| ------------------------------------------------------------ C-E-N-T-E-R-L-I-N-E-S ------------------------------------------------------------ #224 Wednesday, April 1, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------ 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. F-E-A-T-U-R-E-S I-N--T-H-E--N-E-W-S FEATURES CONGRESSMAN OBERSTAR (D-MN) IN HIS OWN WORDS -> The Mar. 30th edition of AASHTO Journal included a link to a TransportationTV interview with Jim Oberstar (D,MN) on what's coming in the transportation bill process. Oberstar sees the opportunity for a "transformational change." Source: http://tinyurl.com/cp3ex8 SHARED ROADWAY MARKINGS (SHARROWS) WEBINAR APRIL 15th -> In a one-hour webinar scheduled for April 15th, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Mike Sallaberry, a registered traffic engineer, will discuss the Shared Roadway Marking, or "Sharrow." The sharrow has been accepted in the CA MUTCD and proposed for inclusion in the next MUTCD; it is becoming a popular addition to a bicycle engineer/planner's toolbox. Mike will provide information about placing and installing the marking on a variety of street types, and will present findings of the San Francisco-sponsored experiment, showing what the marking was and was not able to accomplish. Mike will also provide examples of less-obvious situations where sharrows can be used to address design challenges where other markings, signage, facilities, etc. are inappropriate or insufficient. The Sharrows webinar is part of the Professional Development webinar series , co-hosted by the National Center for Bicycling & Walking (NCBW), the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP), and Cullbridge Communications. The charge for each location is $50 for APBP members, and $60 for non-APBP members. Note that you can have more than one person at a given webinar site, but you can have only one computer link and phone line for audio under the fee structure above. This webinar has been submitted for AICP Certification Management (CM) credits from the American Planning Association. For more about the Professional Development webinar series, see http://www.bikewalk.org/webinars.php. AARP JOINS CALL FOR TRANSPORTATION REFORM -> According to a Mar. 24th news release from the AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons), "As Congress debates budget priorities, AARP this week joined the Transportation for America Campaign endorsing its call for renewal of our national transportation program for the 21st Century. Following is a statement by AARP Executive Vice President for Social Impact Nancy LeaMond: "'AARP is delighted to join T4America, the Transportation for America Campaign, an impressive group of organizations, elected officials and businesses with the shared goal of building a modernized infrastructure to support livable communities where people can live, work and play. America is aging rapidly and transportation policy and spending must acknowledge this demographic shift. The upcoming transportation authorization can help the nation prepare both for its graying years and a greener future by making roads safer for drivers of all ages and also offering more user friendly options for pedestrians and transit users..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/cw8cge HEY! TOMORROW IS DEADLINE FOR ALLIANCE GRANT INQUIRIES! -> According to a Mar. 19th news release, "The Alliance for Biking & Walking, formerly the Thunderhead Alliance, announced a major new grant program today. Advocacy Advance Grants will fund start-up advocacy organizations and innovative campaigns to dramatically increase biking and walking. The Alliance will award $250,000 to organizations in 2009 thanks to new funding from SRAM, Cannondale, Bikes Belong, and Planet Bike. Members of the Alliance and newly forming organizations are invited to apply. "Grants will be awarded in two cycles this year. The Alliance is now accepting inquiries for the first round of grants that will be awarded this spring. The deadline for the first round of inquiries is April 2nd. Selected organizations will be asked to submit a full proposal due in late April. The Alliance expects to announce the first round of grant awards in early June." Go to: http://tinyurl.com/dlwpjg BIKE COMMUTERS CAN SAVE EMPLOYERS 27M EUROS IN ABSENTEEISM -> According to a Jan. 26th TNO article, "Employees who cycle regularly to work are less frequently ill, with on average more than one day per year less absenteeism than colleagues who do not cycle to work. If employers in the Netherlands were to encourage employees to cycle to work more, annual savings could reach 27 million euros. These results of the TNO study were presented on 26 January this year by the Dutch Secretary of State for the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Tineke Huizinga, during the FietsVak 2009 event in the Dutch town of Rosmalen..