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Re: [Bikeboard] WVCC Legislative Committee Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

Kasey, I would like to encourage WVCC to forget about a 3-foot passing rule and instead concentrate on repealing 17C-11-5 (a) which requires cyclists to ride as far to the right as practicable. 3-foot laws are not enforced and may not be enforceable. 3-feet is not enough when a 55 mph tractor trailer passes a 10 mph cyclist. (See attached Rutgers 3-foot final report.) Riding far to the right leads to * Motorists passing bicyclists too closely; * Motorists intruding into the adjacent lane when there is on-coming traffic; * Right-turning vehicles crashing into cyclists at intersections and driveways; * On-coming left-turning vehicles crashing into cyclists; * Overtaking vehicles crashing into left-turning cyclists; * Cyclists crashing because of objects, debris; pedestrians; animals and surface hazards that are more prevalent at the right edge of the roadway. (See attached talking point paper.) Bicyclists that control the lane are almost always passed by the overtaking motorist making a full lane change, giving between 6 to 8 feet of passing clearance. If you have ridden this way, you know it is true. Why ask/plead/beg for 3 feet when predominant behavior secures more than twice that much passing margin and better passing behavior (lane changes instead of straddle and in-lane passes)? Three foot passing laws are a bad reaction to the consequences of riding too far right. If you want passing space, solve the problem by eliminating the FTR law instead of applying a patch or "fix" such as a three foot passing law that doesn't address or solve the root cause of close passing. We should also continue to pursue repeal of 17C-11-5 (c) which requires cyclists to use a side-path when available and not the roadway. 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 On Nov 14, 2013, at 10:48 AM, Kasey Russell wrote: > Thanks everyone for your responses. We will meet at Steve Fowler's office at 901 Quarrier Street, Charleston on Monday, Nov. 18th at 10 am. > Steve, looks like there will only be a few in person but we will need a conference phone as a few will call in. > For those calling in please use our usual number: 641-715-3620; code is 877115#. > Kasey > > > > On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 8:20 AM, Kasey Russell <russell.kasey(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Hello WVCC Members -- We would like to have a Legislative Committee meeting on Monday, Nov. 18th at 10:00 a.m. Would you all be able to attend either in person or via conference call? We will be meeting in Steve Fowler's office in downtown Charleston and will have access to a conference phone. > Please let me know. I would expect our meeting to last 1 12/ hours. > Thanks, kasey >

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Re: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Questions
by Chip Wamsley 20 Nov '13

20 Nov '13

This message was originally HTML formatted. View in a HTML capable client to see the original version.\r\n\r\n Frank, I would be willing to help Devin with his project. Chip ---- Original Message ---- From: "BikeMorgantown" fgmeindl(a)gmail.com Sent: 11/16/2013 4:33:17 PM To: "bikeboard(a)bikemorgantown.com Board" bikeboard(a)bikemorgantown.com Subject: [Bikeboard] Fwd: Questions Anybody want to help Devin? Begin forwarded message: From: Devin Dye ddye2(a)mix.wvu.edu Date: November 16, 2013 3:20:07 PM EST To: bikemorgantown(a)gmail.com Subject: Questions Hello, I'm doing a little multimedia story on biking in Morgantown and I was just wanting to ask you all a couple questions. For one, I've heard that Morgantown has won an award recently because of the efforts the city is making to make it safer to ride bikes around town. If you could tell me more about that and anything else that is happening to make things safer for cyclist, that would be great. Would like to know any new information that you can tell me. Thanks, Devin

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Bicycling Solutions for Hilly Cities
by Frank Gmeindl 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

