February 2011 - Bikeboard - lists.frackcheckwv.net

Re: [Bikeboard] Poster Ideas
by Aira Loren Burkhart 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

> > See inline comments with arrows for Aira's version of Ryan's slogans: > > 1) Save time / your skin > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Get fit, get fast > 2) Sharing the road, not competing with cars. > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> > 3) Save money > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Save your health, increase your wealth > 4) Lose weight, get exercise, feel better è look good in euro cool > spandex > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cyclists are sexy. > 5) Save the environment > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> The air thanks you. > 6) Be cool, hip, role model for your kids to stop playing so many > video games > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cool parents raise cool kids > 7) You already have a bike! > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Your bicycle misses you. > 8) Making riding a family experience. > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Families that cycle together smile together. > 9) Ride with confidence, anywhere. > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> King of the Road > 10) Know your rights. > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> You have the right to ride. > 11) Don’t have to look for parking. > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Front door parking, every time. > 12) Burn more calories so you can eat more > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cyclists get seconds. (would need to have a food related picture) > 13) Have fun in the rain/cold. Conquer hills. > > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> You and are your bicycle make molehills out of mountains > 14) Ride more than someone else. > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> > 15) Do you own vehicle maintenance. > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Don't panic: you don't need a mechanic! (not sure the bike shops would like this) > 16) Commute, exercise, recreate, save money, save the environment AT THE > SAME TIME > >>>>>>>>>>>>>> A little work, a lot of play, when you ride a bike, it's a beautiful day! > 17) (Isn’t there a government thing that pays like $20/month for people > who bike to work?) > MISC: >>>>>>>>>>>>>> My other workout partner is a bicycle.

1 0

Fwd: Course participation
by Frank Gmeindl 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

Begin forwarded message: > From: Alice Vernon <vernon.mail(a)gmail.com> > Date: February 10, 2011 1:46:10 PM EST > To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Course participation > > I also like what Jonathan said and think one of Aira's artwork on a poster would be a good idea. > Alice > > On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 1:05 PM, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I think a poster would be valuable regardless of what else we do. > > Frank > > On Feb 10, 2011, at 10:46 AM, Aira Loren Burkhart wrote: > >> Agree that Jonathan's idea could be pretty cool. >> >> Would this constitute the marketing exclusively, or would we still want to do the posters, new bike purchase voucher thing? How would we balance these? >> >> aira >> >> On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 10:21 AM, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> Jonathan, >> >> Your suggestion is innovative, rational and practicable. Please see my questions and comments embedded below. >> >> On Feb 10, 2011, at 4:54 AM, Jonathan Rosenbaum wrote: >> >>> I have read through this whole thread, and while I observe some good thinking going on, there really isn't anything earth-shattering about the approaches being discussed. Targeting businesses has been discussed in the past, but what I mostly hear being suggested is that we change our jingle. >>> >>> News alert. I don't think that we have failed in our marketing efforts at all. In fact, I think the results we are getting are typical for the particular media approaches we are employing. >>> >>> In general, it is pretty common for media marketing to produce very small percentage returns. While it's a great approach for large companies who are targeting large populations, it is probably not in the BB's best interest. I am sure all of you receive spam mail, and I suspect that 100% of you absolutely hate it or completely ignore it, but alas, probably about 0.00001% of people who do receive it become repeat customers which makes it a very lucrative business for its proprietors. But ironically, it also means none of you probably become the customers. These stats tend to be true with many types of media marketing. >>> >>> Lets do some numbers. Let's say we have a $70k budget and we spent about $25,000 last year, and Morgantown's MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) population is 118,506. Let's say 40 people took our course last year. That means, our costs were $625.00 per each individual, and our market penetration was 0.00034%. Note: I am guesstimating some of these numbers. >>> >>> Just for demonstration, let's say that after everything is said and done, we are paying $525.00 in marketing costs for each person we are bringing into our program What's wrong with this picture? A lot. >>> >>> Here is the solution I suggest. Let's employ a traditional sales approach. Initially, we will find people who are interested in marketing our program. >> >> What approach do you recommend to "find people who are interested in marketing our program" and who would implement your approach? From your writing below, it seems people that have completed TS101 or that have demonstrated that they know the material would qualify as marketers. I ask who would implement your approach because it won't happen unless somebody does it so the first job would seem to be to find somebody(s) that will take this on. >> >>> This is the fun part because we wouldn't have to pay them $525 for each person they successfully get to enroll in our program, we could pay them $50 or $35 or maybe even $25 for their effort. I could see this approach being really successful at WVU. First we would ditch offering free courses to WVU students. If you were a WVU student and you could make $600 by convincing 12 of your friends to enroll and successfully complete the course, wouldn't that motivate you to market our program? Yes! >> >> Do you mean that the City would pay our "marketers" $25 for each person that they got to sign up for the course? >> >>> >>> Now here's a creative approach building on Aira's concept of raising our price. Let's raise the price to $100, but lets give our marketers coupons with their sales ID written on it. If their friend brings the coupon when they enroll, they will receive a 60% discount or maybe even a 100% discount! Once they complete the course we will offer them a sales ID which they can use to invite all their friends and associates. But, because good marketers aren't necessarily people who have taken our course, we could open up the marketing program to anyone who is a good marketer, i.e., we would interview them first, and if approved, hire them as an independent contractor and provide them with instructions on how we want our program presented to the public. >> >> Are you personally willing to manage this? >> >>> >>> I say, let's get a good paid sales force because that's how the Bicycle Boards Education's 7,000,000 pennies from its Grant will be most effectively utilized to successfully build a large program that will produce a nice population of enthusiastic bicyclists. >>> >>> -Jonathan >>> >>> >>> Gunnar Shogren wrote: >>>> >>>> On Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 8:46 PM, Ryan Post <rpostwvu(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Ya, we got Old, Young, Woman and Cantankerous. Frank and Gunnar can fight >>>>> over which 2 persona they are. >>>>> >>>>> I'm really liking the idea of getting word out to businesses. I'm thinking >>>>> it'll be a better bang for the buck, and also is probably less time spent by >>>>> BB members than working up a new commercial. As much as I'd love to be in a >>>>> 4th cycling commercial! >>>>> >>>>> I'm expecting that word of mouth will be the most powerful advertising once >>>>> a bunch of people have taken it. >>>>> >>>> Oh, and how do we get to this "bunch of people"? >>>> >>>> >>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>> From: bikeboard-bounces(a)cheat.org [mailto:bikeboard-bounces@cheat.org] On >>>>> Behalf Of Elizabeth Shogren >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2011 8:15 PM >>>>> To: Alice Vernon >>>>> Cc: Jim Rye; chip wamsley; Elizabeth Shogren; Bicycle Board; Frank Gmeindl >>>>> Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Course participation >>>>> >>>>> Thanks, Alice! >>>>> >>>>> I am thinking the commercial could "introduce" our LCI instructors. >>>>> Sometimes people are more apt to sign up for something if they can see >>>>> that it is not taught by some scary hard-core freak. Establish a >>>>> connection and all that... >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On second thought, this idea could backfire. HAHA!! Just kidding!!! >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 6:52 PM, Alice Vernon <vernon.mail(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I think Betsy is right about the commercial and people not reading the >>>>>> paper. >>>>>> Alice >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 6:08 PM, Gunnar Shogren <gshogren(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> On Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 5:59 PM, Elizabeth Shogren >>>>>>> <elizabeth.schauer(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I say let's make another commercial! Tons of people saw our PSAs, >>>>>>>> while I am not so sure that many people actually read the newspaper >>>>>>>> that often (especially students and other active types). >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> And the commercial that Betsy is talking about is one that promotes >>>>>>> the CLASS and not just safe riding in general. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Bikeboard mailing list >>>>>>>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >>>>>>>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Bikeboard mailing list >>>>>>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >>>>>>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Bikeboard mailing list >>>>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >>>>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Bikeboard mailing list >>>>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >>>>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>>>> >>>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Bikeboard mailing list >>>> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >>>> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >>>> >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Bikeboard mailing list >> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Bikeboard mailing list >> Bikeboard(a)cheat.org >> http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard > > > _______________________________________________ > Bikeboard mailing list > Bikeboard(a)cheat.org > http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >

