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Fwd: H.B. 4304 and 17C-11-5(a)
by Derek Springston 28 Feb '14

28 Feb '14

Just FYI, here's my version of what Frank sent to Senator Beach! Hope you guys made the cutoff, too. Is there anyone else we should sent this to right now? Thanks, ~Derek ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Derek Springston <dspringston(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Feb 27, 2014 at 2:27 PM Subject: H.B. 4304 and 17C-11-5(a) To: bob.beach(a)wvsenate.gov Senator Beach, *I have been paying close attention to H.B. 4304 and was pretty content with it and supported it fully until recent changes were made. * As originally introduced, I understand that H.B. 4304 would have repealed the outdated 17C-11-5(a) that requires cyclists to ride far to the right on WV's roadways. *I supported the orginal repeal of 17C-11-5(a) that wouldn't require cyclists to ride far to the right.* However, as far as I can tell from the current bill, it states that any person riding on a roadway must use a bicycle path when available or ride as close to the right-hand edge of the roadway as practicable with exceptions for (1) overtaking or passing, (2) a left turn, or (3) when necessary to avoid potential conflict due to objects objects substandard lane width, etc. * I feel the language is difficult to interpret, enforce, and doesn't improve safety for cyclists. It may even decrease safety. * As we all know, WV roads have many obstacles and dangerous attributes including potholes, narrow roads, curves, etc. Forcing cyclists to ride to the right when no obstacles and closer to the middle of the lane when there are obstacles causes us to become unpredictable and weave in and out of motorists' paths. *So please repeal 17C-11-5 (a) as originally introduced so cyclists in WV will be safer. * *By passing safer cycling laws, which lead to encouraging cycling, WV will realize increased individual health and decreased health costs, decreased pollution, increased economic activity especially for local businesses and the tourism industry, and reduced transportation costs due to wear and tear on road networks. * I have completed a Traffic Skills 101 cycling course that was taught by certified League of American Bicyclist instructors, regularly ride on Morgantown and WV roads for pleasure and transportation to work between 1-5 days per week, and have been a member of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board for several years. As part of my personal experience on WV roadways, riding far to the right doesn't encourage motorists to keep me safer. When I ride far to the right, motorists routinely pass me in blind turns and cut me off and intersections, to name a few issues. I'm less visible to the right. Not forcing cyclists to ride far to the right keeps us all safer. *If there is a way that 17C-11-5 (a) can be repealed so that cyclist can safely choose their position in the lane, I fully support the current version of H.B. 4304. Thanks for your time and work on this bill.* Sincerely, Derek Springston *1412 Buckhannon Ave Morgantown, WV 26508* *Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. -'Abdu'l-Baha* *"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race." -H.G. Wells* -- *Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. -'Abdu'l-Baha* *"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race." -H.G. Wells*

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Fwd: Contact Judiciary Committee Members NOW!`
by Frank Gmeindl 28 Feb '14

