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Bicyclist detection at new light at Mountaineer Station
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Feb '11

16 Feb '11

Jenny, Thank you for speaking out on behalf of bicyclists at tonight's city council meeting after Terry Hough announced without explanation that the new light at Mountaineer Station will not detect bicyclists. Please be aware that both the Traffic Commission and the MPO recommended that the light detect bicyclists. I do not know who made the decision to repudiate the Traffic Commission's and the MPO's recommendations. Perhaps Ms. Hough was speaking on behalf of the WVDOH. I am concerned that we're not talking with the right people or that those making the decisions don't understand what we're recommending. I understand that there will be some kind of detection mechanism, inductive or optical that determines whether a vehicle is waiting at the intersection. There are detectors that detect bicycles and there are detectors that do not detect bicycles. Our recommendation was simply to select a detector that detects bicycles as well as motor vehicles. The article at http://www.humantransport.org/bicycledriving/library/signals/detection.htm might help in selecting an inductive detector. As I explained at the Traffic Commission and MPO meetings, if the detector does not detect a bicyclist waiting at the red light, that forces the cyclist to wait forever or to run the light. Deliberately selecting a detector that does not recognize bicyclists when detectors are available that do detect bicyclists, especially if all other factors such as cost are similar, is tantamount to deliberately denying bicyclists their equal right to the road as granted by WV 17C-11-2. It also forces bicyclists to violate the law and puts them in greater peril than if the light were not installed. Mountaineer Station is often referred to as multi-modal. It has arguably the most wonderful bicycle parking facility in Morgantown. It is currently underutilized because cyclists don't know it's there, they don't know how to get into it and few have the skills to contend with the traffic to get to it. I should think we would want to make it easier for cyclists to use rather than erecting additional barriers to its use. Since you spoke out on cyclists' behalf tonight, will you get this message to the right people so that we can help them make informed decisions? Morgantown is only 5 miles across. If enough people rode their bicycles over that almost easy-to-ride distance, we wouldn't have the congestion that some city councilors say is Morgantown's biggest problem. 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

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Allegheny Co, PA Bicycle Plan
by Frank Gmeindl 16 Feb '11

16 Feb '11

Bicycle Board Members, While you're reviewing the draft Morgantown Bicycle Plan, you might take a look at Allegheny County's Active Allegheny plan: http://www.activeallegheny.com/theplan.aspx . The Executive Summary and Chapter 2 are mostly relevant to bicycles. If you're at all familiar with Pgh, it's interesting to see how much they can do by just designating on-road bike routes and then where they plan bike lanes, shared-use paths, etc. Table 2-7 provides some unit cost info that we could use to estimate the cost of engineering initiatives in our plan. The article in the Pgh. Post Gazette: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11047/1125711-455.stm sets a context for the plan and says bicycle commuting in the city of Pittsburgh increased 206 percent from 2000 to 2009. If they can do it, we can do it... but not without a plan. Frank

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Education Committee Minutes
by Frank Gmeindl 15 Feb '11

15 Feb '11

Please excuse me. I attached the wrong file before. Now, the correct file is attached. Education Committee Members, Please find attached, minutes of our meeting today. Please let me know what I missed or misconstrued and I will correct it. Frank

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Education Committee Minutes
by Frank Gmeindl 15 Feb '11

15 Feb '11

Education Committee Members, Please find attached, minutes of our meeting today. Please let me know what I missed or misconstrued and I will correct it. Frank

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New Magazine about Bike Infrastructure and Mobility
by director 15 Feb '11

15 Feb '11

Good Morning, I got an unsolicited phone call this morning from the magazine described in this article. They're giving out free copies of the introductory issue so I asked for 5. I will pass them on to anyone interested when I get them, probably in about 2 weeks. http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/launch-nears-for-global-mag-on-cycling-pol… If anyone else has further info about it please let me know - I'd like to know more about it and couldn't find any more than this on the web. They are planning an official unveiling at the Bike Summit Mar 8-10 which I'll be attending. Thanks, Nick -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 803 East Brockway Ave Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Re: [Bikeboard] Poster Ideas
by director 15 Feb '11

