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Meeting with Terry Hough
by Frank Gmeindl 15 Jan '10

15 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, This morning, I had a 1.5 hour meeting with Terry Hough, City Engineer and Damien Davis, Assistant Engineer. The desired outcome of the meeting was to establish City Engineer's office support for the Bicycle Board vision and goals and to develop a unified City response to the WVDOH on matters such as the Mon Blvd. Bike Lane and Share the Road signs. The meeting was very productive but I don't think I can appropriately represent the outcome in a written report. Therefore, I would like to discuss it with you next Thursday, 1/21 at 6 pm in the PSC Conference Room. This meeting should take less than 1 hour. It's desired outcome is Bicycle Board consensus on how to proceed with Engineering initiatives. I realize this is short notice and that you might not be able to fit it in your schedule so I would ask that you at least reply to let me know whether you plan to attend or not. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Re: [Bikeboard] (no subject)
by Chip Wamsley 14 Jan '10

14 Jan '10

---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:19:07 -0500 Frank, Sounds like a good meeting. Its interesting that Maryland actually hired a qualified person with experience who actually wants to do what he was hired for and most likely wasn't someone in state govt's brother in law. I like his comment on fear of liability, as that was the stumbling block getting bike clubs in the local schools. Could we get copy of the Cumberland comprehensive plan? It might give us some ideas to get Morgantown to do something similar. As for the bikeable city app, looking at last years feedback, a lot of things have changed that make Morgantown look a lot more favorable. Chip >Bicycle Board Members, > > > >Today, I had the most wonderful meeting with Michael Jackson, Maryland DOT >Director Bicycle and Pedestrian Access; Dave Umling, Cumberland City >Planner; John DiFonzo, Cumberland City >Engineer; Larry Brock Western MD Wheelmen rep and Cumberland Bicycle >Advisory Board Chair, Greg ? County employee and Theresa Michels, Downtown >Development Commission Rep and owner of the Queen City Creamery where we >met. > > > >Can you believe that Mr. Jackson began his time on the agenda by passing out >the bicycle section of the new MUTCD and explaining Shared Lane Markings and >Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs and very strongly encouraging Cumberland to >use them. He gave specific examples of where Cumberland should consider >putting them. He gave a very thorough explanation of how they are >appropriate for Cumberland given its narrow streets and hilly terrain. He >explained how cyclists should take the lane when it's too narrow to be >passed safely. He explained that cyclists are not impeding traffic if they >are proceeding at a reasonable pace for cyclists. He explained how cyclists >have the same rights to the roads as motorists but sometimes motorists must >be reminded of that, particularly when the bicyclist can't go fast. > > > >He then went on to review the 5 Es and then to suggest approximately 10 >ideas covering the Es for Cumberland to consider implementing to make >Cumberland a more bicycle friendly community. For example, under >encouragement, he suggested Cumberland consider having "cyclo via" days on >which certain streets are closed to all but bicycle traffic! > > > >He said that the MDOT is surveying Maryland's 22 school districts to >determine school policies on encouraging kids to ride to school. He said >the state is going to help the schools increase ridership by establishing >bicycle coordinators in the schools and by ensuring continuous safe routes >to the schools. They are also going to hold the school administrators >accountable for measuring ridership and for showing an increase. > > > >In addition to having experience as multi-modal transportation coordinator >in California and working with transportation engineers, Mr. Jackson is also >an attorney specializing in liability and torts. He recognizes that some >officials resist bicycling because of fear of liability. He is spearheading >a MDOT research project to clarify and reduce liability. > > > >Mr. Jackson was not only familiar with just about all US bicycle advocacy >work but he also very familiarly cited details of several activities in >Germany, England, Denmark, Holland and Canada. > > > >Cumberland submitted a Bicycle Friendly Community award application last >year and got honorable mention and feedback. They already had a >comprehensive bicycle plan which the City Planner wrote. They are marching >through each of the BFC feedback items and updating their plan to address >each and every one of them. One of their feedback items was to establish >local League Cycling Instructors. They hired me to make that happen. > > > >BTW, attached is the LAB feedback to our 2007 BFC application. > > > >Frank > >Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > > > > >

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(no subject)
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Jan '10

14 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, Today, I had the most wonderful meeting with Michael Jackson, Maryland DOT Director Bicycle and Pedestrian Access; Dave Umling, Cumberland City Planner; John DiFonzo, Cumberland City Engineer; Larry Brock Western MD Wheelmen rep and Cumberland Bicycle Advisory Board Chair, Greg ? County employee and Theresa Michels, Downtown Development Commission Rep and owner of the Queen City Creamery where we met. Can you believe that Mr. Jackson began his time on the agenda by passing out the bicycle section of the new MUTCD and explaining Shared Lane Markings and Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs and very strongly encouraging Cumberland to use them. He gave specific examples of where Cumberland should consider putting them. He gave a very thorough explanation of how they are appropriate for Cumberland given its narrow streets and hilly terrain. He explained how cyclists should take the lane when it's too narrow to be passed safely. He explained that cyclists are not impeding traffic if they are proceeding at a reasonable pace for cyclists. He explained how cyclists have the same rights to the roads as motorists but sometimes motorists must be reminded of that, particularly when the bicyclist can't go fast. He then went on to review the 5 Es and then to suggest approximately 10 ideas covering the Es for Cumberland to consider implementing to make Cumberland a more bicycle friendly community. For example, under encouragement, he suggested Cumberland consider having "cyclo via" days on which certain streets are closed to all but bicycle traffic! He said that the MDOT is surveying Maryland's 22 school districts to determine school policies on encouraging kids to ride to school. He said the state is going to help the schools increase ridership by establishing bicycle coordinators in the schools and by ensuring continuous safe routes to the schools. They are also going to hold the school administrators accountable for measuring ridership and for showing an increase. In addition to having experience as multi-modal transportation coordinator in California and working with transportation engineers, Mr. Jackson is also an attorney specializing in liability and torts. He recognizes that some officials resist bicycling because of fear of liability. He is spearheading a MDOT research project to clarify and reduce liability. Mr. Jackson was not only familiar with just about all US bicycle advocacy work but he also very familiarly cited details of several activities in Germany, England, Denmark, Holland and Canada. Cumberland submitted a Bicycle Friendly Community award application last year and got honorable mention and feedback. They already had a comprehensive bicycle plan which the City Planner wrote. They are marching through each of the BFC feedback items and updating their plan to address each and every one of them. One of their feedback items was to establish local League Cycling Instructors. They hired me to make that happen. BTW, attached is the LAB feedback to our 2007 BFC application. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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[Fwd: FW: WVDOH Bridge project, Pendleton County]
by Frank Gmeindl 14 Jan '10

