[B’ Spokes: I still think it would be a good idea to have more police bike patrols in Baltimore.]
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By Bob Brenzing
MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) – Neighborhood police officers in Muskegon are patrolling earlier than ever this year on bicycles due in part to the warm weather.
Members of the Neighborhood Response Team have been using their specially outfitted mountain bikes for the last two weeks. The officers say the bikes help break down barriers between them and citizens that a cruiser with lights and sirens can cause.
The bikes are also quieter, which can be helpful when responding to a call.
So far, March has brought with it what members describe as perfect biking conditions.
Officers often bike between 20 and 30 miles in a shift, working primarily in downtown and neighborhoods close to downtown.
Jon Mills
Continue reading “Muskegon Police begin bike patrols”
Why Bicyclists Are Better Customers Than Drivers for Local Business
by Tanya Snyder, Streets Blog
Do local and state officials tune out when you try to talk to them about bicycling? Are they unconvinced by arguments about public health, transportation options, or clean air? Do business leaders send you packing when you suggest building new bike lanes and bike parking, fearing that the loss of car parking will keep customers away?
Then show them the money.
…
That closeness has a dollars-and-cents value. Cyclists travel at what Portland Bike Coordinator Roger Geller calls a “human-scale speed” that allows them to “stop and buy something.” Besides, Economides said, if you’re car-free you’ve got an extra $6,000 jangling around in your pocket that you otherwise would have spent on gas and car maintenance (actually, $8,776 if you believe AAA). According to researchers with Intelligent Communities, a program of the National Building Museum, only 16 percent of household car expenses stay within the local economy.
…
Continue reading “Why Bicyclists Are Better Customers Than Drivers for Local Business”
Hagerstown awarded $87,000 in grants for bike lanes, trees
By C.J. LOVELACE, Herald-Mail
Hagerstown has won a pair of grants worth nearly $90,000 that will be used to add bicycle lanes and trees to help meet the city’s Community Greening Grant Program goal.
The city was selected as one of the winners of Maryland’s first bikeways grants, worth $60,000, as well as an additional $27,000 from the Chesapeake Bay Trust for the costs associated with planting new trees, according to a city news release.
The Hagerstown City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a grant agreement with the bay trust.
The program strives to improve the quality of life in urban areas by increasing the forest canopy and bettering air quality.
The bikeways grant was developed as part of the Cycle Maryland Initiative under Gov. Martin O’Malley, which includes programs that support the development of bicycle path connections to work, school and shopping.
“These grants are a great way to help local jurisdictions make key connections to build a more comprehensive bike network that will benefit our citizens,” O’Malley said in the release. “By getting out and taking a bike ride, we can learn to enjoy more of Maryland’s natural treasures, help reduce the impact on the land, improve our fitness and well-being, and enhance our quality of life.”
…
https://articles.herald-mail.com/2012-03-28/news/31252377_1_bike-lane-bikeways-chesapeake-bay-trust
RIDE OF SILENCE Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 7:00 PM
Balt. War Memorial Plaza
This is an annual nation-wide effort to remember those cyclists who have been killed on our roadways.
To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD
Indoor exercising equipment is safer, ya right [video]
[B’ Spokes: This Youtube video is dedicated to all who think cyclists should get off the road and do their exercise indoors because it’s safer.]
DON’T BUY NATIONWIDE AUTO INSURANCE
[B’ Spokes: Just to highlight one section of Steve Magas’ article:]
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By Steve Magas
…
Another point on auto insurance and “Med Pay” – BEWARE OF NATIONWIDE INSURANCE. I usually don’t mention specific companies by name here – but Nationwide bears special mention because of its position on “Med Pay” claims that is VERY detrimental to all cyclists.
In every other “bike case” I’ve ever handled with ANY other insurer, the Med Pay clause covers bicycle riders. Nationwide, however, says “NO” to cyclists. Nationwide claims that its Med Pay coverage is limited to “pedestrians” and that cyclists are not pedestrians. Therefore, Nationwide refuses to pay the medical bills of bicycle riders who are whacked by cars. No word on whether Nationwide would cover, skateboarders, rollerbladers, horseback riders, pogo stick users, kids on tricycles, babies in baby carriages or other “non-pedestrians.”
I am currently litigating this with Nationwide, so I may have more to report down the road. There is a court of appeals decision in Ohio which indicates that, for insurance coverage purposes, the word “pedestrian” means more than simply people walking around. For purposes of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, the words “pedestrian” includes a person on a bicycle, according to a 2004 case. Nationwide, apparently doesn’t feel this case is controlling…
…
Bottom Line 2 – Cyclists should NOT be buying Nationwide Insurance.
Bottom Line 3 – TALK to your insurance agent about your H/O, Auto & Umbrella needs!
