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FWD: New Blumenauer Bill Would Expand Safe Routes to School to HighSchools
by director 13 Nov '09

13 Nov '09

Good morning, I received this good news this morning and thought I should pass it along. Please write your lawmakers and encourage them to support this legislation. Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Deb Hubsmith <deb(a)saferoutespartnership.org> Reply-To: deb(a)saferoutespartnership.org Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:19 -0500 (EST) SRTS National Partnership logo [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102824457937&s=2741&e=001VWkAexWL1_oL5Mhin5DF6OV-…] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ New Blumenauer Bill Would Expand Safe Routes to School to High Schools November 13, 2009 Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) has just introduced H.R. 4021, the Safe Routes to High Schools Act, to make high schools eligible for federal Safe Routes to School funding. The current federal Safe Routes to School program created in 2005 through SAFETEA-LU is making it safer for more children to walk and bicycle to school all across the country. But, the current program is limited to elementary and middle schools (grades K-8). Rep. Blumenauer was joined in introducing H.R. 4021 by a bipartisan group of nine other members of the House: Reps. Bono Mack (R-CA), Capps (D-CA), Cassidy (R-LA), Connolly (D-VA), Filner (D-CA), Holt (D-NJ), Schwartz (D-PA), Welch (D-VT), and Wu (D-OR). High school students are an important audience for Safe Routes to School for a number of reasons: * Increasing walking and bicycling to and from school can increase physical activity for adolescents, which is particularly important since adolescents average significantly fewer minutes of physical activity than younger children, and obesity rates for young people ages 12 to 19 have tripled in the past fifteen years. * Making it safer for more students to walk and bicycle to and from high school helps reinforce healthy and green transportation habits that can extend into college and adulthood. * Educating high school students about pedestrian and bicycle safety can help them be more alert to these dangers both as they walk and bike, and as they learn to drive. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is also supporting the changes that Chairman Oberstar (D-MN) proposed in June 2009 for Safe Routes to School in the draft Surface Transportation Authorization Act [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102824457937&s=2741&e=001VWkAexWL1_qX2im2b1XwmzuJ…] (STAA). Chairman Oberstar's provisions would reduce the regulatory burden of implementing Safe Routes to School grants; strengthen data collection and evaluation; move Safe Routes to School under the authority of the new Office of Livability; and make some technical changes to strengthen the program. Neither the Surface Transportation Authorization Act nor the Blumenauer bill discuss funding levels, only policy and program eligibility. What you can do: We encourage Safe Routes to School supporters to e-mail your House members [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102824457937&s=2741&e=001VWkAexWL1_pxEA-Q3br-1xgE…] with the following message: I support the federal Safe Routes to School program because it is making it safer for more kids to walk and bicycle to and from school-improving health and safety. (Insert a sentence or two about your local Safe Routes to School efforts. If you have a high school that needs Safe Routes to School funding, please add that too.) I hope you will support the Safe Routes to School program in two ways: * Let Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica know that you support the provisions in the Surface Transportation Authorization Act that will strengthen Safe Routes to School; * And, please consider cosponsoring Rep. Blumenauer's H.R. 4021 to allow high schools to apply for Safe Routes to School funding.Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear back from you on this matter. * * * The Safe Routes to School National Partnership will continue to work with Congress to strengthen and expand the federal Safe Routes to School program. We thank Reps. Oberstar and Blumenauer for their leadership on Safe Routes to School. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forward email http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1100380121653&ea=director@posit… This email was sent to director(a)positivespin.org by deb(a)saferoutespartnership.org. Update Profile/Email Address http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001JkPYvl9GdBxNH5I1lra7pqiG5gADO… Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe(TM) http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?v=001JkPYvl9GdBxNH5I1lra7pqiG5gADO… Privacy Policy: http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp Email Marketing by Constant Contact(R) www.constantcontact.com Bikes Belong Coalition | P.O. Box 2359 | Boulder | CO | 80306 -- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 2567 Univ Ave Ste 6000L Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --

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Traffic Commission - Bike Board site...
by Derek Springston 12 Nov '09

12 Nov '09

Hey guys, I noticed that the Meeting Minutes haven't been updated on the website since March 2008 and a few of the document archives are a little bit outdated as far as what we're currently working on. Would it be a good idea to update these? What is that process and who takes care of it? Thanks, ~Derek “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells _________________________________________________________________ Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place. http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MFESRP&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT…

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Re: [Bikeboard] Campus Connector letter to TC
by Chip Wamsley 11 Nov '09

11 Nov '09

---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:57:38 -0500 Frank, Ditto to Derek's comment. Chip >Bicycle Board Members, > >Please reply with your concurrence with the attached letter from the BB >to the TC on the Campus Connector. This was an action item from our >meeting last week. > >If you have any suggested changes, please reply-all so we all can see >the changes you propose. > >I will present the letter to the TC when we have concurrence from all >members. > >Thanks to Hugh for creating the first draft! :-) > >Frank >/Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ > > >

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[Fwd: RE: Bicycles on roadway shoulders]
by Frank Gmeindl 11 Nov '09

