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2521 discussions

BB meeting this Thursday
by Frank Gmeindl 28 Dec '08

28 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, Unless someone has pressing business for this Thursday's Bicycle Board Meeting, I'd like to suggest that we go for a ride instead. Say 10:00 am meet at the Courthouse for a ~2 hour road ride followed by lunch at Black Bear. This Thursday is New Year's Day, I've been having difficulty communicating with members and I don't know if we'd have a quorum if we met at the regular time. I looked into postponing the meeting until the following week but all the usual … [View More]

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IMPORTANT - Monongalia designated as PM2.5 Nonattainment Area
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

If you take a look at http://www.epa.gov/pmdesignations/2006standards/regs.htm Monongalia county has been given a final designation as a PM 2.5 non-attainment area by the EPA on December 22, 2008. This is significant news because it means that our State and local government is now required by the Clean Air Act to develop a plan to mitigate the situation. This could include increased emphasis on bicycling, walking and transit solutions to reduce automobile related air pollution. -Jonathan

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Re: [Bikeboard] Merry Christmas!
by director 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Frank, I don't know if anyone else noticed, but when you click on the picture it brings up a cylists' bill of rights. You can get the .pdf from this link.... http://www.bikewriterscollective.com/images/cyclists_bill_of_rights.pdf Happy Holidays everybody! Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:28:30 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > >The following photo brought me such pleasure, … [View More]

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Merry Christmas!
by Frank Gmeindl 24 Dec '08

24 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, The following photo brought me such pleasure, I offer it to you as a way of saying, Merry Christmas! Frank P.S. I copied this photo from VeloNews who copied it from Agence France Presse. It's at the top of an article http://www.velonews.com/photo/86141 by Bob Mionske (author of Bicycles & The Law) about a Cyclists Bill of Rights. I would really enjoy discussing his concept of "equality of infrastructure" over a cuppa at the Moose sometime over the … [View More]

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Bike history lesson in yesterday's Dominion Post
by director 21 Dec '08

21 Dec '08

Good afternoon, Don't know if anyone else saw this but Saturday's Dominion Post column by Jon Samsell was (in part) about the early history of bikes and bike merchants (~1900) in Morgantown, in particular the influence of bicycling in getting the first paved roads. (I wasn't able to find a link to it online. I saved the print article if anyone wants to see it. Also this week WIRED had a headline article about using the gas tax (currently 18c/gal and hasn't been raised in 15 years) as a means … [View More]

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Education meeting times
by Frank Gmeindl 18 Dec '08

18 Dec '08

Bicycle Board Members, Please complete and return to me at your earliest convenience, the attached Excel file. It's a calendar for the next 3 weeks. I'd like you to indicate when you want to meet to work on the Morgantown Effective Bicycling Education Program (the grant). I realize that this is Christmas time and that you might not want to meet in the next week or two. That's OK. That's why I made it 3 weeks long. I'm addressing this to the whole Bicycle Board but especially to … [View More]

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[Fwd: Re: MUTCD approval?]
by Frank Gmeindl 18 Dec '08

18 Dec '08

Don, Apparently, the new MUTCD won't be approved until late next year. All the more reason to take Lewis up on his offer to work with us on getting the SLMs and BMUFL signs installed as an experiment. Richard Moeur is a member of the MUTCD committee. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: MUTCD approval? Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:19:44 -0500 From: Richard C. Moeur <rcmoeur(a)aol.com> To: fgmeindl(a)verizon.net References: <494A5539.7000403(a)verizon.net> … [View More]

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[Fwd: FW: [Fwd: Re: capital]]
by Frank Gmeindl 18 Dec '08