2 2

Fwd: Buckle Up. It's the Law!
by Frank Gmeindl 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

Begin forwarded message: > From: Alice Vernon <vernon.mail(a)gmail.com> > Date: February 9, 2011 6:47:58 PM EST > To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Buckle Up. It's the Law! > > I agree with and like the "Please, Share the Road", like the construction zones that say "Please slow down, my Mommy works here". It works because no one really wants to run over someone's Mom or really a cyclist but maybe they still want to send the message that they are not happy we are on the road making them wait to pass. > I think the "Buckle Up" works because people know they will get ticket for not using seat belts but most likely not for not sharing the road. It is too subjective. Motorist word against cyclist. Also, when pushed off the road or passed too close, how many of us really see and remember license plate and reports it? > Just my opinion. > Alice > > On Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 2:06 PM, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > After last week's BB meeting, Ben Scott pointed out to me that people don't seem to have any problem with "Buckle Up. It's the Law!" > > I wonder if some people find our bumper sticker, "Share the Road. It's the Law!" objectionable because consciously or sub-consciously, they do not believe that cyclists have the same rights as motorists. I wonder if these aren't the same cyclists who will move to the right edge of the road when it's not wide enough to be passed and crash in the ditch rather than to take their lawful place in the lane. What annoys me about such cyclists is that they're training motorists to expect other cyclists to do the same. For me, I'd like the bumper sticker to say, "Please, share the road. It's the law!" > > > Frank > Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Bikeboard mailing list > Bikeboard(a)cheat.org > http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard >

1 0

Re: [Bikeboard] Course participation
by Chip Wamsley 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2011 15:52:54 -0500 Frank et al, I think the new business cards will be a help, 1) if bike board members hand them out to friends to direct them to the website to get the CCC class schedule--I'll be able to use lots at the shop 2) an 8 1/2 x 11 poster on heavier paper that could be put up at the bike shops, rec center, coop, moose, black bear, laundromats, around campus etc. . . to briefly describe course and drive people to the class--the same poster in slide form on the city TV channel should also work well. Chip >Education Committee members, > >The Mar - Sep 2010 courses are scheduled at http://bikemorgantown.com/calendar.php . Recommendations for getting people to attend? > >Ads in the Dominion Post and Daily Athenaeum might make sense although I'd say last year, the ad in the paper actually brought less than 4 participants. > >Other ideas? > >Frank