Thanks TO JING for finding and sharing the attached article. It is quite good. If all the Bicycle Board members, MPO members and Traffic Commission members read it, we could increase our understanding of cycling challenges and solution options for hilly areas such as Morgantown. What do you see in the article that we should add to the Greater Morgantown Bicycle Plan? Following are some section-by-section minor comments. Section heading: comments Prioritize connections and routes without hills: Seems to be a sales pitch for more separated facilities. The advantages are extolled but the dangers, particularly at crossings are ignored. Except for exchanging "tow away" space for bike lane, no other motor vehicle traffic compromises, e.g. reduced motor speeds are presented. Help people avoid hills: The SF Wiggle example is good. It stitched together routes that bicyclists were using and they signed it and provide maps of it. The Morgantown commuter map http://bikemorgantown.com/route_map.php was a start on that. I wonder if we could "crowd source" further development of the Morgantown commuter map. Build the right facilities for hills: This is good except they show bike lanes in the car door zone. The graphic should show a door zone buffer. The text recognizes this but the graphic doesn't. Again, the discussion ignores issues at crossings: how to avoid cyclists getting right hooked however this becomes less of an issue when cyclists are traveling at walking speeds, say up >6% grades but it still exists. Help people get up hills: Very good. Let's do it! Runnel discussion is excellent. It says since 2007 Seattle DOT includes runnels in their stairway standard. We should find their standard and see if we can adopt it in Morgantown. Hey, checkout the insert about the Oregon University 3,300 feet tram. Let's build a tram from Mountainlair to Law School! Not only would it be a real campus connector, it would be a touri$t attraction. And, hey, Bike Pgh "Celebrates Hills" . Some of us do, too:) Frank

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Fwd: Meeting w/ City Manager
by Derek Springston 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

BB Members, I am planning on communicating with City Manager, Jeff Mikorski on our Intent to Apply for TAP funding for the projects below. Any votes, thoughts, or recommendations for doing one of the following: 1. Piggybacking on Emily and Frank's 7 Resolution Items meeting to ask him about the City's blessing on matching funds and interest in applying for TAP Funds to minimize the meetings he has with the Bike Board. 2. Derek to meet with him very individually in a short meeting to ask him about the City's willingness to match and turn in grant application for the TAP funding. 3. Send him a short organized email below to avoid taking his time in a meeting and present the projects below and request funding. If we go this route I could give a preview of what I would send him for BB input or we could just take care of it in our TAP funding committee. I don't know him well, but I have been in communication and meetings with him a few times over the last few weeks through work, so I'm starting to build a relationship with him. He knows who I am now at least! Thanks, ~Derek ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Traci Knabenshue <Traci.Knabenshue(a)mail.wvu.edu> Date: Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 10:28 AM Subject: RE: Meeting w/ City Manager To: Emily Vasile <emilyvasile(a)gmail.com>, Derek Springston < dspringston(a)gmail.com> Cc: Chip Wamsley <chipwamsley(a)gmail.com>, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com>, Chip Wamsley <chip(a)wamsleycycles.com> Hi All, The more I think about this, I wonder if our TAP/Intent to Apply list needs to be a meeting with Jeff at all. Do you think we could just email him the list, making sure that we’ve explained the projects as succinctly and specifically as possible? Damien mentioned after the BB meeting that the Mountain Line does not answer to the city as far as grant applications, so they can submit what they want. Here’s the list of projects as I understand them. 1) SLM and BMUFL markings on city and state arterials in the city as previously identified 2) Printing of bike commuter maps 3) Trail project in Marilla Park-to be submitted by Colin Dierman and Ryan Stocking in conjunction with BOPARC *Shared with Jeff as a courtesy:* 4) Covered bike parking at bus stops-to be submitted by David Bruffy/Mountain Line Thanks, Traci *From:* Emily Vasile [mailto:emilyvasile@gmail.com] *Sent:* Monday, November 11, 2013 10:03 AM *To:* Derek Springston *Cc:* Chip Wamsley; Frank Gmeindl; Traci Knabenshue; Chip Wamsley *Subject:* Re: Meeting w/ City Manager Hi Derek, Thanks for following up! Adding Frank since I think he and I were going to work together on following up with Jeff from the 10/29 COW meeting. In retrospect, it might be best for you all to meet with Jeff separately if you can and Frank and I can discuss the best way to follow up about the previous "list of seven." Since we have not seen any traction on our items, it might be best to start a fresh conversation with your list. Open to other suggestions. Emily On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 9:41 AM, Derek Springston <dspringston(a)gmail.com> wrote: Emily, You are taking the lead on meeting with Jeff Mikorski soon, right? As discussed at the last Bike Board meeting, I am planning on attending that meeting if at all possible to discuss our recommendations on the items in the Bicycle Plan that we would like to pair with writing TAP grant applications and hopefully obtain the city's blessing on matching funds and interest. 1st: Are you planning on emailing contacting him prior to the meeting to give him something to review? Don't want to flood him with details, but if you're planning on sending something, we might consider adding a simple list of projects interested in for future TAP funding. 2nd: Have we established a time for this meeting? 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* -- *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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Re: [Bikeboard] WVCC Legislative Committee Meeting
by Abildso, Christiaan 19 Nov '13

