Louis, MO. Info: Rails-
to-Trails Conservancy, voice: (202) 974-5152,
email: rtcconf@transact.org
website: http://www.railtrails.org
October 4-6, 2001, Innovative Approaches to Understanding
and Influencing Physical Activity, Dallas, TX. Info: The
Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX.
website: http://www.cooperinst.org/conf2001.asp
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JOB > TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT MANAGER
The City of Cambridge has an opening for an experienced
engineer / project manager to manage a successful traffic
calming program. The project manager will design
innovative roadway improvements, manage a consultant design
contract for larger traffic calming projects, make public
presentations, and work with the community to implement
traffic calming projects. The project manager will work
closely with other city departments and coordinate the
inclusion of traffic calming improvements into roadway
reconstruction projects. Salary range: $36,464 to $51,599
with benefits. For more information, contact: Rosalie
Anders, Cambridge Community Development Dept., 57 Inman
Street, Cambridge, MA. 02139, Voice: (617) 349-4604 Fax:
(617) 349-4633 TTY: (617) 349-4621. Review of resumes will
begin on April 16, 2001
JOB > GRASSROOTS TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR
The Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP) is looking
for a grassroots coordinator to expand our outreach and
assistance to groups working for transportation change on a
state and local level. The coordinator will work with
advocates from across the country to develop and
disseminate model reform campaigns. Salary in the low to
mid 30s, based on experience. For more information,
contact Barbara McCann at BMCCANN@transact.org
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Contact john@montana.com today!
COPYING: We encourage you to copy our content as long as
you identify the source in this way: "from CenterLines, the
e-newsletter of the National Center for Bicycling &
Walking."
------------------------------------------------------------
Contributors: Bill Wilkinson, Peter Moe, Chuck Shimmin,
Michael Moule, Riley Geary
Editor: John Williams Send news items to: john@montana.com
Director: Bill Wilkinson
------------------------------------------------------------
National Center for Bicycling & Walking 1506 21st St NW,
Suite 200, Washington D.C. 20036 Voice: (202) 463-6622
Fax: (202) 463-6625
Email: ncbw@bikefed.org