14 Jan '10

If you want to be on a list that WVDOH can contact for input on state road projects, send your e-mail address to Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov . See message below. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ -------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: WVDOH Bridge project, Pendleton County Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 07:07:29 -0500 From: Robinson, Bill C <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> * * * * *From:* Robinson, Bill C *Sent:* Thursday, January 14, 2010 7:07 AM *To:* Adam Stevens; Adventure Pursuit; Ann Conageski; Belomar MPO; Betty Carver; Bill Foster; Brieanne Salmons; Chris Craig; Chriss Gress; Dennis Strawn; Don Spencer; Doug Wayt; Drew Smithberger; Ella Belling; Eric Sandeno; Frank Gmeindl; Harold Simmons; Huntington MPO; Jamie Fields; Jen Giovannetti; Jim Hudson; John Fekete; John R. McGarrity; Jordan Cox; Justin Gaull; Ken Dzaack; Kim Broughton; Kristy Blower; Lewis, Ray C; Logan Mountain Bike Association, Inc.; Matt Marcus; Matt Sherald; Morgantown MPO; Patricia Clay; Peggy Pings; Peggy Pings; Region Eight PDC; Region Four PDC; Region I PDC; Region II PDC; Region Seven PDC; Regiona VI Planning Council; Richard Warner; Rob Pennington; Susie Salisbury; WWW MPO *Cc:* Savage, Benjamin J *Subject:* WVDOH Bridge project, Pendleton County *Everyone -- * * * *Thank you for participating in the WV Bicycle/Pedestrian Network. This network is for people interested in bicycle/pedestrian issues in West Virginia, particularly as they relate to the West Virginia Division of Highways. The WVDOH set up the network and have used it before, but it has been a while and I thought a word of explanation would be in order. Since the last time it was used, some new people have been added and we are always looking for more participants. If you know someone who would like to be added to the network, please have them E-mail me and I would be happy to add their E-mail address to the network. If anyone wished to be deleted from the network, please let me know as well.* * * *One of the primary reasons for this network is to help the WVDOH determine where road biking activities are taking place so that we can properly provide bicycle/pedestrian accommodation in connection with roadway projects. In the past, it always seemed that the bike/ped community wanted accommodation, but there was no corresponding project to trigger changes to the roadway, or the WVDOH found out six months, or a year, too late, that a project could have had features that would have been beneficial to the bike/ped community. Consequently, this network is an attempt to make the bike/ped community aware of projects and questions that come up and allow the public to have another method to communicate with the WVDOH.* * * *The couple of time we have used the network, we have received some very useful information used to make decisions on bike/ped situations. We also anticipate using it more in the coming few months; over the last year we have been putting a lot of time and thought into how to more comprehensively consider bike/ped in our projects; hopefully this about to come to fruition and we will be receiving regular advanced engineering studies about where new bridges and major road upgrades will be occurring and be able to pass that information to the bike/ped community.* * * *Today the project for examination is a bridge project on US 33 in Pendleton County. The WVDOH is interested in the level of bicycle/pedestrian traffic in the area. The attachment contains maps showing the project area. If you are aware of riders, or clubs, using this route to ride on a regular basis, please let me know.* * * *On other bike/ped issues, we are preparing the 2010 bicycle survey for the League of American Bicyclists. It is due in mid-February and we cooperating with the bike community to formulate West Virginia's reply. As you may be aware, West Virginia moved from the ranking of 50 to 42 with the work of the WVDOT and some very motivated members of the WV biking community. Let's hope that the 2010 survey will move us even further up in the rankings.* * * *Our map of road routes containing recreational and transportation routes that was available for viewing at the 2009 Bicycle Symposium, still remains in draft form; however, it has morphed into two additional efforts. The first effort is a new WVDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan. This plan is in its second draft and is still being review in-house in the WVDOT. However, the plan, authored by WVDOH staffer Jim Hudson, has impressed everyone with its comprehensive coverage and ideas to improve the bicycle/pedestrian atmosphere and infrastructure in WV. When the plan is reviewed and acceptable to officials within the WVDOT, it will be released to the public for comment. We anticipate distributing copies for comment through the internet and through public meeting around the state. This network will play a role in that public comment phase.* * * *The second effort, based upon the draft map and in conjunction with the draft plan, has been to identify 15-20 bike routes for designation and signage. Some of these routes are submissions from the bike community, some are routes we have developed here in the WVDOT. We are now attempting to find funding to develop these routes. If we are successful with these first routes, we realize that it is a system that will evolve and other routes will be added as the WVDOT becomes aware of them and funding for development is available.* * * *Please send any information you have on the Pendleton County bridge area tome as quickly as you can -- I will pass it on to the design engineer.* * * *Bill* *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 * * * * * * *

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Signs
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Jan '10

08 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, As I promised at last night's meeting, I looked up the signs: R5-1b and R9-3c that Jim Hudson recommended for addition to the backs of the R3-17 BIKE LANE signs for the Mon Blvd bike lane. I couldn't figure out how to cut them from the MUTCD and paste them here so I can only send you the link to them. "Bicycle Specific Wrong Way" signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placard: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part9/part9b.htm#figure9B02 If you have trouble seeing them at the link, I'll try to describe them here. The R5-1b is a white on red rectangular sign with a bicycle symbol at the top and the words, WRONG WAY below the bicycle symbol. The R9-3c placard is a black on white square sign with the words RIDE WITH TRAFFIC. Hudson also cites the R3-17 BIKE LANE sign that was included in our recommendation. That sign is also visible at the above link. It is a rectangular black and white sign. The top 2/3 has black background with a bicycle symbol in white. The bottom 1/3 of the sign has while background with black letters, BIKE LANE. He also recommends installing "No Parking At Any Time" signs (R7-201) on both sides of the road. In the 2009, MUTCD, I could not find a R7-201 sign. The R7-1 is the standard red on white NO PARKING ANY TIME sign. There is a whole series of no parking signs at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part2/part2b.htm. There are R7-201P and R7-201aP that designate tow away zones. In the 2003 MUTCD, the R7-201 says TOW-AWAY ZONE. The 2003 MUTCD R7 and R8 signs can be viewed at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2003r1r2/part2/part2b3.htm#figure2B16 . Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Jan '10

08 Jan '10

Bill, The Bicycle Board supports Jim Hudson's recommendation that ""Bicycle Specific Wrong Way" signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placards should be installed on the reverse side of every "Bicycle Lane" (R3-17) sign proposed". We will recommend to the Traffic Commission that these be added to the plan. A poll of Bicycle Board members revealed that bicyclists currently descend the east shoulder of Monongahela Blvd. from Evansdale Dr. to Eighth St. The poll also revealed that most bicyclists descend the west shoulder or the rightmost west side travel lane as is lawful. If traffic study data are available that show shoulder bicycle traffic and its direction of travel for that section of the boulevard, the Bicycle Board recommends that such data provide a baseline against which the efficacy of any changes could be measured. Also, if bicycle crash data are available for that section of the boulevard, the Bicycle Board recommends that such data also provide a useful baseline against which the efficacy of any changes could be measured. At the September 22, 2009 MPO TTAC meeting at which the City presented the bike lane concept, the WVDOT stated that they would review the concept for conformance to standards. The Bicycle Board has been confident that WVDOT would approve the concept since it was developed using the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. In Mr. Hudson's January 4, 2010 and January 6, 2010 messages and Mr. Lewis' January 6, 2010 message standards are not mentioned. However, the Bicycle Board appreciates Mr. Hudson's and Mr. Lewis' extensive knowledge and experience with bicycle facilities and is grateful for their opinions. While the aforementioned additional signage is not recommended by the AASHTO Guide, the Bicycle Board recognizes that the additional signage is likely to reinforce the AASHTO recommended one-way directional arrow that was included in the City's concept. The Bicycle Board does not know whether such additional signage will be sufficient to adequately prevent wrong way cycling. However, given that bicyclists already travel the wrong way on the east shoulder and given that apparently no crashes have resulted, the Bicycle Board recommends that the bike lane be installed as proposed with Mr. Hudson's recommended additional signage and that the WVDOT monitor bicycle traffic on that section of the boulevard. If wrong way cycling increases, the Bicycle Board has recommendations that it can develop and provide that would encourage bicyclists to descend the west side rightmost travel lane and physically discourage them from descending the east shoulder. Much attention has focused on the bike lane but little attention appears to be given to other parts of the Bicycle Board's recommendation that the Traffic Commission approved. Specifically, the following signage: . BIKE LANE (R3-17) ENDS (R3-17bP) at the end of the bike lane; . BEGIN RIGHT TURN LANE, YIELD TO BIKES (R4-4) at the beginning of the right turn lane; . SHARE THE ROAD (W16-1) placard in conjunction with the W11-1 (bicycle symbol in diamond shaped sign) sign every 250-feet on both sides along Don Knotts Blvd., Beechurst Av., the west side of Monongahela Boulevard between Eighth St. and Evansdale Drive, both sides of Monongahela Boulevard between Evansdale Dr. and the Edith Barrill (Star City) Bridge. Apparently, Mr. Lewis was not aware of these recommendations when he offered his option 2 for W11-1 signs accompanied by W7-3a placards. Bill, concerning Mr. Lewis' concerns about the bike lane's termination, you favored merging the bicycle lane into the rightmost travel lane as depicted in Figure 11-b of the AASHTO Guide. The Bicycle Board recommended simply terminating the bike lane as depicted in Figure 11-d because it is simpler. Given Mr. Lewis' comments about the bike lane's termination, the Bicycle Board would recommend the Figure 11-b treatment that extends the bike lane into the rightmost through lane if you thought it advisable. Please advise if these comments are sufficient for next Tuesday's TTAC meeting. Frank Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board League Cycling Instructor #1703 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Re: [Bikeboard] FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