The full article: https://www.ohiobikelawyer.com/bike-law-101/2012/03/magas-makes-the-wall-street-journal/
Bikeways Grant FAQ’s
[B’ Spokes: Before I share the following email I have a pop quiz for you all: How does one become a Priority Funding Area? No idea? Congrats, that’s the correct answer!
While I was really impressed with the out reach for MDOT Trails Plan, MDOT’s Priority Funding Areas is a whole other matter. As far as I can tell it’s totally top secret with no public comments allowed, or it’s just a simple matter that no one really bothers to set these things up, as only in rare occasions have I seen the term actually used for a project and even then it seems to be more of a perk to give a developer then anything else, and that’s not right.
High pedestrian fatality rates, really low bike modal share numbers, these do not seem to be enough to make a Priority Funding Area. [heavy sigh]
But there is hope with the County Priority Letter; start writing your County’s Exec to prioritize your bike projects, (though still annoying this is outside the normal planning processes.)
And please remember, a simple Bike Master Plan is not enough to get funding.]
Hi all,
As a reminder, the new Bikeways program is accepting
applications for funding through May 4. Information and application materials
are at www.cycle.maryland.gov
applications for funding through May 4. Information and application materials
are at www.cycle.maryland.gov
Many of you may be getting questions from potential
applicants, or may be suggesting that local governments consider applying. I’ve
compiled a few key pieces of info to help with initial screening and questions
from potential applicants. You can continue to direct questions to me, but I
thought this would be helpful.
applicants, or may be suggesting that local governments consider applying. I’ve
compiled a few key pieces of info to help with initial screening and questions
from potential applicants. You can continue to direct questions to me, but I
thought this would be helpful.
What types of projects can be funded?
The program is pretty broad, and can help fund almost any
bike project for general public use. On-road facilities and off-road trails;
Local and state roads (though most state road projects will be handled through
bike retrofit, system preservation, etc.)
bike project for general public use. On-road facilities and off-road trails;
Local and state roads (though most state road projects will be handled through
bike retrofit, system preservation, etc.)
Is (blank) project eligible for Bikeways
funding?
funding?
To be eligible for Bikeways funding, a project must
be:
be:
–
Located substantially (80%) within the Priority Funding Area
(PFA), and/or
Located substantially (80%) within the Priority Funding Area
(PFA), and/or
–
Located within ½ mile of a rail transit station, and/or
Located within ½ mile of a rail transit station, and/or
–
Addressing a gap identified in the MDOT Trails Plan A Greener Way
to Go, and/or
Addressing a gap identified in the MDOT Trails Plan A Greener Way
to Go, and/or
–
Identified as a transportation priority in a County’s most recent
annual priority letter submitted to MDOT
Identified as a transportation priority in a County’s most recent
annual priority letter submitted to MDOT
We have created an online map showing these areas that can be
accessed from the webpage with the application materials. If a project is not
covered by any of these criteria, then it will not be considered for Bikeways
funding.
accessed from the webpage with the application materials. If a project is not
covered by any of these criteria, then it will not be considered for Bikeways
funding.
Are local road projects eligible?
Yes, as long as the project falls within an eligible area
listed above.
listed above.
What types of projects are likely to receive
funding?
funding?
This is a new program, so we don’t know how competitive it is
likely to be this year. Projects that have the greatest potential to improve
bicycling as a transportation option will be rated the highest. So, for example,
projects that provide access to transit and connections to employers, schools
and other destinations will be favored. In addition, projects that are included
in the MDOT Trails Plan will be rated highly.
likely to be this year. Projects that have the greatest potential to improve
bicycling as a transportation option will be rated the highest. So, for example,
projects that provide access to transit and connections to employers, schools
and other destinations will be favored. In addition, projects that are included
in the MDOT Trails Plan will be rated highly.
Who can apply?
Local governments, state agencies, MPOs, RPOs, transit
entities, and federal public lands agencies. Private and non-profit
organizations can not apply directly, but they can partner with an eligible
applicant.
entities, and federal public lands agencies. Private and non-profit
organizations can not apply directly, but they can partner with an eligible
applicant.
What is the required match?
The required matching fund level varies from 0 to 80%
depending on the location and type of a particular project.
depending on the location and type of a particular project.
