C-E-N-T-E-R-L-I-N-E-S
Issue #57 Friday, November 8, 2002
F-E-A-T-U-R-E-S
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Congressman Oberstar Does TV Spots
NCBW Walkable Communities Boot Camp Report
Aussies Give out Bicycling Achievement Awards
NHTSA Wants Bike Helmet Effects Information
Rockville (MD) Code Enforcement Inspectors Start Biking
(Old) Senate Committee Chairs Urge Trans. $$
Ottawa Announces 2002 Timmermans Awards
I-N--T-H-E--N-E-W-S
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Roanoke (VA) Reporter Goes to Bike Boot Camp
Univ. of Hawai'i Police Start Bike Lock Program
Buckhead County (GA) Gets More Ped-Friendly Streets
Belgian P.M. Breaks Elbow in Bike Crash
Gladwin (MI) Considers Bridge Walkway
Bikers Make Kampala (UG) "Unsuitable" Capitol?
Indianapolis (IN) Trail Expands
Chico (CA) Cyclists Face Hefty Fines
"Tunnel Hill" a Popular S. Illinois Trail
Dutch Considering "Velotaxis"
St. Paul (MN) Bypass Gets Bike, Ped Paths
Toledo (OH) Police Concerned about Helmet Law
San Luis Obispo (CA) Gets "Safe Routes" Money
Athens Cops to Tow Cars from Sidewalks
New Car Mileage Heads Down
Peds, Bikes to Inherit Old Tucson Underpass
Canadian Docs Say Helmet Laws Work
F-E-A-T-U-R-E-S
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CONGRESSMAN OBERSTAR DOES TV SPOTS
-> America Bikes' executive director, Martha Roskowski, wrote to point
out Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar's TV spots, two of which are
particularly relevant to CL's readers: "Safe Routes to Schools" and
"Transportation Vision."
See them at: http://www.oberstar.org/media.htm
Learn more about America Bikes at: http://www.americabikes.org/
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NCBW WALKABLE COMMUNITIES BOOT CAMP REPORT
Staff specialists from the nine metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs)
selected to participate in round one of the NCBW's Walkable Communities
Workshop (WCW) program gathered in San Jose, California last week for a
four-day "boot camp" on walkable communities. Led by co-trainers Dan Burden
and Peter Lagerwey, along with NCBW's Peter Moe and Sue Newberry of Community
Partners, LLC, the nine MPO coordinators were taken on a whirlwind tour of
eight communities in the Silicon Valley area.
"This is what community change is all about," said Moe, NCBW's deputy director.
"We brought these folks in, raised their awareness, trained their eyes to see
things differently, and increased their capacity to make things happen. They're
now more effective agents of change for walkable communities."
Said one coordinator "I can guarantee that my experience this past week
will stay with me for a long time."
In addition to walking and bicycling tours of facilities and developments,
the coordinators were trained to effectively organize, promote, and deliver
the Walkable Community Workshops in their own regions. They also participated in
a WC Workshop in the City of Santa Cruz, led by Burden and Lagerwey. Each of
the MPO coordinators trained this past week in turn host eight Walkable
Community Workshops in his or her own region.
The NCBW is conducting this project as part of its active living through
community design program (sponsored in part by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation).
Check here for photos from the San Jose event:
http://www.bikewalk.org/technical_assistance/training_resources/wcw/san_jose.htm
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AUSSIES GIVE OUT BICYCLING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
-> Lenore Evans of the Cairns (Australia) Bicycle User Group sent
information about their inaugural "Bicycling Achievement Awards."
They were "announced at the Bicycling Australia Show in Melbourne on
the 19. October 2002. The awards aim to recognise innovation,
contribution and commitment towards promoting cycling and in enhancing
conditions for bicycle riders.
"The winners are:
Cycling Advocate of the Year: Fiona Campbell
Honorary Mention: Leonore Evans Cairns Bicycle User Group; Ian
Maciondoe, CAMWEST NSW
Award for special achievement by a bicycle advocacy organisation: Pedal
Power Advocacy Team (Canberra); Bicycle South Australia
Honorary Mention: Bike North NSW; Mountain Bike Australia Inc.;
Wangaratta Bicycle User Group
Local Government award for initiatives to encourage and promote
cycling: City of Darebin, Victoria
Honorary Mention: Cycling South, Tasmania
Cycling Advocacy Award for Bicycle Industry Business: Treadlies,
Kingston Tasmania
Bicycling Achievement Award for Contribution by a Politician: Kate
Lamb, Deputy Mayor of City of Willoughby"
For details of the Winners, download this pdf:
http://www.cyclingpromotion.com/Bicycling%20Achievement%20Awards%20Winners.pdf "
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NHTSA WANTS BIKE HELMET EFFECTS INFORMATION
-> According to a recent note, "NHTSA has recently awarded a contract
to Dunlap and Associates, Inc., of Stamford, CT, to determine the
effects of bicycle helmet laws and ordinances on bicycle helmet use and
mobility. Dunlap will be developing and testing education and
enforcement campaigns to try to increase bicycle helmet use. If you
are aware of any innovative and/or evaluated enforcement or publicity
campaigns, please inform Arlene Cleven or Richard Blomberg of the
Dunlap staff at the following address: Dunlap and Associates, Inc., 110
Lenox Avenue, Stamford, CT 06906-2300; phone: (203) 323-8484; fax:
(203) 964-0799; e-mail: <arlenecleven@aol.com>, <rdblomberg@aol.com>.