28 Feb '14

I tried to call Senator Bob Beach the my call was not answered. So, I sent the following e-mail message: > Dear Senator Beach, > > Please simply repeal 17C-11-5 (a) that requires cyclists to ride far to the right. As introduced, H.B. 4304 would have simply repealed it. Unfortunately, the House Judiciary replaced 17C-11-5 (a) with very confusing language that I doubt cyclists, law enforcement officers, traffic court judges, motorists and legislators can understand. Simply repealing 17C-11-5 (a) will make cycling safer. The language in the amended bill will not. > > I am the former Chairman of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board. Under my watch, Morgantown received the Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community award. I am a certified bicycling instructor and have taught more than 150 people to bicycle safely. I have bicycled more than 150,000 miles in all types of traffic. > > > Frank D. Gmeindl > LCI #1703 > 491 Wilson Avenue > Morgantown, WV 26501 > 304-376-0446 > Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles Begin forwarded message: > From: Kasey Russell <russell.kasey(a)gmail.com> > Date: February 27, 2014 11:40:41 AM EST > To: Adam Angelona <adam(a)wvcompanybicycle.com>, Adam Flack <aflack(a)wvonthemove.net>, Andrea Salina <andreathompson31(a)gmail.com>, Anita Mayer <anita.mayer(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, Breanna Shell <shellb(a)cityofhuntington.com>, Brendan Bell <brendanbell.bell(a)gmail.com>, Bruce Curry <Bruce(a)currydesigngroup.com>, Charles Holley <cholley(a)cityofhuntington.com>, "chip(a)wamsleycycles.com" <chip(a)wamsleycycles.com>, Christiaan Abildso <cgabildso(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Craig Slaughter <craig.slaughter(a)wvimb.org>, Dale Goff <Dale.goff3(a)gmail.com>, Dennis A Strawn <dennis.strawn(a)highmark.com>, Don Spencer <DSpencer36(a)comcast.net>, Edgar Barrett <nedbarrett(a)bellsouth.net>, Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org>, Emily Vasile <emilyvasile(a)gmail.com>, Emmett Pepper <epepper(a)vt.edu>, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net>, Gail Pitchford <gail.pitchford(a)camc.org>, Gary Zuckett <garyz(a)wvcag.org>, Greg Garrett <gagarrett(a)gmail.com>, "harvey.allen(a)chartersites.net" <harvey.allen(a)chartersites.net>, Isaac Forman <formanir(a)gmail.com>, j underhill <Jfunderhill(a)gmail.com>, Jeffrey Lusk <jlusk(a)trailsheaven.com>, Jenny Totten <jenny.dawn.totten(a)gmail.com>, John Francis <johncfrancis13(a)gmail.com>, John Manchester <jmanchester(a)lewisburg-wv.com>, Kate Dobson Forman <katedforman(a)gmail.com>, "Laura M. Dice" <Laura.Dice(a)camc.org>, Michael Loughney <mloughney(a)tioga-resources.com>, Michael Plante <mike(a)planteandassociates.com>, Mike Costello <costellowv(a)gmail.com>, Park Ferguson <parkferg2007(a)yahoo.com>, Patricia Clay <trishc1(a)suddenlink.net>, Patrick Donovan <pdonovan(a)njrati.org>, Rahul Gupta <rahul.gupta(a)wv.gov>, Rich Harper <johnscyclery(a)frontier.com>, Scott Sudduth <scottsud(a)gmail.com>, "sryder(a)tgkvf.org" <sryder(a)tgkvf.org>, Stacy Bisker <selaineb(a)gmail.com>, Steve Fowler <smf(a)pffwv.com>, Ted Armbrecht <eca3(a)suddenlinkmail.com>, Tom Heywood <theywood(a)bowlesrice.com>, Tom Wood <twood84(a)gmail.com>, "townoffayetteville(a)suddenlinkmail.com" <townoffayetteville(a)suddenlinkmail.com>, weber <xvrweber(a)gmail.com>, "whitegolf(a)frontier.net" <whitegolf(a)frontier.net>, "wrnott(a)suddenlink.net" <wrnott(a)suddenlink.net> > Subject: Contact Judiciary Committee Members NOW!` > > Hello everyone -- HB4304 is on the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting agenda TODAY, Feb. 27th. If you have time to make a call or send an email before 2:30 p.m. please do so!! Meeting starts at 3. Remember Bikes are Good -- pretty simple. > Kasey

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Fwd: WVCC Legislative Update
by Emily Vasile 27 Feb '14