11 Nov '09

Bicycle Board Members, I need help editing this to maximize the probability that BikeWV and WVDOH will read it, understand it and act on it. The Word file attached contains the text so you can use Track Changes and Comments. At the last BB meeting, we ran out of time before we could discuss the nascent WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan. I sent you all the draft plan on 11/3, Subject: Bicycles on roadway shoulders. I don't know when the plan will be released but I think if we wait until it is released to get our act together for a response, we'll be too late. The draft message below is addressed to Kim Broughton. I think she's acting as the leader of BikeWV and sees herself as representative of all WV cyclists. If you're willing to edit the message, please reply all. That way we'll all know who's working on it and can coordinate. If you look at the handouts that I provided at last week's BB meeting, you'll see some PowerPoint slides. These slides illustrate some of the points that I try to make in the message below. I sorely need help creating a set of visuals that illustrate all the points I'm trying to make in the message. Please, please if anybody has expertise in making such graphics or could just teach me how to make such things, help me however you can. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles /********************************************* Kim, What is BikeWV doing to prepare a response to the WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan? I think we should be working on one so we'll be ready when the plan is released. Following are some of my thoughts. The plan is consistent with Paul Maddox' statement at the April 2009 WV Cycling Symposium, "WV roads are too narrow and too winding for bicycles". It is also consistent with dialogs that I have had with WVDOH officials such as Ray Lewis that indicate that they will get bicycles off the roads. In response to the plan, we should advocate for paving shoulders. We should oppose striping shoulders as bike lanes. We should vociferously oppose prohibiting bicycles from using the roadway when a bike lane or side path is present. The legislation change proposals in the plan's Appendix A, particularly 17C-11-5 on page 77 deny cyclists' right to the roadway. We should advocate for complete deletion of 17C-11-5. (For your convenience, I have cut and pasted at the end of this message, 17C-11-2 with the changes proposed in the plan.) Paving shoulders is a good idea. Expecting cyclists to ride on them is not such a good idea. Striping them as bike lanes is a bad idea. Requiring cyclists to ride on them and forbidding cyclists to ride on the roadway is a clear denial of cyclists' right to the roadway. *PAVING SHOULDERS IS A GOOD IDEA* Paving shoulders is a good idea because doing so reduces the cost of maintaining the roadway, keeps the roadway cleaner and provides an escape for cyclists or motorists who perceive that traveling on the roadway is unsafe. *EXPECTING CYCLISTS TO RIDE ON SHOULDERS IS NOT SUCH A GOOD IDEA* Expecting cyclists to ride on shoulders is not such a good idea because driving on shoulders is often less safe than driving on the roadway. Paved shoulders may be great for climbing a long steep hill beside a high speed narrow roadway that has no cross traffic but there are at least 4 reasons that expecting cyclists to ride on shoulders is not such a good idea. 1. Shoulders often collect debris such as gravel, glass, dead animals, construction materials and car parts that present a very significant crash hazard particularly on curvy high speed descents. I recently saw a statistic that something like 75% of automobile crashes are due to debris on the roadway. The WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan does not include any provision for keeping the shoulders clean. 2. The cross grade of shoulders is usually designed to channel water from the roadway rather than to provide sufficient centripetal force to hold a vehicle on the shoulder when traveling at speed. This is usually not a problem when traveling slowly up hill but especially on curvy descents, it can be quite dangerous particularly in wet or icy conditions. The plan includes no provision to reconstruct the shoulders to ensure sufficient traction for bicycles driving on the shoulders particularly around curves on downhills. 3. Cycling on the shoulder puts cyclists where motorists don't look for traffic. This problem is particularly severe at crossings. How often have we heard a motorist exclaim after hitting a cyclist with his or her car, "I didn't even see him!"? When a motorist makes a right turn from a roadway into a driveway or a cross road, they look to the left for traffic, not to the right. If a bicyclist is on the shoulder to their right rather than in the travel lane, the motorist won't see them. "Right hooks" are one of the most common types of crashes between motor vehicles and bicyclists. When a motorist makes a left turn into a driveway or a cross road, they look for a break in on-coming traffic before making the left turn. If a bicyclist traveling on the shoulder is obscured from the motorist's view by vehicles on the roadway passing the bicyclist, the motorist can turn left immediately after a gap appears in the line of on-coming motor vehicles and into the the cyclist on the shoulder. "Left hooks" are also one of the most common types of crashes between motor vehicles and bicycles. The most common cause of crashes between motor vehicles and bicycles is the drive out from an intersection. One reason these occur is that the motorist doesn't see the bicyclist when they drive out from the intersection. The narrow profile of an on-coming bicycle makes it difficult to see and judge its speed. This problem is bad enough when cyclists are in the travel lane. It can be expected to be worse when the bicyclist is on the shoulder where the motorist is even less likely to be looking, especially when they're talking on the phone. The plan does not recognize these dangers and includes no designs for handling bicycles riding on the shoulders at traffic crossings. 4. Traveling on the shoulder and then merging from the shoulder to the travel lane, to go straight through an intersection or to make a left turn at an intersection is less safe than traveling in the through lane or merging from the through lane to the left side of the lane or to a left turn lane to make a left turn. The plan does not recognize these challenges and includes no designs for ensuring safe merging from the shoulder. *STRIPING SHOULDERS AS BIKE LANES IS A BAD IDEA* Striping shoulders as bike lanes is a bad idea for 3 reasons: 1. Striping the shoulders as bike lanes will encourage bicyclists, particularly inexperienced cyclists, to drive on the bike lane when it may indeed be less safe than the roadway because of inadequate bike lane maintenance or unsafe bike lane construction as discussed above. The plan does not provide justification for striping the shoulders as bike lanes rather than just paving the shoulders and leaving them unmarked. 2. Striping the shoulders as bike lanes can be expected to confuse both motorists and bicyclists about where the bicyclist should be on the highway. Too many motorists and bicyclists already are unaware that the law gives bicyclists the same rights to the roadway as motorists. Few motorists and cyclists are aware that the safest position for the cyclist can be on the left side of the travel lane, for example, when making a left turn. Motorists can be expected to be less accommodating of bicycles merging left across the roadway from a bike lane than of bicycles merging left in the travel lane or from the travel lane. While the design directives in the plan specify: " Cars hitting bikes that make left turns from the right side of the roadway is also a common type of crash between motor vehicles and bicycles. At locations where the shoulder width becomes too narrow for use as bicycle lanes, signage will be installed reading "BICYCLE LANE ENDS MERGE WITH TRAFFIC", the plan does not recognize the turn movements that cyclists must be able to make and it provides no provision for making such turn movements safer from the bike lane than from a travel lane. It also provides no justification that merging from the bike lane could be safer than merging in or from the travel lane. 3. Striping shoulders as bike lanes can be expected to increase the attitude among the general public, motorists and even many bicyclists that bicyclists do not have a right to the road. Striping the shoulders as bike lanes can decrease the safety of cyclists who choose to drive on the roadway because motorists may believe that they are not required to exercise due care for cyclists when they believe that cyclists do not belong on the roadway. The plan does not recognize the problem of erroneous perception of cyclists' rights to the roadway. The plan does include laudable bicycle safety training but it is not clear that the training will cover cyclists' right to the road. *FORBIDDING CYCLISTS FROM DRIVING ON THE ROADWAY EXPLICITLY DENIES CYCLISTS' RIGHT TO THE ROAD* The design directives in the plan state: "Bicycles are required to use marked bicycle lane if present." The proposed 17C-11-5c states: "Whenever a paved path has been constructed and designated for bicycles adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway". Forbidding cyclists from driving on the roadway when a bike lane and side path exists explicitly denies bicyclists' right to the roadway. Forcing cyclists to drive on bike lanes and bike paths indicates that even the WVDOH doesn't believe that they are safer than cycling on the roadway. Requiring cyclists to drive on bike lanes and bike paths and prohibiting cyclists from driving on the roadway indicates that getting cyclists off the road is a higher WVDOH priority than cyclist safety. My understanding is that all states put language such as that in 17C-11-2 that grants cyclists equal rights to the roadway into their state laws in the early 1900's but language such as that in 17C-11-5 did not appear until after World War II when our country became decidedly auto-centric. While other states are recognizing the discrimination of Far to the Right (FTR), Mandatory Bike Lane (MBL), Mandatory Shoulder Use (MSU) and Mandatory Side Path (MSP) requirements and repealing these discriminatory articles from their laws, WV is heading toward becoming the only state in the union with all 4. The attached table shows the current status of the 50 states with respect to these laws. (My thanks to fellow LCI Dan Gutierrez for creating that file.) Frank Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ *§17C-11-5. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths. *(as contained in draft WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan)* * (a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. _except; when overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction, when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, when riding in the right turn only lane, or when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. _ (b) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. _Persons riding two abreast, where allowed, shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and shall ride within a single lane. _ (c) Whenever a usable path for bicycles has been provided _paved path has been constructed and designated for bicycles _adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway. _(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting persons from riding bicycles on or along shoulders of a street or highway._ -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Bicycles on roadway shoulders Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:47:42 -0500 From: Robinson, Bill C <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov> To: Kimberly Jo <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com> CC: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net>, Hudson, Jim E <Jim.E.Hudson(a)wv.gov>, Simmons, Harold R <Harold.R.Simmons(a)wv.gov>, Warner, Richard L <Richard.L.Warner(a)wv.gov>, Stanevich, Ron L <Ron.L.Stanevich(a)wv.gov> References: <9F99D851A5A1AA42BC98EF491E731F8F31967E(a)WVOTMAIL04.executive.stateofwv.gov> <4AE740C8.8050400(a)verizon.net> <9F99D851A5A1AA42BC98EF491E731F8FD24DAE(a)WVOTMAIL04.executive.stateofwv.gov> <bf837ff30911030817j7f632cc2ya2297cd14213fc3b(a)mail.gmail.com> *Kim -- * * * *Regretfully, I would like to ask that you not distribute the draft plan you received. This version is only the second draft; it has never left our Division; it has never been seen by the top-level managers in the WVDOH (such as the Secretary/Commissioner or the State Highway Engineer); it really has no standing. It is what I've told you that it is: simply a draft "starting point". We've already done one extensive re-write; we expect probably at least one more before submittal to higher level management. We have started with everything we think may be possible for the WVDOH to achieve, but obviously without management "buy-in" we can't promise anything. To release this draft plan (which was meant to only be reviewed internally in the WVDOH) may jeopardize or complicate the process; if WVDOH management is in disagreement or apprehensive about any of the draft recommendations, public comment at this point may erode our ability to sway people internally on what might be perceived (again, internally) as questionable directions for the WVDOH. In addition, in the interest of fairness to the citizens, we don't want to "piecemeal" drafts out to people without all interested parties having a chance to view it at the same time.* * * *As in our earlier conversations, when we have a version of this plan that the WVDOH management is comfortable with, the WVDOH will have a public comment period and will welcome input from the bicycle community and all the interested citizens, but we're not at that point right now and receiving comments on a "rough" draft document that may change significantly won't be helpful to the WVDOH or a good use of the time and energy of the bicycle community at this point. So please, just take a look at the draft, see it as an indicator of the larger picture of what the WVDOH is trying to do and I'll contact you when we are ready for public comment.* * * *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 * * * * * * * * * *From:* Kimberly Jo [mailto:kimberlyjoshi@gmail.com] *Sent:* Tuesday, November 03, 2009 11:18 AM *To:* Robinson, Bill C *Subject:* Fwd: Bicycles on roadway shoulders What's up Bill? Can I distribute this to our list. Thanks! ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Stanevich, Ron L* <Ron.L.Stanevich(a)wv.gov <mailto:Ron.L.Stanevich@wv.gov>> Date: Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 10:53 AM Subject: RE: Bicycles on roadway shoulders To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net <mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net>> Cc: Kim Broughton <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com <mailto:kimberlyjoshi@gmail.com>> Frank / Kim Thanks for your responses last week. I've attached a draft copy of the WVDOH's Bicycle / Ped Plan (note, I don't think that this is the actual title, but because this is a draft copy, some of the titles are missing). In this plan are several changes to current WVDOH Policies and changes that the DOH intends to make to the WV Code in the very near future. Please note the DOH is only making changes that we feel affect its operations and issues. What I'm told that has been the direction given from our management. Nevertheless I've been "befriended" some of the employees in Planning and they've given me these draft copies to review. I asked if I could circulate them to friends for comments. They said they had no problem with that. So that's what I'm doing. If you have comments on any of these proposals. Please feel free to submit them to me as soon as possible. I have no clue as to when the Division plans to submit this, or what the rest of the review process is like or consists of. Again, it's not my section. But the sooner you can get me comments, I will forward them on to the appropriate individuals. Frank... concerning our correspondence last week about the shoulder riding, the division has proposed a change to 17C-11-5 by adding a section (d) that states that /Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as prohibiting persons from riding bicycles on or along the shoulders or a street or highway/. Anyhow, I thought I would circulate these proposals for a wider reviewing audience. I did say that I would try to get comments back to them shortly and they would look at them. Again this is just a draft proposal of WVDOH Policies, and changes to the State Code that deal with DOH issues in regards to Pedestrians and Bicycles. Please feel free to review circulate and comment back to me if you wish, and I'll try to make sure they get to the appropriate personnel. /Ron Stanevich, PE/ /Specifications Engineer/ /West Virginia Division Of Highways/ /Contract Administration/ /1900 Kanawha Blvd East/ /Bldg 5, RM 722/ /304.558.9556/ *From:* Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net <mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net>] *Sent:* Tuesday, October 27, 2009 2:50 PM *To:* Stanevich, Ron L *Cc:* Kimberly Jo *Subject:* Re: Bicycles on roadway shoulders Ron, Thanks for contacting me. I hope the class is stimulating and informative. Wish I were there with you! I have a lot to learn:) The WV code is unclear whether bicyclists are permitted to drive their bicycles on shoulders. Since the code doesn't explicitly address bicycling on shoulders, one could argue that it is permitted. However, a problem arises when a cyclist is injured while bicycling on the shoulder or when a bicyclist while bicycling on the shoulder, injures someone. The WV code only says that bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists when they're on the roadway. WV code 17C-1-37 explicitly excludes the shoulder from the definition of "Roadway". Specifically, 17C-1-37 says, ""Roadway" means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, *exclusive of the berm or shoulder*." That is, according to WV code, the shoulder is not part of the roadway. Why is that important? It's important because WV code 17C-11-2 only gives cyclists equal right to motorists when the bicyclist is bicycling on the roadway. Explicitly, 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 applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application." I am surprised that the NHI instructor believes that WV's State Code falls back on the Uniform Vehicle Code because the WVDOH told me otherwise. Here's a quote from a December 17 e-mail from Ray Lewis, WVDOT Staff Engineer - Traffic Research and Special Projects to Bill Robinson, WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator "The UVC is a model code, like many other model codes. There is no requirement that West Virginia adopt it, or conform to it. The WV Code language governs in all cases. We were able for several years to have bills introduced in the Legislature to have the WV CODE brought into conformity with the UVC; our efforts repeatedly failed." Kim Broughton was copied on that e-mail. The reason this came up is that Bill, Ray and I were discussing 17C-11-5 that says, "Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable...". I cited the UVC that clarifies "as near to the right as practicable" and above was Mr. Lewis' response. I hope this answers your question. Please let me know how it turns out. Frank Gmeindl League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor #1703 Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board On 10/27/2009 1:58 PM, Stanevich, Ron L wrote: Mr. Gmeindle I'm currently in a NHI bicycle & pedestrian facilities class. The instructors here from FHWA feel that WV's State Code falls back on the Universal Vehicle Code when it comes to the subject issue. I remember at this past summer's Symposium, it was discussed that bicycles were not allowed on roadway shoulders. I was trying to find where this issue is addressed in state code, and Kim Broughton passed me along to you. Thanks Ron Stanevich WVDOH Message sent from my Blackberry! -- Kimberly Broughton Creative Crosswalks, LLC kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com <mailto:kimberlyjoshi@gmail.com> 304.483.1685