19 Nov '13

Check Oregon state law for a VUL Summary: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/hwy/bikeped/Pages/laws_regs.aspx Full details: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/STATUTES%20PERTAINING%20TO%20PE… (search for "vulnerable") ----------------- HB 3314---Careless Driving Penalties HB 3314 enhances the penalties associated with careless driving when the person convicted of this offense also contributed to the serious physical injury or death of a "vulnerable user of the public way." Under the bill, a "vulnerable user" includes a pedestrian, a highway worker, a person riding an animal, the operator or user of a farm tractor, a skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates, a scooter, or a bicycle. HB 3314 requires a court to sentence a person convicted of this offense to complete a traffic safety course, perform 100 to 200 hours of community service, pay a fine of up to $12,500, and suspension of driving privileges for one year. Payment of the fine and suspension of driving privileges may be waived by the court upon completion of the traffic safety course and community service. This bill resulted in the creation of ORS 801.608 and modifications to ORS 811.135. ORS 801.608 defines a "vulnerable user" and ORS 811.135 describes additional penalties for careless driving when vulnerable users are affected. -Christiaan From: Emmett Pepper [mailto:epepper@vt.edu] Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 1:47 PM To: Steve Fowler Cc: Frank Gmeindl; Kasey Russell; Don Spencer; Gary Zuckett; Rahul Gupta; Strawn, Dennis A; Patrick Donovan; Abildso, Christiaan; bikeboard(a)bikemorgantown.com Board; Craig Slaughter; Greg Garrett; John Francis Subject: Re: WVCC Legislative Committee Meeting The Vulnerable User concept seems very attractive to me due to how common sense it is and how it touches on a lot of different constituencies. Do we have draft language for a statute? Would it make sense to use this one from Austin as a starting point for discussion, or is there another one we like better? http://austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Public_Works/Vulnerable_Ro… You'll notice this sample incorporates 3 feet as part of an overall scheme, but it could also be easily adapted to include a lane change, when possible. It does not, so far as I can tell, have anything that requires cyclists to treat pedestrians with special care, though, which for some reason I was thinking it would do. It includes horses and buggies (along with motorcycles, etc.), so we could probably get the support of the powerful Amish lobby! This makes me wonder if ATVs should be included in the definition of "vulnerable user." -Emmett P.S. Thanks for being so welcoming and open to the new guy's suggestions and input. As a (nearly) daily bike commuter, I'm looking forward to being as involved as possible with this group. On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 9:26 AM, Steve Fowler <SMF(a)pffwv.com<mailto:SMF@pffwv.com>> wrote: I would propose the following; 1. Do we focus on the passage of the "three foot rule" or attempt to clean up all the problem statutes? 