| ------------------------------------------------------------ C-E-N-T-E-R-L-I-N-E-S ------------------------------------------------------------ #203 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------ CenterLines is the bi-weekly e-newsletter of the National Center for Bicycling & Walking. CenterLines is our way of quickly delivering news and information you can use to create more walkable and bicycle-friendly communities. CenterLines is also available as a podcast. Go to: http://podcast.bikewalk.org/ F-E-A-T-U-R-E-S I-N--T-H-E--N-E-W-S FEATURES 48 AICP CM CREDITS AVAILABLE AT PRO WALK/PRO BIKE 2008 -> According to Gary MacFadden, NCBW's director for Pro Walk/Pro Bike 2008 in Seattle (Sept. 2-5), the conference has had a wide variety of presentations approved by the American Planning Association (APA) to receive AICP certification maintenance (CM) credits. "We initially set a target of making up to 15 CM credits available during the conference," said MacFadden. "To make sure we garnered enough approvals, we combed through the scheduled presentations and submitted everything that we thought would appeal to planners. The APA reviewers apparently agreed with us on just about all counts, and we ended up with a whopping 48 CM credits." APA initiated the CM credits in 2007. Under its continuing education plan, any planner holding the AICP certification must earn 32 CM credits every two years in order to maintain their certification. The Pro Walk/Pro Bike 2008 conference will have presentations, workshops, and mobile workshops with CM credits available. (Remember that you must pre-register separately for the PWPB mobile workshops; see the related story this issue of CenterLines.) If you're an AICP certified planner, check out the conference presentation schedule at: US MAYORS CONSIDER BICYCLING RESOLUTION -> According to an article in the June 10th American Bicyclist Update, "Mayor Chris Koos, of Normal, IL, has introduced a resolution making the case that bicycling should be integrated into our nation's transportation, climate, energy and health policy initiatives, for consideration and adoption at this year’s U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual meeting, June 20-24 in Miami. "The resolution is similar to the Congressional Resolution recently passed by the House of Representatives and the following Mayors have agreed to be co-sponsors; John Hickenlooper, Denver, CO, John Marchione, Redmond, WA; Marty Blum, Santa Barbara, CA; R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis, MN; Jim Brainard, Carmel, IN; Al Larson, Schaumberg, IL; Ron Littlefield, Chattanooga, TN; and Joe Riley, Charleston, SC. "Please take a moment to click here (http://tinyurl.com/5dacft) to see if your Mayor is registered to attend the annual meeting, if so, please contact them and urge them to sign onto and support the resolution." To see the resolution, download this 772kb pdf file: To subscribe to the American Bicyclist Update, go to: NCBW JOINS FORCES WITH BLUE CROSS TO ADDRESS PHYSICAL INACTIVITY -> NCBW has just begun exciting work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross). According to NCBW program manager Bob Chauncey, NCBW will serve as a technical assistance provider to Minnesota communities to support a variety of grassroots initiatives designed to make towns, cities, or counties in the state more “active-living friendly.” While the specifics are still being worked out, the work will likely include community workshops on topics such as Active Living, Safe Routes to School, and Train-the-Trainer. NCBW will tailor resources to help communities overcome barriers and speed their progress. “What we find particularly appealing about this work is the involvement of a key member of the health care industry,” noted Chauncey. “Blue Cross not only understands the links between the built environment and health, but is taking a leading role in effecting change. We applaud Blue Cross and encourage other public health corporations and organizations to follow their lead in building relationships among public health, transportation, planning, and elected officials toward creating environments that facilitate bicycling and walking.” “It’s not typical for a health plan to care about how a community is designed, but a simple thing like being able to get around easily on foot or by bike can translate into increased physical activity, which then translates into better health,” explained Marc Manley, M.D., vice president and medical director of population health at Blue Cross. “So we, at Blue Cross, look forward to helping these communities remove barriers and make physical activity the easy choice.” Blue Cross project manager Katherine Bass, added “We’re excited to tap NCBW’s experience in working with advocates and organizations around the country to create walkable, bikeable communities here in Minnesota.” The funding for this “active living” work is made possible through Blue Cross as part of its Prevention Minnesota initiative, Blue Cross’ long-term commitment, funded by tobacco settlement dollars, to tackle preventable heart disease and cancers by addressing their root causes: tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating. For more information about NCBW’s work with Blue Cross, contact Bob Chauncey at bob@bikewalk.org. "ASK AN ENGINEER!" IS NEXT APBP/NCBW WEBINAR TOPIC -> You can still sign up for the first in the APBP/NCBW webinar series, "Emerging Trends in Bicycle/Pedestrian Work," scheduled for June 12. Registration & payment can be faxed or e-mailed through Wednesday, June 11, or called in to Debra Goeks at the number below by 12 noon Central time on Thursday, June 12. If you have registered for the June 12 webinar but have not yet received access information, contact Debra immediately. And mark your calendars for the second in the series: This one-hour webinar titled “Ask An