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Campus Connector letter to TC
by Frank Gmeindl 11 Nov '09

11 Nov '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please reply with your concurrence with the attached letter from the BB to the TC on the Campus Connector. This was an action item from our meeting last week. If you have any suggested changes, please reply-all so we all can see the changes you propose. I will present the letter to the TC when we have concurrence from all members. Thanks to Hugh for creating the first draft! :-) Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Jones Avenue crash
by Frank Gmeindl 10 Nov '09

10 Nov '09

Bicycle Board Members, This Thursday, November 12, at 4:30 pm in Municipal Court the hearing will be held on John Duarte's crash on Jones Avenue. Municipal Court is in the Public Safety Center, the same building in which we have our monthly meeting. John is OK with cyclists attending the hearing. The driver that pulled out in front of him is contesting the citation for failure to yield that the police gave him. A policeman showed up within 5 minutes of the crash. The policeman took a deposition from the driver and one witness. John's bicycle did not collide with the car. When he saw the car pulling out in front of him he braked and flew over the handle bars. He broke his pelvis. He thinks his left leg jamming into his pelvis caused the fracture. He landed with his legs straddling the driver side front wheel of the car with his right leg behind the tire and his left leg in front of the tire. The driver backed over his right leg and then pulled forward off of it. John was screaming all this time and there were several people around also yelling to the driver to stop that someone was under his car. John had 4.5 hours of surgery that went in through his abdomen. He has 2-3 plates and several screws. He has much neurological damage to his left side. His leg and foot continue to be inflamed. He can walk on crutches but does not have feeling in his left leg. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Fwd: November minutes
by Elizabeth Shogren 09 Nov '09

09 Nov '09

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[Fwd: WV 705 Share the Road Signs]
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Nov '09

09 Nov '09

Bicycle Board Members, FYI, WVDOH says they'll put Share the Road signs on 705. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ -------- Original Message -------- Subject: WV 705 Share the Road Signs Date: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:06:40 -0500 From: Bill Austin <baustin(a)moncpc.org> To: <moncom(a)aol.com>, "'Don Spencer'" <dspencer36(a)comcast.net>, <dulaneyoil(a)comcast.net>, "'Perry J' 'Keller'" <Perry.J.Keller(a)wv.gov>, "'Patricia Lewis'" <gvmayor(a)comcast.net>, <bill(a)byrnehedges.com>, "'David Bruffy'" <Bruffy(a)busride.org>, <Bellcom21(a)aol.com>, <statler4board(a)hotmail.com>, <Jenstraface(a)msn.com>, <charliebyrer(a)gmail.com>, "'Joe Fisher'" <Joe.Fisher(a)mail.wvu.edu>, <jlgoodwi(a)access.k12.wv.us> CC: 'Hugh Kierig' <Hugh.Kierig(a)mail.wvu.edu>, 'Terry Hough' <though(a)cityofmorgantown.org>, 'Damien Davis' <ddavis(a)cityofmorgantown.org> Board Members, For your information As we discussed at the last MPO meeting there were some concerns that the recent improvement to WV 705 between Stewartstown and the Mileground did not sufficiently address cyclists potential use of the road. I spoke informally to the local DOH Traffic Engineer today and he informed me that they will be installing Share the Road Sign on the facility in the next two months. I should have more detailed information in this matter in the next couple of weeks. This should make the situation a little better for cyclists in the area. Please let me know if you have any questions on this matter or if I may be of assistance. Thank you, 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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Bike Board logo?
by Derek Springston 09 Nov '09

09 Nov '09

Hey guys, Do you think we should develop a Bike Board logo to put on our documents and maps. I think it could be quite valuable for helping folks recognize the work we're doing. ~Derek “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/

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MapFest next Tuesday
by Frank Gmeindl 05 Nov '09

05 Nov '09

Bicycle Board Members, Next Tuesday, October 6, 6-9 pm we will review the first draft comprehensive Morgantown Bicycle Route map and try to complete it so we can produce it and distribute it at the Oct. 19 grand opening of the Mountaineer Station. We will meet in the Training Room in the Public Safety Center. Please come and contribute to perfecting the map. Or, just to give thanks to Derek for all the tremendous work that he's done pulling this together. Frank

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Merge bike parking recommendations
by Frank Gmeindl 04 Nov '09

04 Nov '09

Chip, Alice, Don, Jennie, Please review the file at: http://www.4shared.com/file/146410769/a83ced92/HighStBikeParking200911040.h… and tell me when you can meet so we can decide which post-and-loop racks we can eliminate. The file is Damien Davis' most recent High Street Streetscape drawings showing the current locations of the post-and-loop racks after we moved several from the simulated red bricks to the white concrete. You will also notice highlighted in green with penciled in numbers, the parking meter posts that we selected for mounting loops. It also includes really cool photos of one of our star City counselors standing dutifully with her bike in the rain. Today, I met with Tom Arnold and he approved those 17 parking meter posts for installation of bicycle parking loops that Chip, Alice and I recommeded. He also really wants to put 2 on either side of the PSC as we recommended. He will present our recommendation to the Parking Authority on November 11. He is confident that they, including Charlie McEwuen will approve them. Damien's High Street drawing only shows 15 parking meters because 2 of those we recommended are on Walnut Street by the Moose. Now we have to decide which of the post-and-loop locations that we recommended to the City we must keep and which we can delete. I have already indicated some that I think we can delete because the parking meter mounts will now suffice for them and Damien thinks they may have an ADA conflict. That leaves approximately 15 that we must decide whether to keep or delete. We can afford about 10 of them but if we put all 10 on High Street we'll have no money left for any other locations such as Courthouse Square, South High Station, Black Bear, Willey Street, Spruce Street or the Parking garages. Let me know when you can meet. I'm also copying the Bicycle Board in case any other members want to contribute. Frank

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[Fwd: RE: Bicycles on roadway shoulders]
by Frank Gmeindl 04 Nov '09

