By KEITH BRADSHER, New York Times
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The crackdown by China’s third-largest city is the most restrictive in a series of moves by big Chinese cities that are putting quality-of-life issues ahead of short-term economic growth, something the central government has struggled to do on a national scale.
The measures have the potential to help clean up China’s notoriously dirty air and water, reduce long-term health care costs and improve the long-term quality of Chinese growth. But they are also imposing short-term costs, economists say, at a time when policy makers in Beijing and around the world are already concerned about a sharp economic slowdown in China.
“Of course from the government’s point of view, we give up some growth, but to achieve better health for all citizens, it is definitely worth it,” said Chen Haotian, the vice director of Guangzhou’s top planning agency.
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“There’s a recognition finally that growth at all costs is not sustainable,” said Ben Simpfendorfer, the managing director of Silk Road Associates, a Hong Kong consulting firm.
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He added, “What do we need gross domestic product for if we don’t have health?”
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/05/business/global/a-chinese-city-moves-to-limit-new-cars.html?_r=1&smid=fb-share
A new type of anti-harassment law holds aggressive drivers accountable for their behavior
By Bob Mionske
Although the roads belong to everybody, some motorists don’t see it that way. Maybe you’ve had a run-in with a driver who threw something at you or even tried to force you off the road. Such acts are illegal, but unless a police officer witnesses the crime, it’s very difficult to bring the motorist to justice.
That’s starting to change. Last year, the city of Los Angeles passed an anti-harassment law—the first of its kind in the nation—that empowers cyclists in new ways. Lawmakers elsewhere are starting to take notice: In February, Berkeley, California, passed its own version of the law. Last fall, cyclists in Washington, DC, fought for one as well, although it has not yet passed. Here’s how the new type of legislation evens the playing field—and why you should encourage your local or state representatives to enact a similar law.
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https://bicycling.com/blogs/roadrights/2012/08/08/no-more-bullying/
Exercise Your Body And Mind At Bikeabout 2012
Did you know bicycling has been linked to improved mental health? Come exercise your mind and body at the 12th annual Columbia BikeAbout on Saturday, September 15, starting between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront.
BikeAbout is a 13-mile, history-filled journey through Columbia. Participants will experience a self-paced ride that uses Columbia’s pathways and street connections where necessary.
Features on this year’s BikeAbout will include:
- Blandair Park: Phase 1 is open — what’s next?
- Woodlawn Slave Quarters: CA’s sensitive restoration helps interpret Howard County history
- Oakland Ridge Industrial Park: Columbia’s first industrial area has become a hidden marketplace
- Thunder Hill: From Sleeping Dog Lane to Soaring Hill, the story behind the street names
- Jackson Pond: From farm pond, to experimental storm water retention, to neighborhood amenity
- Symphony Woods and downtown redevelopment: Past, present and future
Here are three reasons why you should participate in BikeAbout 2012:
- Great exercise. Biking helps improve cardiovascular fitness and burns off calories. Not to mention, it has been linked to improved mental health (as mentioned above)
- It’s a fun history lesson. There is so much history in your own backyard. Learn about the history of Columbia in areas including Oakland Ridge Industrial (Columbia’s first industrial area), Jackson Pond, Symphony Woods and more.
- Save gas. Why drive around Columbia when you can ride your bike? Let’s face it, gas isn’t cheap anymore. Save your gas.
Pre-registration for the BikeAbout is encouraged. Registration can be done online at Bikeabout.eventbrite.com/. Online registration ends September 13.
Columbia BikeAbout is hosted by Columbia Archives. For more information, go toColumbiaArchives.org, email Columbia.Archives@ColumbiaAssociation.org or call 410-715-6781.
Continue reading “Exercise Your Body And Mind At Bikeabout 2012”
Bike Show: Opening Reception 9/13 from 6-8 pm
By Maryland Art Place
Thursday, September 13, 2012
6:00pm until 8:00pm in EDT
The exhibition’s intention is centered on the relationship between people and their bicycles. As Baltimore’s ever-growing cycling community evolves and develops, MAP would like to showcase those artists and individuals who’ve embraced the bike culture. While artists tackle topics such as cycling, MAP anticipates constituents of different backgrounds such as government, transportation, community development, health, and art coming together for a common purpose.
Dawn Gavin, MAP’s Program Advisory Chair is leading the curatorial aspects of the exhibition. Dawn is the Associate Professor in Drawing and Foundations at the University of Maryland College Park, a professional artist, and avid bicyclist.
Artists: Chris Bishop, Faith Layla Bocian, Dan Perkins, David D’Orio, Eric Dyer, Joshua Wade Smith, Jean Francois Rauzier, Ryan Humphrey, John K. Lawson.
Please join us for an opening reception co-hosted by Bike Maryland Thursday, September 13, 6-8pm.
Bike Show is sponsored by Race Pace, Bike Maryland and the Department of Transportation, Bike Baltimore.
Photo by Dan Perkins, Monochrome Series [1], 2009 oil on canvas 53” x 79”
Trash Bash 2012
Hosted by Blue Water Baltimore, the Trash Bash is a popular fundraiser that is all about food, live music, and fun.
Date: Saturday, September 22, 2012
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Where: Nick’s Fish House, 2600 Insulator Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Where: Nick’s Fish House, 2600 Insulator Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
- Grille, pasta and veggie fare
- Beer, wine, plus a signature cocktail
- Reusable keepsake glass
- Live music
- Silent auction and raffles
- All with a waterfront view
Blue Water Baltimore’s mission is clean water. They run programs that approach the problem of water pollution from many angles:
- Education and outreach to youth and communities
- Helping community groups, churches, schools and businesses with their own clean water initiatives
- Helping homeowners purchase and install rain barrels and/or rain gardens
- Trash pickup events
- Tree plantings
- Pavement reduction
- Legislative advocacy
- Baltimore Harbor’s Waterkeeper
- Storm drain art and stenciling (to remind the public not to dump waste into storm drains)
- Herring Run Nursery
But that’s not all they do! Visit their website to learn more.
Help support BWB by buying a ticket and having a good time at Trash Bash 2012.
Republican Platform Opposes Agenda 21
By LESLIE KAUFMAN, New York Times
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“We strongly reject the U.N. Agenda 21 as erosive of American sovereignty, and we oppose any form of U.N. Global Tax,” the platform reads.
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In a New York Times article in February written with my colleague, Kate Zernike, we reported about activists aligned with the Tea Party disrupting local city and state land use planning meetings nationwide to denounce sustainable efforts to reduce energy use — including bike lanes on public streets and smart meters on home appliances. The activists see such community projects as the first steps in a plan to limit individual rights.
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https://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/29/republican-platform-opposes-agenda-21/?smid=tw-share
Police Look for Driver in Hit and Run Bicycle Accident in Berlin
By Aisha Khan, WBOC
BERLIN, Md.- Maryland State Police Berlin Barracks along with the Showell Fire Department responded to the intersection of northbound U.S. Route 113 at Jarvis Road for a report of a person struck while riding his bicycle.
Police said the accident happened around 12:06 a.m. on Saturday.
Witnesses described to authorities what they say was a flashing red light that led them to
47-year-old, Phillip Cougill of Showell, Md. lying next to a guard rail.
Police said scrape marks indicate Cougill was riding on the shoulder when he was hit.
He was flown to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for severe injuries.
Police have not found the driver of the car involved.
Anyone with any information is requested to contact the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack at 410-641-3101 extension 0.
https://www.wboc.com/story/19437082/police-look-for-driver-in-hit-and-run-bicycle-accident-in-berlin