Thursday, July 14, 2011
Ridiculous beyond belief
A 30-year-old woman in Marietta, Georgia was convicted of vehicular homicide this week – and she wasn’t even driving a car. The woman was crossing the street with her three children when a driver, who had been drinking, hit and killed her four-year-old. The driver, Jerry Guy, was initially charged with “hit and run, first degree homicide by vehicle and cruelty to children,” Elise Hitchcock of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. “Charges were later dropped to just the hit and run charge.”
The man has previously been convicted of two hit-and-runs – on the same day, in 1997, one of them on the same road where he killed Raquel Nelson’s son.
Guy will serve six months for killing the boy, but Nelson will serve up to 36 months – just for crossing the street with her child. Yes, it’s true: they were not in a crosswalk. Are there any crosswalks on that street at all?
Read more at: http://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/07/14/mother-convicted-of-vehicular-homicide-for-crossing-street-with-children/#more-113272
The man has previously been convicted of two hit-and-runs – on the same day, in 1997, one of them on the same road where he killed Raquel Nelson’s son.
Guy will serve six months for killing the boy, but Nelson will serve up to 36 months – just for crossing the street with her child. Yes, it’s true: they were not in a crosswalk. Are there any crosswalks on that street at all?
Read more at: http://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/07/14/mother-convicted-of-vehicular-homicide-for-crossing-street-with-children/#more-113272
Crosswalks are increasingly deadly for the elderly
This article in the LA Times highlights the growing problem for elderly pedestrians crossing the street. Historically, signals have been timed for pedestrians who can cross the street at a much faster pace than an elderly person can. This leaves them in the street when their signal phase is over and puts them in a dangerous situation.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-slow-walkers-20110612,0,2669866.story
America's Best Cities for Bike Commuting
This article in The Atlantic studies what is different about cities that have a high mode share for bike commuting. Well, it turns out that they are fitter and happier, too. Check out what else they found:
http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/06/americas-top-cities-for-bike-commuting-happier-too/240265/#slide1
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tubbs Hill Tour
This tuesday, I got to take part in a short tour of Tubbs Hill with three wheelchair users. The point of the trip was to see first-hand what obstacles there are to creating an accessible trail. To set the record straight, we are not advocating a paved trail. What is envisioned is to remove some of the barriers on a portion of the trail to allow access for wheelchair users. Though there are some challenges, what we observed was completely feasible and would not change the nature of Tubbs Hill any more than is what has been done in the past and what is done on an annual basis for maintenance.
![]()
See the KEA blog for more.
See the KEA blog for more.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Coeur d'Alene - City of Excellence
Each year, municipalities are asked to participate in the Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) City Achievement Award Program. In selecting winners for this competition, judges ask whether the nominated program improves quality of life, if it reduces the costs of resources, or solves a community problem. The City of Coeur d’Alene received awards at the 2011 AIC Annual Meeting. The following projects and programs were recognized:
Parks Day Celebration
During the master planning process for Coeur d’Alene Parks, one of the many surveys conducted indicated that citizens were not aware of all of the locations of city parks. A member of the master planning committee suggested beginning an annual event to feature different parks as a way to familiarize the community with all park locations. Since 2008, Parks Day Celebration Events have been held on the second Saturday in July. Thanks to community volunteers, civic groups, and generous sponsors, events have had all entertainment, activities, and food donated. The 4th Annual Parks Day Celebration was held July 9th.
ADA Hazard Abatement Program
In 2008, City Council created an ADA Sidewalk Hazard Abatement Program that supports systematic sidewalk repairs. Tied to foregone taxes, it produces over 5,000 linear feet of sidewalk repairs annually, based on a five-year plan. Work is accomplished economically by the Street Maintenance crew. The program was created from input from the ADA Transition Plan Advisory Group that consisted of community members, staff, and representatives from the community who are disabled. Since the program was adopted, 16,980 linear feet of sidewalks planned for abatement have been completed and 342 truncated domes on corners have been poured in place.