04 Nov '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please see message below from Bill Robinson, State Trail Coordinator. PLEASE DO NOT DISTRIBUTE THE PRELIMINARY WVDOH BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN PLAN THAT I SENT YOU YESTERDAY. I still think it's worth reading to show us what they're thinking. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Bicycles on roadway shoulders Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:47:42 -0500 From: Robinson, Bill C <Bill.C.Robinson(a)wv.gov> To: Kimberly Jo <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com> CC: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net>, Hudson, Jim E <Jim.E.Hudson(a)wv.gov>, Simmons, Harold R <Harold.R.Simmons(a)wv.gov>, Warner, Richard L <Richard.L.Warner(a)wv.gov>, Stanevich, Ron L <Ron.L.Stanevich(a)wv.gov> References: <9F99D851A5A1AA42BC98EF491E731F8F31967E(a)WVOTMAIL04.executive.stateofwv.gov> <4AE740C8.8050400(a)verizon.net> <9F99D851A5A1AA42BC98EF491E731F8FD24DAE(a)WVOTMAIL04.executive.stateofwv.gov> <bf837ff30911030817j7f632cc2ya2297cd14213fc3b(a)mail.gmail.com> *Kim -- * * * *Regretfully, I would like to ask that you not distribute the draft plan you received. This version is only the second draft; it has never left our Division; it has never been seen by the top-level managers in the WVDOH (such as the Secretary/Commissioner or the State Highway Engineer); it really has no standing. It is what I've told you that it is: simply a draft "starting point". We've already done one extensive re-write; we expect probably at least one more before submittal to higher level management. We have started with everything we think may be possible for the WVDOH to achieve, but obviously without management "buy-in" we can't promise anything. To release this draft plan (which was meant to only be reviewed internally in the WVDOH) may jeopardize or complicate the process; if WVDOH management is in disagreement or apprehensive about any of the draft recommendations, public comment at this point may erode our ability to sway people internally on what might be perceived (again, internally) as questionable directions for the WVDOH. In addition, in the interest of fairness to the citizens, we don't want to "piecemeal" drafts out to people without all interested parties having a chance to view it at the same time.* * * *As in our earlier conversations, when we have a version of this plan that the WVDOH management is comfortable with, the WVDOH will have a public comment period and will welcome input from the bicycle community and all the interested citizens, but we're not at that point right now and receiving comments on a "rough" draft document that may change significantly won't be helpful to the WVDOH or a good use of the time and energy of the bicycle community at this point. So please, just take a look at the draft, see it as an indicator of the larger picture of what the WVDOH is trying to do and I'll contact you when we are ready for public comment.* * * *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 * * * * * * * * * *From:* Kimberly Jo [mailto:kimberlyjoshi@gmail.com] *Sent:* Tuesday, November 03, 2009 11:18 AM *To:* Robinson, Bill C *Subject:* Fwd: Bicycles on roadway shoulders What's up Bill? Can I distribute this to our list. Thanks! ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Stanevich, Ron L* <Ron.L.Stanevich(a)wv.gov <mailto:Ron.L.Stanevich@wv.gov>> Date: Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 10:53 AM Subject: RE: Bicycles on roadway shoulders To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net <mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net>> Cc: Kim Broughton <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com <mailto:kimberlyjoshi@gmail.com>> Frank / Kim Thanks for your responses last week. I've attached a draft copy of the WVDOH's Bicycle / Ped Plan (note, I don't think that this is the actual title, but because this is a draft copy, some of the titles are missing). In this plan are several changes to current WVDOH Policies and changes that the DOH intends to make to the WV Code in the very near future. Please note the DOH is only making changes that we feel affect its operations and issues. What I'm told that has been the direction given from our management. Nevertheless I've been "befriended" some of the employees in Planning and they've given me these draft copies to review. I asked if I could circulate them to friends for comments. They said they had no problem with that. So that's what I'm doing. If you have comments on any of these proposals. Please feel free to submit them to me as soon as possible. I have no clue as to when the Division plans to submit this, or what the rest of the review process is like or consists of. Again, it's not my section. But the sooner you can get me comments, I will forward them on to the appropriate individuals. Frank... concerning our correspondence last week about the shoulder riding, the division has proposed a change to 17C-11-5 by adding a section (d) that states that /Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as prohibiting persons from riding bicycles on or along the shoulders or a street or highway/. Anyhow, I thought I would circulate these proposals for a wider reviewing audience. I did say that I would try to get comments back to them shortly and they would look at them. Again this is just a draft proposal of WVDOH Policies, and changes to the State Code that deal with DOH issues in regards to Pedestrians and Bicycles. Please feel free to review circulate and comment back to me if you wish, and I'll try to make sure they get to the appropriate personnel. /Ron Stanevich, PE/ /Specifications Engineer/ /West Virginia Division Of Highways/ /Contract Administration/ /1900 Kanawha Blvd East/ /Bldg 5, RM 722/ /304.558.9556/ *From:* Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net <mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net>] *Sent:* Tuesday, October 27, 2009 2:50 PM *To:* Stanevich, Ron L *Cc:* Kimberly Jo *Subject:* Re: Bicycles on roadway shoulders Ron, Thanks for contacting me. I hope the class is stimulating and informative. Wish I were there with you! I have a lot to learn:) The WV code is unclear whether bicyclists are permitted to drive their bicycles on shoulders. Since the code doesn't explicitly address bicycling on shoulders, one could argue that it is permitted. However, a problem arises when a cyclist is injured while bicycling on the shoulder or when a bicyclist while bicycling on the shoulder, injures someone. The WV code only says that bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists when they're on the roadway. WV code 17C-1-37 explicitly excludes the shoulder from the definition of "Roadway". Specifically, 17C-1-37 says, ""Roadway" means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, *exclusive of the berm or shoulder*." That is, according to WV code, the shoulder is not part of the roadway. Why is that important? It's important because WV code 17C-11-2 only gives cyclists equal right to motorists when the bicyclist is bicycling on the roadway. Explicitly, 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 applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application." I am surprised that the NHI instructor believes that WV's State Code falls back on the Uniform Vehicle Code because the WVDOH told me otherwise. Here's a quote from a December 17 e-mail from Ray Lewis, WVDOT Staff Engineer - Traffic Research and Special Projects to Bill Robinson, WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator "The UVC is a model code, like many other model codes. There is no requirement that West Virginia adopt it, or conform to it. The WV Code language governs in all cases. We were able for several years to have bills introduced in the Legislature to have the WV CODE brought into conformity with the UVC; our efforts repeatedly failed." Kim Broughton was copied on that e-mail. The reason this came up is that Bill, Ray and I were discussing 17C-11-5 that says, "Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable...". I cited the UVC that clarifies "as near to the right as practicable" and above was Mr. Lewis' response. I hope this answers your question. Please let me know how it turns out. Frank Gmeindl League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor #1703 Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board On 10/27/2009 1:58 PM, Stanevich, Ron L wrote: Mr. Gmeindle I'm currently in a NHI bicycle & pedestrian facilities class. The instructors here from FHWA feel that WV's State Code falls back on the Universal Vehicle Code when it comes to the subject issue. I remember at this past summer's Symposium, it was discussed that bicycles were not allowed on roadway shoulders. I was trying to find where this issue is addressed in state code, and Kim Broughton passed me along to you. Thanks Ron Stanevich WVDOH Message sent from my Blackberry! -- Kimberly Broughton Creative Crosswalks, LLC kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com <mailto:kimberlyjoshi@gmail.com> 304.483.1685

