20’s Plenty For Us from Streetfilms on Vimeo.
Alert: Tell AAA to part of America’s transportation future
The American Automobile Association (AAA) wants Congress to cut funds that support trail, biking and walking programs in order to funnel that money to the highway system. AAA has forgotten that bicyclists drive, support AAA, pay gas taxes and want balanced transportation systems that provide the choice to get around in a variety of ways.
Help us help them remember and sign the petition!
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Dear AAA, I am one of tens of millions of Americans who want safe, convenient places to bicycle and walk. AAA, be a part of America’s transportation future! Say YES to the federal programs that fund all ways of getting around—including trails, bicycling and walking! |
Note there is an alternative to AAA, Better World Club https://www.baltimorespokes.org/article.php?story=20090610213637553
Continue reading “Alert: Tell AAA to part of America’s transportation future”
CYCLECIDE BICYCLE RODEO [video]
Just a bunch of crazy stuff all centered around the bicycle.
Word is Spreading about the Trail Summit!
Please help us make this the best event possible by passing on the information to others who may be interested. You can cut and paste text below or draft your own copy. This is a great opportunity to collaborate on our shared vision to create a Trail System in Maryland, “second to none.” We are almost half-full!
Again, thanks for registering.
We look forward to seeing you at the Summit.
The Md Trails Summit Team
MdTrailsSummit@dnr.state.md.us
https://www.dnr.state.md.us/land/Trails/index.asp
Greetings Trail Enthusiast!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
The Maryland Trails Summit:
Sharing the Vision-Making the Connections
October 19, 2010
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proud to announce that the Maryland Trail Summit will be held on Tuesday, October 19th at the Holiday Inn BWI Airport in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. The Summit will bring together trail users from all over the State to discuss the future of trails in Maryland, preview an interactive map and Website, work on regional projects, network with other trail users and planners, learn about trails in neighboring states and much more!
This opportunity is not to be missed. This 1-day event is the culmination of ideas and input from the four Regional Roundtables that DNR hosted this past summer. If you are a commuter, boater, bicyclist, roller-blader, hiker, walker, skier, jogger, pet lover, paddler, camper, birder, off-road vehicle rider, equestrian, or anyone else that has an interest in trails in Maryland this is the event for you!
Maryland’s very first trail summit is just around the bend, so complete your online registration and come prepared to learn and discuss the future of trails in Maryland. We hope to see you there! https://www.dnr.state.md.us/land/Trails/FirstTrailsSummit.asp
Limited Space – Register online today to assure your seat!
Wood Bicycle and Book Shelf
from Selectism.com by Jeff Carvalho
Thanks to NickJ for sending this one over. Check this wonderful bike shelf being shown over on K&S. “Made from solid wood (in this case, Walnut) and suspended by a solid steel square rod mount, this shelf can hold both your bike, as well as anything else you want on it quite easily. If you want to just showcase your bike, that’s fine, but if you want to utilize the space for books, flowers, bike accessories, etc., that’s what it’s there for.”
The unit nicely doubles as a book shelf. The bicycle hangs into a cut-out which reminds me of a reverse french cleat.
A Boy and a Bicycle – comment
Remember Abel, the boy who needed a bike? Well, he got one, and tens of thousands of others may as well.
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I love this story of bicycle aid; however, I have to wonder if I’ll be the only one who thinks it sad that so many American children have bikes that they DON’T ride to school?
Jenny
Atlanta, GA
Continue reading “A Boy and a Bicycle – comment”
USA Today on infrastructure spending: what do Americans want?
from Transportation For America by Stephen Lee Davis
USA Today had a timely graphic up yesterday, considering the continuing media coverage around President Obama’s recent proposal for infrastructure spending and a reformed long-term transportation bill.
First, the graphic:
Though we can’t see the rest of the questions or the context, it affirms a few things we already know about Americans’ attitudes about transportation — as evidenced in our own 2010 national poll — and how to fund what we need.
While Americans are actually voting in favor of taxing themselves to improve transportation in state and local ballot measures at a rate of about 70 percent, they often know exactly what they’re going to get in those cases: a new bridge, an expanded transit system, a system of repaired roads, or the like. But the federal program is much fuzzier in most people’s minds. The current system is broken and unaccountable, and putting more money into a broken system is like trying to bring more water up from a well using a bucket with a hole in it.
As James Corless wrote in an Infrastructurist guest post yesterday, “Some of the old guard transportation insiders in D.C. would be thrilled with doubling the overall size of our transportation program and pouring more money into the same broken system, but Americans know better. They want more accountability, safer streets, and more transportation options so seniors can maintain their independence and low wage workers can get to jobs.”
It’s also interesting that the sentence to the left of the poll summarizes it as “Americans would rather use tolls than taxes to build more roads,” when it could have just as easily been “Americans are OK with building no new roads if it means raising the gas tax or instituting tolls to pay for them.”