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/d2mmj8 LAB'S CLARKE TESTIFIES BEFORE GLOBAL WARMING COMMITTEE -> According to an article in the Mar. 26th Marin County Bicycle Coalition eBulletin, "Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists, spoke at the Select Committee Energy Independence and Global Warming hearing titled "Constructing a Green Transportation Policy: Transit Modes and Infrastructure"** on March 19, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2203, Washington, D.C. "Chairman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Vice Chair Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) announced the hearing in response to Congress and the Obama administration's pressing agenda items -- global warming, clean energy and job-creating infrastructure projects. "Clarke was scheduled to discuss the considerable role cycling and walking can play in combating climate change and promoting energy independence. to the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, which cites Marin County's Safe Routes to Schools program as evidence that mode shift is achievable." Source: http://tinyurl.com/d3auoe NEW FEDERAL RESEARCH: MOVING COMMUNITIES FORWARD -> According to a March 12th announcement from the American Institute of Architects and the Center for Transportation Studies, "Moving Communities Forward is the result of 18 months of research by the American Institute of Architects and the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota to begin measuring how well-designed transportation projects can have multiple positive impacts on communities and to provide communities, designers, transportation officials, and policymakers guiding principles they can apply to their unique situations and needs. "Authorized by Congress and funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Moving Communities Forward analyzes more than 30 different transportation projects from every corner of the country, exploring how they affect their communities' economic progress, environmental health, public safety, level of citizen participation, and overall aesthetics and livability..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/c24ahy FLORIDA TRAILS PROGRAM FUNDS IN JEOPARDY -> In a Mar. 26th FBA Blog entry, Ken Bryan, Florida State Director for the Rails to Trails Conservancy, wrote, "Within weeks of the Florida Governor's office proclaiming March as Bicycle Month and celebrating our trail victories, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) announced devastating cuts to the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), effectively eliminating this nationally renowned program. "These cuts are excessive and disproportionate to FDEP's other proposed cuts. While other FDEP program budgets are being cut 20 percent, this proposal would, among other things, eliminate more than 80 percent of OGT's Tallahassee staff! In addition to rolling back the pro-trail clock 10 years, this measure risks nearly $50 million in hard-earned development money for Florida's future trails. "RTC understands that cuts are required, and should be fairly distributed. However, the OGT program reduces our dependence on oil, improves health, betters our environment and strengthens our communities. Eliminating it does far more harm than good, and for generations to come..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/dbtwqf FINDING THE STIMULUS PROJECTS ONLINE: NEW YORK -> According to the Mar. 19th Mobilizing the Region newsletter, "The metropolitan planning organizations of New York State have released their lists of transportation projects that are eligible for stimulus funds designated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). "The act, signed into law by President Obama in February, dedicates roughly $2.3 billion for New York to invest in public transit, roads, bridges, and bike and pedestrian improvements. Of this, $336 million is 'sub-allocated' to metropolitan planning organizations and transportation management associations... "Almost all of the lists are accessible via websites, but members of the general public may find it hard to navigate the jargon. Non-professionals may not guess that a file titled 'Transportation Improvement Program 2007-2012' is where to find a stimulus project list, though that is the only place where some MPOs put it. Other MPOs at least mention ARRA by name, but only a few use plain-English language like 'Draft 2009 stimulus projects.'..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/crqawj HUD, DOT ANNOUNCE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE -> According to a Mar. 18th transportpolitic article, "Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan testified today on the issue in front of the House Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing (part of the Appropriations Committee). "Both Secretaries argued that transportation and housing had to be planned together in order to handle the rising costs of both for most American households. Each pointed out that providing housing near public transportation allows for lower transportation costs and argued that transportation and housing in the United States should be organized in order to address climate change concerns. "HUD and DOT will establish a Sustainable Communities Initiative, which will encourage transit-oriented development. The initiative will encouraged integrated planning with HUD and DOT working together on neighborhood projects by encouraging metropolitan areas to consolidate their current government-mandated five-year housing plans and four-year transportation plans, both of which are used to determine federal formula appropriations to communities..