8 26

Feb 3, 2011 Bike Board Meeting minutes
by jimrye_adelphia1＠comcast.net 09 Feb '11

09 Feb '11

Attached jimrye_adelphia1(a)comcast.net "The first wealth is health." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

1 0

Excellent video
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Feb '11

09 Feb '11

BB members, especially LCI, This: http://john-s-allen.com/blog/?p=2247 marvelous 1979 video of early Effective Cycling is entertaining, informative, comprehensive and concise and 25 minutes long. I hope you'll enjoy watching it as much as I did. Frank

1 0

Buckle Up. It's the Law!
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Feb '11

09 Feb '11

After last week's BB meeting, Ben Scott pointed out to me that people don't seem to have any problem with "Buckle Up. It's the Law!" I wonder if some people find our bumper sticker, "Share the Road. It's the Law!" objectionable because consciously or sub-consciously, they do not believe that cyclists have the same rights as motorists. I wonder if these aren't the same cyclists who will move to the right edge of the road when it's not wide enough to be passed and crash in the ditch rather than to take their lawful place in the lane. What annoys me about such cyclists is that they're training motorists to expect other cyclists to do the same. For me, I'd like the bumper sticker to say, "Please, share the road. It's the law!" Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

2 1

Re: [Bikeboard] Confident City Cycling Course participation March - September, 2011
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Feb '11

09 Feb '11

Dave/Jim, We're going to develop a flyer. I don't know when it will be done. Attached is the ad we had in the newspaper. All the info about the courses are at BikeMorgantown.com . Frank On Feb 9, 2011, at 8:21 AM, Harshbarger, Dave wrote: > Frank/Jim, > > Is there a flyer or ad for this upcoming course? I’d be happy to get the word out to our Health Sciences campus. > Thanks, > Dave > > > > Dave Harshbarger, MS > > Wellness Manager > > Ornish Program Director > > <image001.jpg> > > Health Sciences Campus WVU > > 304-598-4000 x73079 > > www.hsc.wvu.edu/wellness > > > > > > From: Jim Rye [mailto:Jim.Rye@mail.wvu.edu] > Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2011 4:04 PM > To: Elizabeth Shogren; Don Spencer; Aira Loren Burkhart; chip wamsley; Frank Gmeindl; Gunnar Shogren; Ryan Post; Hugh Kierig; Paul Becker; Marilyn Newcome; chip(a)wamsleycycles.com > Cc: Kimberly Zaph; Harshbarger, Dave > Subject: Re: Confident City Cycling Course participation March - September, 2011 > > > I'd continue those ads plus notify Wellness coordinators at major employers (for WVU, I have cc:ed Kimberly Zaph and Dave Harshbarger) > > James A. Rye > West Virginia University > Educational Theory and Practice > PO Box 6122 > 604 Allen Hall > Morgantown, WV 26506-6122 > jim.rye(a)mail.wvu.edu > Phone: (304) 293-4416 > Fax: (304) 293-3802 > > > > >>> Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> 2/8/2011 3:52 PM >>> > Education Committee members, > > The Mar - Sep 2010 courses are scheduled at http://bikemorgantown.com/calendar.php . Recommendations for getting people to attend? > > Ads in the Dominion Post and Daily Athenaeum might make sense although I'd say last year, the ad in the paper actually brought less than 4 participants. > > Other ideas? > > Frank > > > Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. >

3 2

Re: [Bikeboard] Course participation
by Chip Wamsley 08 Feb '11

08 Feb '11

---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Aira Loren Burkhart <airaloren(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2011 17:35:32 -0500 I agree with Aira, putting a value on the course is important and if people pay, they will show up. I think we are already requiring folks to pay first, and then complete the course to get money back--correct? Chip >I know this will sound funny, but maybe this course should cost more? > >(I'm just brainstorming, so you might disagree) > >There is definitely a psychology to pricing and making the course free/very >cheap might be making it seem like it's not an important class or like the >content is low quality or something. > >Maybe the course should be advertised as costing $100 or another high number >*more similar to classes people pay to take*, like dancing, or music, or art >classes? Charging a lot might make it seem exclusive and legitimize the >course content. > >I think people pay more attention and have better attendance when they have >already committed their money to something. They have to then "get their >money's worth" by working hard and focusing. People sell out expensive rock >concerts but you can't expect to "pack the park" for a free community >concert. And that's because it's free, not because the content is different. > >Is this making sense to anyone else? > >"You get what you pay for" and so far, no one is getting [from us] what they >aren't paying for, right? > >So, let's charge a lot for it and see if people would prefer to pay to play. > >aira > >On Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 5:16 PM, Chip Wamsley <chip(a)wamsleycycles.com> wrote: > >> ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- >> From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> >> Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2011 15:52:54 -0500 >> >> Frank et al, >> >> I think the new business cards will be a help, 1) if bike board members >> hand them out to friends to direct them to the website to get the CCC class >> schedule--I'll be able to use lots at the shop 2) an 8 1/2 x 11 poster on >> heavier paper that could be put up at the bike shops, rec center, coop, >> moose, black bear, laundromats, around campus etc. . . to briefly describe >> course and drive people to the class--the same poster in slide form on the >> city TV channel should also work well. >> >> Chip >> >> >Education Committee members, >> > >> >The Mar - Sep 2010 courses are scheduled at >> http://bikemorgantown.com/calendar.php . Recommendations for getting >> people to attend? >> > >> >Ads in the Dominion Post and Daily Athenaeum might make sense although I'd >> say last year, the ad in the paper actually brought less than 4 >> participants. >> > >> >Other ideas? >> > >> >Frank >> > >