18 Dec '08

Don, Ray Lewis offers us an option that we should pursue: "File a request with the FHWA for Permission to Experiment with either or both of these new traffic control devices; the DOH would entertain a permit application for any affected State facilities, once the City has this in hand." That's how Pgh got theirs. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: [Fwd: Re: capital] Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:38:44 -0500 From: Robinson, Bill C <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov> To: … [View More] Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> CC: Kimberly Jo Broughton <kimbroughton(a)verizon.net> *Frank -- * * * *I forwarded your E-mail to the Traffic Engineering Division. This is their reply on your interpretation of the situation; they end on the possible options for the City at this point.* *William C. Robinson*** *State Trail Coordinator* *Progam Manager, Recreational Trails Program * *WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator* *Chairman, West Virginia Recreational Trails Advisory Board* * * *West Virginia Department of Transportation* *Division of Highways* *Program Planning and Administration Division* *1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East* *Building 5, Room 863* *Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0430* *(304)558-9615 Fax -- (304)558-3783* *bill.c.robinson(a)wv.gov <mailto:bill.c.robinson@wv.gov>* *_"_**The life of the artist is, in relation to his work, stern and lonely. He has labored hard,* *often amid depravation, to perfect his skill. He has turned aside from quick success in* *order to strip his vision of everything secondary or cheapening. His working life is* *marked by intense application and intense discipline." - John F. Kennedy, 1962 * * * *From:* Lewis, Ray C *Sent:* Wednesday, December 17, 2008 1:43 PM *To:* Robinson, Bill C *Subject:* RE: [Fwd: Re: capital] Bill: Based on our discussion, and the attached e-mails, I would like to provide some clarifications. The City's position, expressed by Mr. Spencer, is that the sign and shared lane markings are approved traffic control devices. This is not the case. The MUTCD to which they are referring is the PROPOSESD 2009 Edition, which is currently the subject of a Notice of Proposed Amendment published in the FEDERAL REGISTER on January 2, 2008. There were over 1400 comments, mostly multi-part comments, received on the Notice. The FHWA is now faced with the task of reviewing and evaluating the comments before the new MUTCD can be adopted. It will not be official until the FEDERAL REGISTER notice adopting it is published. In the meantime, the States have asked that a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Amendment be published so that the many stakeholders in the MUTCD can review and comment on a version with the comments addressed. State Law requires that the Commissioner of Highways adopt a manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices consistent with "this chapter" [Chapter 17C] for use upon highways in this state. Such uniform system shall correlate with and so far as possible conform to the system THEN CURRENT (my emphasis) as approved by the American Association of State Highway [and Transportation] Officials. The current system is found in the 2003 MUTCD, which does not contain either the bicycle markings or the BICYCLES MAY USE FULL LANE sign. Both State and Federal law and regulations require conformity with the current MUTCD. WEST VIRGINIA CODE §17-3-3 makes the MUTCD applicable to municipal streets; WEST VIRGINIA CODE §17-3-2 prohibits the installation of traffic control devices on state highways without the approval of the Commissioner of Highways. Chapter 17C-11 of the Code contains provisions which are incompatible with the use of the bicycle chevrons, such as the requirement that riders travel as far to the right as practicable; a provision that bicyclists may ride two abreast; and the provision that traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. In regard to the last, The CODE prohibits, at §17C-6-3a(a), the operation of a vehicle in such a way that it impedes the normal and reasonable flow of traffic. The artificial placement of bicyclists to the left will increase the difficulty for other vehicles to pass. The UNIFORM VEHICLE CODE is not in play in the resolution of this issue. The UVC is a model code, like many other model codes. There is no requirement that West Virginia adopt it, or conform to it. The WV Code language governs in all cases. We were able for several years to have bills introduced in the Legislature to have the WV CODE brought into conformity with the UVC; our efforts repeatedly failed. I told Mr. Spencer in a telephone conversation last Thursday that I would be willing to meet with a delegation from Morgantown at such time as they could present new information. From our perspective, the City presently has two alternatives open to them: 1) Apply for a permit (where State-maintained