Engineer!” will feature Thomas Dodds, P.E., South Carolina DOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Engineer, and Michael Moule, P.E., PTOE of Livable Streets, Inc. Both are members of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) Board of Directors. The "Ask An Engineer!" webinar will run on Friday, July 11, from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. EDT. Webinar participants will learn how engineers approach and solve common bicycle and pedestrian design issues. Two seasoned bike/ped engineers will share their tools, resources, and insights. PLUS, they'll answer any questions submitted by webinar participants prior to June 30th, illustrating possible design suggestions and solutions. Submit your questions by June 30 to info@apbp.org. Cost for the APBP/NCBW webinars series is $50/site for APBP members, and $60/site for non-members. If you have questions about the APBP/NCBW webinar series, contact Debra Goeks at 262-228-7025 or deb@apbp.org. Reserve your space for the "Ask An Engineer!" webinar at: http://www.bikewalk.org/webinar.php. FHWA UPDATES TE AND RTP GUIDANCE WEBPAGES -> In a May 30th message, Christopher Douwes, Trails and Enhancements Program Manager for the Federal Highway Administration wrote, "We revised the Guidance web pages for the Transportation Enhancement (TE) Activities and Recreational Trails Program (RTP). They are more consistent, with common resources. Most resources formerly available to one program are now available to both." Go to: CANADIANS TAKE ACTIVE+SAFE ROUTES TO NEW HEIGHTS -> According to an article in the Spring 2008 issue of School Travel Planning News, "[Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) programs in Canada are being taken to a new level with a pilot test of School Travel Planning, which began in the Fall of 2007. This pilot project is testing a process that evolved from research conducted by Green Communities Canada into International Best Practices for School Travel Planning.* "With the financial support of the Public Health Agency of Canada, Green Communities Canada is spearheading this pilot test of School Travel Planning in four provinces: Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. The project is being managed in each province by the organization that coordinates that province's existing Active and Safe Routes to School program (or equivalent program with a different name)..." *These research documents can be viewed online at: To download a copy of "School Travel Planning News" (3.8mb pdf), go to: To browse through their website, go to: PRE-REGISTER FOR PRO WALK/PRO BIKE 2008 MOBILE WORKSHOPS -> If you're planning on attending any of the wide selection of mobile workshops at Pro Walk/Pro Bike 2008 this September, remember that you'll need to pre-register on-line. And now, a number of the 22 mobile workshops have been approved for AICP CM credits (see the related story this issue of CenterLines). These mobile workshops, compiled by Peter Lagerwey and members of the Seattle local host committee, will provide conference participants with many opportunities to see facility designs and program operations first-hand. Each conference participant may request space (as long as space is available) in up to two mobile workshops. You must be registered for the Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference before you can request space in a mobile workshop. Requests will be honored on a first-come/first served basis until each mobile workshop is filled. Because many of the mobile workshops will require transportation to and from the workshop location, each workshop will be limited in size. You can see a complete listing of the workshops on the conference web pages, and access the on-line mobile workshop space request form at: ALR CONFERENCE SEEKS ABSTRACTS, NOMINATIONS -> Active Living Research (ALR), a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has announced a call for presentation and paper abstracts, and a call for award nominations for its 2009 Annual Conference. The theme of the conference is 'Active Communities for Youth and Families: Creating Momentum for Change.' Abstracts on all topics related to active living policies and environments are welcome. "Also a part of the 2009 Annual Conference, the 'Translating Research to Policy' award will recognize innovators who have successfully harnessed research to impact policy and environmental changes. The winner will be announced at the conference, February 18-20, 2009 in San Diego, CA." Read the full Call for Abstracts: http://tinyurl.com/49wyoe SEC'TY KEMPTHORNE ANNOUNCES NEW TRAILS -> According to a June 10th American Trails newsletter, "In the spirit of the 40th Anniversary of the National Trails System, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne formally announced the 24 new National Recreation Trail (NRT) designations in 16 states for 2008. The new National Recreation Trails showcase the diversity of the American landscape and add more than 1,100 miles of trails to the National Trails System. These trails join a network that contains more than 12,000 miles of trails. "'One of my priorities at Interior is to reconnect American families to nature,' said Kempthorne. 'The National Trails System, including these additions, provides an excellent link to the outdoors, particularly for children. National Recreation Trails exemplify partnerships and are providing a path to fitness and stewardship for Americans of all ages.'