2. Current law for passing a bike requires an audible signal, and then passing and returning to the lane of travel only when "safe". Almost no one follows this law when passing a bicycle. An easy to understand "three foot rule" would be much better. Problem statutes/ a/ 17C-11-5(a) "as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable" Fix - Colorado law "far enough to the right as judged safe by the bicyclist to facilitate the movement of overtaking vehicles" b/ 17C-11-5(c) Have to use a bike path Fix - repeal c/ 17C-11-7(b) have to use a bell Fix - repeal. From: Emmett Pepper [mailto:epepper@vt.edu<mailto:epepper@vt.edu>] Sent: Friday, November 15, 2013 9:42 AM To: Frank Gmeindl Cc: Kasey Russell; Don Spencer; Gary Zuckett; Rahul Gupta; Strawn, Dennis A; Patrick Donovan; Christiaan Abildso; bikeboard(a)bikemorgantown.com<mailto:bikeboard@bikemorgantown.com> Board; Steve Fowler; Craig Slaughter; Greg Garrett; John Francis Subject: Re: WVCC Legislative Committee Meeting Is there an agenda for this conference call/meeting? On Fri, Nov 15, 2013 at 9:40 AM, Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)gmail.com<mailto:fgmeindl@gmail.com>> wrote: Kasey, I would like to encourage WVCC to forget about a 3-foot passing rule and instead concentrate on repealing 17C-11-5 (a) which requires cyclists to ride as far to the right as practicable. 3-foot laws are not enforced and may not be enforceable. 3-feet is not enough when a 55 mph tractor trailer passes a 10 mph cyclist. (See attached Rutgers 3-foot final report.) Riding far to the right leads to * Motorists passing bicyclists too closely; * Motorists intruding into the adjacent lane when there is on-coming traffic; * Right-turning vehicles crashing into cyclists at intersections and driveways; * On-coming left-turning vehicles crashing into cyclists; * Overtaking vehicles crashing into left-turning cyclists; * Cyclists crashing because of objects, debris; pedestrians; animals and surface hazards that are more prevalent at the right edge of the roadway. (See attached talking point paper.) Bicyclists that control the lane are almost always passed by the overtaking motorist making a full lane change, giving between 6 to 8 feet of passing clearance. If you have ridden this way, you know it is true. Why ask/plead/beg for 3 feet when predominant behavior secures more than twice that much passing margin and better passing behavior (lane changes instead of straddle and in-lane passes)? Three foot passing laws are a bad reaction to the consequences of riding too far right. If you want passing space, solve the problem by eliminating the FTR law instead of applying a patch or "fix" such as a three foot passing law that doesn't address or solve the root cause of close passing. We should also continue to pursue repeal of 17C-11-5 (c) which requires cyclists to use a side-path when available and not the roadway. Frank D. Gmeindl LCI #1703 491 Wilson Avenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446<tel:304-376-0446> Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles On Nov 14, 2013, at 10:48 AM, Kasey Russell wrote: Thanks everyone for your responses. We will meet at Steve Fowler's office at 901 Quarrier Street, Charleston on Monday, Nov. 18th at 10 am. Steve, looks like there will only be a few in person but we will need a conference phone as a few will call in. For those calling in please use our usual number: 641-715-3620<tel:641-715-3620>; code is 877115#. Kasey On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 8:20 AM, Kasey Russell <russell.kasey(a)gmail.com<mailto:russell.kasey@gmail.com>> wrote: Hello WVCC Members -- We would like to have a Legislative Committee meeting on Monday, Nov. 18th at 10:00 a.m. Would you all be able to attend either in person or via conference call? We will be meeting in Steve Fowler's office in downtown Charleston and will have access to a conference phone. Please let me know. I would expect our meeting to last 1 12/ hours. Thanks, kasey