Maybe the poll asks the wrong question?
We’re not in favor of a moratorium on any new roads whatsoever, but this survey clearly reinforces the fact that Americans in urban and rural areas have moved beyond the idea that the solution to every transportation problem can and should be a new road.
We cooperated on a poll in 2009 with the National Association of Realtors, showing that Americans don’t think expanding roads and highways are the best use of scarce transportation dollars:
“As the federal government makes its plans for transportation funding in 2009, which ONE of the following should be the top priority?”
| Maintaining and repairing roads, highways, freeways and bridges | Expanding and improving bus, rail, and other public transportation | Expanding and improving roads, highways, freeways and bridges | Not sure |
| 50% | 31% | 16% | 3% |
And as our 2010 poll showed, more than four-in-five voters (82 percent) say that “the United States would benefit from an expanded and improved transportation system, such as rail and buses” and a solid majority (56 percent) “strongly agree” with that statement. Fully 79 percent of rural voters agree as well, despite much lower use of public transportation compared to Americans in urban areas.
If you saw this graphic and your curiosity was piqued, perhaps it’s worth going back and poking through our national poll for a fuller picture.
Continue reading “USA Today on infrastructure spending: what do Americans want?”
The Season for Spinning
Yes, the election is only six weeks away, and spin doctors are pedaling in overdrive about their candidates. But a different kind of spinning gets our adrendline pumping in Maryland every fall.
I always look forward to this edition of Spokes Magazine because it features so many major cycling competitions, fund-raising rides and fun tours that take place throughout Maryland. This issue was chock full of news about the first successful Tour de Frederick, certain to be come an annual event in the historic piedmont region.
However, the feature article was about the upcoming Seagull Century which originated 21 years ago as a function of the Salisbury State Bicycle Club. From the first outing with 68 riders, the Century has grown to the largest bicycle event in the Mid-Atlantic region. It is on track to exceed the 8,300 registered riders who participated last year.
As a three day event, the Century has significant economic impact in addition to being a rally for cycling enthusiasts. As a “ride” and not necessarily a race (although there is determined competition among some teams who participate) the Century attracts cyclists of all skill levels to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also fills hotel rooms all the way to Ocean City.
Because of the growth of the race, an additional route is being added this year to prevent overcrowding and to give riders another slice of Eastern Shore hospitality.
The St. Mary’s Century takes place next weekend, starting and finishing in Leonardstown at the College of Southern Maryland. Formerly known as the Amish 100, this 21st annual ride sponsored by Patuxent Velo offers the traditional century (100 miles) plus a 62 mile or 35 mile course.
The routes take riders through the scenic peninsula along the river and bay and farmland of Southern Maryland.
Like the Seagull, the St. Mary’s event is considered a tourist boon because of all the overnight visitors it brings to enjoy Maryland hospitality.
Leafing through the pages of Spokes, I was very encouraged to see how many Maryland counties had display ads touting their cycling appeal. Talbot County, which dedicated six heritage bicycle trails last year, portrayed the beauty of the trails and countryside in a colorful collage. Dorchester County, the “Heart of the Chesapeake” showed cyclists enjoying a trail ride along a tidal basin. Caroline County offered their free cycling guide with 11 bike routes through picturesque small towns, while Worcester promoted their View Trail 100, encouraging visitors to explore the beach and countryside.
Fall is definitely the time to pedal around Maryland, whether you enjoy the challenging grades of the mountains, or the gentle roll of the seaside trails. The competitions are fun and exhilarating, but the everyday outings with family and friends remind you how much our state has to offer in outdoor recreation facilities.
Check out these sites to plan your next adventure, get some exercise, or simply explore Maryland.
AND SPEAKING OF CYCLING, Terry is still working on that proposed “Tour de Maryland” at a future date. There should be more to report in a few months.
Natasha Pettigrew, Maryland Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate
UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: Pettigrew’s mother, Kenniss Henry, tells ABC 7’s Brad Bell that she plans to hold a vigil for her daughter later this week, likely Thursday or Friday. In addition to remembering Pettigrew, Henry hopes to raise awareness about bike safety and sharing the road with bicyclists.
The Maryland State Police say their investigation into the collision is continuing. The results of the probe will be forwarded to the state’s attorney’s office.
UPDATE 11:16 a.m., Sept. 21: Maryland State Police say Pettigrew died last night from her injuries.
Per: https://www.tbd.com/articles/2010/09/green-party-candidate-hospitalized-after-accident-12745.html
Original coverage:
Some competition for Senator “Car Tax Credits While Transit Burns” Mikulski?
