Month: December 2009

Here is my take on the top bike issues
The Good:
* The Great Allegheny Passage – extending the C&O Canal to Pittsburgh
* Woodrow Wilson Bridge opens with a bike path
* Baltimore City’s Bike Master Plan and continued support
The Bad:
* Maryland’s pedestrian fatality ranking by the Federal Analysis and Reporting System (FARS) started this decade as #20, we now rank #6 worst state in the union.
* The lack of spending much Federal Aid on bike/ped projects.
* State Policy in administering Federal Aid that is NOT in alignment with Federal Policies that essentially make the localities first prove they don’t need the funding before getting any funding.
* Lower then the National average in bike commuting
* Hatem Bridge – We "need" two fast car only bridges about a mile apart not to mention the local residents "enjoy" all the 24/7 heavy truck traffic that utilizes the low cost yearly pass to bypass the tolls on I-95.
The Ugly (Things that should have worked out better then what they have):
Near the start of this decade we got:
* § 2-602. Public policy. The General Assembly finds that it is in the public interest for the State to include enhanced transportation facilities for pedestrians and bicycle riders as an essential component of the State’s transportation system, … and best engineering practices regarding the needs of bicycle riders and pedestrians shall be employed in all phases of transportation planning, including highway design, construction, reconstruction, and repair as well as expansion and improvement of other transportation facilities; …
* Maryland Statewide 20-Year Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Master Plan – we are almost half way though the time period, how are we doing in making Maryland the best state for bicycling?
* § 2-603. Director of Bicycle and Pedestrian Access.
The most laughable assertion by the State:
The ICC a $4 billion highway (more expensive then the Bay Bridge) is both economical and environmentally friendly while the "planed" hiker/biker trail is nether economical nor environmentally friendly.
[Feel free to add your own in the comments.]

Time is running out to tell us your concerns and hopes for transportation in 2010.

Our survey is brief, easy, and will help shape our priorities in the year ahead – but you still haven’t taken it!

Take our brief survey before midnight on December 31.

In the past year, you’ve helped us push Congress to improve our nation’s transportation system.

Together we’ve fought back when legislators tried to chop funding for initiatives like high-speed rail and infrastructure that makes it safer to walk, ride, and drive. And we’ve turned up the heat on Congress to build the 21st century transportation system America needs.

Thanks to the commitment of people like you, more of our leaders are realizing that many of the top issues facing our country – including the economy, climate change, and energy security – can’t be solved without addressing transportation.

And people across the nation are being inspired to stand up for mass transit, speak out for pedestrians and cyclists, and fight for stronger communities. Americans are recognizing that it’s time to have more ways to travel, commute, and get around our neighborhoods.

We need to build on this momentum in 2010. Will you help by telling us which issues are most important to you?

Help us hit the ground running in 2010 – take our survey before the year is out!

Thank you again, from all of us at Transportation for America, for making 2009 such an incredible year.

And Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Ilana Preuss
National Outreach Director
Transportation for America

    

From Maryland-law.com:
Bicyclist Struck and Killed by Bladensburg Police Car
Just yesterday we examined Maryland’s deficiencies in the realm of pedestrian and bicyclist safety ( see https://www.maryland-law.com/library/maryland-pedestrian-safety-an-oxymoron.cfm ).
Today we learn from the Washington Post that on Saturday November 7th, 2009 a local bicyclist was struck and killed in Bladensburg by a Bladensburg police officer.
Reportedly, the cyclist was emerging from Bladen Plaza shopping center onto Annapolis Road when he was struck by a Bladensburg Police vehicle operated by Officer Alex Salinas.
The cyclist was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Continue reading “Maryland Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Called Into Question”

ALL Paces, 5-45mi., ALL Conditions, Noon, Friday, Jan 1st, Mt Airy, Md.
That’s what you’ll say the whole day, and hopefully many days following as you start 2010 with cycling miles. No downside. Healthy and fun. Well, there was that resolution about organizing the sock drawer. Besides, ya kinda are. Set aside a pair or two of thin woolies depending on the temp.
Don’t worry, our noon start time allows plenty of time to slug down the Starbucks, chomp down some flapjacks, throw a few logs on the fire and cuddle with a loved one or two, catch a few cartoons, shovel out the minivan, dust off and inflate the tires on the bike from December hibernation, or even catch a few extra winks in the year’s first sleep-in. You’ll be home long before dark if you made a resolution to clean the yard compost the tree, or take down the lights.
This ‘inclusive’ ride almost guarantees no dropped riders – from the easy pace of the casual new-hybrid-for-the-holidays rider to the over-achieving racer – we will have local leaders to work with the breaks and stragglers alike in this known-for-being-conversational outing in ‘possum country.
We’ll mingle a bit in the lot, size up the clothing, bikes, chatter, and calves, and all start together.
After a few gasps of the country air on our initial beginners’ slope start, many will know how much of a toll December’s parties took out of them.
…
Continue reading “16th Annual "I’ve Ridden Every Day This Year!" Ride”