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Draft report to TC
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Nov '09

03 Nov '09

Bicycle Board Members, Attached is a draft report to the Traffic Commission that I propose to deliver to them tomorrow night at their regular monthly meeting. I apologize again for the late completion of this. If you would like me to make any changes, please let me know ASAP. I will submit it by 5 pm today. Frank

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[Fwd: RE: Bicycles on roadway shoulders]
by Frank Gmeindl 03 Nov '09

03 Nov '09

Bicycle Board Members, Attached is the WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian plan that I just received. I think we should all review it and prepare a Bicycle Board response. The Combined Plan is 128 pages and will require some digestion. I've only scanned it but the legislation changes and design directives in the appendix tell me that the WVDOH aims to get bicycles off the roads. For example, if there's a bike lane, bicycles must ride in the bike lane and not on the roadway and they're planning to make all shoulders bike lanes. The good news??? is that they plan to monitor crashes at intersections. I hope you all will read the attached carefully. I think we need to submit a response that addresses both the underlying principles of the plan as well as recommended specific line-by-line changes. Attached is a revised agenda for this Thursday's Bicycle Board meeting. Topic 9 will be a 15 minute discussion with the desired outcome that we will have a plan for responding to WVDOH. Frank -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Bicycles on roadway shoulders Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:53:51 -0500 From: Stanevich, Ron L <Ron.L.Stanevich(a)wv.gov> To: Frank Gmeindl <fgmeindl(a)verizon.net> CC: Kim Broughton <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com> References: <9F99D851A5A1AA42BC98EF491E731F8F31967E(a)WVOTMAIL04.executive.stateofwv.gov> <4AE740C8.8050400(a)verizon.net> Frank / Kim Thanks for your responses last week. I’ve attached a draft copy of the WVDOH’s Bicycle / Ped Plan (note, I don’t think that this is the actual title, but because this is a draft copy, some of the titles are missing). In this plan are several changes to current WVDOH Policies and changes that the DOH intends to make to the WV Code in the very near future. Please note the DOH is only making changes that we feel affect its operations and issues. What I’m told that has been the direction given from our management. Nevertheless I’ve been “befriended” some of the employees in Planning and they’ve given me these draft copies to review. I asked if I could circulate them to friends for comments. They said they had no problem with that. So that’s what I’m doing. If you have comments on any of these proposals. Please feel free to submit them to me as soon as possible. I have no clue as to when the Division plans to submit this, or what the rest of the review process is like or consists of. Again, it’s not my section. But the sooner you can get me comments, I will forward them on to the appropriate individuals. Frank… concerning our correspondence last week about the shoulder riding, the division has proposed a change to 17C-11-5 by adding a section (d) that states that /Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as prohibiting persons from riding bicycles on or along the shoulders or a street or highway/. Anyhow, I thought I would circulate these proposals for a wider reviewing audience. I did say that I would try to get comments back to them shortly and they would look at them. Again this is just a draft proposal of WVDOH Policies, and changes to the State Code that deal with DOH issues in regards to Pedestrians and Bicycles. Please feel free to review circulate and comment back to me if you wish, and I’ll try to make sure they get to the appropriate personnel. /Ron Stanevich, PE/ /Specifications Engineer/// /West Virginia Division Of Highways/// /Contract Administration/// /1900 Kanawha Blvd East/// /Bldg 5, RM 722/ /304.558.9556/ *From:* Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@verizon.net] *Sent:* Tuesday, October 27, 2009 2:50 PM *To:* Stanevich, Ron L *Cc:* Kimberly Jo *Subject:* Re: Bicycles on roadway shoulders Ron, Thanks for contacting me. I hope the class is stimulating and informative. Wish I were there with you! I have a lot to learn:) The WV code is unclear whether bicyclists are permitted to drive their bicycles on shoulders. Since the code doesn't explicitly address bicycling on shoulders, one could argue that it is permitted. However, a problem arises when a cyclist is injured while bicycling on the shoulder or when a bicyclist while bicycling on the shoulder, injures someone. The WV code only says that bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists when they're on the roadway. WV code 17C-1-37 explicitly excludes the shoulder from the definition of "Roadway". Specifically, 17C-1-37 says, ""Roadway" means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, *exclusive of the berm or shoulder*." That is, according to WV code, the shoulder is not part of the roadway. Why is that important? It's important because WV code 17C-11-2 only gives cyclists equal right to motorists when the bicyclist is bicycling on the roadway. Explicitly, 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 applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application." I am surprised that the NHI instructor believes that WV's State Code falls back on the Uniform Vehicle Code because the WVDOH told me otherwise. Here's a quote from a December 17 e-mail from Ray Lewis, WVDOT Staff Engineer - Traffic Research and Special Projects to Bill Robinson, WVDOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator "The UVC is a model code, like many other model codes. There is no requirement that West Virginia adopt it, or conform to it. The WV Code language governs in all cases. We were able for several years to have bills introduced in the Legislature to have the WV CODE brought into conformity with the UVC; our efforts repeatedly failed." Kim Broughton was copied on that e-mail. The reason this came up is that Bill, Ray and I were discussing 17C-11-5 that says, "Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable...". I cited the UVC that clarifies "as near to the right as practicable" and above was Mr. Lewis' response. I hope this answers your question. Please let me know how it turns out. Frank Gmeindl League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor #1703 Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board On 10/27/2009 1:58 PM, Stanevich, Ron L wrote: Mr. Gmeindle I'm currently in a NHI bicycle & pedestrian facilities class. The instructors here from FHWA feel that WV's State Code falls back on the Universal Vehicle Code when it comes to the subject issue. I remember at this past summer's Symposium, it was discussed that bicycles were not allowed on roadway shoulders. I was trying to find where this issue is addressed in state code, and Kim Broughton passed me along to you. Thanks Ron Stanevich WVDOH Message sent from my Blackberry!