If available, please send copies of reports or publicity materials that
you think are relevant. Otherwise, just let them know where the
program was done and they'll follow up."
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ROCKVILLE (MD) CODE ENFORCEMENT INSPECTORS START BIKING
-> According to the October 2002 Rockville Reports, "In an effort to
increase visibility and effectively respond to citizens' input, the
Department of Neighborhood and Community Services has incorporated the
use of bicycles as part of its Code Enforcement Program. By using
bicycles for code enforcement, the inspectors hope to gain
accessibility to areas that were difficult to access before. 'For
example, there are areas in King Farm that are not vehicle accessible,'
said Housing Codes Inspector Bill Calloway. 'There are alleys and many
places that require more mobility. Before, we could park a car and
walk, but with bikes now, we will be able to ride right up to a
location and see much more.'
"According to Calloway, the bicycle program seems to be a first. After
researching other code enforcement organizations, he has not been able
to find another like it in the country. The department will launch the
pilot program in early October, and bike inspectors will soon become a
familiar City site. The City will ensure that the Inspectors' bikes are
easily identifiable by marking the bikes with large decals. Using
bicycles seem like a natural progression for the City that is working
to establish itself as a bicycle mecca. The program will enable the
Mayor and Council's goals of 'Increased Mobility,' 'Superior City
Services' and 'Strengthening Neighborhoods.'"
For more information on the program, contact Nikki Hawkins, Public
information specialist with the City of Rockville;phone: (240) 314-8116
email: <NHawkins@ci.rockville.md.us>
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(OLD) SENATE COMMITTEE CHAIRS URGE TRANS. $$
-> According to an Oct. 17th U.S. Senate news release (obviously sent
before the election's shake-up of the Senate leadership, "Today six
Senators urged President Bush to include higher funding for the
nation's surface transportation system as the Administration develops
its fiscal year 2004 budget, announced U.S. Sen. Jim Jeffords, I - Vt,
Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The
President's FY 2004 budget will include proposed six-year funding
levels for the next surface transportation bill. The letter includes
chairmen of key Committees and Subcommittees that will be involved in
the reauthorization of TEA-21, the nation's major transportation bill.
"'It is clear to me following 14 transportation hearings that our
transportation system needs a massive investment of new funds. Next
year's Administration budget will set the tone for reauthorization of
TEA-21. It is imperative that Congress be given the tools to address
our transportation needs,' said Jeffords. Signing the letter were U.S.
Sens. Jim Jeffords, I - Vt., Fritz Hollings, D - S.C., Paul Sarbanes, D
- Md., Harry Reid, D - Nev., John Breaux, D - La., and Jack Reed, D -
R.I...."
Source: http://www.senate.gov/~epw/maj_pr_10-17-02.htm
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OTTAWA ANNOUNCES 2002 TIMMERMANS AWARDS
According to an October 21st news release from the City of Ottawa,
Ontario, "The fourth annual Bruce Timmermans Cycling Awards were
presented at a ceremony today at Ottawa City Hall. The awards are
presented to an individual and an organization that demonstrate a
commitment to promoting cycling as a means of transportation. The
recipients of this year's awards are:
- Fidus Systems, the first business to receive the Cycling-Friendly
designation in the new City of Ottawa. This award is given to
organizations and businesses that meet at least two cycling-friendly
criteria.
- Sidney Board, winner of the Individual Award, which recognizes an
Ottawa citizen who demonstrates exemplary commitment to the promotion
of cycling. Mr. Board, who travels by bicycle year round, is president
of the Ottawa Safety Council. He has a long history of volunteering
with Citizens for Safe Cycling and teaching cycling skills to Ottawa
residents.
- Pathway Patrol, winner of the Organization Award, which recognizes
the outstanding efforts of a volunteer organization in the
encouragement of bicycle use. During the summer months, teams of
Pathway Patrol volunteers ensure the city's recreational paths are safe
and enjoyable for all users.
"City Councillor Rainer Bloess was on hand for the awards ceremony.
'The dedication of Fidus Systems, Sidney Board and the Pathway Patrol
are shining examples of what any individual or organization can do to
make a difference in our community,' he said. 'I am proud to recognize
their efforts in our city, and to pleased to honour the memory of one
of our greatest cycling advocates, Bruce Timmermans.' Bruce Timmermans
was a long-time cycling educator and advocate, an active member of the
Ottawa Bicycle Club and a founding member of Citizens for Safe Cycling.
He worked tirelessly to encourage safe and increased bicycle use.
"The Bruce Timmermans Cycling Awards are part of the TravelWise program
which encourages and recognizes initiatives that promote the greater
use of cycling, walking, public transit and carpooling to get around
Ottawa."
For more information on the Bruce Timmermans Cycling Awards, contact
the City's Call Centre at (613) 580-2400 or visit:
http://city.ottawa.on.ca/city_services/traffic/26_1_8_2_2_8_en.shtml
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I-N--T-H-E--N-E-W-S
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ROANOKE (VA) REPORTER GOES TO BIKE BOOT CAMP
-> According to a Nov. 6th story on WSLS-TV, Roanoke, VA, "There's more
to bike cops than meets the eye. No matter where you live, you probably
got officers on bike patrol. What you may not know is that it's a long,
tough ride for those officers, before they ever take a shift, 'in the
saddle.' I wanted to see if I could pass the test -- so I took
Roanoke's week-long training program.
"A week, if you will, at bicycle boot camp! Before officers can learn
how to do their job on a bicycle, they must endure some time in the
classroom. Like the real officers, I learned quickly that this would be
no easy week. Todd Clingenpeel/Instructor: 'We're going to give you a
lot of knowledge in a short period of time.'..."