Idaho Technical Rescue Team
In response to the 9-11 tragedy, the city’s Fire Department proposed the idea of small, regional technical rescue teams that would act as first responders in the case of a major disaster or terrorist event. Because equipment, training, and deployment strategies are identical, teams can meet anywhere in the state and mesh together seamlessly. Three state teams are supported by the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and provide expert resources beyond local capacities faster than FEMA Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) teams. Idaho Technical Rescue Team members receive “Train the Trainer” courses to teach skills to their respective departments and to keep costs down.
Citizens on Patrol (COPS) Program Enhances Public Safety
The Citizens on Patrol (COPS) Program was established in 2008 to enhance the relationship between CdA citizens and the CdA Police Department (CDAPD). Modeled after successful programs in Spokane, Kootenai County, and Post Falls, academies are tailored to city needs and free to the public. Annual COPS training sessions enable citizens to assist CDAPD with duties and services. Each volunteer receives up to 40 hours of instruction and once they’ve completed training, COPS assist the CDAPD with security checks, traffic control, and provide additional staffing at special events (e.g., parades, firework displays, etc.).
For more information about these or other city projects and programs, please call 769-2204.
Parks Day Celebration
During the master planning process for Coeur d’Alene Parks, one of the many surveys conducted indicated that citizens were not aware of all of the locations of city parks. A member of the master planning committee suggested beginning an annual event to feature different parks as a way to familiarize the community with all park locations. Since 2008, Parks Day Celebration Events have been held on the second Saturday in July. Thanks to community volunteers, civic groups, and generous sponsors, events have had all entertainment, activities, and food donated. The 4th Annual Parks Day Celebration was held July 9th.
ADA Hazard Abatement Program
In 2008, City Council created an ADA Sidewalk Hazard Abatement Program that supports systematic sidewalk repairs. Tied to foregone taxes, it produces over 5,000 linear feet of sidewalk repairs annually, based on a five-year plan. Work is accomplished economically by the Street Maintenance crew. The program was created from input from the ADA Transition Plan Advisory Group that consisted of community members, staff, and representatives from the community who are disabled. Since the program was adopted, 16,980 linear feet of sidewalks planned for abatement have been completed and 342 truncated domes on corners have been poured in place.
Idaho Technical Rescue Team
In response to the 9-11 tragedy, the city’s Fire Department proposed the idea of small, regional technical rescue teams that would act as first responders in the case of a major disaster or terrorist event. Because equipment, training, and deployment strategies are identical, teams can meet anywhere in the state and mesh together seamlessly. Three state teams are supported by the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and provide expert resources beyond local capacities faster than FEMA Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) teams. Idaho Technical Rescue Team members receive “Train the Trainer” courses to teach skills to their respective departments and to keep costs down.
Citizens on Patrol (COPS) Program Enhances Public Safety
The Citizens on Patrol (COPS) Program was established in 2008 to enhance the relationship between CdA citizens and the CdA Police Department (CDAPD). Modeled after successful programs in Spokane, Kootenai County, and Post Falls, academies are tailored to city needs and free to the public. Annual COPS training sessions enable citizens to assist CDAPD with duties and services. Each volunteer receives up to 40 hours of instruction and once they’ve completed training, COPS assist the CDAPD with security checks, traffic control, and provide additional staffing at special events (e.g., parades, firework displays, etc.).
For more information about these or other city projects and programs, please call 769-2204.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Parks Day Celebration and Bike Rodeo Tomorrow
Tomorrow, during the Parks Day Celebration, a bike rodeo will be held at Northshire Park from 9am to 1pm. Bring your kids and their bikes to learn riding skills, have their bikes checked for safety by a mechanic, and get some free stuff. See the poster below for a whole list of events and locations.
Spokesman Review Editorial
Opinion: The Spokesman Review
SPOKANE - Most people understand that pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists must safely share the roads, because at some point their lives will intersect. However, there are some people who harbor the dangerous notion that the rules should apply to the others, but not to them.
Dennis Widener was riding his bicycle near Division Street and Garland Avenue in Spokane when he was struck by a brown sedan whose driver kept going. After two weeks in recovery, Widener, 66, died from his injuries on Wednesday.