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/crad7p KENTUCKY BIKE COMMISSION ANNOUNCES PAULA NYE GRANTS -> According to an article in the Mar. 30th OKI Bicycle E-Info-News, "Ralph Mitchell, Chair of the Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission, announced the recipients of its first two grants through the new Paula Nye Memorial Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Grant program named for the former Kentucky Bicycle Coordinator. "This program is totally funded by Kentucky's 'Share the Road' specialty license plate program and is administered by the Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission. The two grants total slightly more than $23,700. Grant money will soon be awarded to Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness in partnership with Bicycling for Louisville, and to Camp Ernst YMCA Camp in Burlington, Kentucky..." For more information, contact Don Burrell: <dburrell@oki.org> U.S. DEPT. OF ENERGY GRANTS CAN FUND BIKE/PED PROJECTS -> In a Mar. 30th note, Gabe Rousseau, the FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager, wrote, "I wanted to let you know of a new funding opportunity that includes walking and bicycling facilities as an eligible activity. It's the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The DOE Block Grant funds are available 'to assist State, local, territorial and Tribal governments in implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions, total energy use, and improve energy efficiency in all sectors.' "'Eligible activities' include 'Development of infrastructure such as bike lanes and pathways and pedestrian walkways.'" Here's a link to the program press release: http://tinyurl.com/dzmaeh Here's the website for the program: http://tinyurl.com/ckbpec To see the Funding Announcement, follow these instructions: CAMPAIGN PLANNING -- THE ONE STREET WAY -> The Mar. 31st edition of One Street News highlights the campaign planning process, discussing the various elements, as they are presented in "The Bicycle: A Vehicle for a Small Planet," a class being conducted at Prescott College in Tucson, Arizona. Students from around the U.S., as well as from Germany, are taking part and will take what they learn back home to use in their own biking and walking campaigns. As One Street's Sue Knaup puts it, "Campaign planning is the most important skill for increasing bicycling and yet it is often completely left out of such efforts." For more details, follow this link: 2009 INT'L BICYCLE FUND STUDENT BICYCLE ESSAY CONTEST -> According to an article in the Mar. 25t IBF News Service, "A new Student Bicycle Essay Contest has begun. All students, worldwide, 16 years old and under, are eligible to enter of 'Bicycle Essay Contest.' The deadline is May 1st. Entries can be submitted by email. Please share this information with teachers, parents and students in your circles." Source: http://tinyurl.com/c6uhn6 OHIO'S BIKE/PED COORDINATOR RETIRING -> According to an article in the Mar. 30th OKI Bicycle E-Info-News, "Sharon Todd has worked in the Ohio Dept. of Transportation's bicycle program for around 25 years -- before the federal requirements for this position were adopted. She has been providing technical assistance to local jurisdictions regarding bike projects and funding as well as developing and distributing state bicycle information to individual cyclists. "It hasn't been just a desk job for Sharon, she has ridden her bike in all 88 Ohio counties, and rode or staffed the annual Tour of the Scioto River Valley (TOSRV). She will pedal home from work for the last time on March 31. We hope ODOT will find a qualified replacement to fill her toe clips quickly." "MY TOP 20 FAVORITE LARGE US CITIES: 20-16" -> In a Mar. 28th Neighborhoods.org article, Eric Fredericks wrote, "I've been meaning to do a list like this for a long time, but it's not the easiest list to put together -- I felt I actually had to visit most of the largest 100 cities in the United States before I could create my list. I've had the good fortune to visit many of the cities on the list, especially those that I believe are the most walkable. Walkability is the most important quality for cities on this list, but it's not the only factor. Weather, transit service, amenities, access to water, and other factors were also important. "It should be noted that there are a few cities that I have not visited (or spent enough time in) that I think could crack my top 20. Some of these include: Philadelphia, Denver*, Pittsburgh*, Milwaukee*, Minneapolis/St. Paul*, Louisville*, Nashville*, Charlotte, and Baltimore (cities with an asterisk I've been to, but not spent enough time there recently to judge)..." Eric reveals 5 of his 20 city choices here (more to come): HSRC TO FUND 10 WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOOD PILOT PROJECTS -> According to a Mar. 26th news release, "Funding is now available to communities interested in making their environment more 'walkable' for residents. The Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC) is seeking proposals from up to 10 communities or neighborhoods to pilot test the use of a newly developed guidebook on how to improve pedestrian safety in neighborhoods. Each selected site will be provided $2,000 as well as technical assistance from pedestrian safety experts. "Only government agencies and other not-for-profit organizations and neighborhood groups (such as PTAs, homeowner's associations, advocacy groups, etc.) are eligible to apply. Project funds are not payable to individuals. HSRC will conduct a pre-award conference call on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 1 PM ET to offer applicants an overview of the RFP as well as answer questions from applicants." For more information, go to: NAT'L TRAFFIC SCORECARD: CONGESTION DROPS 30% IN 2008 -> According to a Feb. 25th news release, "INRIX(c), the leading provider of traffic information, today released its second annual INRIX National Traffic Scorecard, revealing a 30 percent decline in traffic congestion in 2008 during the peak periods on major roads in urban America. Overall the report found that 99 of the top 100 most populated cities in the U.S. experienced decreases in traffic congestion levels in 2008 as compared to the prior year... "The report cites turbulent fuel prices and a struggling economy as sources for a consistent decline in overall traffic volume. Detroit, where the jobless rate climbed past 21 percent in 2008, saw the second largest decrease in congestion nationwide. Additionally, Riverside, Calif., which ranked third-highest in the nation in foreclosure activity during 2008, saw the highest drop in congestion of the nation's larger regions..