Source: http://www.wsls.com/news/localnews/MGBC8MZP78D.html
Title: "Bicycle Boot Camp part 1"
Author: John Carlin
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UNIV. OF HAWAI'I POLICE START BIKE LOCK PROGRAM
-> According to a Nov. 6th article in the University of Hawai'i/Manoa
Ka Leo, "In an effort to inform the University of Hawai'i at Manoa
community of the importance of locking their bicycles, Campus Security
has decided to institute a new bike lock program. Security officers
will lock any bicycle found unlocked and unattended, even if it's just
for a little while. Those wanting their bicycle unlocked will have to
call 956-8211 and provide appropriate identification and bicycle
registration papers.
"'Previously, campus security would confiscate unsecured bikes and take
them to a storage facility ? from which students could claim them upon
submitting proper identification,' Director of Public Affairs Jim Manke
said. 'This amounted to about three bikes per month; many or most bikes
were never retrieved ? i.e., they were abandoned. This is an
alternative method of doing the same thing.' Since the program went
into effect on Oct. 14, only one bicycle has been locked by Campus
Security. 'If you think about it, it's good that they lock it up,'
Junior Kim Su said. 'That's an advantage to the student except the
whole process to get it back just sounds like it's a little too time
consuming.'..."
Source:
http://www.kaleo.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2002/11/06/3dc7769c84eb0
Archive search: http://www.kaleo.org/vnews/display.v/ARC?submit=search
Cost: No
Title: "Security trying to cut down on bike theft"
Author: Marlo Ting
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BUCKHEAD COUNTY (GA) GETS MORE PED-FRIENDLY STREETS
-> According to an Oct. 25th story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
"Many of Buckhead's most pedestrian-unfriendly concrete canyons have
been retrofitted with walkers in mind, the result of $1 million in
federal safety funding and $275,250 from local businesses. Now if they
could only do something about the pedestrian signals, many of
which don't seem to work correctly.
"'That's our follow-up project, to replace all the pedestrian signals'
buttons and make them handicapped-accessible,' said Scotty Green,
executive director of the Buckhead Central Improvement District, a
self-taxing group formed to improve transportation..."
Source: (archives) http://stacks.ajc.com/
Cost: Yes
Title: "Buckhead's streets get friendlier for pedestrians"
Author: Joey Ledford
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BELGIAN P.M. BREAKS ELBOW IN BIKE CRASH
-> According to a Nov. 4th Reuters story filed in Brussels, "Belgian
Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt has postponed a meeting with German
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder after falling off his bicycle and
fracturing an elbow.
"A spokesman for Verhofstadt said he was expected to leave hospital
this afternoon after undergoing minor surgery. The 49-year-old leader
-- a keen cyclist -- was due back at work on Tuesday..."
Source:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20021104/od_uk_nm/oukoe_belgium_verhofstadt_2
Title: "Bike accident delays Belgian-German summit"
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GLADWIN (MI) CONSIDERS BRIDGE WALKWAY
-> According to a Nov. 7th story in the Gladwin County (MI) Record, "In
the interest of public safety the Gladwin City Council will be
examining the possibility of creating a walkway on the new Cedar River
Bridge on Cedar Avenue. City councilwoman Dee Jungman told the council
at their last meeting that the city?s safety committee had been
approached by residents who have concern about the safety of those
walking across the bridge. She said the committee would like sidewalks
on the north side of the bridge west out to the stoplight at M-18 and
on the south side of the bridge west to the stoplight at M-18 to be
installed including the approaches to the bridge on either side.
"City manager Bob McConkie said the city has been looking into applying
for highway enhancement grants that would fund streetscaping and a
sidewalk for the area. He said the city will be putting together a
grant application. City councilman Tom Hindman said he?d like to see
the council move quickly and he expressed concern about tying the
pedestrian walk way in with such a big project. Mayor Tom Winarski
agreed. 'We can look into temporary measures that can be taken until we
can find a permanent solution to the problem,' he said."
Source: http://www.gladwinmi.com/placed/story/11-07-2002bridge.html
Archive search: use "search" window
Cost: No
Title: "Pedestrian walkway on Cedar River Bridge considered public
safety issue"
Author: Amy L. Morris
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BIKERS MAKE KAMPALA (UG) "UNSUITABLE" CAPITOL?
-> According to a Nov. 2nd Kampala Monitor story, "The Town Clerk of
Kampala, Gordon Mwesigye, is talking tough about boda bodas (small
motorcycle 'taxis'). He gave the boda boda riders a last chance to
register, or else their bikes will be impounded. The number, and
importance of Boda bodas in Kampala and other towns have grown to the
extent that it is now impossible to imagine what life used to be like
without them. However the success of the boda boda industry is also
becoming its worst enemy. Because they are so many, they are crowding
the roads and making travel riskier for themselves, the people they
carry, and car drivers...
"Dangerous as they might be, boda bodas do not pose the biggest new
risk on the streets. It is the bicycles. They are overloaded with heavy
sacks, and it is common for the rider and the goods he is carrying to
crash and spill on the road. Apart from their not having flashing items
to make them stand out, some of these bicycles sometimes carry wood or
metal bars that are 12 feet long. Either motorists run into, or while
avoiding them, hit other vehicles. This problem must also be dealt
with. The longer the Town Clerk waits, the sooner Kampala will become
unsuited to be the nation's capital."