This one from the DOH is interesting. If they are so concerned about the speed up the boulevard why don't they lower the regulatory posting to 25 mph during the MUB project (or longer) rather than to recommend installing signage that makes bicyclists appear as though they are a gaggle of ducklings that require protection .. and according to an earlier posting, even if they do approve the climbing lane, they won't finance or maintain the project anyways. Are they going to annex the shoulder to the City? I doubt it. On top of it, these so call experts know absolutely nothing about the nature of cyclists who will be using this detour. I really can't see cyclists riding down the proposed climbing lane of a two way highway as being a common occurrence .. really I can't! However, I have seen cars go the wrong way on badly marked one way roads around Morgantown fairly often. I find the third recommendation especially profound, but I would like to avoid this recommendation in this particular application at all costs simply because it appears to me that DOH's goal is to keep us off the roads at all costs while do everything they can to continue to enable the flow and resulting congestion of "very heavy vehicular traffic". -Jonathan Frank Gmeindl wrote: > > Bicycle Board Members, > > > > It keeps coming. Comments? > > > > Frank > > /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > > > > > > > *From:* Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] > *Sent:* Wednesday, January 06, 2010 2:46 PM > *To:* 'Frank Gmeindl'; 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough' > *Subject:* FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane > > > > Frank, Damien, and Terry, > > > > Please see the e-mail below. This appears to be the starting point > from DOH. We will need to discuss these issues at the TTAC meeting. > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > *Bill Austin, AICP* > > *Executive Director* > > *Morgantown Monongalia MPO* > > 180 Hart Field Road > > Morgantown, WVA 26508 > > 304-291-9571 > > 304-692-7225 Mobile > > > > > > > > *From:* Lewis, Ray C [mailto:Ray.C.Lewis@wv.gov] > *Sent:* Wednesday, January 06, 2010 2:38 PM > *To:* Hudson, Jim E; Robinson, Bill C > *Cc:* Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin > *Subject:* RE: Morgantown Bicycle Lane > > > > We have reviewed the various documents, drawings, and other materials > generated as a result of this proposal. > > We are reluctant to approve the proposed "bicycle climbing lane". > While it may be somewhat useful to give cyclists a defined space when > climbing most of the grade, the location and the surrounding traffic > and environment make this facility highly undesirable. The posted > speed limit on Monongahela Boulevard is 45 mph; this traffic > operating speeds throughout most of the day are consistent with the > regulatory posting. The termination of the climbing lane requires > that the cyclists who are bound for the Evansdale Campus must share > the right-turn lane with very heavy vehicular traffic. Cyclists > desiring to continue north will be operating at single-digit speeds > and will be forced to merge left into a high speed, heavy traffic > stream. Finally, the bicycle lane in question has no > logically-defined origin, and does not provide satisfactory access to > the Evansdale Campus. > > Since this is a bicycle facility that is shared with the shoulder, the > bicycle traffic in the climbing lane must move in the same direction > as the highway traffic. There is no provision for a bike lane in the > opposite direction. This is likely to lead to bicyclists trying to > ride downhill in the climbing lane. If so, the potential exists for > head-on collisions between bicyclists, which are often severe or > fatal; or to cyclists riding downhill being forced into oncoming > motor vehicle traffic. Any action taken to provide a northbound > bicycle lane must be matched by compatible actions on the southbound side. > > After considering the matter further, we suggest that there are three > alternatives open to the City of Morgantown and/or the WVDOH: > > · Do nothing > > · Warn motorists of the potential for bicycles to be present by > installing assemblies consisting of black on yellow, diamond-shaped > bicycle symbol(W11-1) signs accompanied by distance plaques with the > wording, NEXT __ MI W7-3A). If the City and the MPO accept this > alternative, we will place these sign assemblies at ¼ mile increments > for both directions of traffic between 8^th Street and Patteson Drive, > at our expense. > > · The third alternative is for the City and the MPO to design > and construct a separate shared-use path from the presently-proposed > ending point of the bicycle climbing lane to an appropriate junction > with Evansdale Drive or some other roadway in the vicinity of the > Creative Arts Center, along with developing a compatible southbound > bicycle lane on the west side of Monongahela Boulevard. > > These are "broad-brush" proposals, which are meant as > discussion-starters at Tuesday's TTAC meeting. We will be happy to > work with any and all parties as necessary. > > If I may be of further assistance, please contact me. > > 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:* Hudson, Jim E > *Sent:* Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM > *To:* Robinson, Bill C > *Cc:* Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad > N; 'Bill Austin' > *Subject:* Morgantown Bicycle Lane > > Bill > > After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our > signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited > access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway > markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley > By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both > sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed > and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is > necessary. > > While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do > not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely > maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on > the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the > road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same > category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane > where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. > > A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to > this email. > > << OLE Object: Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) >> > > Jim Hudson > > Community Development Specialist > > Building 5, Room 863 > > 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. > > Charleston, WV 25305-0430 > > (304) 558-9613 > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: > 01/06/10 02:35:00 > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Bikeboard mailing list > Bikeboard(a)cheat.org > http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard

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FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

And, more. From: Damien Davis [mailto:ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 11:05 AM To: Bill Austin; Frank Gmeindl; Terry Hough Subject: RE: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill, on the cross-sections of the Mon Blvd bike lane proposal I show that the shoulder on the PRT side is between 8 and 13.5 feet wide. While the bike lane side is between 7.5 to 13 feet wide J. Damien Davis, EIT, 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.morgantown.com _____ From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 9:15 AM To: 'Frank Gmeindl'; Damien Davis; Terry Hough Subject: FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Importance: High Frank, Damien, Terry, Please see the correspondence below. I do not believe the proposed signage is adequate or acceptable for addressing the concern expressed by the Bicycle Board. Previous correspondence I have seen says that the shoulder on the down hill side of Mon Boulevard is the same width as on the uphill side. I do not believe that this true. I don't believe it is either the same width or of the same pavement quality as the shoulder on the uphill side. Can anyone confirm this for me? The comment below that cyclists on the down slope cannot keep up with traffic is simply a mis-expectation on the writers part. Cyclists should not be expected to match speeds even on flat sections they should be expected to not impede the flow of traffic. These are not the same things. We need to address this misconception quickly. I am not sure how Jim Hudson fits into the picture, I will look into it. Please let me know your thoughts. I would like to respond to this comment ASAP. Thanks, Bill From: Hudson, Jim E [mailto:Jim.E.Hudson@wv.gov] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM To: Robinson, Bill C Cc: Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin Subject: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is necessary. While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to this email. Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) Jim Hudson Community Development Specialist Building 5, Room 863 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25305-0430 (304) 558-9613 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/05/10 02:35:00

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FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

More From: Damien Davis [mailto:ddavis@cityofmorgantown.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 10:57 AM To: Bill Austin; Frank Gmeindl; Terry Hough Subject: RE: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill, The signs proposed by Mr. Hudson are meant as directional guides for cyclists to get to a specific location. They are used to show cyclists that the signed route is the preferred route over other routes. These signs could be used in conjunction with what we are proposing to guide cyclists to the rail-trail but the proposed sign do nothing to warn motorist or make cyclists more visible to the motoring public by themselves. The climbing lane provides cyclists a visibly safe area to maneuver while climbing Mon Blvd, while our proposed "Share the Road" signs bring to motorist attention that cyclists are permitted to use the roadway. I agree with you that cyclists should not be expected to match the speed of the motorist, just not impede the flow of traffic. This should not be an issue on Mon Blvd as it is two lanes at the top. This provides for the safe passing of a slower cyclist. Although Mr. Hudson is correct, traffic does frequently exceed the speed limit, the increased use and visibility of cyclists on Mon Blvd could help to reduce that speed. J. Damien Davis, EIT, 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.morgantown.com _____ From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 9:15 AM To: 'Frank Gmeindl'; Damien Davis; Terry Hough Subject: FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Importance: High Frank, Damien, Terry, Please see the correspondence below. I do not believe the proposed signage is adequate or acceptable for addressing the concern expressed by the Bicycle Board. Previous correspondence I have seen says that the shoulder on the down hill side of Mon Boulevard is the same width as on the uphill side. I do not believe that this true. I don't believe it is either the same width or of the same pavement quality as the shoulder on the uphill side. Can anyone confirm this for me? The comment below that cyclists on the down slope cannot keep up with traffic is simply a mis-expectation on the writers part. Cyclists should not be expected to match speeds even on flat sections they should be expected to not impede the flow of traffic. These are not the same things. We need to address this misconception quickly. I am not sure how Jim Hudson fits into the picture, I will look into it. Please let me know your thoughts. I would like to respond to this comment ASAP. Thanks, Bill From: Hudson, Jim E [mailto:Jim.E.Hudson@wv.gov] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM To: Robinson, Bill C Cc: Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin Subject: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is necessary. While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to this email. Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) Jim Hudson Community Development Specialist Building 5, Room 863 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25305-0430 (304) 558-9613 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/05/10 02:35:00