Widener said he had looked both ways at the intersection, and always wore a helmet. But if others aren’t following traffic safety guidelines, collisions can still occur. That’s why it’s important for everyone to follow the rules, regardless of the mode of transportation.
Unfortunately, some people think of fellow travelers as obstacles or competitors.
It just so happens that the Spokane Regional Health District kicked off a traffic safety campaign this week, noting that 20 bicyclists or pedestrians are struck each month in this region. This educational effort includes a website called stickmanknows.org that aims to whittle that number by providing the rules of the road and listing common mistakes. Here is a sampling:
• “When a pedestrian is at fault for a collision with a motorist, the main reasons are the pedestrian failed to cross in a crosswalk or at an intersection, and not granting right of way to the vehicle.
• “When a bicyclist is at fault for a collision with a motorist, the two main reasons are the bicyclist did not grant the right of way to the vehicle and the bicyclist was traveling on the wrong side of the road.
• “When a motorist collides with a pedestrian the main reason is that the motorist failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian.
• “When a motorist collides with a bicyclist, the primary reasons are the motorist’s failure to yield the right of way of the bicyclist and inattention of the driver.”
Regardless of the mode of transportation, each person is responsible for safety.
Pedestrians should make themselves visible and cross streets at corners or in crosswalks. Bicyclists should ride predictably and obey the same traffic signs and signals as motorists. Motorists must share the road and be attentive and patient with walkers, joggers and bicyclists.
If you’re not sure about a particular right-of-way situation or other traffic safety issues, try stickmanknows.org before venturing out. You may know where you’re going, but being informed on the rules will increase the odds of getting there safely.
SPOKANE - Most people understand that pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists must safely share the roads, because at some point their lives will intersect. However, there are some people who harbor the dangerous notion that the rules should apply to the others, but not to them.
Dennis Widener was riding his bicycle near Division Street and Garland Avenue in Spokane when he was struck by a brown sedan whose driver kept going. After two weeks in recovery, Widener, 66, died from his injuries on Wednesday.
Widener said he had looked both ways at the intersection, and always wore a helmet. But if others aren’t following traffic safety guidelines, collisions can still occur. That’s why it’s important for everyone to follow the rules, regardless of the mode of transportation.
Unfortunately, some people think of fellow travelers as obstacles or competitors.
It just so happens that the Spokane Regional Health District kicked off a traffic safety campaign this week, noting that 20 bicyclists or pedestrians are struck each month in this region. This educational effort includes a website called stickmanknows.org that aims to whittle that number by providing the rules of the road and listing common mistakes. Here is a sampling:
• “When a pedestrian is at fault for a collision with a motorist, the main reasons are the pedestrian failed to cross in a crosswalk or at an intersection, and not granting right of way to the vehicle.
• “When a bicyclist is at fault for a collision with a motorist, the two main reasons are the bicyclist did not grant the right of way to the vehicle and the bicyclist was traveling on the wrong side of the road.
• “When a motorist collides with a pedestrian the main reason is that the motorist failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian.
• “When a motorist collides with a bicyclist, the primary reasons are the motorist’s failure to yield the right of way of the bicyclist and inattention of the driver.”
Regardless of the mode of transportation, each person is responsible for safety.
Pedestrians should make themselves visible and cross streets at corners or in crosswalks. Bicyclists should ride predictably and obey the same traffic signs and signals as motorists. Motorists must share the road and be attentive and patient with walkers, joggers and bicyclists.
If you’re not sure about a particular right-of-way situation or other traffic safety issues, try stickmanknows.org before venturing out. You may know where you’re going, but being informed on the rules will increase the odds of getting there safely.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Help stop the cuts on pedestrian and bicycle funding!
DEDICATED FUNDING FOR BICYCLING AND WALKING CUT in House Transportation proposal: Chairman Mica (R-FL) would eliminate critical transportation enhancements, safe routes to school and recreational trails programs.