streets are involved and install SHARE THE ROAD signs, which are an approved traffic control device; or 2) File a request with the FHWA for Permission to Experiment with either or both of these new traffic control devices; the DOH would entertain a permit application for any affected State facilities, once the City has this in hand. Ray Lewis Staff Engineer -- Traffic Research and Special Projects WVDOT, Division of Highways 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East Charleston, WV 25305 Telephone: (304) 558-9451 Fax: (304) 558-1209 e-Mail: ray.C.lewis(a)wv.gov <mailto:ray.C.lewis@wv.gov> *From:* Robinson, Bill C *Sent:* Monday, December 15, 2008 3:31 PM *Subject:* FW: [Fwd: Re: capital] *FYI -- * * * *Response from Morgantown to my E-mail this morning...* * * *Bill* * * *From:* Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net] *Sent:* Monday, December 15, 2008 1:54 PM *To:* Robinson, Bill C *Cc:* Kimberly Jo; Don Spencer; Jennie Selin; Glagola, Charlene *Subject:* Re: [Fwd: Re: capital] Bill, Check the code. It says as far to the right as *practicable*, not possible. The Uniform Vehicle Code Section 11-1205 Position on a roadway, provides some clarification: (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: 1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including but not limited to: fixed or moving objects; parked or moving vehicles; bicycle; pedestrians; animals; surface hazards; or sub-standard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-had curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "sub-standard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. When the WV code says ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, it means to ride as near as can reasonably accomplished under the circumstances to the right. Approximately 40 other state's codes have similar "far to the right" clauses. I doubt the FHWA would publish a MUTCD that violates those state's laws. The new MUTCD recognizes that cyclists and motorists might need some help understanding the intent of the code. Section 9C.07 Shared Lane Marking states, "The Shared Lane Marking shown in Figure 9C-9 may be used to: A. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a bicyclist's impacting the open door of a parked vehicle, B. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic lane, C. Alert road users of the lateral location bicyclists are likely to occupy within the traveled way, D. Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists, and E. Reduce the incidence of wrong-way bicycling." We need that in Morgantown. Concerning the Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs, Section 9B.06 Bicycles May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) states, "The Bicycles May Use Full Lane (R4-11) sign may be used on roadways where no bicycle lanes or adjacent shoulders usable by bicyclists are present and where travel lanes are too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side. The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane." I understand that Don Spencer, Deputy Mayor has been trying to set up a meeting with Ray Lewis. I hope that the meeting will be arranged so we will have the opportunity to reach a meeting of the minds. Frank Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board Robinson, Bill C wrote: Kim - I talked this morning to Cindy Cramer, who is the Acting Director for Traffic Engineering Division. She said that the people from Morgantown needed to talk to Ray Lewis (558-9451) or Travis Miller (558-9455) about the signage issue. I had a copy of the October 30, 2008 letter, I just didn't realize it was the one that everyone was talking about. The bottom line is that state code says that bikes have to ride as far to the right as possible. The signage/markings being discussed either explicitly, or implicitly, encouraged bicyclist to utilize the entire lane. While the City could decide to do whatever they want on the City maintained streets, the City is justifiably concerned about liability about posting signs and markings that seem to contradict State code. If the City has issues with WVDOH's position, then they need to schedule a meeting with either of the two Traffic Engineering personnel above. If I were the City, I would explore marking the routes with markings/signage presently being utilized that emphasized that the bicyclists must keep to the right, but that is their call. I recommended the signage/markings to the Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI) for a project they were doing in Huntington. After discovering the conflict with State Code, they are considering using conventional signage markings and moving them to the right. In fact, my contact at RTI had recently viewed a similar signage/marking system in Louisville, Ky. While this may be a temporary setback, both the City and DOH had concerns, it isn't that the WVDOH acted unilaterally or is discouraging the overall idea of the bicycle routes. Bill Robinson WVDOH [View Less]