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BB December report to TC
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, Attached, please find a draft report of Bicycle Board progress that I plan to present to the Traffic Commission at their meeting next Wednesday, 1/13. Please reply with any changes that you want me to make. Reading the attached report in preparation for tomorrow's Bicycle Board meeting might help you understand what we're talking about at the meeting. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Agenda for 1/7 Bicycle Board Meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached, version 2 of the agenda for tomorrow's (1/7) Bicycle Board meeting and the minutes of our last meeting. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Re: [Bikeboard] Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

Bill, Mr. Hudson says, "I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways". Monongahela Blvd. is not a limited access highway. Mr. Hudson's proposed sign violates WV 17C-11-2. WV 17C-11-2 says, "Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties as the driver of a vehicle". Mr. Hudson's proposed sign provides no benefit to anyone since a cyclist may ride on the shoulder if he or she deems it safer to do so. Signing the roadway as Mr. Hudson proposes denies cyclists use of the roadway that WV 17C-11-2 gives them. Prohibiting bicyclists from using the roadway and forcing them to use the shoulder as Mr. Hudson promotes is dangerous for the following reasons: 1. The shoulder is not wide enough to descend at the 45 mph speed limit: a speed achievable by a descending bicycle. 2. The downhill shoulder has large drainage grates that are at least 6-inches below grade: essentially holes that could easily kill a descending cyclist. 3. The downhill shoulder is bounded by an approximate 5-foot high concrete wall with a chain link fence on top. This wall could kill a cyclists should he or she run into it. 4. The shoulder ends in a curb at the bottom where a cyclist's speed could be maximum. Hitting the curb at speed could be fatal. 5. Even if the shoulder is regularly swept, because motor traffic does not regularly travel on the shoulder, occasional debris can be expected to collect presenting a crash hazard. 6. The shoulder is intended as a "break down lane". Given the potential descending cyclist speed, the curvature of the roadway and the distraction of passing motor traffic, a cyclist may not see a broken down vehicle parked on the downhill shoulder in time to take evasive action. Mr. Hudson cites the Class B cyclist but don't the roadways have to accommodate all cyclists? What data does anybody have about current bicycle use of Mon Blvd? I know at least I and Don Spencer use it regularly and we descend in the rightmost lane in accordance with traffic law. The fact that the lanes are 12 feet wide and that there are two lanes on either side of the roadway permit motorists to pass bicyclists safely without having to wait. Finally, this is not the first time that WVDOH personnel have referred to bicyclists impeding traffic. When bicycles are traveling on the roadway, they are part of "traffic". Case law: Trotwood v. Selz, 746 N.E. 2d 235 (Ohio Ct. App. 2000) has found that "a bicyclist is not in violation of the ordinance (prohibiting vehicle operators from driving at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic) when he is traveling as fast as he reasonably can". The fundamental problem that the WVDOH has is that they want to violate 17C-11-2. I will add that I agree with Mr. Hudson's proposals in his previous message for increased signage on the climbing lane. These are my personal comments and do not represent the consensus of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board. I need more time for that. Frank Gmeindl League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor #1703 From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 9:15 AM To: 'Frank Gmeindl'; 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough' Subject: FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Importance: High Frank, Damien, Terry, Please see the correspondence below. I do not believe the proposed signage is adequate or acceptable for addressing the concern expressed by the Bicycle Board. Previous correspondence I have seen says that the shoulder on the down hill side of Mon Boulevard is the same width as on the uphill side. I do not believe that this true. I don't believe it is either the same width or of the same pavement quality as the shoulder on the uphill side. Can anyone confirm this for me? The comment below that cyclists on the down slope cannot keep up with traffic is simply a mis-expectation on the writers part. Cyclists should not be expected to match speeds even on flat sections they should be expected to not impede the flow of traffic. These are not the same things. We need to address this misconception quickly. I am not sure how Jim Hudson fits into the picture, I will look into it. Please let me know your thoughts. I would like to respond to this comment ASAP. Thanks, Bill From: Hudson, Jim E [mailto:Jim.E.Hudson@wv.gov] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM To: Robinson, Bill C Cc: Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin Subject: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is necessary. While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to this email. Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) Jim Hudson Community Development Specialist Building 5, Room 863 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25305-0430 (304) 558-9613 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/05/10 02:35:00

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FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 06 Jan '10

06 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, Comments? Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 9:15 AM To: 'Frank Gmeindl'; 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough' Subject: FW: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Importance: High Frank, Damien, Terry, Please see the correspondence below. I do not believe the proposed signage is adequate or acceptable for addressing the concern expressed by the Bicycle Board. Previous correspondence I have seen says that the shoulder on the down hill side of Mon Boulevard is the same width as on the uphill side. I do not believe that this true. I don't believe it is either the same width or of the same pavement quality as the shoulder on the uphill side. Can anyone confirm this for me? The comment below that cyclists on the down slope cannot keep up with traffic is simply a mis-expectation on the writers part. Cyclists should not be expected to match speeds even on flat sections they should be expected to not impede the flow of traffic. These are not the same things. We need to address this misconception quickly. I am not sure how Jim Hudson fits into the picture, I will look into it. Please let me know your thoughts. I would like to respond to this comment ASAP. Thanks, Bill From: Hudson, Jim E [mailto:Jim.E.Hudson@wv.gov] Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 8:54 AM To: Robinson, Bill C Cc: Keller, Perry J; Warner, Richard L; Lewis, Ray C; Shoukry, Fouad N; Bill Austin Subject: Morgantown Bicycle Lane Bill After much thought on the Morgantown Bike Lane issue I think our signage should remain consistent with our signage on other limited access highways. Therefore I propose we limit our signage and roadway markings to those found along Route 50, Route 33, and the East Beckley By-Pass among other places. These signs should be placed on both sides of Monongahela Boulevard and other locations where high-speed and/or high-density traffic and adequate shoulders indicate it is necessary. While I understand the desire for a "climbing" lane for bicycles, I do not accept the idea that average bicyclists (Class B) can safely maintain the speed of 45 to 50 mph required to keep up with traffic on the downhill side of the road. Bicyclists who want to ride on the road where the signs I propose have been posted are in the same category as those semi drivers who want to drive in the left lane where signage prohibiting trucks in the left lane have been installed. A photograph of the signage used in these locations is attached to this email. Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) Jim Hudson Community Development Specialist Building 5, Room 863 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25305-0430 (304) 558-9613 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/05/10 02:35:00

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Re: [Bikeboard] FW: Morgantown Bike Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Jan '10