House Transportation Chairman John Mica announced today that his Transportation bill will eliminate all dedicated funding for biking and walking—including Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and the Recreational Trails Program—referring to these programs as "not in the national interest”. Chairman Mica's statement that these uses remain "eligible” for funding is worthless: without dedicated funding for these three programs they are effectively eliminated.
Things on the Senate side are not much better. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), a lead negotiator in the Senate debate, declared that one of his TOP THREE priorities for the transportation bill is to eliminate ‘frivolous spending for bike trails.' This is in direct conflict with Senator Barbara Boxer's commitment to maintain dedicated funding for biking and walking. However, the Senate is working towards a bi-partisan solution – and Senator Inhofe's comments mean funding for bicycling and pedestrian programs is at risk of total elimination.
Not in the National Interest?
Biking and walking make up 12 percent of all trips in the US – even as funding for biking and walking projects only accounts for 1.5 percent of the federal transportation budget. That's more than 4 billion bicycle trips and 40 billion walking trips a year—including trips to work, school, shopping and for recreation and tourism.
Frivolous?
Bicyclists and pedestrians are the victims of reckless highway design, accounting for 14 percent of all traffic related deaths. Two-thirds of all pedestrian deaths are on federally funded highways. Bicycling and walking programs build sidewalks, crosswalks and bikeways, improving accessibility and saving lives.
The Facts
Biking and walking are important forms of transportation, and dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements is a very efficient use of federal transportation dollars. Portland Oregon built a 300-mile network of bike lanes, multi-use trails, and bike boulevards for the cost of one mile of highway.
These projects also create jobs, and build local economies. Building bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure creates 46 percent more jobs than building road-only projects per million dollars spent. Cities that invest in bicycle and pedestrian projects turn downtowns into destinations and capitalize on increased business activity.
Finally, shifting 1.5 percent of transportation spending has no impact on the federal budget, but instead, decreases transportation options for American families in a time of rising gas prices and an uncertain economy.
Help Protect Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails. Contact your representatives in Congress, and tell them to reach out to Senators Inhofe, Boxer, and Congressman Mica to urge them continue dedicated funding for these important biking and walking programs.
Why Now?
Both the House and Senate long-term transportation bills are being written as we speak. We still have a chance of influencing the outcomes. Let's make sure that dedicated funding for biking and walking programs doesn't disappear for many years.
We need every Senator to tell Senators Boxer and Inhofe that bicycling and walking are a vital part of our transportation system. Please contact your two Senators today and ask them to tell Senators Boxer and Inhofe that there must be dedicated funding for sidewalks, bike lanes and trails to ensure that bicyclists and pedestrians are safe.
And we need every Representative in the House to tell Chairman Mica that bicycling and walking are a critical part of a safe and equitable transportation system. Please contact your Representative today and ask them to tell Chairman Mica that a federal transportation bill at any funding level must continue dedicated funding for bicycling and walking.
Please CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW to contact your Senators and Representatives TODAY. It will take you less than two minutes to do this. Please, stand up today for bicycling and walking and pass this message along to others who will take action. Thank you!
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/7093/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7483
House Transportation Chairman John Mica announced today that his Transportation bill will eliminate all dedicated funding for biking and walking—including Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and the Recreational Trails Program—referring to these programs as "not in the national interest”. Chairman Mica's statement that these uses remain "eligible” for funding is worthless: without dedicated funding for these three programs they are effectively eliminated.
Things on the Senate side are not much better. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), a lead negotiator in the Senate debate, declared that one of his TOP THREE priorities for the transportation bill is to eliminate ‘frivolous spending for bike trails.' This is in direct conflict with Senator Barbara Boxer's commitment to maintain dedicated funding for biking and walking. However, the Senate is working towards a bi-partisan solution – and Senator Inhofe's comments mean funding for bicycling and pedestrian programs is at risk of total elimination.
Not in the National Interest?
Biking and walking make up 12 percent of all trips in the US – even as funding for biking and walking projects only accounts for 1.5 percent of the federal transportation budget. That's more than 4 billion bicycle trips and 40 billion walking trips a year—including trips to work, school, shopping and for recreation and tourism.
Frivolous?