1 0

Course participation
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Feb '11

08 Feb '11

Education Committee members, The Mar - Sep 2010 courses are scheduled at http://bikemorgantown.com/calendar.php . Recommendations for getting people to attend? Ads in the Dominion Post and Daily Athenaeum might make sense although I'd say last year, the ad in the paper actually brought less than 4 participants. Other ideas? Frank

1 0

Damon's email
by Alice Vernon 08 Feb '11

08 Feb '11

I am having trouble finding Damon's email address to inquire about the exact amount of signage allowable by the city and state on the bike routes. Also, Gunnar can you do some driving around this week to mark up signs on the map? It is hard to do alone. Thanks Alice

3 2

Wouldn't it be nice?
by Gunnar Shogren 05 Feb '11

05 Feb '11

Just got done w/ a 8 mile walk around town and beyond. Shame, shame, shame that sidewalks aren't everywhere and over in the wharf district what idiots came up w/ the grand idea of putting those big electrical "things" right ON the sidewalk. Talk about discouraging walking. They're about as bad as the tree "curbs" that crowd the sidewalks in downtown Anyway, saw this web page on an LCI post- http://dynamiccycling.blogspot.com/ Sounds pleasant. Ok, I'm just gonna have a beer now.

1 2

request to Jonathon Rosenbaum to add individual to BB listserv
by jimrye_adelphia1＠comcast.net 05 Feb '11

05 Feb '11

Jonathon: Please add Brandon Crawford ( bcrawfor(a)mix.wvu.edu ) to listserv. Thanks. jimrye_adelphia1(a)comcast.net "The first wealth is health." -Ralph Waldo Emerson jimrye_adelphia1(a)comcast.net "The first wealth is health." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

1 0

Budget and plan
by Frank Gmeindl 04 Feb '11

04 Feb '11

Bicycle Board Members, Thank you for reading the Comprehensive Bicycling Plan last night and for your recommendations for its improvement. Attached is a budget request that Don submitted to Terrence Moore, City Manager this week. Don, Chip, gunnar and I created that budget in approximately 15 minutes. I would very much have preferred to submit a budget that was clearly based on a responsible plan. I believe that there will never be a sufficient budget to support all the things that we would like to see done if we don't have a plan. Please finish reading the Comprehensive Bicycling Plan and give me any comments or recommendations in whatever way is convenient for you. I will work your recommendations and put them into a new version. Our lively discussions last night as we reviewed the plan were wonderful, fun and productive. I wish we could continue such discussions through the whole plan but I recognize we all have other priorities. At least, if I can knead all of your recommendations into one document, we will have a plan that is ours and that we can promote through the channels. Thanks to Jason Jeffries, Labyrinth has generously provided us a document management system. In the next few days, I'll set it up for us to use. It enables us to check out the plan, make changes to it, track the changes and check it in so we can keep track of change and versions. I will send you another message with your username and password once I get it set up. Today, the roads are dry and clear. I hope we all get out to ride. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