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This Thursday's Bicycle Board meeting
by Frank Gmeindl 02 Nov '09

02 Nov '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached a suggested agenda for this Thursday's Bicycle Board meeting. Also attached are the minutes of our last meeting, the September meeting. See you Thursday. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Notes from meeting with Tom Arnold
by Frank Gmeindl 29 Oct '09

29 Oct '09

Bicycle Board Members, Please find attached preliminary minutes from my and Chip's meeting with Tom Arnold yesterday. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Fwd: "complete streets"
by Jim Rye 29 Oct '09

29 Oct '09

fyi >>> Sarah Steel 10/27/2009 2:17 PM >>> Hi Jim, Thought you might be interested in this article: http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/10/complete-streets/ :-)Sarah Sarah Steel 606-E Allen Hall WVU PO Box 6122 Morgantown, WV 26506-6122 Phone: 304-293-6762

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8:30 am Fri. @ Blue Moose re: bike parking
by Frank Gmeindl 29 Oct '09

29 Oct '09

Bicycle Board Members, Yesterday, Chip and I met with Tom Arnold, Morgantown Parking Authority Director. *He suggested* that we mount the rings (of the post-and-loop bike parking racks) on parking meters! He said, "Give me the rings and we'll mount 'em." He also said the parking authority would patrol and maintain the bike parking. Now, we have to tell him which parking meters we want the rings to be on. Please come to the Blue Moose at 8:30 am tomorrow. We'll review the details and then walk High Street and identify the meters that we want the rings to be on. We need to get this done by next week, before the Parking Authority's next meeting in two weeks. Now, should it be latté or cappuccino? Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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FW: Route 705, Morgantown
by Derek Springston 26 Oct '09

26 Oct '09

Hey guys, Here is a follow-up email/reply back to my friend Eric's concern based on what is happen on Rt. 705. Should we address anything concerning 705 at the next meeting? Thanks, ~Derek “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells From: moxiemeister(a)hotmail.com To: guitardeek(a)hotmail.com Subject: FW: Route 705, Morgantown Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:42:17 -0400 Derek, Just though I'd forward the response to my inquiry on Rt. 705 Moxie for the Masses EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me Subject: Route 705, Morgantown Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:38:35 -0400 From: Tammy.L.Carson(a)wv.gov To: moxiemeister(a)hotmail.com CC: Kristi.A.Goodman(a)wv.gov; Gary.K.Clayton(a)wv.gov; Fouad.N.Shoukry(a)wv.gov; Bryan.L.Radabaugh(a)wv.gov; Robert.Pennington(a)wv.gov Dear Mr. Henrickson; Thank you for your e-mail to Secretary Mattox concerning the need for signage on WV 705, in Morgantown, Monongalia County. Your e-mail was forwarded to the District Four Headquarters for investigation and reply. The Division of Highways is presently doing a study in that area to ensure that signage would be the appropriate step to take in this matter. We want to ensure that all safety regulations for the bicyclist has been taken into consideration, due to the fact that there is a set speed limit of 50mph on WV 705. We will have a response for you by November 6, 2009, to advise you of our findings. Again thank you for your e-mail and sharing your concern. Should need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Gary.K.Clayton(a)wv.gov. We appreciate your patience in this matter. From: Eric Henrickson [mailto:moxiemeister@hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 4:01 PM To: DOT Commissioner Cc: Derek Springston Subject: Route 705, Morgantown Mr. Mattox, I would like to voice my concern and displeasure at some of the new features of the recent renovations to Route 705 in Morgantown. I was appreciative of the efficiency with which these changes took place and even pleased to see that there was adequate space on the newly paved shoulders outside of vehicular lanes to allow bicycle traffic. However, when the guard rails were placed, they were placed through the pavement of these shoulders, effectively eliminating them as viable lanes for bicycles. They could have been easily placed outside of the paved areas, but weren't. I have been an avid bicycle commuter and have been using this road for the last twelve years as my route to work. The recent renovations have eliminated large stretches of the formerly generous paved shoulders, which had allowed me to ride without impeding vehicular traffic. I am now forced to occupy a full lane. Although I realize that it is my privilege under the law to do so, I would rather defer to the convenience of motorists and not have to delay them. Unfortunately, there are no viable alternative routes for cyclists to use in lieu of Rt. 705. There is, however, a low cost fix to this problem. The inbound lane features a full with breakdown lane. If the lines were repainted to shift all lanes and split this available space with the shoulder of the outbound lanes, there would be sufficient space to permit cyclists to safely ride outside of the regular lanes for vehicular traffic. Might I also suggest some signage to represent the use of this road by cyclists. Sincerely, Eric Henrickson 1142 Berwood Dr. Morgantown, WV 26505 304-296-4055 cc: Derek Springston, Morgantown Bicycle Board Moxie for the Masses EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: I wanted more reliable, now it's more reliable. Wow! http://microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default-ga.aspx?h=myidea?ocid=PID247…

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Fwd: Route 705, Morgantown
by Derek Springston 20 Oct '09

20 Oct '09

Hey guys, Here is a letter that my friend Eric sent to the DOT Commissioner. See what you think. ~Derek “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells From: moxiemeister(a)hotmail.com To: dot.commissioner(a)wv.gov CC: guitardeek(a)hotmail.com Subject: Route 705, Morgantown Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:00:44 -0400 Mr. Mattox, I would like to voice my concern and displeasure at some of the new features of the recent renovations to Route 705 in Morgantown. I was appreciative of the efficiency with which these changes took place and even pleased to see that there was adequate space on the newly paved shoulders outside of vehicular lanes to allow bicycle traffic. However, when the guard rails were placed, they were placed through the pavement of these shoulders, effectively eliminating them as viable lanes for bicycles. They could have been easily placed outside of the paved areas, but weren't. I have been an avid bicycle commuter and have been using this road for the last twelve years as my route to work. The recent renovations have eliminated large stretches of the formerly generous paved shoulders, which had allowed me to ride without impeding vehicular traffic. I am now forced to occupy a full lane. Although I realize that it is my privilege under the law to do so, I would rather defer to the convenience of motorists and not have to delay them. Unfortunately, there are no viable alternative routes for cyclists to use in lieu of Rt. 705. There is, however, a low cost fix to this problem. The inbound lane features a full with breakdown lane. If the lines were repainted to shift all lanes and split this available space with the shoulder of the outbound lanes, there would be sufficient space to permit cyclists to safely ride outside of the regular lanes for vehicular traffic. Might I also suggest some signage to represent the use of this road by cyclists. Sincerely, Eric Henrickson 1142 Berwood Dr. Morgantown, WV 26505 304-296-4055 cc: Derek Springston, Morgantown Bicycle Board Moxie for the Masses EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222984/direct/01/

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Bike Route Map (10-15-2009)
by Derek Springston 16 Oct '09

16 Oct '09

Hey guys, If you could, please download the 10-15-2009 version of the Bike Route Map using the link below, look at it closely, and recommend any changes to the map that you see. It's a 44MB file and you might have to register with www.4shared.com if you wish to download it, but your help will be appreciated. I can't promise we'll be able to make the changes you suggest, because we're planning on printing it tomorrow or Sunday for the grand opening of Mountaineer Station inter-modal facility. I'll try to make these changes though. Big thanks goes out to Chet Parsons for spending some of his time this week helping me out with the mapping! We're primarily interested in checking this version of the map to: 1. Make sure the routes don't cross private property. 2. Make sure the routes aren't too dangerous for beginning cyclists. 3. Make sure the routes are accurate and actually exist. 4. Make sure any one-way streets are labelled with a yellow arrow. 5. Other suggestions we didn't think about or list here???? Thanks, Derek http://www.4shared.com/file/141360572/4ff30313/BikeRouteMap_2009_10_16.html “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/

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Mountaineer E-News Announcement of Grand Opening of Mountaineer Station: Monday, 10/19 (Ceremony 10 a.m.)
by Jim Rye 16 Oct '09