27 Feb '14

Update on HB 4304 below-- next step is to contact Senator/ Judiciary Committee members to get it on the agenda for early next week. Our Senators are below. The entire Judiciary Committee is listed here<http://www.legis.state.wv.us/committees/senate/SenateCommittee.cfm?Chart=jud> . *Senate District 13* Bob Beach-- http://www.legis.state.wv.us/senate1/lawmaker.cfm?member=Senator%20Beach Roman Prezioso-- http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Senate1/lawmaker.cfm?member=Senator%20Prezioso ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Kasey Russell <russell.kasey(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, Feb 26, 2014 at 2:59 PM Subject: WVCC Legislative Update Hi WVCC -- the amended House Bill, 4304, was single referenced in the Senate to the Judiciary Committee, which gives us more time to work the bill. I think it will run but not until next week. So, now is the time for you all to call or email your Senator and the entire Judiciary Committee and encourage them to support the Cycling Safety Bill. This bill is our first step in making WV a more "Cycling Friendly State." I'm attaching the latest Talking Points to this email. You can use parts of this as you see fit for your email or you can attach it to your email to your Senator/Judiciary Committee Member if you would like. If you copy and paste the below address into your browser, you will land on a page with direct email links to the Judiciary Committee. I find emails to be very effective. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/committees/senate/SenateCommittee.cfm?Chart=jud If you would rather call, that is easy as well by visiting http://www.legis.state.wv.us -- pull down Senate, then Committees, then Judiciary. You can find members, contact info, agendas and more. To be clear, HB4304, has to be placed on the Judiciary Committee's agenda (we have to convince Chairman Palumbo to run the bill), then it has to pass the Committee, then it is reported to the Senate Floor, will have to be read three times and on the third reading, will have to pass the Senate! Thanks to all of you for help and support -- please feel free to circulate this email to your own lists. Kasey and Gary Z. Kasey Russell Executive Director, WV Connecting Communities 304.542.1994

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Fwd: HB4304 Passes House
by Emily Vasile 27 Feb '14

27 Feb '14

Message from Kasey Russell at WV Connecting Communities regarding next steps for HB4304-- no word yet of whether or not it has made the Judiciary Committee agenda. Emily ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Kasey Russell <russell.kasey(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Feb 25, 2014 at 8:26 AM Subject: HB4304 Passes House Hello WVCC -- Yesterday, HB4304 (as amended by the subcommittee) passed the House floor 70-26. Thanks to all of you who made phone calls and sent emails! Thanks also to Delegates Fleischaer, Skaff, Wells, Manchin, Pino, and all the sponsors (I'll be sending personal notes to all of them after the session). I'll also get the list of nays and yeas. Here's what's next: The bill will be reported to the Senate today (Tuesday). It will go to Judiciary Committee next. Gary and I are working to get Senator Palumbo (Judiciary Chairman) to put in on the agenda later this week. As soon as we know when/if it will be on the agenda, I will let you know when to bombard the Judiciary Committee with your phone calls and emails. If the bill passes Judiciary, it will have to be on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee agenda next Tuesday, March 4th, and PASS out of committee. Then, if all goes according to plan, the bill will be read three times on the Senate Floor, with the final reading and passage on Saturday (the last day of the session). As you can see, there is no room for delay!! Thanks again for all your help. Kasey

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FYI- HB 4304
by Traci Knabenshue 26 Feb '14

26 Feb '14

Hi Bike Board, Just an update from the Bill status tracker on the bicycle bill, HB 4304. It appears the bill passed the house and moved to the senate, where today it was sent to the senate judiciary committee. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/bill_status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=4304&year=… Here's the link again to the process a bill goes through to become law. Looks like it will get sent to another committee before popping back up again for readings. The clock is ticking on it now since the session ends on March 8th. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Educational/Bill_Becomes_Law/Bill_Becomes_Law.… If you would still like to support the bill in its amended state (see Frank's email to the BB on 2/19/14), here's a list of senate judiciary members for phone calls. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/committees/senate/SenateCommittee.cfm?Chart=jud Thanks! Traci Traci Knabenshue Conservation Specialist 304.293.9500 traci.knabenshue(a)mail.wvu.edu<mailto:traci.knabenshue@mail.wvu.edu> www.recycle.wvu.edu<http://www.recycle.wvu.edu/> [FacilitiesManage85]

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Fwd: WVU Board approves pedestrian and vehicular safety projects in Evansdale
by Frank Gmeindl 25 Feb '14