1 0

Re: [Bikeboard] Bicycles in Morgantown
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Ben, I forwarded your message to the Bicycle Board and invited them to contact you if they want to be interviewed. Don Dickerson is no longer a member of the Bicycle Board. Gunnar Shogren is now Vice Chairman. I will try to answer your questions. Please see my responses embedded below. On Feb 3, 2011, at 1:16 PM, Benjamin Scott wrote: > Thank you for your help Mr. Gmeindl. > Some questions I have are: > How many people riding bikes do you think it would take to reduce traffic in Morgantown to a steadier flow? This is a tough question to answer quantitatively. Morgantown's traffic jams are a result of there being too many motor vehicles on Morgantown's roads. The solution to the traffic problem is to reduce the number of motor vehicles. Alternatives are bicycling, walking, public transit (including PRT and Mountain Line) and carpooling. Every person that chooses one of these alternatives takes a step toward reducing Morgantown traffic congestion. To get people to choose one of these alternatives over their private car, these alternatives must be made more attractive. People that want to walk need sidewalks. People that want to ride bikes need bicycling to be safe and convenient. People who want to use public transit need to have buses or PRT cars available when and where they need them. Morgantown's emphasis has always been on making private motoring as fast and convenient as possible, often at the expense of alternatives. Perhaps it's time to focus on making the alternatives more attractive. > Also, are there any programs or advertisements promoting bike riding over driving? The Bicycle Board is an all volunteer group that is trying to make Morgantown a more attractive place to bicycle. I've attached a report of our 2010 accomplishments. You might find some useful info in there. Feel free to plagiarize;) > Are there road maps that show where bikes are allowed to be on the road? Except for the interstate highway, bicycles are allowed on every road. Obviously, some roads are more pleasant to ride on than others. The Bicycle Board is developing a bike route map for Morgantown. I've attached a rough draft. It represents routes that local bicyclists frequently use to get around town. You'll also notice that sections of the route are color coded: Green = Pleasant; Blue = OK; Brown = Scary; Red = Dangerous. The Bicycle Board is working first to change the red sections by getting the City or State to erect Share the Road signs on them. We're also developing a signage plan to mark the routes. > What are some benefits for riding a bike instead of driving? In a more bicycle-friendly Morgantown, residents will enjoy reduced congestion, greater transportation efficiency, better community health and wellbeing, an improved physical environment, and a more prosperous local economy. For most Morgantown residents, the private motor vehicle is perceived to be the only practical transportation option. Morgantown’s hilly environment naturally makes bicycling and walking challenging. Our narrow roads, heavy traffic and ignorance of bicyclists’ rights and duties make bicycling terrifying to any but the most experienced, fit and intrepid cyclists. To get more Morgantown residents to use bicycles rather than private motor vehicles, we must make bicycling safer and more personally satisfying than driving the car, at least for some trips. Reduced Congestion One car takes up more space than 6 bicycles. The next time you’re stuck in a traffic jam, look around and imagine if all the cars disappeared leaving only their occupants. Where’s the congestion? [1] Of course, bicycles usually travel slower than motor vehicles so to take advantage of the reduced congestion that bicycling offers, the infrastructure must accommodate the speed differences with no compromise in safety or convenience for either traveler.[2] Greater Transportation Efficiency · Bicycling is the most energy efficient mode of transportation and generates practically no pollution. Bicyclists get approximately 700 mpg [FG3]gasoline equivalent if their food energy is converted to equivalent gallons of gasoline[1]. · Cycling is often the fastest mode of transportation for trips less than 3 miles in urban cores. More than 50% of trips in urban areas are less than 3 miles.[2] (Morgantown is only 5 miles across.) · Bicycles take up less valuable real estate both while traveling and parked. Ten bicycles can be parked in the space required for a single automobile. The cost of a typical car parking space in a parking structure can be up to[5] $10,000 compared to $300 to manufacture and install a post-and-ring bike stand accommodating two bicycles, or $1,000 for a high security bicycle locker.[7] · The addition of a through traffic lane on an existing road costs from $350,000 to $500,000 per kilometre to design and construct in Toronto. This widening would provide an additional roadway capacity of 800 vehicles per hour. By comparison, the costs associated with the addition of a single 5 ft. bike lane, which can accommodate approximately 2,000 trips per hour, can range from $5,000 to $10,000 for a simple restriping, or from $35,000 to $150,000 per kilometre where a road widening is required. · In 2009, Monongalia County spent $2,600,000 busing 8,500 children to school. The average distance bused to school was 1 mile.[3] $2,600,00 could stripe 52 miles of bike lanes.[4] Better Community Health and Well-being · Bicycling can mitigate our obesity epidemic. Nationally, from 1969 to 2004, childhood obesity increased from 10% to 40% while walking or bicycling to school decreased from 90% to 48%.[5] Since West Virginia has one of the highest obesity rates in the U. S., the situation in WV is probably worse. · Cycling contributes to personal health by enhancing fitness and providing an enjoyable, convenient and affordable means of exercise and recreation. The most effective fitness routines are moderate in intensity, individualized and incorporated into our daily activities. Cycling and walking can accomplish this while also providing mobility. · Cycling can eliminate road rage and increase civility among community members. The freedom from entrapment in a vehicle, higher intimacy with the natural environment and other travelers and the feeling of satisfaction of getting around on one’s own power improves the cyclist’s general attitude.