05 Jan '10

Nick, Just to clarify a few points but not to address all of yours: 2) The thing you describe in Seattle is not a bike lane. It is a bike path. A bike lane is a portions of the roadway marked for exclusive or preferential use by bicycles. A bike path is physically separated from the roadway. Such arrangements, called cycle tracks in Denmark, have been shown in Copenhagen to decrease same direction accidents by 63% but to increase right hooks by 129% and left crosses by 48% at crossings. See http://www.trafitec.dk/pub/Road%20safety%20and%20percieved%20risk%20of%20cyc le%20tracks%20and%20lanes%20in%20Copenhagen.pdf 3) The start and end of the Mon Blvd. bike lane were explicitly described in the preliminary design document that was reviewed by the Bicycle Board. Since you are on the bikeboard(a)cheat.org list, you received it. The bike lane will begin just north of the driveway that is north of Advance Auto. The bike lane will end 150 feet before the right turn lane onto Evansdale Drive. Extending the bike lane to the left of the right turn lane at Evansdale Drive was considered but rejected because that would require reconfiguring the northbound lanes and we supposed that WVDOH would not be willing to do that, thus killing the project. Instead, we recommended that signage be placed near the end of the bike lane notifying cyclists that the Bike Lane Ends and signage at the beginning of the turn lane notifying motorists to Watch for Merging Bicycles. 4) A bike lane is not recommended on the descending side of Mon Blvd. because descending at 45 mph in a 5-foot wide lane with adjacent 8" deep drainage grates, probable debris, a 4-foot high concrete wall with a chain link fence 2-3 feet to the right plus dead-ending in a curb at the bottom where speed may be maximum is probably less safe than descending at 45 mph in a clean 12-foot wide lane on a 45 mph roadway that includes a passing lane. Also, a bike lane on the descending side was not recommended because it would practically preclude bicycles from traveling in the travel lanes. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles -----Original Message----- From: director [mailto:director@positivespin.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 11:22 AM To: Frank Gmeindl Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] FW: Morgantown Bike Lane Frank, Comments.... 1) One comment comes to mind immediately. Jim Hudson tacitly condones motorists exceeding the speed limit, but insists that bicycling laws be strictly enforced (?!). Naturally everyone should be held equally accountable for knowing and following the laws. Speeding motorists make it harder for cyclists to ride safely by shortening decision times. 2) In Seattle there were several locations where 2-way bike lanes were installed along busy thoroughfares. In all cases a physical barrier (Jersey barriers, or a purpose-built concrete wall) was placed between the bike/ped traffic and the motor vehicle traffic. I road this route a few times when there was high speed traffic only a few feet away and instantly wished for a screen fence atop the barrier to prevent debris from getting kicked up from oncoming cars at the right-side cyclist. To make the lane without a barrier of some kind is going to get people hurt. 3) It isn't clear to me where the bike lane will start/end. Is there a plan for safe entrance and exit to the lane at the ends? 4) I agree that a 2-way bike lane on both sides of the boulevard (is this what Jim means by "symmetrical"?) would be a good idea, again assuming a physical barrier between bike/auto traffic and that space permits it. Was there a reason this wasn't proposed? If these questions have already been answered please let me know where I can find the info. Thanks for doing such a diligent and effective job at researching and sharing this information. Sincerely, Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:45:10 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > > > >Any comments? > > > >Frank > >Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > > >From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] >Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:39 AM >To: 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough'; fgmeindl(a)verizon.net >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Damien, Terry, Frank, > > > >Please find below one preliminary response from DOH on the Monongalia >Boulevard Bike Lane. We should be prepared to discuss the concerns expressed >at the upcoming TTAC meeting. I do have a question about the statement that >the shoulder is the same width on both sides of the Boulevard in the >comment. I do not recall this being the case from when I have been out >there. For your information Fouad Shoukry from the Division will not be at >the TTAC Meeting since he will be at TRB on the 12th. > > > >Thanks, > > > > > >Bill Austin, AICP > >Executive Director > >Morgantown Monongalia MPO > >180 Hart Field Road > >Morgantown, WVA 26508 > >304-291-9571 > >304-692-7225 Mobile > > > > > > > >From: Warner, Richard L [mailto:Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov] >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 1:37 PM >To: Bill Austin; Lewis, Ray C >Cc: Robinson, Bill C; Hudson, Jim E >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Bill and Ray, > > FYI, Jim Hudson has reviewed the City's Monongahela Boulevard bike >lane proposal and has generated the comments below. Jim is the primary >author of the WVDOT/DOH statewide bicycle/pedestrian plan that is undergoing >internal review prior to its official release for public review. In addition >to his other responsibilities, Jim also assists Bill Robinson in his duties >as WVDOT/DOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and has a background in law >enforcement in Morgantown. These comments are intended for use as input to >further discussions regarding the proposed bike lane. Additional comments >from other reviewers may be supplied prior to the 1/12/10 TAC meeting (1:30 >pm at the MPO offices, Morgantown Municipal Airport). > >Ray, > > Please forward these comments to Cindy Cramer and Fouad Shoukry as >appropriate, and invite Mr. Shoukry to attend the TAC meeting. Per our >earlier discussion, I'm assuming that implementation details will ultimately >fall to him. > >--Richard > >_____________________________________________ >From: Hudson, Jim E >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:52 AM >To: Robinson, Bill C >Cc: Warner, Richard L; Keller, Perry J >Subject: Morgantown Bike Lane > >Bill, > >As I understand it, the proposed bicycle Lane in Morgantown includes one >bicycle "climbing" lane delineated on the existing shoulder on the hill side >of Monongahela Boulevard and some signs identifying it. Delineating the >lane and installation of the signage is to be entirely funded by some entity >other than WVDOH. I am not aware of who will be conducting or funding the >maintenance on the delineated bicycle lane or the signage related to it. > >There will be no effort to widen the shoulder or to delineate a bicycle lane >on the opposite side of the road (the PRT side) even though the shoulder on >that side are the same width as the shoulder on the hill side. It should be >noted that there are no entrances or exits to Monongahela Boulevard in this >segment except for one maintenance access for the PRT system on the side >opposite the proposal. Also, while the posted speed limit is 45 mph, >traffic frequently exceeds this by a significant amount. Finally, the only >"No Parking" signs I recall along this stretch of road are attached flat >against the fence between the PRT and the Boulevard. I do not recall any >"No Parking" signs on the hill side of the road where the proposed bicycle >lane is to be established. I definitely recall seeing several vehicles >parked along the hill side shoulder during basketball games, concerts and >other events at the WVU Coliseum. > >First, let me say that I am opposed to establishing a one way bicycle lane >on only one side of a street or road unless that street or road is also one >way. This can only "invite" bicyclists to ride against traffic in violation >of current traffic laws. In short I prefer a symmetrical bicycle lane on >both sides of the road. > >In the proposed situation on Monongahela Boulevard, the proposed directional >arrows on the pavement are insufficient as indicators of it being one way. >The origin or destination of the vast majority of the bicycle traffic along >this route will be on the same side of the boulevard as the proposed bicycle >lane. Few bicyclists will cross the four lane boulevard to ride with the >traffic when there is a designated bicycle lane on one side of the road. > >However, if WVDOH agrees to this proposed one way bicycle lane and the >subsequent narrowing of the shoulder on that side of the road, I think >additional signage to that proposed is necessary. "No Parking At Any Time" >signs (R7-201) should be installed along both sides of the road which are >clearly visible to motorists while driving. "Bicycle Specific Wrong Way" >signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placards should be installed >on the reverse side of every "Bicycle Lane" (R3-17)sign proposed. > >In addition to the signage, I think the City of Morgantown and/or the MPO >and/or the WVDOH should mail a letter to the WVU Security Police, the >Morgantown City Police, The Monongalia County Sherriff's Office and the >Morgantown Detachment of the WV State Police requesting strict enforcement >of the traffic regulations relating to bicycles with an emphasis on >enforcing the bicycle related laws along this stretch of Monongahela >Boulevard. > >Thank you, > >Jim Hudson > >Community Development Specialist > >Building 5, Room 863 > >1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. > >Charleston, WV 25305-0430 > >(304) 558-9613 > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/04/10 >03:24:00 > > > > > > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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FW: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Jan '10