..." For more info, go to: TRB BICYCLE COMMITTEE CALL FOR CRASH PAPERS -> According to a June 6th message from Jennifer Dill, "[The Transportation Research Board's Bicycle Committee is] soliciting papers [for the TRB 88th Annual Meeting, Jan. 11-15, 2009] that identify or gather data documenting the problem, extent, types, causes and remedies of injury/crash problems at roadway and non-roadway locations that include motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle involvement..." For details, go to: SUNDANCE TV CHANNEL HIGHLIGHTS PORTLAND (OR) BIKE WORK -> Recently, the Sundance Channel ran several videos about Portland and its successes in planning -- and implementing -- their bicycle friendly transportation system. As Mia Birk, former city bike/pedestrian coordinator and current co-owner of Alta Planning+Design, put it, "The episode shows us how city governments, private organizations and university scientists are working to get commuters to leave their cars behind for cleaner, more efficient modes of transportation." One of the videos shows bicycle improvements, along with work that Alta are involved in. The other video focuses on a trip across town, wherein a number of bicyclists help a friend move his worldly goods to his new home. If you've never seen someone haul a couch on a bicycle, check it out! Congratulations to Mia and the folks of Portland for their good work! Video of Alta office and projects Video of moving by bike: WALKSANDIEGO GETS FIRST FULL-TIME EXEC. DIRECTOR -> According to a recent note from Andy Hamilton, "WalkSanDiego is pleased to announce the appointment of Ken Grimes as the organization's first full-time Executive Director. Ken, a Brit, has experience in both planning and non-profit management, but is new to pedestrian advocacy. His position was funded by a 2-year capacity-building grant from the California Endowment, a health-based foundation. WalkSanDiego has enjoyed success attracting funding from state-level health foundations and serves as a consultant to cities implementing Safe Routes to School projects. "WalkSanDiego has developed a niche working with closely with residents -- in various languages -- to document the gaps and hazards in their neighborhood pedestrian networks. Ken Grimes reports, 'Most municipal engineers don't have experience working effectively with residents to prioritize safety issues, particularly when there are language or cultural barriers involved. They're more than happy to hire us for that.' WalkSanDiego's budget has grown from $8000 in 2004 to over $300,000 in 2008, with a staff of four." Andy Hamilton SAFE ROUTES PROGRAM SPENDING EXCEEDS $221 MILLION "State Safe Routes to School Programs2 have now announced spending commitments for more than half (53.3 percent) of the $416 million that has been made available to states so far. $221.7 million is also about 37 percent of the total $612 million federally-provided for SRTS activities. Forty-two states have now announced spending of SRTS funds, up from 39 at the end of 2007. The National Center for Safe Routes to School continues to see the rapid growth in announced spending and the steady increase in state-level SRTS activity as a sign of the strength and promise for the national Safe Routes to School program. The $221.7 million is more than a nine-fold increase from $24.3 million in spring 2007..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/4kt2fe NEW YORK CITY DOT LISTS MAJOR BIKE IMPROVEMENTS -> According to the June 9th issue of Mobilizing the Region, "At Transportation Alternatives' 2008 Greenway Summit, keynote speaker Jon Orcutt, Director of Policy at New York City DOT (and former [Tri-State Transportation Campaign] executive director), laid out an extensive menu of bike infrastructure projects that the agency will undertake in the coming year: "- Adding bike lanes and pedestrian islands to Vernon Blvd. in Long Island City this summer. "The plans underscore the DOT's current commitment to cycling as a legitimate means of transportation in the city. In thanking the advocacy community for its support, Orcutt added that interagency cooperation was key to the continued advancement of cycling infrastructure in New York..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/5y9hkw ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANT PROGRAMS While wandering around the web, we noticed an interesting potential source for small grants that involve work on environmental justice issues. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the source. Here are two programs worth checking out: "1. The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working on or planning to work on projects to address local environmental and/or public health issues in their communities, using EPA's 'Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Model.' "2. The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations to build collaborative partnerships, to identify the local environmental and/or public health issues, and to envision solutions and empower the community through education, training, and outreach." Source: http://tinyurl.com/5swe5x GET RTCA PROGRAM HELP FOR YOUR TRAIL PROJECT -> According to an article in the June 6th MassBike Quick Release, "The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program provides staff time and technical assistance for 1-2 years to projects that need an extra hand to take the next leap forward to success. We work with citizens' groups and non-profits, helping them realize their vision of how to improve their communities, whether it's through a rail-trail, urban park, or a restored river. The National Park Service helps make it happen. "The RTCA's current projects in Massachusetts include Berkshire Bike Path, Great Barrington Trails, Groundwork Springfield, Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett Trail, French River Connections, and Attleboro Trails System. "August 1, 2008 is the deadline for the next round of assistance from RTCA Program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss project ideas with RTCA staff before submitting an application." For more info on the program, go to: For more on MassBike, go to:
QUOTES R US -> "The city as a settlement of dense, intricate linkages will disappear only when civilization does. It's happened before."