[9] · Most Americans are physically inactive, resulting in billions of dollars of direct health care costs. Increased physical activity, such as walking and cycling, can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and the cost of medical care, decrease workplace absenteeism and maintain the independence of older adults. · Cycling provides access and transportation to segments of the population who would not otherwise be able to travel independently including those who: o Cannot or choose not to own a motor vehicle; o Do not have access to a motor vehicle when needed; o Cannot or choose not to use public transportation. · A forthcoming review article demonstrates significantly higher levels of health and fitness were associated with bike commuting. (Scandinavian Journal of Health Promotion, 2011) Improved Physical Environment · Bicycling reduces air pollution, reduces the exhaust dirt that sullies our houses, buildings and infrastructure, and frees up valuable space that could be used for other more productive and attractive applications. · Bicycling can most easily replace 1-5 mile motor-vehicle trips that are the least fuel-efficient and generate the most pollution per mile. · Replacing auto trips with bicycling mitigates ozone depletion, the greenhouse effect, ground-level air pollution, photochemical smog, acid rain and noise pollution. More Prosperous Local Economy · Bicycling accommodations increase property values, business revenue and jobs.[6][13] · Bicycle friendly communities attract educated highly paid residents and visitors that contribute to the local economy. · Since bicycles take up less space, a significant shift in transportation from motorized to bicycling frees space for other more productive uses. For example, automobile parking currently occupies approximately[15] 15%of valuable land within Morgantown.[7] As a business person, which would you prefer to own, Ruby Memorial Hospital or its parking lot that occupies approximately the same area? [1] Cycling at a rate of 11 mph expends approximately 6 kcal/kg-body-weight/hr a. A 180 lb (81.8 kg) adult cycling at 11 mph for 1 hour would expend 6 kcal/kg/hr * 81.8 kg = 491 kcal. Therefore, 491 kcal/11 miles = 44.6 kcal/mile. One gallon of gasoline contains approximately 31,000 kcal. So, cyclist’s gasoline-equivalent mileage is 31,000 kcal / 44.6 kcal/mile = 695 miles. a http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/tools/compendium.htm [2] U.S. National Bicycle and Walking Study, 1994 [3] The Dominion Post, Sep. 7, 2009 p.1-A [4] Based on maximum of $50,000/mile estimated cost from Bikesafe: Bicycle Countermeasure Selection System, Federal Highway Administration, FHWA-SA-05-006, May 2006, p. 27. [5] http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WalkToSchool/ [6] 11% higher home value near bike facilities – Indianapolis · $133 Billion/year revenue; 1.1 Million jobs – U. S. · $ 1 Billion/year revenue; 1,231 jobs – Colorado · $556 Million/ year revenue; 3,418 jobs –Wisconsin · $60 Million/year revenue; 1,440 jobs on $6.7 Million investment – Outer Banks · $181 Million/year revenue; 2,800 jobs from La Route Verte bike route; bike tourists spend 26% more than other tourists – Quebec Source: Flusche, Darren, The Economic Benefits of Bicycle Infrastructure Investments, League of American Bicyclists, June 2009, http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/reports/report_economics.php [7] On-street and parking garages. > Are there any plans to promoting future bicycle use? The Bicycle Board is working on a Comprehensive Bicycling Plan. It is too pre-mature to release to you now. We'll discuss it tonight. > What kind of bike would you recommend for a beginner bicycle rider to get around Morgantown safely and quickly? One that fits and has a wide range of gears. > Where is the best place to ride a bike in Morgantown? This depends on where you want to go and your level of education, experience and skill. Morgantown's rail trails are very popular but don't go everywhere that the roads go. See the green and blue sections of the attached bike route map. Unfortunately, if you want to go across town or through town to get out of town, some riding on the brown sections and maybe even a little on the red sections. May be necessary. Taking the Confident City Cycling Traffic Skills 101 class http://bikemorgantown.com/courses.php will enable you to ride anywhere, any time for any reason. > Are there any bicycle clubs or groups in Morgantown and how would someone get in contact with them? Yes, WVU Cycling Club, http://www.wvucycling.com/ ; Monongalia Bicycle Club, http://groups.google.com/group/monbikeclub?lnk=srg&hl=en and Country Roads Cyclists http://groups.google.com/group/CRcyclists?lnk=srg&hl=en. > > Answers to these questions will greatly shorten the interview. Also, our teacher would like us to multiple sources for our story. Do you have the contact information for Don Dickerson the Vice Chairman for the bicycle board? Thank you again for your time. > > > Ben Scott > > > > > On 02/03/11, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Ben, >> >> >> I'm glad you're doing this and I'd like to help. I'm usually somewhat burned out at the end of the Bicycle Board meetings but I'll do what I can. Perhaps if you already have questions that you're planning to ask, I could write you some answers. That might shorten the interview. >> >> >> >> Frank D. Gmeindl >> Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board >> LCI #1703 >> 491 WilsonAvenue >> Morgantown, WV 26501 >> 304-376-0446 >> Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles >> >> >> >> On Feb 3, 2011, at 12:05 PM, Benjamin Scott wrote: >> >>> Hello Sir, >>> my name is Ben Scott and I am a journalism student at WVU. I am writing a story for class on how bicycles could help reduce the traffic problems of Morgantown. I will be attending tonight's Morgantown Bicycle Board and I was hoping I could get an interview with you either after the meeting or even sometime tomorrow. Also I would like to ask if you could supply me with contact information for any of the other board members. Thank you so much for your time and your help would be greatly appreciated. >>> >>> Ben Scott >>

