Month: April 2007

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Cromwell Valley Bike Trail update #2

Greetings: Councilman Gardina tabled the resolution two weeks ago but is
reintroducing it at the May 1st work session (many thanks to those who attended). This
worked out though since we were given more time to further develop consensus
with additional stakeholders by editing lanxguage that broadens the description of
the study area. I have sent these suggested edits to Councilman Gardina for his review but have not heard back from
him.

Please consider sending an email of support for the trail study resolution -with
edits that broaden the study area “to provide access to the Gunpowder Falls
Corridor” to replace the following language: “Cromwell Bridge Road/Minebank Run
stream valley corridor”. Or consider attending the working session at 2 PM, May 1st
in Room 205 of the old Courthouse. They provide an opportunity to sign up before
hand if you wish to speak.

Continue reading “Cromwell Valley Bike Trail update #2”

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A Bicycle Zen Proverb

A Zen teacher saw five of his students returning from the market, riding their bicycles. When they arrived at the monastery and had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, "Why are you riding your bicycles?"
The first student replied, "The bicycle is carrying the sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!" The teacher praised the first student, "You are a smart boy! When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over like I do."
The second student replied, "I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path!" The teacher commended the second student, "Your eyes are open, and you see the world."
The third student replied, "When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant nam myoho renge kyo." The teacher gave praise to the third student, "Your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel."
The fourth student replied, "Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all sentient beings." The teacher was pleased, and said to the fourth student, "You are riding on the golden path of non-harming."
The fifth student replied, "I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle"
The teacher sat at the feet of the fifth student and said,
"Ahh…. I am your student!"
Continue reading “A Bicycle Zen Proverb”

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2007 Environmental Legislative Wrap-Up

[From the Maryland League of Conservation Voters]
The 423rd session of the Maryland General Assembly ended April 9 and it was a great year for the environment. What a difference an election can make!
The General Assembly passed two major pieces of legislation that will reduce pollution from vehicles and control stormwater runoff, as well as a number of other important bills to increase the state’s use of solar energy and eliminate phosphorus.
While campaigning last year, legislators heard that Marylanders wanted solutions to global warming. This year, they acted swiftly and passed the Clean Cars Act within the first six weeks of session! This bill is a significant step and moves Maryland toward becoming a national leader in the fight against global warming. Addtionally, they passed the Stormwater Management Act–the nation’s strongest stormwater legislation–that requires developers to use environmental site design to manage stormwater.
Unfortunately, some important legislation failed to pass this year–like the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Green Fund and the Global Warming Solutions Act–but we made great strides in educating legislators and the public. The Maryland League of Conservation Voters will be back next year to pick up where we left off. We hope we can count on you to join us!
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The Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway

[A recreational trail in need of public support:]
The Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway (LSHG) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate local economic activity by developing a linkage between our natural, historic and cultural resources. This linkage is a series of land and water recreational trails that weave our past into our future while promoting an understanding and appreciation for the character of this region.
Once you experience all the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Area has to offer, we believe you will share our vision to create 40 miles of continuous public recreation trails connecting Harford and Cecil Counties.
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Closing off traffic in downtown Baltimore on a Sunday

WashCycle is running a story on One Less Car’s Greg Cantori idea about closing closing off downtown Baltimore to traffic on a sunday. In Theory I love the idea, the reality is I don’t think it can work with out major changes to the traffic patterns of Baltimore, then there is issue of parking for locals. The Articles referenced don’t give a lot of details on how he would propose making the change. I lived through the changes in Edinburgh that closed the major shopping street to only buses, taxies and cyclists, the one benefit they had over Baltimore is alternative wide streets that could absorb the displaced traffic. I just don’t think Baltimore has the public transportation infrastructure to handle such a closing.

Now here is something the City can do, convert the old tram line in to a dedicated bike path that runs round the inner harbor. That way we don’t have to fight with the ducks and tourist buses that currently use it as a pickup drop off point and force cyclists onto the busy and dangerous Pratt Street. Then install quality U style bike racks close to all the major shopping areas in the Inner Harbor, Canton and Fells Point. Then as a bonus install bike rental bus shelters. When we have that locals and Tourists will want to bike round the city.

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Announcing Tour dem Parks 2007

The fifth annual "Tour dem Parks, Hon!" bicycle ride happens Sunday, June 10 from 8:00 a.m.-12 noon. This is a fun ride for anyone who would like to see Baltimore’s better-known parks and neighborhoods as well as those that are quietly tucked away. It is a chance to bike ride with family and friends, both old and new. Riders can choose from 10, 20, or 30 mile routes, all starting and ending at Carroll Park in southwest Baltimore.

If you have been thinking about taking a ride but are not feeling as energetic as you need to be out there on the streets, this is a great opportunity to cycle with others and learn new routes. The ride promotes cycling in Baltimore and awareness of its many lovely green spaces, with proceeds going to parks groups throughout the city.

Early registration is $25, day of $30. Kids under 10 ride for $5; teens, for $15. Register online at www.tourdemparks.org. For more information, call Gary at (410) 396-4369.

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Critical Manners takes a stand for sharing, harmony, red lights

– San Francisco Chronicle – Steve Rubenstein, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, April 14, 2007

A bunch of bike riders pedaled through San Francisco on Friday night, and nobody got mad at anybody.

The cyclists were polite. The motorists were respectful. The pedestrians were happy. The cops were incredulous.
…
"We’re making a statement tonight," she said. "We believe in sharing and being nice."
Continue reading “Critical Manners takes a stand for sharing, harmony, red lights”