Bicyclists and pedestrians are the victims of reckless highway design, accounting for 14 percent of all traffic related deaths. Two-thirds of all pedestrian deaths are on federally funded highways. Bicycling and walking programs build sidewalks, crosswalks and bikeways, improving accessibility and saving lives.
The Facts
Biking and walking are important forms of transportation, and dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements is a very efficient use of federal transportation dollars. Portland Oregon built a 300-mile network of bike lanes, multi-use trails, and bike boulevards for the cost of one mile of highway.
These projects also create jobs, and build local economies. Building bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure creates 46 percent more jobs than building road-only projects per million dollars spent. Cities that invest in bicycle and pedestrian projects turn downtowns into destinations and capitalize on increased business activity.
Finally, shifting 1.5 percent of transportation spending has no impact on the federal budget, but instead, decreases transportation options for American families in a time of rising gas prices and an uncertain economy.
Help Protect Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails. Contact your representatives in Congress, and tell them to reach out to Senators Inhofe, Boxer, and Congressman Mica to urge them continue dedicated funding for these important biking and walking programs.
Why Now?
Both the House and Senate long-term transportation bills are being written as we speak. We still have a chance of influencing the outcomes. Let's make sure that dedicated funding for biking and walking programs doesn't disappear for many years.
We need every Senator to tell Senators Boxer and Inhofe that bicycling and walking are a vital part of our transportation system. Please contact your two Senators today and ask them to tell Senators Boxer and Inhofe that there must be dedicated funding for sidewalks, bike lanes and trails to ensure that bicyclists and pedestrians are safe.
And we need every Representative in the House to tell Chairman Mica that bicycling and walking are a critical part of a safe and equitable transportation system. Please contact your Representative today and ask them to tell Chairman Mica that a federal transportation bill at any funding level must continue dedicated funding for bicycling and walking.
Please CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW to contact your Senators and Representatives TODAY. It will take you less than two minutes to do this. Please, stand up today for bicycling and walking and pass this message along to others who will take action. Thank you!
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/7093/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7483
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Bicyclists report getting smacked by angry bird
The Associated Press
PENDLETON, Ore. — Bicyclists in eastern Oregon say they’re getting whacked on the head by an angry bird.
Riders in Pendleton, Ore., told the East Oregonian that a male hawk is divebombing them because they’re too close to a nest he’s guarding in an old cottonwood tree.
Bicyclist Mack Temple says the bird came in from behind like a fighter plane and whacked his helmet. Another rider, Charlie Newhouse, says the attack on his helmet was “like getting hit with a baseball bat.” He says the talons went in through the helmet.
Bird-watchers say the large bird is a Swainson’s hawk. The riders say he’s been vigilant for a few nesting seasons, but hasn’t been as aggressive as this year.
Bird-watchers say the hawk will ease up once his brood learns to fly.
PENDLETON, Ore. — Bicyclists in eastern Oregon say they’re getting whacked on the head by an angry bird.
Riders in Pendleton, Ore., told the East Oregonian that a male hawk is divebombing them because they’re too close to a nest he’s guarding in an old cottonwood tree.
Bicyclist Mack Temple says the bird came in from behind like a fighter plane and whacked his helmet. Another rider, Charlie Newhouse, says the attack on his helmet was “like getting hit with a baseball bat.” He says the talons went in through the helmet.
Bird-watchers say the large bird is a Swainson’s hawk. The riders say he’s been vigilant for a few nesting seasons, but hasn’t been as aggressive as this year.
Bird-watchers say the hawk will ease up once his brood learns to fly.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Across Europe, Irking Drivers Is Urban Policy
Pedestrians and trams are given priority treatment in Zurich. Tram operators can turn
traffic lights in their favor as they approach, forcing cars to halt.By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
Published: June 26, 2011
Published: June 26, 2011
ZURICH — While American cities are synchronizing green lights to improve traffic flow and offering apps to help drivers find parking, many European cities are doing the opposite: creating environments openly hostile to cars. The methods vary, but the mission is clear — to make car use expensive and just plain miserable enough to tilt drivers toward more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
Click here for the entire article
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Bike Rack Becoming Fan Favorite
It's apparent that the handcuffs on the Coeur d'Alene Police Department bike rack will become a favorite near the police substation at City Park. Huckleberries hears that this photo, featuring William Tickman & Chase Helgeson from Issaquah, Wash., is one of several already taken at the bike rack. More info & another photo here. (Coeur d'Alene police photo)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Protected bike lanes will change the fearful realities of urban cycling
I have seen the potential future of biking in cities across the country.