2 2

Fwd: questions for the bike board
by Aira Loren Burkhart 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Benjamin Scott <bscott14(a)mix.wvu.edu> Date: Thu, Feb 3, 2011 at 1:31 PM Subject: Re: questions for the bike board To: Aira Loren Burkhart <airaloren(a)gmail.com> Sure thing. Here are the questions I have so far: How many people riding bikes do you think it would take to reduce traffic in Morgantown to a steadier flow? Also, are there any programs or advertisements promoting bike riding over driving? Are there road maps that show where bikes are allowed to be on the road? What are some benefits for riding a bike instead of driving? Are there any plans to promoting future bicycle use? What kind of bike would you recommend for a beginner bicycle rider to get around Morgantown safely and quickly? Where is the best place to ride a bike in Morgantown? Are there any bicycle clubs or groups in Morgantown and how would someone get in contact with them? Thank you for your time. Ben Scott On 02/03/11, *Aira Loren Burkhart * <airaloren(a)gmail.com> wrote: Ben, Can you provide a list of questions you will be asking? Thank you, Aira Burkhart Morgantown Bicycle Board

1 0

Want to be interviewed?
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Bicycle Board Members, If you are willing to be interviewed, please contact Ben. I did not give him any contact info as he requested. Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: Benjamin Scott <bscott14(a)mix.wvu.edu> > Date: February 3, 2011 12:05:30 PM EST > To: frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net > Subject: Bicycles in Morgantown > > Hello Sir, > my name is Ben Scott and I am a journalism student at WVU. I am writing a story for class on how bicycles could help reduce the traffic problems of Morgantown. I will be attending tonight's Morgantown Bicycle Board and I was hoping I could get an interview with you either after the meeting or even sometime tomorrow. Also I would like to ask if you could supply me with contact information for any of the other board members. Thank you so much for your time and your help would be greatly appreciated. > > Ben Scott

1 0

Zerbe steps down
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Bicycle Board Members, Apparently, Jon Zerbe wants to resign from the Bicycle Board. He is WVU Cycling Club rep. Any ideas for replacing him? Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> > Date: February 2, 2011 11:37:09 AM EST > To: Jonathan Zerbe <jzerbe(a)mix.wvu.edu> > Subject: Re: Bicycle Board > > Jonathan, > > I'm glad I sent you the message below and thanks for your reply. Your reply prompted me to look at the subscriber list for bikeboard(a)cheat.org, the alias for all Bicycle Board members and your address isn't on it. Our mistake. > > If I understand your message, you are resigning from the Bicycle Board. I also understand that you are resigning because you have other things to do that will take up all your time and they are of higher priority to you than serving on the Bicycle Board. I must say that I do not know what the bike safe campus initiative is but I must wonder if your being on the Bicycle Board could result in a collaborative effort that could accomplish both the University's objectives for the program and the Bicycle Board's objectives with less work for you. > > I realize that the Bicycle Board has not done an adequate job of "selling" the Bicycle Board to the WVU Cycling Club. Before you bow out and we lose all contact with the Club, I would like to ask you to arrange for me to address the Club sometime soon. Would you do that? > > Finally, may I have your permission to copy this message including your message to the Bicycle Board? I would like to be able to do it today since we're meeting tomorrow and I'd like to discuss it with the Board at the meeting. > > Frank D. Gmeindl > Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board > LCI #1703 > 491 WilsonAvenue > Morgantown, WV 26501 > 304-376-0446 > Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > > > On Feb 2, 2011, at 11:12 AM, Jonathan Zerbe wrote: > >> Hey Frank, sorry for the late reply. I actually haven't received an agenda since May. No worries though. I talked it over with the bike team and although we want to be in good standing with the community, but I don't think we have anyone else that wants to take my place in the bike board. I'm trying to propose my Master's thesis this semester, and it's not the time spent at the meeting I'm worried about, it's getting put in an extra project - like the bike safe campus initiative. The university could apply and hope for the best, or I could end up becoming the volunteer Bicycle Program Manager (which the program suggests you have). I'm afraid I just don't need another distraction. Unfortunately, since the team members are either new to the team or officers trying to rebuild the team, I don't think I or anyone else from the team is interested in serving on the bike board. We appreciate the opportunity you have given us, and I hope my negligence doesn't reflect poorly on the team as a whole. If there's any future projects that you need volunteers for a day, please inform the team and we will help out as best we can. I wish you and the board the best of luck. >> >> Jon Zerbe >> >> On 01/10/11, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> wrote: >>> >>> Jon, >>> >>> >>> We missed you at last Thursday's Bicycle Board meeting. Did you receive the agenda and minutes that I sent 12/31? >>> >>> If you knew about the meeting, I would have appreciated your notifying me if you were not going to attend. We wasted valuable time waiting for you. >>> >>> What are your plans for participating on the Bicycle Board? I would like to see the WVU Cycling Club involved in Bicycle Board plans. >>> >>> Also, I must provide the City your surface mail address. Is it >>> 417 Beaver Ave >>> Morgantown, WV, 26505 ? >>> >>> Frank >>> >

1 0

Request by Oregon to see how states handle bicycle registration
by director 03 Feb '11

