Help Chris, help the climate
Chris Merriam here. As you probably know, I am the Executive Director of Bikemore, and we work to promote bicycling as a form of transportation in Baltimore, my amazing hometown. More bicycling = fewer cars on the road; healthier air, water, and people; and a more human-centric city. We work to make this happen by advocating for Baltimore City government to invest more in human-friendly street design (including, but not limited to bicycle lanes), and by teaching people how to ride a bicycle safely and responsibly on the streets.
I’m doing my part to take action and resolve our serious sustainability issues, but I need YOUR HELP!
It is clear that there are a host of issues affecting the health of our planet and economy. Right now, it is more important than ever to work toward a sustainable and green future. A great way that you can help me do something meaningful, substantial, and concrete is to support my fundraising for Climate Ride. I’m riding more than 250 miles toward this effort and raising money for Bikemore. Your generous donation will help us work to turn the tide, build the green economy, and secure our energy future.
You can make a secure online donation today by clicking on the ‘Support Me’ button. You’ll automatically receive an acknowledgment and I will be notified by email of your support. Thank you for your help!
…
You can find the donate button here: https://bike.climateride.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=2504
Study finds cycling in city harmful to heart and lungs
[B’ Spokes: This is rather disheartening but still there are lots of roads that are less traveled in Baltimore and if that is impractical a breathing mask.]
*******************************************************************************************************************
By Marcus Hondro, Digital Journal
If you ride a bike to work in a city you might want to check out a study from Trinity College Dublin. The essence of the findings is that while cycling, you’re breathing in dangerous pollutants and doing yourself considerable harm.
…
https://www.digitaljournal.com/life/health/study-finds-cycling-in-city-harmful-to-heart-and-lungs/article/364913
Exercise Prevents, Treats, Or Cures Basically Everything
By JORDAN D. METZL, SLATE
If there were a drug that treated and prevented the chronic diseases that afflict Americans and we didn’t give it to everyone, we’d be withholding a magic pill.
…
We have that drug today, and it’s safe, free, and readily available.
Exercise has benefits for every body system; it is effective both as a treatment and for prevention of disease. It can improve memory and concentration, lessen sleep disorders, aid heart disease by lowering cholesterol and reducing blood pressure, help sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, and raise low libido. Exercise does it all.
Even with cancer, particularly colon and recurrent breast cancer, the data show clearly that exercise is a deterrent.
…
https://www.businessinsider.com/exercise-is-a-magic-pill-2013-12
7 New Year’s Resolutions That Will Make You (and the Planet) Healthier
By Dave Greene, Clean Currents’ Sustainability Guy
1. Change one trip per week from car to bike. Yes, I love my bike. No, I don’t understand why everyone else isn’t as crazy about this mode of transportation as I am. I mean, I guess I understand. It can seem scary if you’re new to the game. But seriously: it’s so much fun. Plus it’s good for you: even a slow ride can burn close to 300 calories per hour. Plus every gallon of gasoline you don’t burn keeps 19 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere. Win, win, win, win, win.
….
https://www.cleancurrents.com/7-new-years-resolutions/
Bike Lanes & Right Turns
[B’ Spokes: I am puzzled why this is such a controversy in Maryland. Is our law cristal clear on this? No but trying to make a legal case for something different is a near impossible task.]
Via San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
New signage to show the reality of things. :p
Bicycle safety signs, comic by Brett Hamil
Via https://urbanplacesandspaces.blogspot.com/2014/01/bicycle-safety-signs-comic-by-brett.html
SUV driver, crowding cyclist, almost hits oncoming car, then rages [video]
[B’ Spokes: This is an example of why it is imperative that drivers know the law of how cyclists are supposed to ride. I will also note that I had something similar happen to me (sans the yelling on my part) and somehow the driver was asserting that my lane position was jeopardizing the safety of her child in the back seat. I’m not sure if my response was good or not but it sure made a point from the reaction I got. “You better not let your kid (~8) ever ride a bicycle because people just like you will try and kill him.” – Yes now even your son thinks you are a very bad person so you may want to rethink your position.]
Update to pedestrian /bicycle access to the Mt. Sinai Lifebridge facility
Good Morning All-
I am advised that the Department of Transportation is developing several options to address concerns regarding pedestrian /bicycle access to the Mt. Sinai Lifebridge facility. We are working with Mt. Sinai regarding feasibility, and will get back with the community with the outcome.
The Traffic division will work to develop a concept and timeline to add crosswalks and pedestrian countdown signals at the intersection of Northern Parkway and Greenspring.
I will inform community members as soon as additional updates become available.
Kind Regards
Kohl
Kohl Erin Fallin
Northwest Transportation Liaison • Planning Division
Wonder drug: Walking
By Jay Walljasper, Better! Cities & Towns
Researchers have discovered a “wonder drug” for many of today’s most common medical problems, says Dr. Bob Sallis, a family practitioner at a Kaiser Permanente clinic in Fontana, California. It’s been proven to help treat or prevent diabetes, depression, breast and colon cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obesity, anxiety and osteoporosis, Sallis told leaders at the 2013 Walking Summit in Washington, D.C.
“The drug is called walking,” Sallis announced. “Its generic name is physical activity.”
Recommended dosage is 30 minutes a day, five days a week, but children should double that to 60 minutes a day, seven days a week. Side effects may include weight loss, improved mood, improved sleep and bowel habits, stronger muscles and bones as well as looking and feeling better.
Biking, swimming, dancing, gardening, sports, jogging and aerobics work equally well, Sallis said
…
https://bettercities.net/news-opinion/blogs/jay-walljasper/20873/wonder-drug-walking