16 Oct '09

1) Grand opening ceremony for Mountaineer Station on Monday A 500-space parking garage, commuter student lounge, bicycle storage and more will soon be available to the WVU community. A grand opening ceremony will be held to celebrate the new Mountaineer Station at 1112 Van Voorhis Drive (in front of the Health Sciences Center PRT station) on Monday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. The 7,000-square-foot Mountaineer Station features a 500-space parking garage for both permit and short-term use, a commuter student lounge with lockers, interior bicycle storage and showers, a waiting area for Mountain Line and campus bus passengers, direct access to the Health Sciences Center PRT Station, and information stations for Mountain Line and WVU transportation services. WVU Parking Management and the Department of Transportation and Parking*s administrative offices have also relocated to Mountaineer Station. U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va. and WVU President James Clements are scheduled to attend the grand opening as well as other campus and community leaders. There will also be an open house from 10 a.m. to noon to allow the general public to tour the new building, and cake and refreshments will be served. Seating will be available in the lobby for the public. The construction on Mountaineer Station began in October of last year and the project cost about $16 million with $5.1 million coming from a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration grant. U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va. was instrumental in securing the federal funds for Mountaineer Station. For more information, visit http://transportation.wvu.edu ( http://transportation.wvu.edu/ )or call the office at 304-293-5502.

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[Fwd: Bike West Virginia]
by Frank Gmeindl 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Bicycle Board Members, Click the link in the pane headlined Ride with WV's Department of Transportation was great! to see the WSAZ video report on the "commute" to Charleston. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/ -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Bike West Virginia Date: Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:52:48 -0400 From: Kim Broughton <kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com> To: fgmeindl(a)verizon.net Bike WV * * *The West Virginia Cycling Foundation website <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=868732&act=0AHE&c=…>* Is where we keep our information. We are grateful for their support by providing funding and allowing use of their resources. ** *MOV Bicycle Council * *The Mid-Ohio Valley Bicycle Council in the Parkersburg, WV area extends an invitation to everyone to join them in their community ride and reception October 30th at 5:30 pm. For more information, click here. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=868732&act=0AHE&c=…> * * * * * Helmet poster *The West Virginia Helmet poster and brochures are here!* The helmet safety posters and brochures are back from the print shop and are beautiful. Many thanks to Stonewall Marketing Group <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=868732&act=0AHE&c=…> for donating the creative work for this project! The posters are 11 x 17 and $10 each. Let me know if you would like to order posters or brochures ($2 each) and I will get them right out to you! If you have information on bike shops in your area, please send it my way. I would like to send them information on the posters and brochures. Thanks! This newsletter is put together by Kim Broughton. Feel free to contact me at kimberlyjoshi(a)mail.com <mailto:kimberlyjoshi@gmail.com>! October 8, 2009 Ride with WV's Department of Transportation was great! WSAZ covered our ride with DOT last Friday. Click here <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=868732&act=0AHE&c=…> to view it. The spot will stay online for another week. We are receiving a copy and will post it as well on the WV Cycling Foundation's website. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=70515743&msgid=868732&act=0AHE&c=…> Ride on! The ride was great! The state and federal employees who rode with us were wonderful and out numbered us!!! They were genuine folks who are interested in our input. I am not sure what more we could ask for in regards to our state and federal representatives. We are excited to work with these guys and are grateful for their ride invitation! If you have questions or comments, please feel free to email Kim Broughton at kimberlyjoshi(a)gmail.com. Legislative committee off to a great start. The initial gathering of individuals interested in pursuing legislative change to enhance cycling safety met last Friday after the ride with DOT. Steve Fowler, Bill Nottingham, Greg Garrett, Kim Broughton, Dennis Strawn, Todd West, Frank Gmeindl and John Francis attended the meeting and agreed on a plan of action for pursing legislative change. It is so important that we present a consistent and coordinated message when dealing with legislative changes. We are working on documenting the plan of action and will distribute it soon! We welcome all comments, suggestions and help! *Thanks John! Got this from the City of Lewisburg. Can you help folks learn about our helmet education? * "John Francis was in City Hall yesterday to give me the helmet law brochure and poster. The Chief of Police Tim Stover would like as many brochures as you can spare. He would like to distribute to the elementary school and also have some in cruisers. We would also like to order 6 posters for the police station and school, etc. Kathy Hoke City of Lewisburg " *Totally awesome! Thanks John for being such a great ambassador!* This message was sent from Kim Broughton to fgmeindl(a)verizon.net. It was sent from: West Virginia Cycling Foundation, Route 2, Box 331 B, Charleston, WV 25314. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. 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Re: [Bikeboard] Coffee and bike parking, Blue Moose 8 am tomorrow, Friday
by Frank Gmeindl 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

Bicycle Board Members, Thanks to Don Spencer, Jenny, Alice and Chip for showing up at the Blue Moose at 8 am today on such short notice . Thanks to them and all the others that have worked on this project including Marilyn, gunnar, Betsy, Jonathan, Derek, John Lozier and Nick, Damien Davis, Assistant City Engineer is now generating a revision of the High Street drawings to show bicycle parking that conforms to the requirements of both the City and Main Street Morgantown (MSM). When Damien completes the revision, he will send it to me and I will distribute it to you all. The next step is to present it to the MSM BOD and hopefully have the City Manager and City Engineer present so we can all reach a final agreement to proceed. Two MSM BOD members have been the main obstacles to bicycle parking on High Street and they're gradually convincing the other MSM members that they want no bicycle parking downtown. IF ALL BICYCLE BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDED THE MSM BOD MEETING, OUR SHEER PRESENCE COULD TURN THE MSM AROUND. Other cyclists would help, too. I will let you know when and where the meeting will be as soon as I know. After bringing everyone up to date over coffee this morning, Don, Jenny, Alice, Chip and I with drawings in hand that I sent you last night, walked up and down High Street. Despite the rain, Jenny had her bike. That enabled us to get pictures of each parking location to show changes that we had to make. Two conditions levied on us by the City Engineer and MSM since our original proposal were: 1) the racks can't be mounted in the simulated red brick and 2) the racks and bikes can't interfere with pedestrian traffic. Of the 25 racks, we had to move 11 and remove 2. The revised drawings that I will send you will show these changes. We still need to get agreement from Dairy Queen and the Courthouse to locate bike racks on their property. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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Coffee and bike parking, Blue Moose 8 am tomorrow, Friday
by Frank Gmeindl 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

I'm sending this message again without the attachment because I know that some of you have servers that block messages with big attachments. Bicycle Board Members, Please join me and Chip tomorrow at 8 am at the Blue Moose for coffee and a review of the High Street bike parking map that the city developed. See attached. After coffee, we'll walk up and down High Street to ensure that the locations and orientations are correct and record any changes if necessary. The City and Mainstreet Morgantown are converging on a High Street parking plan. After this, our job could be done. I apologize for not sending this out earlier. Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/

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