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/cmhek7 WATCH L.A. BUS RAPID TRANSIT & CHECK OUT THE BIKE PATH! -> A Mar. 22nd Streetfilms article by Clarence Eckerson, Jr., asks..."Who would have thought that one of the best Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in the U.S. would be in its most crowded, congested, sprawling city? Well check this out. It's really fabulous. "In October 2005, the Los Angeles County Metro Authority (or Metro) debuted a new 14-mile BRT system in the San Fernando Valley using a former rail right-of-way. Unlike many 'rapid' bus transit systems in the U.S., the Orange Line is true BRT -- it features a dedicated roadway that cars may not enter, has a pre-board payment system so buses load quickly and efficiently, and uses handsome, articulated buses to transport passengers fast -- sometimes at speeds approaching 55 mph! The roadway is landscaped so ornately you could almost call it a bus greenway. "But that's not all. The corridor also boasts a world class bike and pedestrian path which runs adjacent to the BRT route for nearly its entire length, giving users numerous multi-modal options. Each station has bike amenities, including bike lockers and racks, and all the buses feature racks on the front that accommodate up to three bikes..." But don't just read about it -- watch the video! Source: http://tinyurl.com/cnl3ay BICYCLES: GOVERNORS ISLAND'S "KILLER APP" -> In a Mar. 23rd Governors Island Blog post, Ellen Cavanagh wrote, "I recently heard Leslie Koch, president of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation, describe bikes as Governors Island's current 'killer app.' That's a perfect way to describe the phenomenon we witnessed last year when about 35% of our visitors rode bikes on Transportation Alternative's Free Bike Fridays (the overall percent of visitors on bikes was a not-so-shabby 20% ). Not only does the Island's size, flatness, and car-free roads make bicycling an ideal way to get around, but there's also just something about biking here that appeals to people of all ages and origins. "They ride more slowly, they ride two and three abreast while chatting. They bike in sandals and sundresses instead of sneakers and spandex. They stop to play minigolf. West 8 saw this opportunity during our initial design competition and proposed a large fleet of custom designed, iconic wooden bicycles for visitors to ride for free..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/dg77pq
QUOTES R US
-> "When asked specifically about infrastructure spending in the economic stimulus package, six in ten (60 percent) Americans said highway and bridge maintenance and new construction was most important to them, followed far behind by public transit maintenance and construction (21 percent) and improving safety and congestion at airports (8 percent)." -> "If there's a supermarket in your zip code, you’re 10% less likely to be obese. If there are a lot of intersections in your neighborhood -- a sign of street connectivity and continuity -- you’re less likely to be obese. And, not surprisingly, the more time people spend in their cars, the more likely they are to be obese" -> "Although the U.S. has improved traffic safety in many ways, we're not doing as well as many other countries. Prior to the mid 1960s, the U.S. enjoyed the greatest level of traffic safety in the world by any measure; whereas today, the U.S. has fallen behind most of Western Europe in terms of fatalities per mile driven, and ranks near the bottom of the OECD in terms of traffic fatalities per capita. The evidence suggests that these countries have achieved -- and are still achieving -- greater safety gains than the United States. Experts believe this is because they are willing to set more ambitious safety performance goals than we are, and because they are willing to do more to achieve them." -> "A lot of people like the freedom and individualism of the private car. But I think the difference you find in Europe is that people do own cars, they're just not enslaved to them for any and every trip. They're much more judicious and selective when they use the car or don't." -> "Travel on all roads and streets declined by 3.1 percent (-7 billion vehicle miles) in January 2009 as compared with January 2008. Travel for the month is estimated to be 222.4 billion vehicle miles. Cumulative travel for 2009 was down by 3.1 percent (-7 billion vehicle miles)." -> "The Canadian Medical Association Journal has estimated that the annual economic burden of physical inactivity is $5.3 billion ($1.6 billion in direct costs and $3.7 billion in indirect costs). As one example, Environment Canada estimated the average medical costs associated with a hospital admission for respiratory illness at $3,000, with an additional $1,000 in lost wages and worker production."