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Fwd: Questions
by BikeMorgantown 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

Anybody want to help Devin? Begin forwarded message: > From: Devin Dye <ddye2(a)mix.wvu.edu> > Date: November 16, 2013 3:20:07 PM EST > To: bikemorgantown(a)gmail.com > Subject: Questions > > Hello, > > I'm doing a little multimedia story on biking in Morgantown and I was just wanting to ask you all a couple questions. For one, I've heard that Morgantown has won an award recently because of the efforts the city is making to make it safer to ride bikes around town. If you could tell me more about that and anything else that is happening to make things safer for cyclist, that would be great. Would like to know any new information that you can tell me. > > Thanks, > > Devin

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Stewart / Stewartstown striping
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Nov '13

16 Nov '13

Damien, Bryan, Fouad, What's the chances of striping the repaved Stewart St. and Stewartstown Rd. so the climbing side is wider than the descending side? This could give cars more room to pass cyclists. I saw in this morning's Dominion Post that WVDOH is repaving these roads now. Thanks for your consideration! 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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Fwd: November Traffic Commission Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

Please find attached, a BB monthly report to the TC that I will present Wednesday with your concurrence. I might have overlooked something from our meeting last Thursday or anything else we did in the past month. Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: Damien Davis <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org> > Date: November 11, 2013 3:10:07 PM EST > To: Robert Jones <rjoneswvu(a)gmail.com>, micynster(a)gmail.com, cgabildso(a)hsc.wvu.edu, david mckain <david.mckain(a)gmail.com>, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net>, lisa k mardis <lisa.k.mardis(a)gmail.com>, normawyant(a)comcast.net, Susan Sullivan <ssullivan(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Bethany Sypolt <bsypolt(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Linda Little <llittle(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, William Wyant <wwyant(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, mmccabe(a)cityofmorgantown.org, Jeff Mikorski <jmikorski(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, christophergluck(a)gmail.com, psteel(a)access.k12.wv.us, Barbara Shellito <bshellito(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, Roy Nutter <rnutter(a)wvu.edu> > Subject: Re: November Traffic Commission Meeting > Reply-To: ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org > > Sorry, agenda is now attached. > > J. Damien Davis, PE, CFM > Assistant City Engineer > City of Morgantown > Public Works Department - Engineering Division > 389 Spruce Street > Morgantown, WV 26505 > Office: 304.284.7398 > Fax: 304.284.7409 > www.MorgantownWV.gov > > From: "Damien Davis" <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org> > To: "Robert Jones" <rjoneswvu(a)gmail.com>, micynster(a)gmail.com, cgabildso(a)hsc.wvu.edu, "david mckain" <david.mckain(a)gmail.com>, "Frank Gmeindl" <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net>, "lisa k mardis" <lisa.k.mardis(a)gmail.com>,normawyant(a)comcast.net, "Susan Sullivan" <ssullivan(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, "Bethany Sypolt" <bsypolt(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, "Linda Little" <llittle(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, "William Wyant" <wwyant(a)hsc.wvu.edu>, mmccabe(a)cityofmorgantown.org, "Jeff Mikorski" <jmikorski(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, christophergluck(a)gmail.com, psteel(a)access.k12.wv.us, "Barbara Shellito" <bshellito(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, "Roy Nutter" <rnutter(a)wvu.edu> > Sent: Monday, November 11, 2013 2:49:56 PM > Subject: November Traffic Commission Meeting > > All, > > Attached is the agenda for this month's meeting. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call. Thanks. > > J. Damien Davis, PE, CFM > Assistant City Engineer > City of Morgantown > Public Works Department - Engineering Division > 389 Spruce Street > Morgantown, WV 26505 > Office: 304.284.7398 > Fax: 304.284.7409 > www.MorgantownWV.gov > >

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Fwd: WVCC Legislative Committee Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

WVCC Legislative Committee meeting Monday, Nov. 18th at 10:00 a.m in Charleston. Begin forwarded message: > From: Kasey Russell <russell.kasey(a)gmail.com> > Date: November 14, 2013 8:20:15 AM EST > To: Emmett Pepper <epepper(a)vt.edu>, Don Spencer <dspencer36(a)comcast.net>, Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net>, Gary Zuckett <garyz(a)wvcag.org> > Cc: Rahul Gupta <rahul.gupta(a)wv.gov>, "Strawn, Dennis A" <dennis.strawn(a)highmark.com>, Patrick Donovan <pdonovan(a)njrati.org> > Subject: WVCC Legislative Committee Meeting > > Hello WVCC Members -- We would like to have a Legislative Committee meeting on Monday, Nov. 18th at 10:00 a.m. Would you all be able to attend either in person or via conference call? We will be meeting in Steve Fowler's office in downtown Charleston and will have access to a conference phone. > Please let me know. I would expect our meeting to last 1 12/ hours. > Thanks, kasey

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Green Night on Thursday
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 13 Nov '13

13 Nov '13

Pam Cubberly wants people to spread the word about Green Night "Energy Savings & Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Morgantown" (attached flyer) that is this Thursday from 6-7:30 pm at the Morgantown Public Library. Downstream Strategies got an ASF grant with the goal of identifying and implementing energy-saving opportunities in Morgantown. I have mentioned the ASF opportunity to the BB in the past. As it turns out Positive Spin will be around the corner holding a bicycle valet service on the parking garage entrance side of the public safety building, so you could attend the Green Team meeting, and then stop by and say "hi"! -Jonathan

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