STATS R US -> "Public health efforts that promote physically active lifestyles among seniors may be more successful than those that emphasize body weight in the prevention of functional decline." -> "Our findings suggest that larger social networks have a protective influence on cognitive function among elderly women. Future studies should explore which aspects of social networks are associated with dementia risk and maintenance of cognitive health." -> "Sightline has estimated that adding a single extra mile of highway lane in a congested urban area will increase carbon-dioxide emissions by about 100,000 tons over 50 years. And that's after taking congestion relief into account."
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THE NEWS NBC COVERS RISE IN BICYCLE COMMUTING -> In a May 31st NBC TODAY show segment, Corey Sanders interviewed bicycle commuters and gave examples of how bicycling is up significantly, as a result of high gas prices. He also highlighted the increase in bike/transit trips -- in some communities, up 30%+, and how employers are encouraging employees to ride. To see the video, go to: http://tinyurl.com/4vl8f5 CONNECTICUT GOV. RELL PRAISES GREENWAY ADVOCATES -> According to a June 6th NorwalkPlus article, "Governor M. Jodi Rell today commended 16 individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion, development and enhancement of linear open space in Connecticut. Greenways in Connecticut cover thousands of acres throughout every county in the state. There are over a thousand miles of trails in Connecticut used for active recreation including walking, biking, horseback riding and in-line skating. Many of these are supported by National Recreational Trails grants, funded each year by the Federal Highway Administration and awarded by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). "'Greenways are perfect places for families to get outside, enjoy nature, and exercise together, whether walking, biking or just being together in the fresh air,' Governor Rell said. 'Through our new grant award program, even more greenways can be built and enhanced. The efforts of greenways advocates help us move forward on the path toward responsible growth. Together, we will preserve -- forever preserve -- the character and beauty of our state.' Many other communities around Connecticut have chosen, through Greenway Designation, to recognize the importance of river corridors for natural resource protection, recreational opportunities and scenic values. Other types of greenways may include paved or unpaved trail systems, ridgelines or linked parcels of open space..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/5n92ys UNIV. OF UTAH PLANS WALKABLE CAMPUS -> According to a June 9th Salt Lake Tribune article, "In the 90 years since the University of Utah's first building boom, the enclave of 13 buildings has sprawled into a 1,400-acre network of classroom buildings, parking lots, labs, medical facilities, offices and arenas, while the student population has grown 11-fold. Gone are the days when the university president grazed his cattle on campus lawns and school-owned cows kept the dining halls in milk. While campus expansion has put the U. at the forefront of scientific research and cultural life, growth has come at a cost. "Past University planners were more interested in accommodating automobiles than pedestrians and as a result, the U. setting is less lively than most major university campuses. 'Our campus is huge. It's just not walkable,' says Randy Dryer, who helped lead efforts to reconceive the campus as chairman of the University's Board of Trustees. 'The concept now is to make little pockets that are more concentrated and dense. That will bring people together, as opposed to this sprawl.'..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/6or4nx OMAHA (NE) WEIGHS 'COMPLETE STREETS' VISION -> According to a May 28th World-Herald article, "It will be a place of decorative streetlights and tree-lined medians, of benches without advertising and trash bins with attractive enclosures. Bicycle lanes will hug the roads. And colorful signs will point people to downtown civic and cultural destinations. That, in any case, is the vision of the new Omaha Streetscape Handbook. The publication, sponsored by Omaha By Design, lists 29 'streetscape' components -- ranging from benches and bicycle racks to streetlights and bus shelters -- that should conform to specific new guidelines. Connie Spellman, Omaha By Design's director, says the handbook is not a mandate for immediate change. Rather, it is a road map to guide architects and city planners when they undertake future construction or redevelopment projects. 'We see the handbook as another tool to help the city with its urban planning,' Spellman said. Last August, the City Council adopted new urban design and zoning codes, which had been developed by Omaha By Design over several years. The handbook provides the nitty-gritty details of those code revisions. "In drafting its handbook, Omaha By Design and its task force of architects, engineers and urban planning volunteers looked at the guides of other cities. Omaha's handbook was designed to be a complete guide for developers, providing detailed information about how streets should look, as well as setting out philosophical principles of urban design. 'No other city our size has come up with anything as comprehensive as our handbook,' Spellman said. The idea is to create 'complete streets' that provide comfortable places for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The city's streetscape should be environmentally friendly -- trash cans and benches, for example, should be made of recycled materials. And safety should be built into designs. The handbook is primarily intended to give the city a cohesive, attractive look. But the recommendations probably would have their biggest impact on places that Omaha By Design has identified as areas of 'civic importance,' the so-called 'fish bone' along Dodge Street and West Dodge Road with the offshoots at 10th, 24th, 72nd, 144th and 180th Streets..