Natasha Pettigrew Personal
During my free time I enjoy swimming, biking, and running. I was never happier than when I found out about triathlon, which puts all three sports together at once as a sporting event. When I am not training for a triathlon, I enjoy knitting and crocheting blankets to give to those who need them, and I enjoy reading. When our schedules allow, I spend as much time as I can with my friends. However, law school sometimes makes that difficult. My greatest joy is spending time with Bill. No matter how stressful a day gets, his wagging tail and pure joy about everything in life make me smile.
What got my attention is that she was in a bike accident this weekend. I hope she has a speedy recovery and she will be in my prayers.
A 30-year-old Maryland Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate was critically injured early Sunday morning after she was hit by an SUV while riding her bike on Route 202 in the Largo area, authorities said.
Natasha Pettigrew was training to compete in a triathlon about 5:30 a.m. Sunday when she was struck by a Cadillac Escalade headed south on Route 202 near the intersection with Campus Way, said Cpl. Darryl Clark, the duty officer at the Maryland State Police’s Forestville barrack.
Pettigrew’s bike was trapped underneath the SUV, and the driver traveled all the way home to an address in Cheverly apparently thinking “they ran over a deer,” Clark said.
Pettigrew was not dragged by the SUV, Clark said, though she was critically injured. He said she remained hospitalized and alive Monday morning.
Greg Shipley, a spokesman for the Maryland State Police, said in an e-mail that the driver reported the crash to Prince George’s County police sometime before 6:30 a.m., and officers there reported it to state troopers. He said “while the investigation is continuing, there is no indication at this time alcohol or drug use was involved in this incident.”
No one has been charged or cited, Clark said.
This post has been updated since it was first published.
— Matt Zapotosky
Additional coverage: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/A-Law-Student-and-Senate-Candidate-Was-Struck-by-an-SUV-Sunday-103385829.html
Better Amtrak service for bikers still around the bend
By Len Barcousky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Roll on/roll off" train service for riders using the bicycle trails between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., is coming.
The question is exactly when.
The Allegheny Trail Alliance, a coalition of rails-to-trails support organizations, hopes service can begin as early as spring. Supporters want it to be available at all Amtrak stops along the passenger railroad’s Capitol Limited route between the two cities.
An Amtrak spokesman was not as confident about a 2011 start-up. "We are interested in doing this, but there are some basic operation issues that have to be settled," said Steve Kulm, media relations director.
Existing Amtrak equipment has to be adapted for the safe storage of bicycles, he said. Decisions remain to be made on whether bikes would be carried in baggage cars or on racks in passenger cars. Train schedules likely would have to be amended to reflect the extra time needed to load and unload the bikes, he said.
With six stops between Washington and Pittsburgh, even an extra few minutes at each station could affect the length of the trip. After leaving Pittsburgh, the Capital Limited continues on to Chicago. Amtrak leases very busy CSX freight track for its passenger train, and an increase in the amount of time the journey takes would require renegotiating its deal with the private railroad.
Currently, riders must box up their bicycles and can ship them only between staffed passenger stations. Pittsburgh and Washington are the only two cities along the bike trails that qualify. Passengers can buy a reusable bike box at either station for $15 and must pay an additional $5 baggage charge.
Roll on/roll off would allow cyclists to transport their unboxed bicycles between communities near the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Park where the train now stops. Cyclists, for example, could put their bikes on the train in Pittsburgh, travel with them to Cumberland, Md., Connellsville or Harpers Ferry, W.Va., and then ride back to Allegheny County.
The Allegheny Trail Alliance and the Trail Town Program, which seeks to encourage trail use as an economic development tool, are longtime boosters of roll on/roll off. The two groups also are pushing to add a stop to the Capital Limited in Rockwood, Somerset County, which is about halfway between Connellsville and Cumberland.
Amtrak is supportive of roll on/roll off plans, Mr. Kulm said. One sign of that support was the agency’s decision this summer to buy 55 new baggage cars with built-in bicycle racks for its fleet. The baggage cars are included in a $298 million contract to purchase 130 pieces of rolling stock over the next five years.
The new cars will start to go into service in 2012. In the meantime, Amtrak is looking into retrofitting some existing cars with bicycle racks, he said.
"We understand that there is more to this program than pulling out a few rows of seats and installing racks," said Linda McKenna Boxx, president of the Allegheny Trail Alliance.
"The good news is that Amtrak doesn’t have to invent the wheel," she said. Examples of roll on/roll off service already exist. One provider is the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which links Cumberland with Frostburg, Md.
While members of her organization are confident that roll on/roll off service is on the way, Ms. Boxx said they aren’t taking any chances.
The alliance continues to promote a letter-writing campaign to Amtrak and to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, urging support for the program.
[As do we see: https://www.baltimorespokes.org/article.php?story=20100826105405470]
Additional information is available at the alliance website, www.atatrail.org, or by calling 1-888-282-BIKE (2453).
Continue reading “Better Amtrak service for bikers still around the bend”