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National Day of Prayer and Remembrance
for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks
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Obesity/Diabetes Major Causes of Death in Us
Community Health Report: Rural/Urban Areas
Safe Routes Request From a Reader
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Pitching in Helps Brighten Darkest Day
NYC Streets Quiet after Terrorist Attack
Embattled Amtrak Comes to Travelers' Aid
No Sidewalks for Caledonia Strip?
Waterfront Towns see Riverwalks as Lifelines
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According to a message from G.B. Arrington of Parsons Brinckerhoff,
Portland OR, "The unfolding tragedy facing our nation has lead us to a
decision to cancel the conference that was scheduled for San Francisco
September 13-16th. Even if we wanted to hold the conference the
difficult status of America's airlines means that many who would want
to attend the conference could not. As a reflection of that we have had
over 200 room cancellations today.
"Please let your friends / associates /clients know so they are not
unconvinced any more than is avoidable. The fees that you have paid to
Rail-Volution will be refunded in the next several weeks. Your hotel
reservations can be cancelled without penalty but you need to make the
cancellation yourself. It is our understanding that you will not be
charged a fee for late cancellations.
"The Hyatt Regency has offered a block of space in late November and
early December at a deep discount to reschedule the conference. We will
be closely evaluating that option to establish if it is viable to
reschedule the conference.
"As always I will be very interested in getting your input on how we
should proceed."
GB Arrington, Senior Professional Associate, Transit Oriented
Development, Parsons Brinckerhoff, 400 SW 6th Avenue Suite 802,
Portland, OR 97204, Voice: (503) 274-2298; Fax: (503)274-1412; email:
Arrington@pbworld.com
OBESITY/DIABETES MAJOR CAUSES OF DEATH IN US
According to the results of a recent study published in the Journal
of the American Medical Association, "Each year, an estimated 300000 US
adults die of causes related to obesity. Obesity also substantially
increases morbidity and impairs quality of life. Overall, the direct
costs of obesity and physical inactivity account for approximately 9.4%
of US health care expenditures. 9 The direct and indirect costs of
health care associated with diabetes in 1997 were an estimated $98
billion...
"In 2000, the prevalence of obesity (BMI $30 kg/m2) was 19.8%, the
prevalence of diabetes was 7.3%, and the prevalence of both combined
was 2.9%. Mississippi had the highest rates of obesity (24.3%) and of
diabetes (8.8%); Colorado had the lowest rate of obesity (13.8%); and
Alaska had the lowest rate of diabetes (4.4%). Twenty-seven percent of
US adults did not engage in any physical activity, and another 28.2%
were not regularly active. Only 24.4% of US adults consumed fruits and
vegetables 5 or more times daily. Among obese participants who had had
a routine checkup during the past year, 42.8% had been advised by a
health care professional to lose weight. Among participants trying to
lose or maintain weight, 17.5% were following recommendations to eat
fewer calories and increase physical activity to more than 150 min/wk.
The study's conclusion: "The prevalence of obesity and diabetes
continues to increase among US adults. Interventions are needed to
improve physical activity and diet in communities nationwide."
Source: JAMA. 2001;286:1195-1200 http://www.jama.com
Title: "Obesity and Diabetes are Major Causes of Morbidity and
Mortality in the United States"
Cost: Yes.
HHS REPORT: COMMUNITY HEALTH IN RURAL, URBAN AREAS
According to a Sept 10th news release, "HHS Secretary Tommy G.
Thompson today released a new report that shows Americans who live in
the suburbs fare significantly better in many key health measures than
those who live in the most rural and most urban areas. The 25th annual
statistical report on the nation's health is the first to look at
health status relative to communities' level of urbanization.
"People who live in the most rural and most urban areas have higher
mortality rates for working age adults than suburban residents, the
report found. Those who live in the suburbs of large metropolitan areas
have the lowest infant mortality rates and are more likely to have
health insurance and healthy lifestyles. These variations also
frequently track other demographic factors, such as income and race.
"We want all Americans, regardless of where they live, to have an equal
chance for a healthy life," Secretary Thompson said. "Geography alone
does not determine health status, but this report performs a valuable
service by helping us understand where the most rural and urban
communities can target public health efforts to close the gaps."
"The report, 'Health, United States, 2001, with Urban and Rural Health
Chartbook,' documents differences in a wide-ranging set of health
characteristics for people residing in communities from the most rural
to the most urban. Among its specific findings:
"- Death rates for working-age adults were higher in the most rural and
most urban areas. The highest death rates for children and young adults
were in the most rural counties.