25 Feb '14

FYI: Arboretum. Thanks, Jonathan. Begin forwarded message: > From: Jonathan Rosenbaum <jr(a)wvcompletestreets.org> > Date: February 24, 2014 2:42:16 PM EST > To: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw(a)yahoo.com> > Cc: Bill Reger-Nash <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Bob Anderson <randerson(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, George Lilley <mgranlil(a)frontier.com>, Ilana Chertok <ichertok(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Jimmie Simmons <Jsimmons2642(a)yahoo.com>, Martha Summers <msummers(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Stan Cohen <Stanley.Cohen(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Sarah Bias <sarahbias(a)gmail.com>, Christiaan Abildso <cgabildso(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Dwight Harshbarger <dwight.harshbarger(a)gmail.com>, Maria Smith <mariasmith(a)busride.org>, Regina Mayolo <reginam(a)verizon.net>, Jan Derry <jderry(a)nwvcil.org>, Tom Bias <tbias(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, Mike Fike <micynster(a)gmail.com>, Kim Hartsell <Kim.Hartsell(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Debbie Cain <sunnybeewv(a)gmail.com>, Margaret Stout <Margaret.Stout(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Matt Cross <crossnyc(a)hotmail.com>, Jim Rye <Jim.Rye(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org>, Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Roy Nutter <roy.nutter(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Mike Breiding <mike(a)EpicRoadTrips.us>, Bill Kawecki <wm_a_kawecki(a)comcast.net>, Bill Austin <baustin(a)labyrinth.net>, Frank McGhee <femcghee(a)comcast.net>, Emily Vasile <emilyvasile(a)gmail.com>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, Claire Chantler <cchantler(a)nwvcil.org>, Maria Brann <Maria.Brann(a)mail.wvu.edu>, Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net> > Subject: Re: WVU Board approves pedestrian and vehicular safety projects in Evansdale > > Keeping things in perspective concerning the "new two-way southern access road from the WVU Coliseum parking lot", below is an article that Jonathan Weems, Arboretum Specialist, wrote in the Core Arboretum Email News: > > High Stakes at the Arboretum > > Maintaining the integrity of urban green space is a challenge. As expansion and improvements tax the capacity of developed spaces, there is a temptation to nibble away at green space. Persons who use and value green space sometimes find stakes that suggest planned development. They become alarmed. They ask questions. > > That happened last week at the Core Arboretum. Visitors since Presidents’ Day have found several stakes in the highest corner of the Arboretum, near the Coliseum parking lot and Monongahela Boulevard. In response to a number of inquiries, this email news item is an attempt to explain what I can about those stakes and what they mean. > > The stakes, labeled “toe,” appear to indicate the bottom of an embankment for a new roadway that will sweep in a broad arc from the southeastern end of the Coliseum parking lot, through the top corner of the Arboretum, to a relocated and redesigned intersection at the bottom of Evansdale Drive. The planned relocation of this intersection, moving it roughly 280 feet closer to the Patteson Drive intersection, is an adjustment (from an earlier roadway proposal) that will spare the Arboretum parking lot. This 24-space lot will continue to be available to Arboretum visitors. > > The roadway proposal, part of the Evansdale Master Plan, may sound familiar. There were several public hearings about the Master Plan two years ago. There was an article in the Dominion-Post about the proposed roadway affecting the Arboretum. An email news item dated 1/18/12 addressed it. > > Goals of the new roadway include improved safety for pedestrians crossing Monongahela Boulevard, and improved vehicular access into and egress from the Coliseum parking lot. All WVU personnel involved in this matter are working sincerely for the betterment of the University. Differences of opinion, when they occur, concern the planning process and the effects of the proposed roadway on the Arboretum. > > Efforts to have input into roadway planning have been frustrating. Like Arboretum visitors, I simply found the stakes last week. I alerted the Arboretum’s management committee and my superiors in the chain of command. We have since been shown engineered drawings of the proposed roadway that are not to be shared with the public until the project goes out to bid, perhaps in March. A brief WVU Enews item today (2/24/14) indicated the WVU Board of Governors approved the new roadway proposal at its meeting of Friday, February 21. > > The area involved is very small. You can look at the stakes and see for yourself. Please do not remove stakes! Soon to be lost are dozens of exotic trees and shrubs planted from the 1950s through the 2000s. Some represent common species, but others are relatively rare. In addition to their intrinsic value for teaching and enjoyment, the trees provide a visual and sound barrier between the most visited part of the Arboretum on one side and a power line tower and area of high vehicular traffic on the other. In addition to causing the removal of these trees and shrubs, construction will force the relocation of heavily used sections of one trail and the top of the Service Road. These relocations will necessitate the removal of more trees, some planted by humans and some by Mother Nature. The new roadway will introduce more noise into the Arboretum. > > On the plus side, planners and engineers believe the roadway will meet the goals of improving pedestrian safety and vehicular traffic flow. These are important and worthwhile goals. I only wish they could be achieved with less impact on the Arboretum. > > The WVU administration, which has been steadfast in its successful defense against a right of way claim that could have led to the construction of a very different roadway in another part of the Arboretum, has an opportunity to further demonstrate its goodwill by working out a conservation easement that would protect the Arboretum against having more bits nibbled off in the future. Such an easement has been suggested. The reception this suggestion may find within parts of the WVU administration is unknown as of this writing. > > Without a conservation easement, it is all too easy to imagine, years or decades into the future, instances when more stakes appear, indicating more construction projects that will nibble away more little bits of the Arboretum, again and again, until the day the Arboretum ceases to be the teaching and service entity we have known. > > With a conservation easement, WVU could enhance its goodwill by ensuring the preservation of a low-cost facility much used by WVU classes for a century (though only acquired by WVU in 1948), a facility beloved by generations of students, alumni, and townspeople, a green space with significant natural assets that are most unusual to find on a University campus. > > At the Core Arboretum, the stakes are high. > > > On 02/24/2014 10:00 AM, Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board wrote: >> Of note: http://shar.es/FjkyH. New Evansdale Drive/Mon Blvd signalized intersection being created in the hopes of alleviating the CAC/Coliseum jaywalking issue - a high priority location in our Plan with high potential for fatality - though we rated the feasibility low because of the expense. >> Christiaan >> >> Walk more, safely >> >> Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board >> Christiaan Abildso, Chair >> Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair >> http://www.morgantownwv.gov/government/advisory-boards/pedestrian-safety-bo… >