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/65f94t For more on the Handbook, go to: http://tinyurl.com/5anqqa RECORD # OF CYCLISTS ON BOSTON (MA) AREA ROADS -> According to a June 2nd Globe article, "Drivers, clear a lane; bicyclists are taking to the road in record numbers in Massachusetts. In Cambridge, ridership has soared 70 percent in five years, the MBTA is launching a "Bike Coach" to let riders bring their bicycles to beaches this summer, and across the state bicycle shops are struggling to keep up with demand. With gas prices now topping $4 a gallon, the surge shows no signs of slowing. "During a recent bike-to-work week, activists hoped to get Massachusetts riders to pledge 50,000 commuter biking miles. Instead they got 125,000 pledged miles -- more than half the distance to the moon. "For bicycling enthusiasts -- once a subculture of bike messengers, car haters, cash-poor students, and eco-activists -- it's beginning to feel like a tipping point. 'People are coming back to the cycle in a big way,' said Shane Jordan of the nonprofit Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition. 'There's a whole lot more people out on the street around this time than there were last year.'..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/6reaxb LEWISTOWN WINS MONTANA'S TRAIL OF YEAR AWARD -> According to a June 7th Great Falls Tribune article, "An avid biker, Karl Gies used to peddle down a narrow path hoping to avoid a passing semi-truck. Since the city of Lewistown bought 17 miles along an abandoned railroad bed, his treks are much safer and more frequent, taking him throughout town and past frog ponds and the Brewery Flats parkland. 'Trail use has increased almost exponentially since we did that work,' Gies said. 'It really has changed the face of this town.' The first and most developed in the state, Lewistown's Rails to Trails system is being recognized today as the state's Trail of the Year by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. 'The community of Lewistown took the initiative to say "no" to a full abandonment by the railroad, and committed to transforming this resource into a community asset,' he said. "This is the fourth time FWP has given out the Trail of the Year award. Lewistown began its trail system more than a decade ago, building five miles of disconnected trails by frog ponds, then expanding into the Brewery Flats fishing access area along Big Spring Creek. In 2005, an opportunity to expand and connect the trails landed in the city's lap when BNSF Railways announced its intention to abandon the rail line. 'This is a great example of seizing an opportunity that comes along once in a lifetime,' said Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who will speak at a 10 a.m. ceremony as part of National Trails Day..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/4mnlp5 HONOLULU (HI) TO HOST ACTIVE LIVING COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS -> According to a May 30th Advertiser article, "The Hawai'i State Department of Health Healthy Hawai'i Initiative (HHI) and the Maui County Physical Activity and Nutrition Coalition will host Active Living Community Workshops in June at five locations across Maui County. Three workshops are scheduled for the Wailuku/Kahului area, one in Lana'i City, and one on Moloka'i, according to a news release. Active living communities are designed to provide opportunities for people of all abilities to engage in routine daily physical activity and have access to healthy and affordable foods, the news release said. Active living is promoted by having bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly designs, mixed-use developments, recreational facilities, and schools located in walkable neighborhoods. "National guidelines recommend that adults should engage in a minimum 30 minutes of physical activity per day, and children should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. In 2007, about 26,000, or 24.1 percent of adults in Maui County were considered obese. Among regions within Maui County, Moloka'i had the highest rate of adult obesity at 35.4 percent. In the same year, about 13,000, or 12.1 percent of adults in Maui County were physically inactive, with higher rates of inactivity occurring in the Lahaina/Wailuku and Upcountry/Hana regions..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/6qwj89 CHARLOTTE (NC) APPROVES BOX STORE INVASION -> According to a June 9th Observer article, "Despite some council members' and neighbors' concerns about too much traffic and big-box retail, the Charlotte City Council voted on Monday to allow a third large retail store in the planned Mountain Island Promenade. The change allows developers Withrow Capital and Cambridge Properties to replace part of a retail village and office center with a single retail building of up to 98,000 square feet. Plans for the 116-acre development at Mount Holly-Huntersville Road and N.C. 16 already allow a 175,000-square-foot building with a single tenant, and a 55,000-square foot building that also can have a single tenant. "None of the three large buildings follows the recommendations of the Brookshire Boulevard/I-485 Area Plan that the City Council approved in 2002. Monday's rezoning, besides adding another big-box store, could cut in half the size of one of the cornerstone pieces of the 2006 Promenade plan, a walkable village of retail and commercial uses near Mount Holly-Huntersville Road. Monday's vote was 9-3 in favor of the change; council members Nancy Carter, Anthony Foxx and Warren Turner voted against it..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/5lqumc MT. CLEMENS (MI) SPRUCES UP DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE -> According to a June 8th Free Press article, "Mt. Clemens is about to unveil yet another enhancement to its downtown -- one more sign, officials say, that the city is becoming a strong competitor to hotspots such as Royal Oak, Birmingham and Detroit's Midtown. After a dozen bars, shops and restaurants opened in the downtown in the past year, Mt. Clemens is hoping to spruce up the heart of its entertainment district along Macomb Place and Pine Street with decoratively paved streets, extended sidewalks, outdoor seating, fountains, trees and a better view of the waterfront. "First, the Mt. Clemens Downtown Development Association must find $6.3 million in state and local funding for the project they hope to complete by 2010. City officials are poised to show off the sketches to residents Tuesday at the Anton Art Center. 