- Residents of rural areas had the highest death rates for
unintentional injuries generally and for motor-vehicle injuries
specifically. Homicide rates were highest in the central counties of
large metro areas.
- Suburban residents were more likely to exercise during leisure time
and more likely to have health insurance. Suburban women were the least
likely to be obese.
- Both the most rural and most urban areas had a similarly high percent
of residents without health insurance.
- Teenagers and adults in rural counties were the most likely to smoke.
Residents of the most rural communities also had the fewest visits for
dental care.
"Health, United States, 2001, with Urban and Rural Health Chartbook," is
available online at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs .
Tables at the Web site will be updated as new data become available,
and users can sign up to be notified of changes through a listserv.
More information about the Secretary's Rural Health Task Force is
available at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2001pres/20010725.html .
A SAFE ROUTES REQUEST FROM A READER
"If you are aware of and have information on states that are working
on Safe Routes to School Legislation (even if it is only in the
beginning stages of development), similar to California's SR2S
legislation, please contact Jessica Shisler, the CDC Walk to School
Program Coordinator at jshisler@cdc.gov. If you, too, are interested
in this information, I would be happy to share what I collect, just let
me know and I will forward it along.
Also, we are trying to put together a video on walk to school
initiatives. If you have some footage of community members walking to
school or news coverage related to walking to school that you would
like us to include please send to below address."
Jessica Shisler, MPH, Walk to School Program Coordinator, Division of
Nutrition and Physical Activity, Center for Disease Control and
Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop K-46, Atlanta, GA
30341. Voice: (770) 488-5692; Fax: (770) 488-5473;
email: jshisler@cdc.gov
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PITCHING IN HELPS BRIGHTEN DARKEST DAY
According to a Sept. 13th story in the Bergen (NJ) County Record,
"The monstrous attack intended to blow the nation apart may instead
have brought it together...
"Paul Pollock, a corporate attorney who tried biking home to Tenafly
after the Trade Center blasts, waited nearly five hours at the closed
George Washington Bridge -- long enough to watch the Bergen County Bomb
Squad and its dogs search the bridge abutment. The bridge sidewalks
remained closed, so like hundreds of other stranded pedestrians and
cyclists, he waited at the uptown bus station, hoping to catch a ride
from the scores of car, van, and truck drivers offering to ferry
strangers across.
"'It was cooperation like you never see in the New York area,' said
Pollock, who eventually caught a ride in the back of a delivery van,
sitting on cases of wine with 15 other commuters. 'As big a bottleneck
as it was over there, there was no yelling, no screaming, no
pushing.'..."
Source: http://www.bergen.com:80/news/reachout200109137.htm
Search: http://www.bergen.com/search.html (apparently disabled
temporarily)
Title: "Pitching in helps brighten darkest of days"
Author: Ruth Padawer
NYC STREETS QUIET AFTER TERRORIST ATTACK
According to an article in the Sept. 12th edition of the Milwaukee
(WI) Journal-Sentinel, "Even though schools were closed, Wall Street
was vacant, nearly all movement in and out of Manhattan remained shut
down and police squads patrolled the perimeter, New Yorkers carried on
with their lives, walking dogs, peddling patriotic T-shirts and, most
of all, bearing the weight of their emotions...
"The morning commute into Manhattan, usually a winding snarl of cars on
bridges and tunnels, was non-existent. The Port Authority kept all
bridge and tunnel entrances into the city from New Jersey shut down,
creating huge traffic jams in some places and keeping many New Yorkers
who have been trying to return to the city since Tuesday from getting
home by car.
"Gone was the city's normally frantic atmosphere. Bicyclists pedaled
down the center lanes of broad avenues. Pedestrians, some with teary
eyes, passed shuttered restaurants and stores. Ambulances and fire
trucks roared by, unimpeded by pedestrians or taxis, an unusual sight
in a city where the whine of sirens is background noise..."
Source: http://www.jsonline.com:80/news/nat/sep01/nyc13091201.asp
Search: http://www.jsonline.com/general/search.asp
Title: "In the city that never sleeps, the streets are empty"
Authors: Jessica Mcbride and Mark Johnson
EMBATTLED AMTRAK COMES TO TRAVELERS' AID
According to a story in today's ENN WorldWire News, "Amtrak, the
troubled national rail service that some lawmakers want to eliminate,
helped rescue thousands of stranded travelers Wednesday. Amtrak
trains around the country were running at capacity -- about double
their normal ridership -- as travelers searched for ways around the
nation's air-travel ban."