05 Jan '10

-----Original Message----- From: director [mailto:director@positivespin.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 11:22 AM To: Frank Gmeindl Subject: Re: [Bikeboard] FW: Morgantown Bike Lane Frank, Comments.... 1) One comment comes to mind immediately. Jim Hudson tacitly condones motorists exceeding the speed limit, but insists that bicycling laws be strictly enforced (?!). Naturally everyone should be held equally accountable for knowing and following the laws. Speeding motorists make it harder for cyclists to ride safely by shortening decision times. 2) In Seattle there were several locations where 2-way bike lanes were installed along busy thoroughfares. In all cases a physical barrier (Jersey barriers, or a purpose-built concrete wall) was placed between the bike/ped traffic and the motor vehicle traffic. I road this route a few times when there was high speed traffic only a few feet away and instantly wished for a screen fence atop the barrier to prevent debris from getting kicked up from oncoming cars at the right-side cyclist. To make the lane without a barrier of some kind is going to get people hurt. 3) It isn't clear to me where the bike lane will start/end. Is there a plan for safe entrance and exit to the lane at the ends? 4) I agree that a 2-way bike lane on both sides of the boulevard (is this what Jim means by "symmetrical"?) would be a good idea, again assuming a physical barrier between bike/auto traffic and that space permits it. Was there a reason this wasn't proposed? If these questions have already been answered please let me know where I can find the info. Thanks for doing such a diligent and effective job at researching and sharing this information. Sincerely, Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:45:10 -0500 >Bicycle Board Members, > > > >Any comments? > > > >Frank > >Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > > >From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] >Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:39 AM >To: 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough'; fgmeindl(a)verizon.net >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Damien, Terry, Frank, > > > >Please find below one preliminary response from DOH on the Monongalia >Boulevard Bike Lane. We should be prepared to discuss the concerns expressed >at the upcoming TTAC meeting. I do have a question about the statement that >the shoulder is the same width on both sides of the Boulevard in the >comment. I do not recall this being the case from when I have been out >there. For your information Fouad Shoukry from the Division will not be at >the TTAC Meeting since he will be at TRB on the 12th. > > > >Thanks, > > > > > >Bill Austin, AICP > >Executive Director > >Morgantown Monongalia MPO > >180 Hart Field Road > >Morgantown, WVA 26508 > >304-291-9571 > >304-692-7225 Mobile > > > > > > > >From: Warner, Richard L [mailto:Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov] >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 1:37 PM >To: Bill Austin; Lewis, Ray C >Cc: Robinson, Bill C; Hudson, Jim E >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Bill and Ray, > > FYI, Jim Hudson has reviewed the City's Monongahela Boulevard bike >lane proposal and has generated the comments below. Jim is the primary >author of the WVDOT/DOH statewide bicycle/pedestrian plan that is undergoing >internal review prior to its official release for public review. In addition >to his other responsibilities, Jim also assists Bill Robinson in his duties >as WVDOT/DOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and has a background in law >enforcement in Morgantown. These comments are intended for use as input to >further discussions regarding the proposed bike lane. Additional comments >from other reviewers may be supplied prior to the 1/12/10 TAC meeting (1:30 >pm at the MPO offices, Morgantown Municipal Airport). > >Ray, > > Please forward these comments to Cindy Cramer and Fouad Shoukry as >appropriate, and invite Mr. Shoukry to attend the TAC meeting. Per our >earlier discussion, I'm assuming that implementation details will ultimately >fall to him. > >--Richard > >_____________________________________________ >From: Hudson, Jim E >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:52 AM >To: Robinson, Bill C >Cc: Warner, Richard L; Keller, Perry J >Subject: Morgantown Bike Lane > >Bill, > >As I understand it, the proposed bicycle Lane in Morgantown includes one >bicycle "climbing" lane delineated on the existing shoulder on the hill side >of Monongahela Boulevard and some signs identifying it. Delineating the >lane and installation of the signage is to be entirely funded by some entity >other than WVDOH. I am not aware of who will be conducting or funding the >maintenance on the delineated bicycle lane or the signage related to it. > >There will be no effort to widen the shoulder or to delineate a bicycle lane >on the opposite side of the road (the PRT side) even though the shoulder on >that side are the same width as the shoulder on the hill side. It should be >noted that there are no entrances or exits to Monongahela Boulevard in this >segment except for one maintenance access for the PRT system on the side >opposite the proposal. Also, while the posted speed limit is 45 mph, >traffic frequently exceeds this by a significant amount. Finally, the only >"No Parking" signs I recall along this stretch of road are attached flat >against the fence between the PRT and the Boulevard. I do not recall any >"No Parking" signs on the hill side of the road where the proposed bicycle >lane is to be established. I definitely recall seeing several vehicles >parked along the hill side shoulder during basketball games, concerts and >other events at the WVU Coliseum. > >First, let me say that I am opposed to establishing a one way bicycle lane >on only one side of a street or road unless that street or road is also one >way. This can only "invite" bicyclists to ride against traffic in violation >of current traffic laws. In short I prefer a symmetrical bicycle lane on >both sides of the road. > >In the proposed situation on Monongahela Boulevard, the proposed directional >arrows on the pavement are insufficient as indicators of it being one way. >The origin or destination of the vast majority of the bicycle traffic along >this route will be on the same side of the boulevard as the proposed bicycle >lane. Few bicyclists will cross the four lane boulevard to ride with the >traffic when there is a designated bicycle lane on one side of the road. > >However, if WVDOH agrees to this proposed one way bicycle lane and the >subsequent narrowing of the shoulder on that side of the road, I think >additional signage to that proposed is necessary. "No Parking At Any Time" >signs (R7-201) should be installed along both sides of the road which are >clearly visible to motorists while driving. "Bicycle Specific Wrong Way" >signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placards should be installed >on the reverse side of every "Bicycle Lane" (R3-17)sign proposed. > >In addition to the signage, I think the City of Morgantown and/or the MPO >and/or the WVDOH should mail a letter to the WVU Security Police, the >Morgantown City Police, The Monongalia County Sherriff's Office and the >Morgantown Detachment of the WV State Police requesting strict enforcement >of the traffic regulations relating to bicycles with an emphasis on >enforcing the bicycle related laws along this stretch of Monongahela >Boulevard. > >Thank you, > >Jim Hudson > >Community Development Specialist > >Building 5, Room 863 > >1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. > >Charleston, WV 25305-0430 > >(304) 558-9613 > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/04/10 >03:24:00 > > > > > > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Re: [Bikeboard] FW: Morgantown Bike Lane
by Chip Wamsley 05 Jan '10

05 Jan '10

---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Frank Gmeindl" <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:45:10 -0500 To all, I agree that most traffic would be on the hill side, not the PRT side and something other than pavement arrows would be a good idea to discourage people from trying to use that lane for descending, a very dangerous situation indeed. I think better no parking signs would also be necessary. I don't agree that all bike lanes should be symmetrical and hill climbing lanes serve a real purpose in towns with topography like Morgantown. It was also encouraging that he didn't totally dismiss the plan but gave some thoughtful criticism. Chip >Bicycle Board Members, > > > >Any comments? > > > >Frank > >Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles > > > >From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] >Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:39 AM >To: 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough'; fgmeindl(a)verizon.net >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Damien, Terry, Frank, > > > >Please find below one preliminary response from DOH on the Monongalia >Boulevard Bike Lane. We should be prepared to discuss the concerns expressed >at the upcoming TTAC meeting. I do have a question about the statement that >the shoulder is the same width on both sides of the Boulevard in the >comment. I do not recall this being the case from when I have been out >there. For your information Fouad Shoukry from the Division will not be at >the TTAC Meeting since he will be at TRB on the 12th. > > > >Thanks, > > > > > >Bill Austin, AICP > >Executive Director > >Morgantown Monongalia MPO > >180 Hart Field Road > >Morgantown, WVA 26508 > >304-291-9571 > >304-692-7225 Mobile > > > > > > > >From: Warner, Richard L [mailto:Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov] >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 1:37 PM >To: Bill Austin; Lewis, Ray C >Cc: Robinson, Bill C; Hudson, Jim E >Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane > > > >Bill and Ray, > > FYI, Jim Hudson has reviewed the City's Monongahela Boulevard bike >lane proposal and has generated the comments below. Jim is the primary >author of the WVDOT/DOH statewide bicycle/pedestrian plan that is undergoing >internal review prior to its official release for public review. In addition >to his other responsibilities, Jim also assists Bill Robinson in his duties >as WVDOT/DOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and has a background in law >enforcement in Morgantown. These comments are intended for use as input to >further discussions regarding the proposed bike lane. Additional comments >from other reviewers may be supplied prior to the 1/12/10 TAC meeting (1:30 >pm at the MPO offices, Morgantown Municipal Airport). > >Ray, > > Please forward these comments to Cindy Cramer and Fouad Shoukry as >appropriate, and invite Mr. Shoukry to attend the TAC meeting. Per our >earlier discussion, I'm assuming that implementation details will ultimately >fall to him. > >--Richard > >_____________________________________________ >From: Hudson, Jim E >Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:52 AM >To: Robinson, Bill C >Cc: Warner, Richard L; Keller, Perry J >Subject: Morgantown Bike Lane > >Bill, > >As I understand it, the proposed bicycle Lane in Morgantown includes one >bicycle "climbing" lane delineated on the existing shoulder on the hill side >of Monongahela Boulevard and some signs identifying it. Delineating the >lane and installation of the signage is to be entirely funded by some entity >other than WVDOH. I am not aware of who will be conducting or funding the >maintenance on the delineated bicycle lane or the signage related to it. > >There will be no effort to widen the shoulder or to delineate a bicycle lane >on the opposite side of the road (the PRT side) even though the shoulder on >that side are the same width as the shoulder on the hill side. It should be >noted that there are no entrances or exits to Monongahela Boulevard in this >segment except for one maintenance access for the PRT system on the side >opposite the proposal. Also, while the posted speed limit is 45 mph, >traffic frequently exceeds this by a significant amount. Finally, the only >"No Parking" signs I recall along this stretch of road are attached flat >against the fence between the PRT and the Boulevard. I do not recall any >"No Parking" signs on the hill side of the road where the proposed bicycle >lane is to be established. I definitely recall seeing several vehicles >parked along the hill side shoulder during basketball games, concerts and >other events at the WVU Coliseum. > >First, let me say that I am opposed to establishing a one way bicycle lane >on only one side of a street or road unless that street or road is also one >way. This can only "invite" bicyclists to ride against traffic in violation >of current traffic laws. In short I prefer a symmetrical bicycle lane on >both sides of the road. > >In the proposed situation on Monongahela Boulevard, the proposed directional >arrows on the pavement are insufficient as indicators of it being one way. >The origin or destination of the vast majority of the bicycle traffic along >this route will be on the same side of the boulevard as the proposed bicycle >lane. Few bicyclists will cross the four lane boulevard to ride with the >traffic when there is a designated bicycle lane on one side of the road. > >However, if WVDOH agrees to this proposed one way bicycle lane and the >subsequent narrowing of the shoulder on that side of the road, I think >additional signage to that proposed is necessary. "No Parking At Any Time" >signs (R7-201) should be installed along both sides of the road which are >clearly visible to motorists while driving. "Bicycle Specific Wrong Way" >signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placards should be installed >on the reverse side of every "Bicycle Lane" (R3-17)sign proposed. > >In addition to the signage, I think the City of Morgantown and/or the MPO >and/or the WVDOH should mail a letter to the WVU Security Police, the >Morgantown City Police, The Monongalia County Sherriff's Office and the >Morgantown Detachment of the WV State Police requesting strict enforcement >of the traffic regulations relating to bicycles with an emphasis on >enforcing the bicycle related laws along this stretch of Monongahela >Boulevard. > >Thank you, > >Jim Hudson > >Community Development Specialist > >Building 5, Room 863 > >1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. > >Charleston, WV 25305-0430 > >(304) 558-9613 > >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/04/10 >03:24:00 > > > > > >