15 Feb '11

Good morning, I'd like to repeat a suggestion I made a few years ago, based on an idea I saw in use somewhere else. Slogan: "Share the Road with ME." Pictures show people who bike, on bikes - preferably in situations that people don't normally see bicyclists. Best to show celebrities like the mayor, city manager, radio/TV personalities - people that would get attention. Text of the poster could be directed at both cyclists and motorists like... "If you've thought of riding, give it a go. You'll be in good company. And if you're a motorist, remember that this is everybody's road - we can all get where we're going safely if we're considerate and careful." Hope this helps, Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Aira Loren Burkhart <airaloren(a)gmail.com> Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:19:02 -0500 >I was thinking that these are "viral type" messages that could be the >headers on posters (not mainstream advertising). These are not the >slogan/tagline for the course, which we already decided on. The title and >tagline are definitely: "Confident City Cycling - Lose Your Fear and Learn >to Ride with Confidence". > >But I was trying to think of a poster campaign that would be eye catching >and provoke the viewer to lean in and look longer. If there were a few >different illustrations/messages, all pointing to the same course material, >it would be like a treasure hunt, where you might get excited to see the >next poster. > >Anyway, I was thinking about bands and other performances where a lot of the >crowd comes from people who see posters around town. > >it's just brainstorming. if we don't want to go in a particular direction, >that's fine. > >aira > >On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 8:21 PM, Ryan Post <rpostwvu(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> I was actually trying to suggest themes for the poster, or ideas to >> represent. >> >> >> >> Though, some of those slogans were pretty catchy; random quotes on the >> website? >> >> >> >> *From:* Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@gmail.com] >> *Sent:* Thursday, February 10, 2011 8:11 PM >> *To:* Ryan Post >> *Cc:* 'Aira Loren Burkhart'; 'Bicycle Board' >> >> *Subject:* Re: [Bikeboard] Poster Ideas >> >> >> >> I don't know where this is heading. I'm sure we're all aware that a >> successful poster will get the most people into the course. I admit, I do >> not know what poster would accomplish that. >> >> >> >> If it's only going to have a slogan such as those listed in this thread, >> I'd like to remind everyone that the "business card" (see attached) that we >> just made and into which many BB members put a lot of work has the slogan, >> "Lose Your Fear and Learn to Ride with Confidence". >> >> >> >> We also have the ad (see attached) that we ran in the newspaper that had >> the slogan, "Rediscover the Joy and Freedom of Riding Your Bicycle". If >> we're just going to have a slogan on the poster, that could be a poster as >> is. (I know Ryan, you don't like the kid.) >> >> >> >> Finally, we also have the first of the billboards (see attached) that has >> the slogan, "Same Roads, Same Rights, Same Rules". Perhaps that could be >> made into a poster even though it's purpose was more to be instructive than >> to attract viewers to sign up for training. Perhaps the poster could say, >> "Same Roads, Same Rights, Same Rules: Learn them! Sign up for Confident >> City Cycling" >> >> >> > > > > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 803 East Brockway Ave Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Yike Bike, anyone?
by Chet Parsons 14 Feb '11

14 Feb '11

Just saw this. Chip, I think you should demo one at the shop. http://bcove.me/drbfp0ax

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inventions that experts said would never work
by John Lozier 12 Feb '11

12 Feb '11

*The Automobile* *“The ordinary “horseless carriage” is at present a luxury for the wealthy; and although its price will probably fall in the future, it will **never, of course, come into as common use* as the bicycle.”-- *Literary Digest, 1899. * If only that were true. But the *infernal* combustion engine shows no signs of slowing – in 2005, an estimated 53 million new cars hit the world’s streets, fuelling all sorts of problems<http://www.ecosalon.com/Food_Or_Fuel_An_Unique_Global_Challenge>. Happily, we’re fast rediscovering the bicycle<http://www.ecosalon.com/Cruel_Fuel_Prices_Breaking_The_Bank_It_s_the_Perfec…>and rethinking the automobile <http://www.ecosalon.com/The_Reva_G_Wiz_and_About_Time_Too>. http://www.alternet.org/story/149890/9_life-changing_inventions_the_experts… -- *John Lozier* Harmony and Community, Locally and Globally, through Harp Music<http://www.harpingforharmony.org>