The first step is to determine if a project falls within a
bikeways priority area. We have created an online map showing the priority
areas. They include:
bikeways priority area. We have created an online map showing the priority
areas. They include:
–
Rail transit station areas (within ½ mile)
Rail transit station areas (within ½ mile)
–
Planned missing links in MDOT Trails Plan
Planned missing links in MDOT Trails Plan
–
Sustainable Community Areas (designated by DHCD)
Sustainable Community Areas (designated by DHCD)
–
Maryland Main Streets
Maryland Main Streets
–
Central business districts (not an official designation, but
evidenced by land uses) and major institutions
Central business districts (not an official designation, but
evidenced by land uses) and major institutions
–
(e.g. universities, major hospitals)
(e.g. universities, major hospitals)
–
Census tract(s) at or below 60% of Area Median Income
Census tract(s) at or below 60% of Area Median Income
The next step is to look at the type of project. Match rates
are as follows:
are as follows:
|
|
In Bikeways Priority Area
|
Not in Bikeways Priority Area
|
|
Minor Retrofit (up to $100,000 for signing, pavement
markings, etc) |
0%
|
50%
|
|
Feasibility Assessment/Planning
|
20%
|
50%
|
|
Design
|
20%
|
50%
|
|
Construction
|
70%
|
80%
|
There are not hard and fast rules about soft match, cash
match, what can count toward match, etc. Projects with stronger cash match will
be more competitive for funding.
match, what can count toward match, etc. Projects with stronger cash match will
be more competitive for funding.
Is this federal money?
No, it’s 100% state money. So it can be used toward an
Enhancements grant match.
Enhancements grant match.
Please continue encouraging local governments to apply –
getting word out about the new program is critical to its success!! Please also
filter back any feedback or concerns you are hearing to me.
getting word out about the new program is critical to its success!! Please also
filter back any feedback or concerns you are hearing to me.
Thank you,
Kate
Kate R.
Sylvester
Sylvester
Office of Planning and Capital
Programming
Programming
Maryland Department of
Transportation (MDOT)
Transportation (MDOT)
A little Mazda with a brazen mission to travel the speed limit
[B’ Spokes: This story takes place in Staten Island but could just as well be anywhere in Maryland. Some quotes:]
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…
Minivans, SUVs, small sedans, pickup trucks, cars with crosses dangling from their rear view mirrors and school bumper stickers proudly displayed on the back, even a rickety United States Postal Service truck whizzed past at speeds more appropriate to the Expressway than a street lined by businesses and pedestrian sidewalks.
…
It was witching hour in the borough. As the little Mazda continued on with its brazen mission to travel the speed limit, it was on the receiving end of lots of outsize anger and nastiness — behavior that has given the borough its reputation as a home to reckless, thoughtless drivers.
"There are conditions that contribute to the behavior; there are triggers like things that impede progress, traffic obstructions, detours, bad road conditions, traffic," said Jeffrey Deffenbacher, a psychologist at Colorado State University, who conducted studies of road rage and obnoxious driving. "There are huge differences in people. Most people may be frustrated but don’t react with illegal behavior like running lights, or assaultive behavior. But if the environment leads to other people being rude and inconsiderate and cutting people off, that becomes a cue…it stirs the pot."
…
People are going nowhere fast.
…
https://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/staten_island_drivers_going_no.html
Missing police reports
B’ Spokes: In this news report from Hawaii details some of the issues of not having police reports. The cool thing is the KNOW they are missing police reports and heads will roll, in contrast with Baltimore and Maryland where it is policy NOT to make a police report unless certain criteria are met. Bike thefts? Not a problem because not many reports are filed. Bike got stolen, no report will be filed because…
And that’s just one of many issues that Baltimore cyclists are up against.
Ref: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/category/6743/video?clipId=6879832&topVideoCatNo=91610
It’s hard to make Harford bike and pedestrian friendly
BY ERIKA BUTLER, Baltimore Sun
It would be wonderful if we, as a society, weren’t so dependent on our cars.
…
Maybe if some sidewalks were installed along Route 543, I’d be more apt to walk to Rite Aid or Burger King and pick up dinner. As it is, it’s dangerous enough navigating that area in the car, forget about on foot.
Perhaps that’s part of the big push to make Harford County more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. If I knew I’d be safe, I just might do a little more walking and a little less driving. Maybe I’m not the only one. If we had more time in our busy days and busy lives, walking and biking for things other than exercise might become the norm, not the exception.
I think that’s what we all need to do, just slow it down a little bit.
Harford County wants to become more bicycle and pedestrian friendly, and is developing a master plan to address some of the issues with doing such.
…
Anticipated to be a year-long process, development of the plan will include opportunities for public input. In addition to public workshops, citizens will be able to follow the process and provide comments online at the Department’s website, https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/planningzoning, until April 16.
…
Just because a place is pedestrian-friendly, though, doesn’t mean it’s safe. I think downtown Bel Air is an easy place to walk, but getting most drivers to stop at pedestrian crosswalks is close to impossible. I run from our office to the Ma & Pa Trail, crossing Main and Bond streets where they come together, a few times a week, and I can’t tell you how many cars pass right by me at those crosswalks each time.
…
Continue reading “It’s hard to make Harford bike and pedestrian friendly”