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[Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital]]]
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Dec '08

16 Dec '08

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] [Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital]] Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:46:48 -0500 From: Chip Wamsley <chip(a)wamsleycycles.com> Reply-To: <chip(a)wamsleycycles.com> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:57:18 -0500 Did anyone on the board question West Virginia's go to consultant-… [View More]-the Rahall Transportation Institute? It is one of several US govt. funded UTC (University Transportation Centers) that was formed in 1998 with a $12M grant that congressman Nick Rahall obtained. Their purpose is to investigate transportation issues unique to the Appalachian region while being part of the curriculum at Marshall Univ and several colleges in WV. Rahall mentions in 2000 the benefits of Intermodal Transportation to rural areas, but I feel his reference was referring more to roads and highways between towns not intercity transit. From this overview, gleaned from a quick look at their website, it appears that their expertise is not geared to making decisions related to urban bicycle use. We may have gotten into a North South situation, the people in Charleston vs the "liberal" upstarts in Morgantown, but that's my opinion. Chip >FYI. Bill Robinson is the state bicycle coordinator. > >Frank >/Same Roads >Same Rights >Same Rules >/ >-------- Original Message -------- >Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital] >Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:54:17 -0500 >From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> >To: Robinson, Bill C <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov> >CC: Kimberly Jo <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com>, Don Spencer ><dspencer36(a)comcast.net>, Jennie Selin <JSelin(a)hotmail.com>, >cglagola(a)mail.wvnet.edu >References: <494466FF.7000407(a)gmail.com> ><C2EB27303808814DAA5C9E6917A821E7032B63FC(a)WVOTMAIL01.executive.stateofwv.gov> > > > > >Bill, > >Check the code. It says as far to the right as *practicable*, not >possible. > >The Uniform Vehicle Code Section 11-1205 Position on a roadway, provides >some clarification: >(a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the >normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions >then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb >or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: > > 1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding > in the same direction. > 2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a > private road or driveway. > 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including but not > limited to: fixed or moving objects; parked or moving vehicles; > bicycle; pedestrians; animals; surface hazards; or sub-standard > width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-had > curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "sub-standard width > lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor > vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. > >When the WV code says ride as near to the right side of the roadway as >practicable, it means to ride as near as can reasonably accomplished >under the circumstances to the right. > >Approximately 40 other state's codes have similar "far to the right" >clauses. I doubt the FHWA would publish a MUTCD that violates those >state's laws. The new MUTCD recognizes that cyclists and motorists >might need some help understanding the intent of the code. Section >9C.07 Shared Lane Marking states, "The Shared Lane Marking shown in >Figure 9C-9 may be used to: >A. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with >on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a >bicyclist's impacting the open door of a parked vehicle, >B. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too >narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within >the same traffic lane, >C. Alert road users of the lateral location bicyclists are likely to >occupy within the traveled way, >D. Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists, and >E. Reduce the incidence of wrong-way bicycling." > >We need that in Morgantown. > >Concerning the Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs, Section 9B.06 Bicycles >May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) states, "The Bicycles May Use Full Lane >(R4-11) sign may be used on roadways where no bicycle lanes or adjacent >shoulders usable by bicyclists are present and where travel lanes are >too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side. >The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is >important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel >lane." > >I understand that Don Spencer, Deputy Mayor has been trying to set up a >meeting with Ray Lewis. I hope that the meeting will be arranged so we >will have the opportunity to reach a meeting of the minds. > >Frank Gmeindl >Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board > > >Robinson, Bill C wrote: >> Kim - >> >> I talked this morning to Cindy Cramer, who is the Acting Director for >> Traffic Engineering Division. She said that the people from Morgantown >> needed to talk to Ray Lewis (558-9451) or Travis Miller (558-9455) about >> the signage issue. >> >> I had a copy of the October 30, 2008 letter, I just didn't realize it >> was the one that everyone was talking about. The bottom line is that >> state code says that bikes have to ride as far to the right as possible. >> The signage/markings being discussed either explicitly, or implicitly, >> encouraged bicyclist to utilize the entire lane. While the City could >> decide to do whatever they want on the City maintained streets, the City >> is justifiably concerned about liability about posting signs and >> markings that seem to contradict State code. >> >> If the City has issues with WVDOH's position, then they need to schedule >> a meeting with either of the two Traffic Engineering personnel above. >> >> If I were the City, I would explore marking the routes with >> markings/signage presently being utilized that emphasized that the >> bicyclists must keep to the right, but that is their call. I >> recommended the signage/markings to the Rahall Transportation Institute >> (RTI) for a project they were doing in Huntington. After discovering >> the conflict with State Code, they are considering using conventional >> signage markings and moving them to the right. In fact, my contact at >> RTI had recently viewed a similar signage/marking system in Louisville, >> Ky. >> >> While this may be a temporary setback, both the City and DOH had >> concerns, it isn't that the WVDOH acted unilaterally or is discouraging >> the overall idea of the bicycle routes. >> >> Bill Robinson >> WVDOH >> >> >> >> > > > > > [View Less]