Source:
http://www.monitor.co.ug/archive.php?record_number=49&month=November&year=2002&date=2§ion=Editorial
Archive search:
http://www.monitor.co.ug/archive.php?section=Editorial&year=2002&month=November&date=2
Cost: No
Title"Fix Bicycle Men Too, Not Boda Boda Riders Only"
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INDIANAPOLIS (IN) TRAIL EXPANDS
-> According to an Oct. 27th story in the Indianapolis Star, "Urban
innovation. Recreation destination. Damned invasion. That's the Monon.
More than a million trail users each year are counted along the
Northside trail, which has expanded mile by mile on what once was a
busy railroad bed. In November, the last asphalt will be laid to finish
a Downtown connection to the $9 million trail that now stretches more
than 15 miles to 146th Street in Carmel.
"This modest ribbon of asphalt has connected diverse urban and suburban
areas into one recreational community. It passes poor inner-city
neighborhoods, grimy industrial plants, artsy Broad Ripple,
middle-class houses, a nature preserve, a golf course, a horse pasture
and wealthy homes with sprawling back yards..."
Source: http://www.indystar.com/article.php?monon27_p.html
Archive search: http://www.indystar.com/archives/lastsevendays/
Cost: Yes (after 30 days)
Title: "Trail touches all walks of life"
Author: George McLaren
Related articles may be found at:
http://www.indystar.com/article.php?mononreal28.html
http://www.indystar.com/article.php?monon28.html
http://www.indystar.com/article.php?mononcrime28.html
http://www.indystar.com/article.php?mononpeople27.html
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CHICO (CA) CYCLISTS FACE HEFTY FINES
-> According to an Oct. 30th story in the Calif. State University/Chico
Orion, "For most students $89 is a lot of money. It equals one-third of
rent for a month or 89 drinks on buck night at the bars. It's also the
cost of a citation for riding a bicycle on campus. In a city where many
of students ride their bikes to campus and use them as a common source
of transportation, it's often the little things like the laws that are
forgotten.
"Laws that often go unnoticed are those such as bicycling under the
influence of alcohol or drugs, having proper equipment for night
riding, and obeying laws regarding headsets or earplugs. Riding a
bicycle while under the influence is punishable by up to a $250 fine
and arrest. If the rider is under 21 but over 13 years old, driver's
licenses are often suspended or delayed for one year..."
Source:
http://www.orion-online.net/vnews/display.v/ART/2002/10/30/3dbf333b92a77
Archive search:
http://www.orion-online.net/vnews/display.v/ARC?submit=search
Cost: No
Title" "Bicycle violators risk hefty fines"
Author: Michelle Choat
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"TUNNEL HILL" A POPULAR S. ILLINOIS TRAIL
-> According to an Oct. 13th story in the Carbondale (IL) Southern
Illinoisan, "Ignoring the first real kiss of fall weather that hit the
region Sunday, Joe Kern bundled up and drove to the Tunnel Hill State
Park for an early morning bicycle ride. 'Oh well, when it gets cold I
just put on gloves and boots, warmer clothes,' the 76-year-old
Metropolis resident said. 'You just have to adapt to the weather as
much as possible.'
"Riding a bike for the past 13 years has not only provided Kern with a
healthy outlook, it has given him a hobby that has allowed him to
travel throughout Southern Illinois in pursuit of one more hill, one
more trail or one more unbeaten path. 'I like to get out and ride on
the country roads," he said as he adjusted the windscreen on his bike.
"I don't think there's any better way to travel, really, than by bike.
I mean, it's comfortable, not that expensive, pretty convenient and
slow enough to let you see things.'..."
Source:
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/rednews/2002/10/14/build/top/TOP004.html
Archive search: Use "search" window
Cost: Yes
Title: "Tunnel Hill State Trail a Haven for Bicycle Enthusiasts"
Author: Linda A. Krutsinger
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DUTCH CONSIDERING "VELOTAXIS"
-> According to an Oct. 25th AP story, "Five bicycle taxis were
introduced to the bike-crazy city of Amsterdam this week for a trial
run, and judging by the initial enthusiastic reaction, they may soon
become a fixture. 'Velotaxis,' as they are called, have three wheels,
florescent sides with open windows, a curved roof, and look something
like a postmodern rickshaw. The German-designed taxis are
pedal-powered, but include two small batteries to give the driver a
little extra assistance getting over Amsterdam's stone bridges ? or
moving extra heavy passengers.
"'My batteries are drained, and so am I,' said driver Joel Sahuleka,
leaning back in his seat. He regretfully told several passengers
queuing in a light rain they would need to wait for a fresh driver.
Sahuleka is a student who plans to pedal for cash two days a week if
the project is given the green light..."
Source:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20021025/ap_wo_en_po/netherlands_bike_taxi_1
Title: "Bicycle taxis take a trial spin in Amsterdam"
Author: Toby Sterling
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ST. PAUL (MN) BYPASS GETS BIKE, PED PATHS
-> According to a Nov. 4th story in the St. Paul Pioneer Press,
"Motorists who use Shepard Road to bypass downtown St. Paul will have
to find a new route starting today as the road will be closed after
morning rush hour for major reconstruction that will last about a year.
The $6.5 million project is the final step in the 10-year revamping of
the 50-year-old route along the north side of the Mississippi River
through much of St. Paul. When it is completed, the road will have two
lanes of traffic in each direction, pedestrian and bicycle paths, a
median and amenities to make it a parkway.