Source: http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2001/09/09142001/krt_44961.asp
According to a Sept. 12th story in the Detroit News, "Malik
Weathers, 4, could barely contain his excitement as he put on a bicycle
helmet decorated with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He pedaled back and
forth in front of the Belle Isle Casino, showing off his prized new
possession. That kind of pride is just what the 200 members of the
Rotary Club of Detroit hoped to cultivate by distributing 500 helmets
free to children ages 5 to 12 on a recent Saturday morning on Belle
Isle.
"Rotarians, known for sporting big name badges and singing goofy songs
at their weekly luncheon meetings, help children all over the world
through scholarships and events aimed at educating them and keeping
them healthy and safe. 'Our club is very concerned about children and
safety,' said Ann Clark, chair of Detroit Rotary's charitable
foundation, who helped initiate the annual give-away three years ago.
'This was something we could do to help reduce the number of head
injuries among children riding bicycles or skateboards.'
"While Rotarians gave away puzzles and prizes to children winning
raffles, parents wandered among exhibits by Detroit Edison, the Detroit
Technical Rescue Operations Team, Police Athletic League and the League
of Michigan Bicyclists. Members of the Sisters of Cycling demonstrated
the proper way to wear helmets while the Salvation Army distributed
free water and pop.
"The helmet give-away and safety presentation is one of the most
visible charity projects aimed at helping Detroit youth. 'We're a
Detroit club and we are dedicated to helping Detroit's children,' Clark
said..."
Source: http://detnews.com:80/2001/detroit/0109/13/s06-290962.htm
Search: http://detnews.com/search/index.htm
Title: "Nurturing our children"
Author: Maureen McDonald
Cost: No.
NO SIDEWALKS FOR CALEDONIA STRIP?
According to a story in the Sept. 8th edition of the Milwaukee (WI)
Journal-Sentinel, "Fits of clapping and murmured protest punctuated a
public hearing Tuesday in which the Town Board heard from the community
about a proposed ordinance that would allow the town to build sidewalks
along a widened stretch of Highway 32...Among residents' objections
were: fears that sidewalks in one portion of the town could force
urbanization in the rest of the largely rural community; concerns over
who would pay for the project; and arguments over whether the sidewalks
are really necessary.
"'Who's going to pay for this?' asked Lori Jensen, practice manager at
North Shore Animal Hospital, 4630 Douglas Ave. 'We're all worried about
having our business decreased when they tear up the road for a year.
Now this? A lot of us won't be able to afford it.'
"No decisions about the proposal were made during the meeting at the
Caledonia Community Center. However, the board could vote as early as
Sept. 18 on the plan, [Town Board Chairman Susan] Greenfield said. The
ordinance, if approved, would allow the town to install a 5-foot-wide
sidewalk on both sides of Highway 32, also called Douglas Ave., from
north of the quarry at Three Mile Road to the end of the existing
four-lane highway, just south of Middle Road. Sidewalks are also
proposed on Four Mile Road between Chester Lane and the railroad tracks
just west of Douglas Ave. to provide pedestrian and bicycle access to
the nearby Racine County Bike Trail..."
Source: http://www.jsonline.com:80/news/racine/sep01/calr09090801a.asp
Search: http://www.jsonline.com/general/search.asp
Title: "Caledonia debates Highway 32 plan"
Author: Jessica Hansen
Cost: No.
WATERFRONT TOWNS SEE RIVERWALKS AS LIFELINES
According to a story in today's ENN WorldWire News Service, "The
waterfront-redevelopment revolution that helped transform such big-city
downtowns as Chicago, San Antonio, and Baltimore
during the last three decades is now an economic development idea
trickling out to the suburbs and even the smallest towns in the Chicago
area.
"The tiny city of McHenry is trying to raise $8.8 million for an almost
mile-long riverwalk
along its stretch of the Fox River to lure people and businesses to the
downtown area. McHenry's downstream neighbors, Algonquin and Elgin,
broke ground in recent months on their own downtown riverfront
projects. And in Aurora, city leaders eyed neighboring Naperville's
riverwalk success and embarked upon plans for a $40 million, two-level
riverwalk project.
Source: http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2001/09/09142001/krt_44969.asp
And now for something completely different:
A moment of silence...