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[Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital]]
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Dec '08

16 Dec '08

FYI. Bill Robinson is the state bicycle coordinator. Frank /Same Roads Same Rights Same Rules / -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: capital] Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:54:17 -0500 From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> To: Robinson, Bill C <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov> CC: Kimberly Jo <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com>, Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net>, Jennie Selin <JSelin(a)hotmail.com>, cglagola(a)mail.wvnet.edu References: <… [View More]494466FF.7000407(a)gmail.com> <C2EB27303808814DAA5C9E6917A821E7032B63FC(a)WVOTMAIL01.executive.stateofwv.gov> Bill, Check the code. It says as far to the right as *practicable*, not possible. The Uniform Vehicle Code Section 11-1205 Position on a roadway, provides some clarification: (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: 1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including but not limited to: fixed or moving objects; parked or moving vehicles; bicycle; pedestrians; animals; surface hazards; or sub-standard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-had curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "sub-standard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. When the WV code says ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, it means to ride as near as can reasonably accomplished under the circumstances to the right. Approximately 40 other state's codes have similar "far to the right" clauses. I doubt the FHWA would publish a MUTCD that violates those state's laws. The new MUTCD recognizes that cyclists and motorists might need some help understanding the intent of the code. Section 9C.07 Shared Lane Marking states, "The Shared Lane Marking shown in Figure 9C-9 may be used to: A. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a bicyclist's impacting the open door of a parked vehicle, B. Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic lane, C. Alert road users of the lateral location bicyclists are likely to occupy within the traveled way, D. Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists, and E. Reduce the incidence of wrong-way bicycling." We need that in Morgantown. Concerning the Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs, Section 9B.06 Bicycles May Use Full Lane Sign (R4-11) states, "The Bicycles May Use Full Lane (R4-11) sign may be used on roadways where no bicycle lanes or adjacent shoulders usable by bicyclists are present and where travel lanes are too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side. The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane." I understand that Don Spencer, Deputy Mayor has been trying to set up a meeting with Ray Lewis. I hope that the meeting will be arranged so we will have the opportunity to reach a meeting of the minds. Frank Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board Robinson, Bill C wrote: > Kim - > > I talked this morning to Cindy Cramer, who is the Acting Director for > Traffic Engineering Division. She said that the people from Morgantown > needed to talk to Ray Lewis (558-9451) or Travis Miller (558-9455) about > the signage issue. > > I had a copy of the October 30, 2008 letter, I just didn't realize it > was the one that everyone was talking about. The bottom line is that > state code says that bikes have to ride as far to the right as possible. > The signage/markings being discussed either explicitly, or implicitly, > encouraged bicyclist to utilize the entire lane. While the City could > decide to do whatever they want on the City maintained streets, the City > is justifiably concerned about liability about posting signs and > markings that seem to contradict State code. > > If the City has issues with WVDOH's position, then they need to schedule > a meeting with either of the two Traffic Engineering personnel above. > > If I were the City, I would explore marking the routes with > markings/signage presently being utilized that emphasized that the > bicyclists must keep to the right, but that is their call. I > recommended the signage/markings to the Rahall Transportation Institute > (RTI) for a project they were doing in Huntington. After discovering > the conflict with State Code, they are considering using conventional > signage markings and moving them to the right. In fact, my contact at > RTI had recently viewed a similar signage/marking system in Louisville, > Ky. > > While this may be a temporary setback, both the City and DOH had > concerns, it isn't that the WVDOH acted unilaterally or is discouraging > the overall idea of the bicycle routes. > > Bill Robinson > WVDOH > > > > [View Less]

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