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webinar in 20 minutes
by Frank Gmeindl 21 Feb '14

21 Feb '14

Bicycle Safety Education: Implementing the Best Curriculum for your Community https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5744750698782020097

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H.B. 4304
by Frank Gmeindl 21 Feb '14

21 Feb '14

Dear Judiciary Subcommittee Delegates, I understand that an exemption from H.B. 4304 has been requested for the Coalfields Expressway roads. Are the Coalfields Expressway roads exempt from the current 17C-7-3? If not, there's no reason to exempt them from the proposed amended 17C-7-3. They both require a vehicle to "...pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle". How do coal trucks pass farm tractors, school buses, highway maintenance equipment and other slow moving vehicles on the Coalfields Expressway Roads? Just run them over? Frank D. Gmeindl LCI #1703 491 Wilson Avenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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TAP Grant - Doodle Poll
by Derek Springston 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Hi folks, This meeting is primarily scheduled for Frank, Chip, Traci, and I to choose locations for the Bike Shelters as part of our application for the Transportation Alternatives Grant which is due March 14th. However, I decided to include all Bike Board Members and a few others in case you would also like to join us and guide the selection of locations. I plan to have a large paper map ready and also have a online map as a backup, should we need more zooming capabilities, etc. I would like to invite you to the Doodle poll "TAP Grant - Facility Location/Mapping Meeting." Please follow the link in order to participate in the poll: http://doodle.com/8yzuxsrbdfh43s8f Thanks, ~Derek -- *Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. -'Abdu'l-Baha* *"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race." -H.G. Wells*

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Pedestrian Struck by Cyclist...
by Traci Knabenshue 14 Feb '14

14 Feb '14

Have you seen this? http://wvutoday.wvu.edu/n/2014/02/12/university-police-offers-safety-tips-f… Traci Traci Knabenshue Conservation Specialist 304.293.9500 traci.knabenshue(a)mail.wvu.edu<mailto:traci.knabenshue@mail.wvu.edu> www.recycle.wvu.edu<http://www.recycle.wvu.edu/> [FacilitiesManage85]

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