"With the paths, it will serve as a major link in the growing network
of bicycle and pedestrian ways throughout the city and metropolitan
area. The area to be fixed up now has two westbound lanes and one
eastbound lane, all of it on worn concrete, and a sidewalk that narrows
to as little as 3 feet. To gain space for the extra lane, paths and
green space, a retaining wall will be constructed, giving engineers
another 20 to 30 feet to work with. There will also be a 15-foot
pedestrian platform where the road passes under tight quarters at the
intersection of the Robert Street Bridge and a railroad bridge..."
Source:
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/local/4437470.htm
Archive search: http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/archives/
Cost: No
Title: "St. Paul: Shepard Road ready to close this afternoon"
Author: Karl J. Karlson
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TOLEDO (OH) POLICE CONCERNED ABOUT HELMET LAW
-> According to a Nov. 1st story in the Toledo (OH) Blade, "Children
who ride bicycles without helmets could be fined, and possibly have
their bikes impounded, if a draft ordinance endorsed yesterday by the
Toledo-Lucas County health board is approved by city councils in Lucas
County. The health board can?t pass or enforce such an ordinance, but
it has drawn up what it feels is good model legislation that it hopes
area councils adopt. It will send the proposed ordinance to Toledo City
Council and other jurisdictions in the county.
"The issue surfaced when local children?s safety experts urged Toledo
council in March to pass a bicycle helmet law. Toledo police told
council while they supported helmet use, they were concerned about how
they?d enforce such an ordinance. They also worried that low-income
children wouldn?t be able to afford helmets. Based on those and other
concerns, council tabled the issue and asked the health department to
look into the matter and come up with some suggestions..."
Source:
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20021101&Category=NEWS17&ArtNo=111010073&Ref=AR
Archive search:
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/oversikt?Category=ARCHIVES
Cost: Yes (after 30 days)
Title: "No helmet, no bicycle, health unit proposes"
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SAN LUIS OBISPO (CA) GETS SAFE ROUTES MONEY
-> According to a Nov. 3rd article in the San Luis Obispo (CA) Tribune,
"San Luis Obispo County has received nearly $400,000 in state funding
for two projects to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety. The money
is part of nearly $30 million in grants that Gov. Gray Davis handed out
for 110 such projects statewide. Students from Templeton Elementary,
Middle and High schools will be the biggest local beneficiaries.
"A project to build sidewalks and enhance crosswalks along Old County
Road between Florence Street and Vineyard Drive -- which links the
three schools -- will be primarily funded by $288,000 from the state.
Another $108,000 will be used to install traffic signals and vehicle
and bicycle detection equipment at the intersection of Santa Barbara
and Morro streets in San Luis Obispo. The funding for all 110 projects
came from the Safe Routes to Schools program and the Bicycle
Transportation Account program."
Source:
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/news/local/4438721.htm
Archive search:
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/archives/
Cost: Yes
Title: "County gets state grants for bicycle and pedestrian safety
projects"
Author: Freddie Yap
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ATHENS COPS TO TOW CARS FROM SIDEWALKS
-> According to a Nov. 3rd AP story filed in Athens, Greece, "There are
two ways to park in the Athens area: cruise the crowded streets for a
legal spot or simply roll onto an empty stretch of sidewalk. The second
-- and often favored -- option could be coming to an end.
"In another bid to tame the city's wild habits before the 2004
Olympics, traffic police on Monday will begin ticketing and towing
cars, motorcycles and other vehicles parked on sidewalks in central
Athens. The rules are expected to be gradually extended to the rest of
greater Athens, where new laws have tried to impose some order on the
renegade mentality..."
Source:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20021103/ap_wo_en_po/g
reece_sidewalk_sweeps_1
Title: "Greek authorities seek to clear sidewalks of cars in
pre-Olympic campaign"
Author: Miron Varouhakis
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NEW CAR MILEAGE HEADS DOWN
-> According to an Oct. 30th San Francisco Chronicle story, "America's
automobiles are headed in the wrong direction -- at least when it comes
to fuel efficiency, according to new data from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. A tiny 3.5 percent of 2003 passenger vehicles --
just 33 of the 934 models now rolling into showrooms -- can drive 30
miles or more on 1 gallon of gasoline, according to an analysis of the
EPA's 2003 Fuel Economy guide released Tuesday.
"That compares to 5.5 percent of 2002 vehicles, or 48 of the 865 models
released last year, that get 30 mpg or better, according to an analysis
by the Associated Press. 'It's very unfortunate, given what's going on
in the Middle East, that automakers are continuing to offer products
that increase oil dependency,' said David Friedman, senior analyst with
the Union of Concerned Scientists in Berkeley..."
Source:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/10/30/MN172978.DTL
Archive search: http://www.sfgate.com/search/
Cost: No
Title: : New cars headed in reverse on fuel usage
Only 3.5 percent of next year's models hit 30 mpg threshold"
Author: Carol Emert
For more information on the EPA data, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/headline2_102902.htm
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PEDS, BIKES TO INHERIT OLD TUCSON UNDERPASS
-> According to an Oct. 28 story in the (Tucson) Arizona Daily Star,
"Work to build a new Fourth Avenue underpass in Downtown starts next
year, and when it's done, people will see much more than a way to pass
beneath a pair of railroad tracks. As part of the $16.6 million
project, a small park will be installed just north of the underpass, a
plaza will replace a relocated Greyhound bus depot, and the Old Pueblo
Trolley line will be extended into Downtown. Along with a short road
extension, the underpass will finally connect north and south Fourth
Avenue.