Cyclists try out Chicago's first protected bike lane, the first of its kind in Chicago, while it is
still under construction. When it is completed, cars will park along its left side, protecting cyclists
from traffic. (Provided by Chicago Department of Transportation/MCT)
And friends, our heart-pounding, car door-fearing, bus-dodging urban rides may never be the same.
In Chicago, you can get a glimpse of it. It is a protected bike lane, the first of its kind in Chicago, under construction as part of a federally funded test.
But I recently saw and rode a fully operational version in New York, where 4.9 miles of protected bike lanes have been built over the last few years. I was ambling through the Village when I came upon a stretch of protected lane. I stepped off a curb on a major avenue and stopped, dumbstruck. I was standing in the parking lane, only it wasn't a parking lane. It was painted green and it looked to be a two-wheeled version of a pedestrian mall. People were strolling, in a cycling sort of way. They were riding unhurriedly and sociably, some of them chatting with friends riding next to them.
But wasn't this the parking lane? Where were all the parked cars?
They were in the next lane over, forming a protective barricade between the bike lane and moving traffic.
But what happened when the drivers parked and then opened their doors onto the bike lane?
They would be opening them onto the white-striped, no-go lane, twice the width of a car door, painted clearly on the road to the left of the parked cars.
My New York friend smiled indulgently as I gaped. It was just a bike lane. Didn't Chicago have bike lanes? Gamely, I defended our honor.
Certainly, we have bike lanes. They are narrow strips painted onto busy streets and marked with signs reading, "Good Luck, Pal." What fun it is to ride on them! The excitement of edging into traffic to keep out of parked car door range, the amazing sight of bikes pouring around both sides of stopped traffic like lava, the thrill of the bike messenger chase.
Dangerous? So what? It isn't urban biking unless you need an advance directive.
So I tried to defend Chicago's bike lanes, but my heart wasn't in it. There was only lust for those protected bike lanes in New York.
Then I came to the light.
The dedicated bike lane light, with its own signal — a little bike icon that blinks red or green.
I hung my helmeted head.
But now, Chicago is getting a protected bike lane of our own. Just one, and just a half-mile long — but look what the future portends.
"Under the mayor's transportation plan, the city would build 100 miles of protected bike lanes over his four-year term," said Adolfo Hernandez, director of advocacy for the Active Transportation Alliance.
The lanes would transform urban biking.
"You see kids riding their bikes, senior citizens," said Hernandez, who has ridden protected lanes in New York, Washington, D.C., and Seville, Spain.
"Anyone can just go out and ride, on any bike they have, in whatever they want to wear."
People bike more slowly and with more sociability, he said. And New York's bike lanes have not only reduced bike crashes, but also crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles.
"It serves as traffic-calming," he said.
Washington, D.C. is increasing its number of protected bike lanes in heavily-biked areas of the city. Officials say that the emphasis is on protecting cyclists.
"Separated bike lanes have been installed with great results in other cities including New York, Montreal and Madison, Wis., and they are the logical next step here in the District as well," said Department of Transportation Director Gabe Klein. "Half of our residents don't drive to work: they bike, walk and take public transit, and we need to provide the infrastructure for them to get back and forth safely."
Only a minority of New Yorkers has complained over loss of parking spaces, space for driving and the lack of sidewalk access to shops, he said. The majority support bike-friendly street improvements, as shown by two polls and annual double-digit growth in bike ridership.
"There are around 200,000 people riding our streets on any given day," he said.