'A great and well-designed streetscape makes your downtown come alive,' Arthur Mullen, executive director of the Mt. Clemens DDA, which collects property taxes to improve the downtown and draw new businesses. 'Once people visit a downtown and like what they see, they come back.'..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/5jfx3q OIL PRICES DRIVE UP ASPHALT COSTS -> According to a June 5th USA Today article, "Fewer roads will be repaved this summer, thanks to soaring prices of oil-based asphalt. Some states, cities and counties say their road-repair budgets didn't anticipate asphalt prices that are up 25.9% from a year ago, so they're being forced to delay projects. 'We will do what patching we can, but this will truly, truly be a devastating blow to the infrastructure,' says Shirlee Leighton, a county commissioner in Lake County, S.D., where a 5-mile repaving project was postponed after bids came in $79,000-$162,000 higher than the $442,000 budget. "The mix used to resurface roads consists of gravel and sand held together with a binder called liquid asphalt, which is made from crude oil. As oil prices rise, so does the cost of asphalt, says Don Wessel of Poten & Partners, a consulting firm that publishes Asphalt Weekly Monitor. 'Prices are the highest I've seen in many, many, many years,' he says. 'The concern is that they will go up considerably.' Increases in the cost of diesel fuel used to transport, heat and lay asphalt are adding to the sticker shock, too, creating headaches across the USA..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/5wyhxt VIRGINIA DOT AWARDS 13 SAFE ROUTES GRANTS -> According to a June 5th WSLS10) story, "The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has awarded more than $1 million in Safe Routes to School funding to 13 school systems, local governments and not-for-profit groups across the commonwealth to make bicycling and walking to school safer and more appealing to students. The Safe Routes to School program is designed for localities, schools and not-for-profit groups seeking to improve walking and bicycling opportunities for children in grades kindergarten through eighth for encouragement, education and law enforcement activities. Local governments are also eligible to apply for funding to improve the infrastructure in the vicinity of schools. "The statewide program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration. 'We want to encourage walking and bicycling to school in the most safe and fun manner for Virginia's children,' said VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern. 'These funding awards promote safety, provide infrastructure and encourage active healthy lifestyles. Drivers are always reminded to share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians, especially our children.'..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/583686 CANADIAN GOVT. TO PAY CITIZENS TO SCRAP OLD CARS -> According to a June 4th Canadian Press article, "The federal government has announced a long-delayed program to give drivers incentives get older, polluting vehicles off the roads. Environment Minister John Baird said Wednesday the government will give the Toronto-based Clean Air Foundation $92 million over four years to run a national vehicle 'scrappage' program. The program will offer incentives including rebates on new vehicles, free transit passes, bicycles, membership in ride-sharing programs and $300 cash. The rusty clunkers will then be turned over to scrapyards to crush and recycle them according to provincial guidelines. "Vehicles earlier than the 1996 model year will qualify for the Clean Air Foundation-run Car Heaven program. Car Heaven was largely funded by General Motors and Imperial Oil, and it offered $750 toward a new GM vehicle to drivers who sent their cars and trucks to the scrapyard. Baird says the national program will be up and running by January 2009. In the meantime, Ottawa will give $3.4 million to a patchwork of seven regional scrapping groups that until recently received federal funding..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/64tlny IT WILL BE WONDERFUL, IT WILL BE TERRIBLE -> According to a June 4th SFGate article, "It should be a truly fascinating -- albeit possibly enormously grim -- thing to watch, one of the more dramatic and revolutionary market-driven shifts in modern history, upheaving everything we've become so accustomed to and changing behaviors and attitudes and alliances and political agendas and ass-girths and no I'm not talking about the 'Lost' finale or the new 3G iPhone or how Brangelina's twins are a sure sign of the Second Coming. "It's the massive, painful spike in gas and oil prices, that most wonderful/frightening harbinger of doom/change/turmoil known to modern society that is fast turning into a calamitous global hurricane, ready to wreak havoc on just about every aspect of modern life, and that includes food and transport and sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll and just about everything else that makes America, America..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/4tvks4 AND NOW, FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT... BEACH SUDOKU! "Beach Sudoku is missing one thing you'll see in just about every other version of this game -- numbers. This sensational send-up of the wildly popular puzzle game features beach objects instead of numbers. So rather than lining up 9 numbers in a row, you line up 9 icons including beach balls, umbrellas and sea shells. "Play Beach Sudoku online you'll be caught in an undertow of fun! Play Now!" Source: http://tinyurl.com/45em8v
QUICK HITS DRIVE A NEW FORD F-250 FOR 5 YEARS FOR $100,000 THE ROLLING CANVAS ART COLLECTIVE HIGH PERFORMANCE ELECTRIC BIKES
RESOURCES -> ELECTRIC POWER-ASSISTED BICYCLES REDUCE OIL..." -> "CYCLING: GETTING AUSTRALIA MOVING" -> "ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS: A GUIDE..." -> "GUIDELINES FOR ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN..." -> "PEDESTRIAN SAFETY GUIDE FOR TRANSIT AGENCIES" -> "CONNECTING TRANSPORTATION DECISION MAKING WITH..." -> "BEYOND UNCERTAINTY: MODELING TRANSPORTATION,..." -> "ACCESS TO DESTINATIONS: HOW CLOSE IS CLOSE ENOUGH?..." -> OIL DEPENDENCE: IS TRANSPORT RUNNING OUT..."