IN
THE NEWS PRESCOTT (AZ) HOSTS COMPLETE STREETS TOWN HALL -> According to a Mar. 29th Daily Courier article, "The heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic at the Four-Points intersection in Prescott faces some stiff competition: more than 46,000 vehicles that use the corner every day. Flanked as it is by an elementary school, a hospital, and a business, the intersection gets plenty of action from a variety of transportation modes. "But spend a little time standing at the corner, and it is readily apparent that walkers and cyclists are at a bit of a disadvantage. Case in point: Pedestrians regularly trot part of the way to make it across the wide roadway during the traffic signal's allotted 'walk' time; and bicyclists often use the sidewalks, in the absence of bike lanes. The intersection was the site of safety-assessment workshop on Thursday afternoon, in which experts brainstormed methods for improving the pedestrian and bike access. Source: http://tinyurl.com/cdkghj LECCO, ITALY: 450 STUDENTS, ZERO BUSES -> According to a Mar. 26th New York Times article, "Each morning, about 450 students travel along 17 school bus routes to 10 elementary schools in this lakeside city at the southern tip of Lake Como. There are zero school buses. "In 2003, to confront the triple threats of childhood obesity, local traffic jams and -- most important -- a rise in global greenhouse gases abetted by car emissions, an environmental group here proposed a retro-radical concept: children should walk to school. "They set up a piedibus (literally foot-bus in Italian) -- a bus route with a driver but no vehicle. Each morning a mix of paid staff members and parental volunteers in fluorescent yellow vests lead lines of walking students along Lecco's twisting streets to the schools' gates, Pied Piper-style, stopping here and there as their flock expands..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/crwu8h WHAT'S THE STIMULUS MONEY SUPPOSED TO STIMULATE? -> According to a Mar. 23rd New York Times article, "Texas plans to spend $181 million of its federal stimulus money on building a 15-mile, four-lane toll road -- from Interstate 10 to Highway 290 and right through the [Katy Prairie, near Houston] that will eventually form part of an outer beltway around greater Houston called the Grand Parkway... "The road exemplifies an unintended effect of the stimulus law: an administration that opposes suburban sprawl is giving money to states for projects that are almost certain to exacerbate it...Though the road is welcomed by developers, it is bemoaned by transportation advocates who lament that it will lead people to settle far away from the main centers of employment..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/d435hk Via: Sightline Institute's Daily Score CENTRAL ARKANSAS' GROWING BIKE CULTURE -> According to a Mar. 26th Arkansas Times article, "Central Arkansas's reputation as a bike-friendly culture has grown...but there are still some improvements to be made. For every cyclist that says Little Rock is a bike-friendly town, there's another who says the city doesn't have enough bike lanes, signs or cool-headed drivers on the road. And while almost all can agree that the Arkansas River Trail has been a boon to not only bikers, but joggers, walkers and skaters too, critical parts of the trail remain unfinished. "'Ten years ago, you wouldn't have believed it but we're a biking destination now,' says David Holsted, who is organizing the 6th annual Tour de Rock bike race that takes place in June. 'People come here from out of town and they know to bring their bike, and that reputation is going to continue to grow.' "Part of the draw is the soaring Big Dam Bridge pedestrian and bike path over the Arkansas River, which connects the North Little Rock and Little Rock portions of the River Trail. But the River Trail's planned 14-mile loop is incomplete, and a group called Close the Loop, a task force created by BACA, is pushing for completion of the trail..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/ch284b -> According to a Time magazine "10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now" article, "The suburbs need to be remade, and just such a transformation is under way in regions that were known for some of the worst sprawl in the U.S. Communities as diverse as Lakewood, Colo., and Long Beach, Calif., have repurposed boarded-up malls as mixed-use developments with retail stores, offices and apartments. "In auto-dependent suburbs that were built without a traditional center, shopping malls offer the chance to create downtowns without destroying existing infrastructure, by recycling what's known as underperforming asphalt. 'All of these projects are developer-driven, because the market wants them,' says Ellen Dunham-Jones, a co-author of the new book 'Retrofitting Suburbia'..