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Fwd: We need People for Public Transit
by Frank Gmeindl 11 Feb '11

11 Feb '11

Bicycle Board Members, Please see message below. The photoshoot is 10 am - 5:30 pm. You can go anytime. If you were there for at least 1/2 hour, that would help out most. It would probably help also if you e-mailed marketing(a)busride.org to tell them when you plan to be there. I'm planning to go down around 10 am and then go for a ride afterward. Frank Begin forwarded message: > From: Maria Smith <MariaSmith(a)busride.org> > Date: February 11, 2011 2:06:31 PM EST > To: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl(a)comcast.net> > Subject: We need People for Public Transit > > Hi Frank, > > Mountain Line is holding a photoshoot next Wednesday (February 16) at the BOPARK side of the depot and we would like to get as many people involved as possible. Pictures will be taken in, on and around a bus. > > The pictures will be used to promote the different services Mountain Line provides through some marketing materials and to promote public transportation in general. > > We would love to have our bikers represented. No one can represent alternate forms of transportation like those who use it! > > I hope you will be able to pass this information around to anyone you feel may be interested. To create incentive we will be giving out iTunes and Gift cards throughout the day. > > It’s supposed to be nearly 50 degrees next Wednesday, so hopefully many riders will take that first ride of the “almost” spring season and come down and visit us! > > If anyone is interested please have them send me an e-mail with their name to marketing(a)busride.org. I’ll be able to organize it all better this way and cut down on any wait time. > > Thank you, > Maria > > > Maria Smith > Marketing Officer > Mountain Line Transit Authority > 420 DuPont Road • Morgantown • WV • 26501 > Marketing(a)busride.org • Ph: 304.296.3680 • Fx: 304.291.7429 > > Plan your trip with Mountain > Line using Google Maps. > > > >

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Re: [Bikeboard] Poster Ideas
by Frank Gmeindl 11 Feb '11

11 Feb '11

I don't know where this is heading. I'm sure we're all aware that a successful poster will get the most people into the course. I admit, I do not know what poster would accomplish that. If it's only going to have a slogan such as those listed in this thread, I'd like to remind everyone that the "business card" (see attached) that we just made and into which many BB members put a lot of work has the slogan, "Lose Your Fear and Learn to Ride with Confidence". We also have the ad (see attached) that we ran in the newspaper that had the slogan, "Rediscover the Joy and Freedom of Riding Your Bicycle". If we're just going to have a slogan on the poster, that could be a poster as is. (I know Ryan, you don't like the kid.) Finally, we also have the first of the billboards (see attached) that has the slogan, "Same Roads, Same Rights, Same Rules". Perhaps that could be made into a poster even though it's purpose was more to be instructive than to attract viewers to sign up for training. Perhaps the poster could say, "Same Roads, Same Rights, Same Rules: Learn them! Sign up for Confident City Cycling" On Feb 10, 2011, at 4:43 PM, Ryan Post wrote: > Dang, I’m totally jealous of some member’s creative abilities. > > Might need to cleanup to be PC, but I like the implication. > 11) Closer parking than handicap. > > 15) Cheaper maintenance than cars. (Now Chip can be happier) > > From: Aira Loren Burkhart [mailto:airaloren@gmail.com] > Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2011 2:50 PM > To: Ryan Post > Cc: Bicycle Board > Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] Poster Ideas > > 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. > > _______________________________________________ > Bikeboard mailing list > Bikeboard(a)cheat.org > http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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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.

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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 >

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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 >

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. >

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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 >> > >

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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 >>

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Bikeboard