03 Feb '11

Good morning, Thought I would forward this message I received from another list regarding bike licensing. I know the subject has come up locally from time to time. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "YIP Julie A" <Julie.A.YIP(a)odot.state.or.us> Reply-To: "YIP Julie A" <Julie.A.YIP(a)odot.state.or.us> Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:08:06 -0800 > Happy Friday. > I'm reporting back on what I've learned from responses to my query > about whether any states have done a feasibility study on issuance of > bicycle licenses, and if there were licensing programs and if so, use > of fees, if any. > > A newly introduced bill in Oregon would require Oregon DOT to conduct > such a study to determine whether a voluntary or mandatory licensing > system could work to the advantage of bicyclists for tracing stolen or > lost bicycles, using fees for bike infrastructure, or for using > information for planning. > > 1) I did not receive any leads on studies done by states regarding the > feasibility of bicycle licensing. > > 2) Some states had looked into bicycle licensing, such as Vermont and > Indiana, without resulting in a licensing program. Concerns mentioned > were the difficulties of enforcement and administration of the program > balanced against limited financial benefits. Vermont has bicycle > tourists from Canada and other states and there could be negative > impacts from required licensing. New Hampshire had "floated the idea > of a fee on canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats" with no > resulting licensing of boats (or bikes). > > Minnesota had a state law (1980's) requiring bicycle licensing but it > was repealed in 2005 "after the administrative costs of the program > were more than the proceeds." While it was in effect, Minnesota had a > mandatory bike licensing program but cities may have had option to opt > out. The proceeds were put into an account for the MN bicycle safety > programs. > > 3) While I did not find current STATE bicycle licensing programs, > there are bicycle licensing programs at the local level in many > states. Missoula, MT, has mandatory registration through city > ordinance. Purpose for registration is ability to identify a lost or > injured child. Dealers are required to inform purchasers of the city > requirement. Fees maintain administration of the program. > > Jeff Peel, of the League of American Bicyclists, provided information > that the League had collected through a survey of its top bicycle > friendly communities. It appears from the survey that fees collected > from the local agency registration programs go towards general city > funds or towards management of the registration program. You can > contact him about his survey at Jeff(a)bikeleague.org . > > Some respondents directed me towards the National Bike Registry, as > one of the Oregon bill's stated advantages to be studied was the > ability to trace stolen or lost bicycles. The National Bike Registry's > website states it is "the only true national database." > http://www.nationalbikeregistry.com/ > > Jeff Peel cited the example of Colorado Springs, CO, which has had a > $4 excise tax since 1988, on new bike purchase w/ 14" wheels. > Retailers pay proceeds quarterly to City. Fees go toward extensive > bikeway system. The City worked with retailers before imposing tax. > This program has raised over $2M in last 20 years. > > Thanks to all who sent responses. I even was alerted to a timely radio > interview of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's Advocacy > Director, John Boyle, by conservative talk show host Katherine > Albrecht! > > This information is extremely useful background for us moving forward > in the Oregon legislative session. > > > Julie Yip > ODOT Transportation Safety Division > 235 Union St. NE > Salem, OR 97301 > (503) 986-4196 (direct) > (503) 986-3143 (fax) > julie.a.yip(a)odot.state.or.us > > --- Note: If you want to send an email to the entire list serve of more than 300 subscribers, please send your message to saferoutestoschool(a)saferoutes.listserve.us. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list serve or UPDATE your account, please visit http://saferoutes.listserve.us/cgi-bin/lyris.pl Please send questions or comments regarding your list serve subscription to info(a)saferoutespartnership.org. -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 803 East Brockway Ave Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

1 0

Report to Traffic Commission
by Frank Gmeindl 01 Feb '11

01 Feb '11

Bicycle Board Members, Please review the attached draft report to the Traffic Commission and reply with recommendations for its improvement or your concurrence. I need to submit this to the Traffic Commission secretary this Thursday. (The TC meeting rescheduled its regular meeting from this Wednesday to next Wednesday.) Frank

1 0

Fwd: Grumbein's Island meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 01 Feb '11

01 Feb '11

Bicycle Board Members, Any ideas for improving Grumbein's Island for cycists? Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > Date: January 28, 2011 2:15:48 PM EST > To: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net>, Christiaan Abildso <cgabildso(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Bob Anderson <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Jon Bond <jbond3(a)mix.wvu.edu>, Ilana Chertok <ichertok(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Stan Cohen <Stanley.Cohen(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Chuck Coole <ccoole(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Jan Derry <jderry(a)nwvcil.org>, Dave Harshbarger <harshbargerd(a)wvuh.com>, Dwight Harshbarger <dwight.harshbarger(a)gmail.com>, George Lilley <mgranlil(a)verizon.net>, Regina Mayolo <reginam(a)verizon.net>, Jon Miltenberger <kokiri4ever(a)msn.com>, Jennifer Noori <thenoorinater(a)gmail.com>, Bill Reger-Nash <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource(a)cheat.org>, Jimmie Simmons <Jsimmons2642(a)yahoo.com>, David Small <dsmall1(a)mix.wvu.edu>, Maria Smith <mariasmith(a)busride.org>, Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net>, Martha Summers <msummers(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Angela Wiley <wileya120(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Grumbein's Island meeting > > Fellow pedestrian advocates. I have been invited to attend a meeting with many constituencies to discuss the future of Grumbein's Island (pedestrian area in front of Mountainlair) next Friday at 10:00 AM. The invitees include: > Terry Hough - City > Don Spencer - City > Roy Nutter - City > Christaan Abildso - City > Bryan Radabaugh - State > Alanna Slack - State > Perry Keller - State > Bill Austin - Mgtn/Mon MPO > Rick Colebank - Alpha Assoc > Chuck Branch - Alpha Assoc > Charlie Luttrell - Alpha Assoc > Rob Moyer - WVU > Nelson France - WVU Student > Bob Merow - WVU > Hugh Kierig - WVU > > Please submit any suggestions prior to that meeting. Frank, I could especially use some bicycle design ideas for that area (I've also requested that you be invited). > Best, > Christiaan > > Walk more, safely > > > Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board > > Christiaan Abildso, Chair > > Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair > > http://www.morgantown.com/ped-safety-board.htm > > >

7 10

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

Bikeboard February 2011