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/b447yn Via Smart Growth News: http://tinyurl.com/czw9l2 OVERLAND PARK (KS) KIDS POWER THE WALKING SCHOOL BUS -> According to a Mar. 30th Kansas City Star article, "Someone cut a ribbon, a stilt walker rallied the crowd and tiny feet powered up the first walking school bus in Kansas. The program at Pawnee Elementary School in Overland Park, part of a national effort to encourage exercise and curb obesity, involves groups of students walking to and from school each day escorted by adult volunteer 'bus drivers.' "Volunteer Jill Kelley was there Monday afternoon with her 9-year-old son, Max. What's not to like? she asked. 'It's doing something good for his body,' she said, 'and helping maintain the environment.' She intends to push to get more and more children involved: 'It will be a big bus by the end of the year.' Max's take on the thing was simple: 'Cool,' he said..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/corgjs Note: Check out the photo of the extra-tall crossing guard and the video link! -> According to a Mar. 19th Forbes Traveler article, "Whether you choose a mountain bike or a road bike, isn't it time for you to venture outside of the neighborhood and take on some of the terrific bike trails scattered across the nation? "From dirt tracks to converted railroad tracks, great trails throughout the U.S. provide a variety of terrain, scenery, amenities, challenge and overall experience for riders of differing abilities and intentions. "We've rounded up 10 of the best for your leg-pumping pleasure. Source: http://tinyurl.com/d9y44r PEDESTRIANS: THINK OF THE "STARTLED" MOTORIST "Police insist they aren't waging a war on wayward walkers to fill city coffers, but are merely trying to increase safety on the streets, especially those with heavy traffic like Cedar Street. And if enforcement increases safety awareness among pedestrians in the spring months, said Police Lt. Noel Garcia, then police are accomplishing their goal. 'We don't like writing these tickets,' Garcia said. 'Think of the motorist, as well. How many times have you had to slam on your brakes when you were startled by someone crossing an unmarked portion of the street?'..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/detr74 NEW JERSEY MAKES 130 STATIONS ACCESSIBLE -> According to a Mar. 28th Star-Ledger article, New Jersey Transit has begun implementing accessibility improvements at 130 train stations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to Stephen Dilts, commissioner of NJ DOT, the project will employ 165 construction workers. He added, "This project demonstrates NJ Transit's unwavering and ongoing commitment to improve access to public transportation for all New Jersey residents." On Mar. 27th, NJ Transit kicked the project off, breaking ground on the Sommerville train station. Included will be new platforms level with train doors and two accessible service elevators. Officials said the Sommerville station improvements will make it "fully accessible." Source: http://tinyurl.com/dx6n3y ENVIRONMENTALISTS -- EARTH HOUR BIG SUCCESS -> According to a Mar. 30th AP story from Bonn, Germany, "For environmental activists, the message was clear: Earth Hour was a huge success. Now they say nations have a mandate to tackle climate change. 'The world said yes to climate action, now governments must follow,' the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said Sunday, a day after hundreds of millions of people worldwide followed its call to turn off lights for a full hour. "From an Antarctic research base and the Great Pyramids of Egypt, from the Colosseum in Rome to the Empire State building in New York, illuminated patches of the globe went dark Saturday night to highlight the threat of climate change. Time zone by time zone, nearly 4,000 cities and towns in 88 countries dimmed nonessential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. WWF called the event, which began in Australia in 2007 and grew last year to 400 cities worldwide, 'the world's first-ever global vote about the future of our planet.'..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/c4sezz SACRAMENTO (CA) TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PLAN A MODEL -> In a Mar. 18th Sacramento Bee op-ed piece, Christopher B. Leinberger wrote. "It is hard to find good news these days, especially coming from Sacramento, the capital of one of the most hard-pressed states in the country. Yet an evolving model of development is emanating from the metropolitan area that is being watched carefully around the country. This model could inspire sweeping national transportation, energy and climate change legislation and future infrastructure investment and real estate development. "The model started with the much-admired Blueprint Project, led by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. Next came Senate Bill 375, calling for regional transportation and development plans that minimize auto dependency, reduce climate change gas emissions and encourage walkable urban development. The next steps are the Sacramento Regional Transit Master Plan and Transit-Oriented Guidelines, to be released in May. Taken together, they offer a bold effort to give the market what it wants: the choice of the well-known drivable suburban or walkable urban development, the basis of the next American Dream..