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FW: Morgantown Bike Lane
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Jan '10

05 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, Any comments? Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:39 AM To: 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough'; fgmeindl(a)verizon.net Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane Damien, Terry, Frank, Please find below one preliminary response from DOH on the Monongalia Boulevard Bike Lane. We should be prepared to discuss the concerns expressed at the upcoming TTAC meeting. I do have a question about the statement that the shoulder is the same width on both sides of the Boulevard in the comment. I do not recall this being the case from when I have been out there. For your information Fouad Shoukry from the Division will not be at the TTAC Meeting since he will be at TRB on the 12th. Thanks, Bill Austin, AICP Executive Director Morgantown Monongalia MPO 180 Hart Field Road Morgantown, WVA 26508 304-291-9571 304-692-7225 Mobile From: Warner, Richard L [mailto:Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov] Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 1:37 PM To: Bill Austin; Lewis, Ray C Cc: Robinson, Bill C; Hudson, Jim E Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane Bill and Ray, FYI, Jim Hudson has reviewed the City's Monongahela Boulevard bike lane proposal and has generated the comments below. Jim is the primary author of the WVDOT/DOH statewide bicycle/pedestrian plan that is undergoing internal review prior to its official release for public review. In addition to his other responsibilities, Jim also assists Bill Robinson in his duties as WVDOT/DOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and has a background in law enforcement in Morgantown. These comments are intended for use as input to further discussions regarding the proposed bike lane. Additional comments from other reviewers may be supplied prior to the 1/12/10 TAC meeting (1:30 pm at the MPO offices, Morgantown Municipal Airport). Ray, Please forward these comments to Cindy Cramer and Fouad Shoukry as appropriate, and invite Mr. Shoukry to attend the TAC meeting. Per our earlier discussion, I'm assuming that implementation details will ultimately fall to him. --Richard _____________________________________________ From: Hudson, Jim E Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:52 AM To: Robinson, Bill C Cc: Warner, Richard L; Keller, Perry J Subject: Morgantown Bike Lane Bill, As I understand it, the proposed bicycle Lane in Morgantown includes one bicycle "climbing" lane delineated on the existing shoulder on the hill side of Monongahela Boulevard and some signs identifying it. Delineating the lane and installation of the signage is to be entirely funded by some entity other than WVDOH. I am not aware of who will be conducting or funding the maintenance on the delineated bicycle lane or the signage related to it. There will be no effort to widen the shoulder or to delineate a bicycle lane on the opposite side of the road (the PRT side) even though the shoulder on that side are the same width as the shoulder on the hill side. It should be noted that there are no entrances or exits to Monongahela Boulevard in this segment except for one maintenance access for the PRT system on the side opposite the proposal. Also, while the posted speed limit is 45 mph, traffic frequently exceeds this by a significant amount. Finally, the only "No Parking" signs I recall along this stretch of road are attached flat against the fence between the PRT and the Boulevard. I do not recall any "No Parking" signs on the hill side of the road where the proposed bicycle lane is to be established. I definitely recall seeing several vehicles parked along the hill side shoulder during basketball games, concerts and other events at the WVU Coliseum. First, let me say that I am opposed to establishing a one way bicycle lane on only one side of a street or road unless that street or road is also one way. This can only "invite" bicyclists to ride against traffic in violation of current traffic laws. In short I prefer a symmetrical bicycle lane on both sides of the road. In the proposed situation on Monongahela Boulevard, the proposed directional arrows on the pavement are insufficient as indicators of it being one way. The origin or destination of the vast majority of the bicycle traffic along this route will be on the same side of the boulevard as the proposed bicycle lane. Few bicyclists will cross the four lane boulevard to ride with the traffic when there is a designated bicycle lane on one side of the road. However, if WVDOH agrees to this proposed one way bicycle lane and the subsequent narrowing of the shoulder on that side of the road, I think additional signage to that proposed is necessary. "No Parking At Any Time" signs (R7-201) should be installed along both sides of the road which are clearly visible to motorists while driving. "Bicycle Specific Wrong Way" signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placards should be installed on the reverse side of every "Bicycle Lane" (R3-17)sign proposed. In addition to the signage, I think the City of Morgantown and/or the MPO and/or the WVDOH should mail a letter to the WVU Security Police, the Morgantown City Police, The Monongalia County Sherriff's Office and the Morgantown Detachment of the WV State Police requesting strict enforcement of the traffic regulations relating to bicycles with an emphasis on enforcing the bicycle related laws along this stretch of Monongahela Boulevard. Thank you, Jim Hudson Community Development Specialist Building 5, Room 863 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25305-0430 (304) 558-9613 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.123/2595 - Release Date: 01/04/10 03:24:00

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Bicycle Board meeting Thursday
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Jan '10

03 Jan '10

Bicycle Board Members, Attached is a tentative agenda for this Thursday's meeting. There's not much on it because I'm waiting to hear from several members to whom I sent e-mails asking if they want to be on the agenda. I will issue an update when I hear from them. Frank Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles

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Re: [Bikeboard] Motorist Ed
by director 29 Dec '09

29 Dec '09

Frank, You probably don't want to lengthen your list, but there are 2 lessons I like to stress that might eliminate some of the other problems. These are DO's rather than DON'Ts 1) Drive at or below the posted speed limit. This gives everyone more time to predict, prevent and react to unpredicted incidents. 2) Keep off the cellphone (or have a passenger handle the call) while you are driving. Focus on driving and do everything else before you start or after you're stopped (makeup, putting on seatbelt, etc...) If an unpredicted emergency comes up, stop at the nearest safe place and deal with it out of traffic. Now for the stuff you asked for... > 1. Leave at least 3 feet of passing space between the right side of > your vehicle and a bicyclist. On Fayette St last week a car passed me in the 50ft before the light at Spruce St, forcing me into the door zone. As near as I could tell he was rushing to get through the light before it turned red, which was silly since you can turn left on red there. > 2. Pass only when you can see that it's clear far enough ahead to be > able to complete the pass before traffic comes. This happened to me approaching the intersection in Suncrest where Laurel St. comes to University Ave (across from Pocohontas). I was forced into the ditch, fortunately at low speed. > 3. Don't pass a cyclist and then cut them off. This happened to me on Mon Blvd at the intersection with 8th St. A driver in a big pickup truck passed me and then turned right in front of me, forcing me to brake evasively. I noticed he was on his cellphone. > 4. Look both ways for cyclists before pulling out of an intersection, driveway or alley. Cyclists are hard to see. Cyclists riding far to the right can be obscured by vegetation or parked cars. Look for cyclists on sidewalks, too. This has happened too many times for me remember. I think the intersection of Fayette St with Spruce St is probably a good example since building corners obscure the view of street and sidewalk. ========================================================= at this point it's late and I'm tired. I'll try for the rest tomorrow. Thanks for your diligence on this and other issues. ========================================================= > 5. When turning left, yield to oncoming cyclists just as you would > yield to an oncoming motorist. Look for oncoming cyclists. > Cyclists are hard to see. Cyclists riding far to the right can be obscured by passing cars. > 6. Watch for cyclist hand signals and lane position that indicate > that they are going to stop, turn right, go straight or turn left. > 7. Before opening your car door, look behind you for cyclists. > >Perhaps one way to think about this is to recall when and where you >almost crashed (or did crash :-( ) because a motorist didn't practice >one of these lessons. (For example, cars always seems to pass me really >close on Pleasant St. between So. Univ. and High St. even when I'm in >the middle of the right lane. So, that stretch might be a good example >of where they should leave 3 feet.) > >Thanks to Marilyn for leading the effort to get bicycling in the >Driver's Ed curriculum! > >Frank >/Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > > > -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Motorist Ed
by Frank Gmeindl 28 Dec '09