"It will be built directly east of the existing underpass - which will
be renovated and turned over to bicyclists and pedestrians. The
improvements will be an important part of revitalizing Downtown, said
Brooks Keenan, project manager for the Tucson Department of
Transportation. 'This can become a very lively corner of Downtown,' he
said..."
Source:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/azstar/20021028/lo_azstar/new_4th_ave__underpass_planned
Archive search:
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/azstarnet/index.html?ts=1036711808
Cost: Yes
Title: "New 4th Ave. underpass planned"
Author: Susanna Canizo
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CANADIAN DOCS SAY HELMET LAWS WORK
-> According to a Nov. 4th story on Canada's CTV, "Parents of
bike-riding kids now have more reason to ensure they strap on helmets.
Provinces that require children to wear bicycle helmets had a
significant reduction in the number of head injuries over a four-year
period compared to provinces without such legislation, a new study has
found. The study, by the Hospital for Sick Children and the University
of Toronto, is in the November issue of Pediatrics, the scientific
journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
"'It was already known that bicycle helmet legislation is a successful
strategy for the adoption of helmets, but the effect on the rates of
head injuries was unknown,' said the study's lead author, Alison
Macpherson. 'This research shows that helmet legislation is an
effective tool in the prevention of childhood bicycle-related head
injuries.' Five provinces have adopted bike-helmet legislation..."
Source:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1036449005382_31858205/?hub=Health
Archive search: Use "search" window
Cost: No
Title: "Bicycle helmet laws reduce injury, study says"
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AND NOW, FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...
DAIRY CAM MILKING PARLOR
"This parlor contains a unique double 8 with parallel (90 degree)
stalls on one side and herringbone (70 degree) design on the other.
This is the first parlor in the United State to measure differences
between the two systems in the same parlor. Automatic cow
identification allows parlor operators to collect daily milk weights on
each cow. This view shows the herringbone stalls. The parallel stalls
sit across the alley to the right. (cam view is updated every 30
seconds)"
http://dairycam.com/
CORRECTION: Last issue's "something" didn't include the web address.
Here it is:
"THINGS NOT TO DO (ON A UNICYCLE)"
http://www.unicycling.com/things/index.htm
R-E-S-O-U-R-C-E-S
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-> "INTEGRATION OF BICYCLES AND TRANSIT"
TCRP Synthesis 4; by John T. Doolittle, Jr. and Ellen Kret Porter; 1994
http://www.nationalacademies.org/trb/publications/tcrp/tsyn04.pdf
-> "TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY"
National Conference Proceedings; TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH E-CIRCULAR
Number E-C028; April 2001
http://trb.org/trb/publications/circulars/ec028.pdf
-> "PERSONAL TRAVEL - THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT"
Conference Proceedings; TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
E-CIRCULAR Number E-C026 March 2001
http://trb.org/trb/publications/ec026/ec026.pdf
-> "PLANNING AND DESIGN OF A SUBURBAN NEOTRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD"
By Brian Wolshon and James Wahl; Urban Street Symposium Conference
Proceedings; June, 1999
http://nationalacademies.org/trb/publications/ec019/ec019_b2.pdf
-> "DOWNTOWN STREETS"
Subtitled "Are We Strangling Ourselves on One-Way Networks?" by G.
Wadewalker, W. Kulash, and B. HcHugh; Urban Street Symposium Conference
Proceedings; June, 1999
http://nationalacademies.org/trb/publications/ec019/ec019_f2.pdf
-> "PEDESTRIAN LEVEL OF SERVICE BASED ON TRIP QUALITY"
By Frank Jaskiewicz; Urban Street Symposium Conference Proceedings;
June, 1999
http://nationalacademies.org/trb/publications/ec019/ec019_g1.pdf
C-A-L-E-N-D-A-R
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November 10-13, 2002, 16th National Trails Symposium, Orlando, FL.
Info: American Trails, PO Box 491797, Redding, CA 96049-1797; voice:
(530) 547-2060; fax: (530) 547-2035, e-mail:
<symposium@americantrails.org>
http://click.topica.com/maaaBxsaaT7O3b1NP4Wb/
November 14, 2002, Bikes-N-Kids: Helping Children Have Fun and Be Safe
on Two Wheels, Redding, CA. Info: Amy Pendergast, Shasta County Public
Health and the Injury Prevention Coalition; phone: (530) 245-6583;
email: <apendergast@co.shasta.ca.us>
November 18; 2002, 12:30 - 1:30pm, 2002 National Awards for Smart
Growth Achievement, Washington DC. Presented by EPA Administrator
Christine Todd Whitman. Info:
http: //www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards
November 26-27, 2002, ACCESS Conference, Barcelona, Spain. Info:
Eurocities for a New Mobility Culture, 18 Square de Meeus, 1050
Brussels, Belgium; phone: + 32 2 552 0883; fax: + 32 2 5520889; email:
<access@eurocities.be>
http://www.access-eurocities.org/frameset_events.html
December 4-5, UITP Workshop: Public Transport and Car-Sharing, Bremen,
Germany. Info: The Senator for Building and Environment, Hanseatenhof
5, 28195, Bremen, Germany, Michael Glotz-Richter; phone: +49 421 361
6703; fax: +49 421 361 10875; e-mail: <moses@umwelt.bremen.de>.
http://213.170.188.3/moses/index.asp?page=80
January 30 - February 1, 2003, 2nd Annual New Partners for Smart Growth
conference, New Orleans, LA. See:
http://www.outreach.psu.edu/C&I/SmartGrowth/
February 5, 2003, 6th Maryland Bicycling and Walking Symposium,
Annapolis, MD. Info: Bill Kelly, phone: (301) 441-2740; email:
<ws.kellt@att.net> or Pete Olsen at One Less Car-OLC, phone: (410)
360-6755; email: <PSOlsen@aol.com>.