CALENDAR Additional training
opportunities are available on the National Center for Bicycling &
Walking web site. Add your own items to the on-line calendar...it's quick
and easy. Please be sure your calendar items pertain to training and workshops
in the bicycle, pedestrian, or livable community fields. Go to: HEY, YOU! SEND US YOUR CALENDAR ITEMS -- PRONTO! -> June 12, 2008, 3 p.m. - 4p.m. EDT. Webinar: Emerging Trends in Bicycle/Pedestrian Work. Info: -> June 15-18, 2008, Transportation Research Board Summer Conference, Baltimore, MD. Info: -> June 16-20, 2008, Towards Carfree Cities VIII (Rethinking Mobility, Rediscovering Proximity), Portland, OR. -> June 19-20, 2008, Designing Pedestrian Facilities for Accessibility Workshop, Bend OR. Sponsored by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the US Access Board, and the City of Bend. Info: Kim Burgess, City of Bend, phone: (541) 693-2182; email: <kburgess@ci.bend.or.us> -> June 23-25, 2008, World Cities Summit, Singapore. Info: Anna Lee, Project Manager, World Cities Summit 2008, phone: +65 6542 8660 ext 168; fax: +65 6542 8683; email: <info@worldcities.com.sg> -> August 4-5, 2008, 3rd New Zealand Walking Conference, Auckland, NZ. Info: Glenda, Harding Consultants; phone: 03 352 5595; email: <Glenda@hardingconsultants.co.nz> -> August 13, 2008, International Left-Handers' Day. Info: -> August 17-19 2008, National Rural Transportation Conference, Duluth, MN. Info: -> August 31-September 2, 2008, Thunderhead Retreat, Seattle, WA. Info: Retreat is for leaders of Thunderhead organizations. -> September 2-5, 2008, Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference, Seattle, WA; hosted at the Westin Seattle. Watch for info at: http://www.bikewalk.org/2008conference/index.html -> September 29-October 2, Physical Activity for Public Health, Banff, AB, Canada. Info: -> October 20 - 23, 2008, ProBike/ProWalk Florida, St. Petersburg, FL. Info: Laura Hallam, Exec. Director, Florida Bicycle Association, PO Box 718, Waldo FL 32694-0718; phone/Fax: 352-468-3430; cell 407-399-9961; email: <laura@floridabicycle.org> or Dan Moser, Conference Co-Coordinator; phone: (239) 334-6417; email: <moserdeleon@juno.com>. Call for presentations deadline: July 15, 2008. -> October 21-25, 2008 National Preservation Conference, Tulsa, OK. Info: -> October 27-28, 2008, Impact of Changing Demographics on the Transportation System Conference, Washington, D.C. Info: -> November 15-18, 2008, National Trails Symposium, Little Rock AR. Info: Candace Mitchell; phone: 530-547-2060; email: <candace@americantrails.org> JOBS GRANTS AND RFPS -> JOB -- CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR -- AMERICA BIKES Want to help change the world – and make a major difference for cycling and sustainable transportation in the USA? America Bikes, the coalition of national bicycling and trail advocacy groups working to boost federal government investment in cycling, seeks an experienced professional – based in Washington, DC -- to serve as our Campaign Director. The Campaign Director will coordinate our campaign for pro-bicycling provisions and funding in the next federal transportation authorization bill, by supporting and participating in advocacy and lobbying efforts, acting as a media liaison, and helping with administrative aspects of the organization, assisted by a part-time support staff member. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about cycling, well-organized, experienced in government and advocacy, and knowledgeable about transportation policy. Leading candidates should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and understand how to manage coalition efforts. This is a unique and important opportunity to help shape America’s transportation policy at a critical juncture. For information about the position, go to: -> JOB -- EXEC. DIRECTOR-- INDIANA BICYCLE COALITION The Executive Director is responsible for the smooth running and successful implementation of the organization's operations. It is recognized that income is of paramount importance and emphasis is slanted toward the task of fundraising. The Executive Director is accountable for all of IBC's operating affairs and will make timely reports to the Board of Directors. -> JOB -- POLICY MGR -- SRTS NAT'L PARTNERSHIP The non-profit Bikes Belong Foundation is looking for an energetic and dynamic professional with at least 4-5 years proven success in a senior advocacy/policy/legislative position to work with the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) National Partnership as its Policy Manager. The Policy Manager will work from a home office in Washington DC on government relations, lobbying, policy research