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/d22dza Via Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program Update GM WHITE COLLAR WORKERS GET COMPANY CARS, GAS -> According to a Mar. 25th National Public Radio Morning Edition story, "General Motors continues to slash costs. But even as the company asks for more taxpayer loans, there's one perk GM refuses to give up: a company car and company-paid gas for about 8,000 white-collar employees. A former GM economist estimates that last year alone, the automaker spent nearly $12 million on fuel for its staff. By all accounts, GM's car program is a great deal..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/cane3o Via the Daily Grist: AND NOW, FOR SEVERAL THINGS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT... -> "STORES THAT ARE NO MORE"
QUICK HITS
RESOURCES -> "PSYCHOLOGICAL AND ROADWAY CORRELATES OF..." -> "TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES..." -> "MANY STEPS...ONE TOMORROW" -> "USING PRICING TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION" -> "CARBON SEQUESTRATION PILOT PROGRAM..." -> "ALL ABOUT THE ROUNDABOUT" -> "WISCONSIN DOT ROUNDABOUT GUIDE" -> "ALL ABOUT WISCONSIN ROUNDABOUTS" -> "THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC: ANALYSIS OF PAST..."
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! -> April 2nd & 3rd, 2009, Streets as Places Training Course, New York, NY. Info: Craig Raphael, Project for Public Spaces, <craphael@pps.org>. -> April 6, 2009, World Physical Activity Day. Info: Agita Mundo Network (register your event!) -> April 8, 2009, National Start! Walking Day. Info: -> April 16th & 17th, 2009, How to Turn a Place Around training course, New York, NY. Info: Craig Raphael, Project for Public Spaces, <craphael@pps.org>. -> April 19-21, 2009, 4th Int'l Conference on Future Urban Transport, Goteborg, Sweden. Info: -> April 20-26, 2009, National TV Turnoff Week. Info: -> April 22-24, 2009, California Trails & Greenways Conference, Yosemite, CA. Info: Laura Svendsgaard, phone: (877) 776-3619; email: <trails@parks.ca.gov>. -> April 22-25, 2009, 14th International Conference on Urban Planning, Regional Development and Information Society, Sitges (Spain / Catalonia). Info: -> April 24, 2009, 1st Delaware Bicycle Summit. DelTech, Dover Info: -> April 24-26, 2009, 7th International Public Market Conference, San Francisco, CA. Info: -> April 25-29, 2009 American Planning Association National Conference, Minneapolis MN. Info: -> May 10-14, 2009, True Urbanism: Cities for Health & Well-Being Conference, Portland, OR. Info: -> May 12-15, 2009, Velo-City 2009, Brussels, Belgium. Info: -> May 20-21, 2009, Nevada Bicycle and Pedestrian Conference, Stateline, NV. Info: Bicycle Nevada, phone: (775) 888-RIDE; email: <bicycle@dot.state.nv.us> -> May 28, 2009, Bike Summit 2009, Toronto, ON, Canada. Info: Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation; phone: (416) 392-0290; email: <info@torontocat.ca> -> May 28-31, 2009, Midwest Mountain Bike Advocacy Summit, Cannonsburg Ski Area near Grand Rapids, MI. Info: Western Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, phone: (616) 990-1402; email: <info@wmmba.org> -> May 31-June 2, 2009, Transit Initiatives & Communities Conference, Salt Lake City, UT. Info: -> June 4-5, 2009, Great Places, Great Cities 2009, Glasgow, Scotland. Info: -> June 5-7, 2009, 7th International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods, Washington, DC. Info: -> July 28-29, 2009, Transportation Planning, Land Use, and Air Quality Conference, Denver, CO. Info: -> August 9-12, 2009, ITE 2009 Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX. Info: Sallie Dollins, Institute of Transportation Engineers, 1099 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 West, Washington, DC 20005; phone: (202) 289-0222 ext. 149; email: <sdollins@ite.org> -> August 19-21, 2009, Safe Routes to School National Conference, Portland, Oregon. Info: phone: 503-226-0676, ext. 27; email: <info@saferoutesconference.org> -> September 2-4, 2009, 2nd International Urban Design Conference, Gold Coast, Australia. Info: -> September 15-16, 2009, Research to Practice Symposium Promoting Environmental and Policy Change to Support Healthy Aging, Chapel Hill, NC. Information and updates will be available at: -> October 7-9, 2009, 10th Annual Walk21, New York City NY. Info: -> October 18-22, 2009, Low Carbon Cities - 45th ISOCARP Int'l Congress, Porto, Portugal. Info: -> October 22-27, 2009, AASHTO Annual Meeting, Palm