March 20-22, 2003, Urbanism downunder 2003, Auckland, New Zealand.
Info: Barry Williams, Centre for Continuing Education (University of
Auckland); voice: +64 9 373-7599 extension 8903; email:
<b.williams@auckland.ac.nz>
May 1-3, 2003, Walk21 IV: Health, Equity & Environment; the Fourth
International Conference on Walking in the 21st Century, Portland, OR.
Info: e-mail<info@americawalks.org>
http://www.walk21.com/
May 4, 2003, Third National Congress of Pedestrian Advocates, Portland,
OR. Info: e-mail <info@americawalks.org>
http://americawalks.org/congress/
June 26-29, 2003, TrailLink 2003: Designing For The Future, Providence,
RI. Info: Rails-To-Trails Conservancy, 1100 17th Street, NW,
Washington, D.C. 20036.
http://www.railtrails.org/traillink2003
August 3-6, 2003, Action for America's Communities, Countryside, and
Public Lands, Denver, CO. Info: Scenic Summit, P.O. BOX 3499, Boulder,
CO 80307-3499; phone: (303) 494-1246; e-mail:
<scenicsummit@atwoodcompany.com>
http://www.scenicsummit.org
September 23-26, 2003, Velo-City 2003, Paris, France. Info: Isabelle
Lesens, Velo-city 2003, Mairie de Paris, 40 rue du Louvre, F- 75001
Paris; email: <isabelle.lesens@mairie-paris.fr>. Call for papers
deadline: Nov. 15, 2002.
http://www.velo-city2003.com
J-O-B-S--G-R-A-N-T-S--A-N-D--R-F-P-S
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-> JOB -- BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COORDINATOR -- ST. PETERSBURG, FL
Description: This is responsible professional and technical work in
planning, directing and coordinating the City of St. Petersburg's
bicycle - pedestrian program. The incumbent works with City staff,
neighborhood residents and community members to identify and resolve
issues, and works with individual groups to develop action strategies
to implement plans developed. Work involves developing and implementing
a City wide bicycle pedestrian master plan and assist in the
development, forecasting and budgeting of long-term modifications to
facilities.
To qualify: Prefer graduation from an accredited four year college or
university with major course work in Planning or Social Sciences,
Landscape Architecture, Transportation, or related fields. Must have a
minimum of three years progressive planning experience at the
coordination level. Must also possess and maintain a valid State of
Florida Driver's License, or obtain one within 6 months.Salary:
$35,069 - $51,646.
Selection Process: Review of resumes for relevant education, training
and experience. Most qualified candidates will participate in a
departmental interview. Close: November 13, 2002. To apply: Interested
persons should submit a cover letter and resume to the Employment
Office, P.O. Box 2842, St. Petersburg, FL 33731 or e-mail to
jobs@stpete.org. Also, see:
http://www.stpete.org/employee/employee.htm
-> RFP -- HOW CAN LANE WIDTHS, CHANNELIZED RIGHT TURNS, AND RIGHT-TURN
DECELERATION AFFECT SAFETY? -- NCHRP
The National Cooperative Highway Research Program has issued a request
for proposals to develop design guidance or criteria addressing the
safety and operational tradeoffs for motorists, pedestrians, and
bicyclists for three specific topics: selecting lane widths,
channelizing right turns, and using right-turn deceleration lanes at
driveways and unsignalized intersections. Proposals are due December 4,
2002.
http://www4.trb.org/trb/crp.nsf/All+Projects/NCHRP+3-72
-> JOB -- SRTS PGM MGR -- CHICAGOLAND BICYCLE FED.
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation manages a program for the City of
Chicago called Safe Routes to School. Safe Routes to School aims to to
help Chicago recover a time, not so long ago, when the vast majority of
kids routinely roamed their neighborhoods on foot or bicycle, taking
their first steps toward independence. Safe Routes to School strives
for this goal by increasing the percentage of children who bike and
walk in their communities, one school at a time.
Primary duties: establish relationships with funding organizations and
work to obtain continued funding; research and develop partnerships
with other in-school, safety, and wellness programs; create a bicycle
and pedestrian safety curriculum and manage the creation of related
publications; market the Safe Routes to School program to schools,
government officials, community groups and parents; establish school
contacts and schedule school visits; etc. Qualifications: experience in
program management; obtaining grant funding; teaching bicycling and/or
pedestrian safety; video production; proficiency in a foreign language,
especially Spanish; proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Salary: $25,000 to $35,000 per year depending on experience.
Applications: Candidates should (a) write why they consider themselves
suited to the job, and (b) list their qualifications and/or relevant
experience, and (c) provide a resume of experience. Provide to: Dave
Glowacz, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, 650 South Clark Street, Room
300, Chicago IL 60605; phone (312) 427-3325 ext. 29 fax (312) 427-4907;
email: <glow@biketraffic.org>
http://www.biketraffic.org/jobs/prg_mgr_src.html
-> JOB -- BIKE PGM MGR -- CHARLOTTE, NC
Hiring Range: $45-60K DOQ Defines and implements bicycle polices,
programs, standards and projects outlined in the Bicycle Transportation
Plan; represents bicycle interests on steering committees of
transportation studies; serves on the MPO's Technical Coordinating
Committee; provides planning or engineering support to various program
and project development teams; responds to citizen concerns and
complaints; makes presentations to elected officials, neighborhood
groups and others regarding bicycle issues, projects, etc.; works with
both public and private sectors to obtain funding for proposed projects
and programs; analyzes and collects data pertinent to bicycle issues,
such as accident data, traffic counts, and pedestrian counts. Requires
graduation from a four-year degree in transportation planning, urban
planning, traffic engineering or a related field, preferably
supplemented by a Master's Degree; minimum of five years experience in
transportation planning or transportation engineering, with an emphasis
in bicycle planning and programming preferred; ability to communicate
effectively both orally and in writing, and knowledge of geographic
information systems (GIS) is desired. For more information, contact
John Cock at <jcock@ci.charlotte.nc.us> Deadline: Nov. 15, 2002.