and analysis, and report writing to advance the SRTS national movement. Applicants who live outside of Washington DC will be considered if they will move to DC by September 2008. For more information on applying, go to the Safe Routes to School National Partnership's website: http://tinyurl.com/3b9vbz -> JOB -- SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL COORDINATOR -- VTRANS Primary duties include the development, dissemination and administration/oversight of grants to schools, municipalities and non-profit organizations who are implementing eligible SRTS projects. The Coordinator works with grantees, consultants, other VTrans sections and external stakeholders to successfully implement the program. The coordinator may provide training, administrative and technical assistance to grantees so that their efforts are successful. The coordinator maintains a relationship with print and other media outlets to promote the program. The coordinator is also responsible for financial oversight of the program, including review and approval of grantee invoices, overall program budget and allocation of the federal funds in accordance with the parameters of the program set by the Federal Highway Administration. The coordinator represents the SRTS program for VTrans and must be proficient in providing information in public settings outside of VTrans, in addition to having excellent skills in verbal and written communication. Your application/resume should describe any experience you have in the following: -> JOB -- ACTIVE LIVING COORDINATOR -- CRIM FITNESS FDN DESCRIPTION See complete job description here: -> JOB -- CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR -- COAL. FOR SMARTER GROWTH The Montgomery Countryside Alliance, in collaboration with the Coalition for Smarter Growth, seeks a new Campaign Director to manage its programs in rural Montgomery County, Maryland. The Campaign Director position fulfills one of the most interesting and proactive smart growth roles in our region, connecting rural conservation with the need for effective urban and suburban revitalization. -> JOB -- BIKE, PED, TRAIL PLANNER -- SCOTTSDALE, AZ The City of Scottsdale recently added two new positions to focus on trails, bikeways, and pedestrian facilities. I was the successful candidate for the Principal Transportation Planner position and now need to fill my previous slot and add a trails planner. Our team will be implementing the projects identified in our 2008 Transportation Master Plan and 2004 Trails Master Plan. Our current 5-year Capital Improvement Project includes $48.2 million for bicycle and pedestrian projects, more than $40/person/year, putting us in the same group as those highly touted European cities. If you would like to work for a Bicycle Friendly Community that "gets it", please click on the links below. -- Reed Kempton http://tinyurl.com/6y2lb7 -> COOP AGREEMENT OPPORTUNITY -- ENHANCEMENTS INFO CTR -- FHWA The Federal Highway Administration has released a Cooperative Agreement opportunity to administer an Information Center for Transportation Enhancement Activities. This is a Full and Open Competition. The information is available at -> JOB -- BIKE PROGRAM COORDINATOR -- STANFORD UNIV. The Bicycle Program Coordinator position reports to the Director of Parking & Transportation Services. The coordinator's responsibilities are varied and include: develop and implement programs to encourage bicycle use; coordinate cyclist input to improve the cycling environment; promote bicycle safety, including regular presentations to student groups; coordinate and/or provide input on campus bicycle-related changes; oversee campus-wide bicycle registration program; and develop and maintain elements of campus bicycle security program. In addition, the incumbent will be assisting the director with a variety of complex issues, analyzing utilization data, and supporting the Office of Parking & Transportation Services in a variety of tasks. The salary range is $54,000 to $85,000. -> JOB -- EXEC. DIR. -- NAPLES PATHWAY COALITION Naples Pathways Coalition, Inc. of Collier Co., Florida, seeks a halftime staff person to lead and grow the organization, with the opportunity to expand the position to full-time as fundraising success permits. Responsibilities include policy work, public education and media advocacy, fundraising, and outreach and organizing throughout the greater Collier County area. The position presents a great opportunity to play a critical role in transforming southwest Florida into a more healthy and sustainable region. Job description: http://tinyurl.com/3xyxjc HOUSEKEEPING TO SUBSCRIBE
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