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"WORLD TRANSPORT POLICY & PRACTICE"
The latest issue of "World Transport Policy & Practice," a quarterly
journal is now available free of charge at the below address. Articles
include "Cycling in African Cities: Status & Prospects"; "National
symbolism undermining healthy transport policies?"; "Twisted Logic in
the upside-down world of 'road safety' ideology"; "Livable
Neighborhoods"; and Walking as a local transport modal choice in
Adelaide"
http://www.ecoplan.org/wtpp/wt_index.htm
"ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SELF-REPORTED AND OBJECTIVE PHYSICAL
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND USE OF A COMMUNITY RAIL-TRAIL"
A report of a study published in Preventive Medicine (32:191-200, 2001)
which involved administration of a physical activity related
cross-sectional community survey to residents living in proximity to a
community rail-trail (Minuteman Bikeway, Arlington, MA). "While no
differences existed in the perceived physical environment between users
and non-users of the trail, distance to the bikeway, steep hill
barriers, and busy street barriers were all factors associated with
trail use." Reprint requests should be addressed to : RSAUNDERS@SC.EDU
Preventive Medicine (abstract):
http://www.idealibrary.com/links/doi/10.1006/pmed.2000.0788
Cost for a copy of the article from Preventive Medicine (pdf) is $35.00.
"CITY CYCLING IS COMING: FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF THE URBAN CYCLING"
This Helsinki, Finland, study shows that "The average number of
daily trips in Helsinki is 4.7. In the centre area cycling was used
almost in every sixth journey. This is the same amount as the average
daily motor vehicle trips. The average length of a single cycle ride is
4.3 km and the median length 2.7 km. These two figures are noteworthy
because half of motor vehicle trips in Helsinki are shorter than 6 km."
http://www.hel.fi/ksv/entire/repCityCyclingFinalReport.htm
Other reports are available at:
http://www.hel.fi/ksv/entire/lstreports.htm
"LANE-BY-LANE MODELLING OF UNEQUAL LANE USE AND FLARES AT
ROUNDABOUTS AND SIGNALISED INTERSECTIONS: THE SIDRA SOLUTION"
An article by Rahmi Akcelik (1997) published in Traffic Engineering +
Control (38 (7/8), pp. 388-399). Can be downloaded as a pdf from:
http://www.aatraffic.com/SIDRA/documents/sidra_arcady_linsat.pdf
Other roundabout resources are available.
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September 13-16, 2001, Rail~Volution: CANCELLED.
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 24-28, 2001, International Conference on
Ecology and Transportation, Keystone, CO. Info: Pam Cloer, CTE Events
Coordinator, voice: (919) 515-7990, email: pcloer@unity.ncsu.edu
website: http://www.itre.ncsu.edu/cte/icoet2001.html
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
September 27-28, 2001, Creating Active Community Environments, Sandy,
UT. Info: Jane Lambert voice: (801) 572-9487. The first 200 people who
register for them at the conference will receive a pedometer.
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
October 10-12, 2001, Footprints and Bike Tracks: Washington State's
biennial conference on walking and bicycling, Olympia, WA. Info: Bicycle
Alliance of Washington, PO Box 2904, Seattle, WA 98111,
voice: (206) 224-9252
Website: http://www.bicyclealliance.org
October 25-26, 2001, How to Turn a Place Around, New York City. Info:
Project for Public Spaces, 153 Waverly Place, 4th Floor, New York, NY,
10014, voice: (212) 620.5660, fax: (212) 620.3821 , email: pps@pps.org
Website: http://www.pps.org/nyc_training.htm
November 21-25, 2001, Pan African Bicycle Conference, Jinja, Uganda.
Info: First African Bicycle Information Office (FABIO), Main St, Jinja,
Plot 9, P.O.Box 1537, Uganda. voice or fax: ++256 (43) 121 468, e-mail:
fabio@source.co.ug
website: http://www.connect-uganda.net/fabiobspw.htm
February 1 - March 30, 2002, Exhibition: The Physical Fitness of
Cities: Vision and Ethics in City Building, Salt Lake City, UT.
Website: http://www.fitcities.org/
February 10-13, 2002, National Leadership Conference: Healthy Kids,
Healthy Communities: Integrating Health and Education, Washington, DC.