Much as I have enjoyed my time racing in the peleton in the Tour de Milwaukee Avenue, I'm ready.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Streets Built For Bikes and Pedestrians Also Yield More Jobs
Streets Built For Bikes and Pedestrians Also Yield More Jobs by Angie Schmitt
Want to get the most job-creation bang for your infrastructure buck? Focus on meeting the needs of cyclists and pedestrians.
Building bike lanes puts more people to work per dollar spent than roads built only for car traffic, according to a new study. Photo: Mlive.com
When it comes to putting people to work, all projects are simply not created equal, says Meghan Cahill at the League of American Bicyclists in her overview:
On average, the “road-only” projects evaluated created 7.8 jobs per million, while the “bicycling-only” projects provided 11.4 jobs per million. For example, a roadway-focused project with no bicycle or pedestrian components in Santa Cruz, Calif. generated 4.94 jobs per $1 million spent. In contrast, a bicycle-focused project in Baltimore, Md. produced 14.35 jobs per million. The reviewers attribute the difference to the simple fact that bicycle and pedestrian projects are often more labor intensive.
“It’s no secret that investing in transportation infrastructure creates jobs and helps the economy,” said Caron Whitaker, campaign director at America Bikes [sponsors of the study]. “This study proves bicycle and pedestrian projects are no exception — in fact, they are especially efficient in creating jobs.”
Kind of flies in the face of the whole “we can’t afford to spend money on sidewalks during a recession” argument being advanced by some leading members of Congress, doesn’t it?
Elsewhere on the Network today: Mobilizing the Region explains that an under-reported aspect of GOP proposals for HSR in the Northeast Corridor is a massive reduction in funding. New Jersey Future says it’s a sign of the changing times: Multi-family housing developers in the Garden State have formed a lobby to promote their interests. And Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood reports on The Fast Lane about widespread support among the U.S. Conference of Mayors for the president’s high-speed rail plan.
Want to get the most job-creation bang for your infrastructure buck? Focus on meeting the needs of cyclists and pedestrians.
A new study from the University of Massachusetts finds that bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects create 46 percent more jobs than road projects built strictly for cars. The findings are based on an analysis of 58 projects in 11 cities, from Anchorage to Baltimore.
Building bike lanes puts more people to work per dollar spent than roads built only for car traffic, according to a new study. Photo: Mlive.com
On average, the “road-only” projects evaluated created 7.8 jobs per million, while the “bicycling-only” projects provided 11.4 jobs per million. For example, a roadway-focused project with no bicycle or pedestrian components in Santa Cruz, Calif. generated 4.94 jobs per $1 million spent. In contrast, a bicycle-focused project in Baltimore, Md. produced 14.35 jobs per million. The reviewers attribute the difference to the simple fact that bicycle and pedestrian projects are often more labor intensive.
“It’s no secret that investing in transportation infrastructure creates jobs and helps the economy,” said Caron Whitaker, campaign director at America Bikes [sponsors of the study]. “This study proves bicycle and pedestrian projects are no exception — in fact, they are especially efficient in creating jobs.”
Kind of flies in the face of the whole “we can’t afford to spend money on sidewalks during a recession” argument being advanced by some leading members of Congress, doesn’t it?
Elsewhere on the Network today: Mobilizing the Region explains that an under-reported aspect of GOP proposals for HSR in the Northeast Corridor is a massive reduction in funding. New Jersey Future says it’s a sign of the changing times: Multi-family housing developers in the Garden State have formed a lobby to promote their interests. And Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood reports on The Fast Lane about widespread support among the U.S. Conference of Mayors for the president’s high-speed rail plan.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Kids Fun Run
Click HERE to Register
Click HERE for The Route Map
Ford Ironman is partnering with the City of Coeur d'Alene this year to bring you the 2011 Kids Fun Run. The Fun Run is a one mile run for kids starting and finishing in City Park. The entry fee is $5 and all proceeds go to the Parks Department to help fund Trails and Bikeways. Register either online, at the City Hall Parks Department counter, or at the City Park Gazebo on the day of the race between 1pm and 5:30pm. The run begins at 6:00pm. If you would like to volunteer for this event please contact Monte McCully at mmccully@cdaid.org.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)