Desert, CA. Info: Hannah Whitney, American Assn. of State Highway & Transportation Officials; phone: (202) 624-5800; email: <hwhitney@aashto.org> -> October 25-27, 2009, Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference, Kalamazoo, MI. Info: contact Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, PO Box 27187, Lansing MI 48909; phone: (517) 485-6022; email: <info@michigantrails.org>. -> November 12-13, 2009, 7th New Zealand Cycling Conference, New Plymouth, NZ. Info: -> September 13 - 17, 2010. Pro Walk/Pro Bike® the Sixteenth International Symposium on Walking and Bicycling, Chattanooga, Tennessee. JOBS, GRANTS, AND RFPS -> JOB -- BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNER -- BFW The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, a state-wide non-profit Bicycle Advocacy and Education Organization, is seeking a Bicycle Transportation Planner. The Planner will serve as a project manager for on-going planning contracts and will secure future planning contracts. This position requires experience in bicycle/pedestrian planning and its connection to broad based transportation and urban/community planning. Project management experience as a planning consultant is preferred. Must be proficient in the use of ESRI GIS and Microsoft software and have excellent writing and communication skills. Preferred qualifications are a Bachelor's Degree in planning and 3-5 years of experience. The position is based out our Milwaukee or Madison offices. Salary will be commensurate with experience and abilities. Health insurance benefits, vacation, sick leave and flexible work schedule are offered -- along with the opportunity to work for a great organization. This position is open until filled. See the complete job description here: http://tinyurl.com/cdgrrn -> JOB -- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR -- ALASKA TRAILS The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors of Alaska Trails, an Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The Executive Director will implement the policy and directives of the Board of Directors and will oversee the day-to-day operation of the organization... Primary Purpose: The Alaska Trails' Executive Director will be responsible for the management and administration of Alaska Trails. Primary responsibilities include promoting the Alaska Trails Mission, development of Alaska Trails as a sustainable statewide multi-use trails user organization, and providing oversight and administration of all Alaska Trails' grants and contracts. Additional responsibilities include assisting the Board of Directors with strategic planning, membership drives, and outreach efforts to enhance the Alaska trail experience by supporting sustainable, world-renowned trails through advocacy and education... Closing Date: Screening of candidates will begin on March 20, 2009 and continue until a qualified pool is identified. For the full job announcement, go to: -> JOB -- PROJECT PLANNER -- WINSTON-SALEM, NC General Description: Requirements: Thorough knowledge of: the concepts, principles, techniques and legal aspects of transportation planning; current literature and recent initiatives in the planning field; research and statistical methods; governmental organizations and operations; community interrelationships; project management methods and techniques. Skills and abilities to: analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information; make recommendations based on findings in studies, field observation and public contacts; use computers and other technologies in the analysis and presentation of information; prepare and deliver clear, concise and effective oral and written presentations to the general public, appointed boards and elected officials; establish and maintain effective working relationships with Federal, State and local officials, the general public, employees and contractors; estimate and administer budgets for studies and schedule and manage bicycle and pedestrian planning projects; work independently with minimal direction and supervision; plan and supervise the work of technicians and temporary employees; simultaneously manage multiple projects; be a problem solver. For the complete job description, go to: http://tinyurl.com/borcq8 The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) is seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to serve in a new position of Director of the San Francisco Great Streets Campaign. This is an exciting, new collaboration being launched by the SFBC and partner organizations to promote safer, more livable streets and public places. The Director will collaborate with community leaders, neighborhood groups, businesses, and city agencies to advocate for and win great walking spaces, safe bike space, and less motor vehicle traffic. For the full job description, go to: http://tinyurl.com/a9rm44
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