For information on the Bicycle Program:
http://www.ci.charlotte.nc.us/citransportation/bicycle/index.htm
For instructions on applying, see the following web link:
http://www.ci.charlotte.nc.us/cihr/cityjobs.htm
-> JOB -- PEDESTRIAN PGM MGR -- CHARLOTTE, NC
Hiring Range: $45-60K DOQ. Serves as the City's Pedestrian Advocate
responsible for managing the Sidewalk Construction Program, responding
to requests/inquiries and evaluating potential streets for new sidewalk
construction; chairs and serves on various committees; prepares annual
work programs and budgets; makes presentations as needed. Requires
BS/BA in civil/traffic engineering, transportation/urban planning,
public health related to pedestrian/bicycling communities or a related
field (Master's degree preferred); excellent oral/written communication
skills; knowledge of principles and practices of transportation
planning; ability to work effectively with diverse groups; minimum 5
years experience in transportation planning/engineering. Experience
with an emphasis on pedestrian friendly design and safety, and GIS
experience preferred. For more information, contact John Cock at
<jcock@ci.charlotte.nc.us> Deadline: Nov. 15, 2002.
For information on Charlotte DOT:
http://www.ci.charlotte.nc.us/citransportation/cdot.html
For instructions on applying, see the following web link:
http://www.ci.charlotte.nc.us/cihr/cityjobs.htm
-> JOB -- NORTHERN NJ ADVOCATE -- TRI-STATE TRANS. CAMPAIGN
The Tri-State Transportation Campaign seeks to hire a Northern New
Jersey advocate to manage advocacy campaigns that promote our
transportation policy reform work in northern New Jersey. Primary place
of work: The Campaign's Midtown Manhattan office, though a branch
office in northern NJ is possible.
Responsibilities: organizing and leading opponents in campaigns against
several highway expansion proposals in northern New Jersey, and
advocating for more appropriate projects; educating state, municipal
and other relevant officials on the elements of our agenda; mastering
and interpreting official transportation policy and project documents;
help research and write media-oriented reports; assist the Campaign
central staff with media outreach and commentary.
Qualifications: Must be energetic, personable, and a self-starter, with
ability to work well under pressure; two or more years experience in
transportation, land use, social justice, environmental issues, or
similar policy or advocacy work; thorough understanding of state and
local political structures, role of activist and citizen groups, and
overall political decision making processes; excellent communications
skills, including writing and public speaking in particular;
familiarity with computers, word processing programs, databases and the
internet. GIS skills a plus; experience in non-profit or government
sectors preferred.
Pay is competitive with other NY-NJ area non-profit organizations and
commensurate with qualifications and experience; generous benefits
package. Interested individuals should send resumes (include contact
information for references) along with a writing sample to: Tri-State
Transportation Campaign, c/o Jon Orcutt, 240 West 35th Street, New
York, NY 10001; Fax: (212) 268-7474; or by email to: <jo@tstc.org.>
Position open until filled. No phone calls please.
http://www.tstc.org/about/jobs.html
-> JOB -- TRANS/LAND USE PLANNER -- NEW BERN NC
Planner with focus on Land Use & Transportation Searching for an
opportunity to showcase your planning skills? Want to live in New Bern,
NC? Desiring an ideal professional work environment? Have
some experience in land use, transportation, GIS planning? The Eastern
Carolina Council of Governments has an unique opportunity for you.
Salary range: $33,727 - $40,996. EEOC. Inquire or send resume to
Executive Director Joe McKinney at <jmckinney@eccog.org>
-> JOB -- ENV. TRANS. ADVOCATE -- TRANS. ALTERNATIVES, NYC
Experienced public interest advocate needed for T.A.s cutting-edge NYC
environmental transportation campaigning. Will manage pedestrian,
traffic calming and car-free parks advocacy. Must have excellent
writing skills, post-graduate political and/or advocacy experience and
the ability to work both on policy issues and community coalition
building. Salary $30k-$40k to start. E-mail and postal mail only. No
phone calls please. Send cover letter (important) and resume to
Transportation Alternatives, 115 West 30th Street, Rm. 1207 NYC 10001
or <info@transalt.org>. Please do not attach Word documents --
plain text or pdf only.
H-O-U-S-E-K-E-E-P-I-N-G
------------------------------------------------------------
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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: John Williams, Bill Wilkinson, Peter Moe, Corey Twyman,
Gary MacFadden, Ross Trethewey, Peter Jacobsen, David Crites, John
Ciccarelli, Lenore Evans, Betsy Thompson, Don Burrell, Nick Miller,
Christopher Forinash, Andy Clarke, Ellen Vanderslice, David Crites,
Martha Roskowski, and Ryan Lanyon.
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; e-mail: <info@bikewalk.org>
Web: http://www.bikewalk.org
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