Info: Professional and Scientific Associates, voice: (404) 633-6869,
fax: (404) 633-6477
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/conference/current/index.htm
February 27 - March 1, 2002, 16th National Conference on Chronic Disease
Prevention and Control: Cultivating Healthier Communities, through
research, policy and practice, Atlanta, GA. Info:
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/conference/current/index.htm
September 3-6, 2002, ProBike/Prowalk 02, the 12th Inter- national
Symposium on Bicycling and Walking, St. Paul, MN.
website: http://www.bikewalk.org
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JOB > BIKE COORDINATOR -- MARIN CO, CA
The Marin County Board of Supervisors recently approved a permanent new
civil engineering position -- a Bicycle Coordinator. Now, the Marin
County Department of Public Works is announcing a recruitment for an
Assistant Engineer/Junior Engineer with bike and pedestrian facility
design experience. What follows is a job description. Duties: Designs
and develops bicycle and pedestrian paths and facilities, participates
as staff in public hearings and public meetings, responds to inquiries
from the public, and writes correspondence and reports. Salary Range:
$4,696 - $5,657 monthly, 37.5 hour work week. Requirements: Bachelor's
Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college
and two years engineering experience, which must include development of
bicycle and pedestrian paths. Possession of a valid California
Engineer-In-Training Certificate and 4 years of engineering related
experience may substitute for the college requirement only. Request an
application form from: Marin County Human Resources Department, 3501
Civic Center Drive, Room 403, San Rafael California 94903. Telephone:
(415) 499-6104. Or apply at:
http://www.marin.org/mc/hr/pub/CurrentJobs.cfm
JOB > LEAD TECHNICIAN, SEMINOLE CO, FL
Position opening in Central Florida for person with good bicycle/ped
facilities planning/design experience and GIS. Seminole County Florida
Public Works Dept, engineering division will be looking for a "LEAD
TECHNICIAN" type whose duties will be to help in the planning and
oversight of trails, bikeways and pedestrian facilities, attend MPO
bicycle/pedestrian advisory committee, conduct LOS studies, staff
Seminole County bicycle sub-committee, maintain trails website,
educate, speak, write and all the rest of those good professional
bike/ped things including development review of plans for trails and
facilities, write research grants. Contact Ginger Hoke at
ghoke@co.seminole.fl.us
JOB > D.C. REP. FOR SIERRA CLUB CAMPAIGN
The Sierra Club seeks Washington DC Representative for its "Challenge to
Sprawl" Campaign. The Representative participates in the development of
strategies and priorities for the campaign, produces educational
materials and reports, does research, testifies, lobbies, works closely
with volunteers, serves as a technical resource, and represents the
Sierra Club to government officials, the media and other organizations.
Required experience includes B.A./B.S. degree in Environmental Studies,
Political Science, or a closely related field, substantial experience
planning and conducting a national legislative campaign, and work with
senior level political leaders; excellent knowledge and background in
policy issues related to sprawl, including land use, transportation and
smart growth. For a complete job description, go to:
http://www.sierraclub.org/jobs/WDC_sprawl_rep.htm .
JOB > BIKE/PED TRANS SPECIALIST: SAN JOSE, CA
The San Jose (CA) Transportation Planning Division of the Department of
Transportation is seeking a dynamic and energetic individual to lead and
coordinate the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs. Education:
Bachelor's degree in transportation planning, city and regional
planning, urban studies, civil engineering or closely related field.
Experience: 3 years of increasingly responsible experience in project or
program management. For more information, contact SooBin Shin,
Transportation Department - City of San Jose,1404 Mabury Road, San Jose,
CA. 95133. Voice: (408) 277-2537; fax: (408) 277-3621; E-mail:
Soobin.Shin@ci.sj.ca.us
JOB > ASSISTANT CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER -- PEORIA, AZ
The new Assistant City Traffic Engineer will coordinate the City's
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (traffic calming), develop and
create a new Bicycle/Pedestrian Program, and coordinate transportation
planning activities. We are looking for a transportation professional
with engineering and/or planning experience. The salary range is
$62,475 to $79,737. The position opened on July 9th; to be considered
for the first review, applications need to be submitted by September
14. For more information: Scott E. Nodes, P.E., City Traffic Engineer,
City of Peoria, 8401 West Monroe Street, Peoria, AZ 85345. Email:
ScottN@PeoriaAz.Com
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SEND US YOUR NEWS: We want to hear what you're up to!
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."
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Contributors: Bill Wilkinson, Peter Moe, Peter Jacobsen
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 Web: http://www.bikewalk.org
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