28 Dec '09

Bicycle Board Members, On February 15, Bicycle Board Education Committee members will be teaching the 4 Mon County Schools Driver's Ed Teachers how to teach their students how to drive around bicycles. To give them memorable mental images, we would like to cite specific locations around Morgantown at which each lesson could be applied. For example, Spruce St. would be an example of a place where a motorist could avoid colliding with a cyclist riding on the sidewalk if the motorist looked both ways before exiting a parking lot. Below, I've listed some of the lessons. If any of them remind you of a location at which proper practice of the lesson would be especially easy to visualize, I'd appreciate your telling me the location. 1. Leave at least 3 feet of passing space between the right side of your vehicle and a bicyclist. 2. Pass only when you can see that it's clear far enough ahead to be able to complete the pass before traffic comes. 3. Don't pass a cyclist and then cut them off. 4. Look both ways for cyclists before pulling out of an intersection, driveway or alley. Cyclists are hard to see. Cyclists riding far to the right can be obscured by vegetation or parked cars. Look for cyclists on sidewalks, too. 5. When turning left, yield to oncoming cyclists just as you would yield to an oncoming motorist. Look for oncoming cyclists. Cyclists are hard to see. Cyclists riding far to the right can be obscured by passing cars. 6. Watch for cyclist hand signals and lane position that indicate that they are going to stop, turn right, go straight or turn left. 7. Before opening your car door, look behind you for cyclists. Perhaps one way to think about this is to recall when and where you almost crashed (or did crash :-( ) because a motorist didn't practice one of these lessons. (For example, cars always seems to pass me really close on Pleasant St. between So. Univ. and High St. even when I'm in the middle of the right lane. So, that stretch might be a good example of where they should leave 3 feet.) Thanks to Marilyn for leading the effort to get bicycling in the Driver's Ed curriculum! Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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TS 101 on-line
by Frank Gmeindl 22 Dec '09

22 Dec '09

Bicycle Board Members, Now, you can take the classroom parts of the LAB course, Traffic Skills 101 on-line at your convenience. Finding 9 hours to take the Traffic Skills 101 class has always been the biggest obstacle to making the class happen. A couple weeks ago, we pilot tested a new arrangement that lets you complete about half the course on-line at your convenience and then the other half on your bike with a group. Recently, gunnar suggested that now would be a good time for Bicycle Board members to renew their understanding of traffic bicycling best practices. He even suggested that he'd like to take the course again since it was 2007 when we took it. Also, 5 of the current Bicycle Board members have not had the course so, when it comes to Bicycle Board road-oriented business, we risk spinning our wheels. So, I'm inviting you to complete the on-line course at your convenience between now and January 9 and then to bring your bike to WVU Coliseum Room 252 at 9 am on Saturday, January 9 where we will do parking lot drills and then go out on the road to test what you learned from the on-line course. We'll wrap up with lunch at Qdoba where we can review the day's fun. (If the roads are slick or the temp is below freezing, we'll reschedule.) I also encourage those of you that have completed Road I or Traffic Skills 101 to take the on-line course and tell me what you think of it compared to your face-to-face classroom experience in the course. Participating in the parking lot and road drills would be fun, too. The on-line course is at http://www.bikeed.org . If you complete the course and plan on taking the "hands-on" part, print your on-line test score results and bring them with you to the Coliseum. Passing the 4 on-line tests with a minimum score of 70 is a pre-requisite for the road work. To get a certificate of completion from the League of American Bicyclists, you have to complete and return to me the attached registration form. I will need it before January 2. Alternatively, if you want to register on-line, go to http://www.morgantown.com/Confident-cycling.htm . As you go through the registration process there, I'd appreciate your comments on the process since it's a work in progress. Happy Holidays! Frank LCI #1703 /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Lane positioning
by Frank Gmeindl 22 Dec '09

22 Dec '09

Bicycle Board Members, The video at http://vimeo.com/7949969 produced by the Chicago Transit Authority is supposed to teach cyclists how to ride around buses and to teach bus drivers how to drive around cyclists but I found it most interesting to see how proper cyclist lane positioning can avoid so many hazards. Enjoy! Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Re: [Bikeboard] Main Street Granville
by Frank Gmeindl 21 Dec '09

21 Dec '09

Bill, Thank you for speaking on behalf of cyclists and for inviting our input. By copy of this message, I pass your invitation on to the Bicycle Board and ask them to provide their recommendations to me. I will roll them up, run the roll-up by the Board and send it to you. I personally am delighted with your response to them. Unfortunately, the scope being limited to the stretch between Dents Run and the Post Office doesn't address the worst problem bicyclists have coming into and leaving Granville. That is the railroad tracks heading north on Main St. and the huge potholes coming south into Granville. The transition from pavement to tracks is often riddled with huge holes and the elevation of the tracks above the pavement is often high enough to destroy a wheel and cause a crash. Water bottles popping out of their cages there is a common occurrence. The huge bone jarring wheel-damaging potholes coming south into Granville force cyclists to thread a swerving line between them. Of course, the root cause is that this roadway does not have sufficient strength and toughness for the trucks that travel it. The roadway within the scope of their project is just fine for cyclists. It's already wide and smooth enough. Putting money into striping a bike lane on it would be absurd when to get to it, cyclists must exercise all their skill, strength and toughness just to avoid destroying their machine, swerving in front of an overtaking motor vehicle or falling down. Since you need the input by next Tuesday night, I ask the Bicycle Board members to send me their input by next Monday. Thanks again for working on behalf of bicyclists! Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ On 12/17/2009 3:26 PM, Bill Austin wrote: > > Frank, > > > > The Town of Granville has received an enhancement grant for > sidewalk/street lighting improvements on Main Street from the Dent's > Run Creek Bridge to the post office. The Town met with DOH today and > they seemed to be very receptive to the Town's desires. The Town > wishes to be sensitive to the needs of cyclists as well as pedestrians > and they had an interest in bike lanes. In discussing the issue with > them I have suggested that providing slightly wider lanes and Share > the Road signs may be of better service to cyclists. > > > > I told the Town I would contact your group for any feedback you may > have on this issue. The Town Council will be considering this matter > in more depth on Tuesday night. Thank you for your assistance in this > matter. > > > > > > > > Bill Austin, AICP > > Executive Director > > Morgantown Monongalia MPO > > 180 Hart Field Road > > Morgantown, WVA 26508 > > 304-291-9571 > > 304-692-7225 Mobile > > >

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Slideshow
by Frank Gmeindl 21 Dec '09

21 Dec '09

Bicycle Board Members, The attached slide show shows various treatments around the world for bike routes, paths and trails. I received this from the Maryland DOT Director of Bicycle and Pedestrian Access. I'm forwarding it to you because just flipping through the slides in about a minute has some interesting pics. Many of the slides also might trigger some ideas about things we're working on such as bike routes and education. Happy Holidays! Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Secretary LaHood promotes Safe Routes to Schools
by director 20 Dec '09

20 Dec '09

Good morning, On Thursday the transportation secretary cited the Safe Routes to Schools partners and their accomplishments at improving the safety, health and independence of school-age children in his daily blog. http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/12/new-report-points-the-way-to-safe-routes-to… Note that 20-30% of daily rush-hour car trips are school-related. I would expect that the number in Morgantown is much higher since all schools I know of (except WVU) actively discourage biking/walking. Naturally the way to improve our numbers would be education (driver and biker/walker) as well as infrastructure improvements. Positive Spin would be interested in working with anyone on the board (or in the community at-large) in developing proposals to do so. We're making our plans for 2010 at this time and we'd like this to be a big part of them. Thanks, Nick -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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