Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Save Walking, Biking, Running, Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Access to those with Disabilities!

Act Now: Protect bicycle and pedestrian projects

Congress is forcing state transportation agencies to give back $2.2 billion in unspent federal transportation dollars. Whenever this happens, programs to improve biking and walking are especially at risk. Historically, many state DOTs make these types of projects take the hit, rather than scale back or delay any highway projects.Your state agency is going to decide what to cut in the next 48 hours. Tell your governor NOT to unfairly cut bike and pedestrian projects before it's too late!

Use the link below to send a letter to your governor today.
http://action.smartgrowthamerica.org/t/3224/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2561
Thanks!

Write to your governor today.
Contact the Governor's Office
Governor Edward G. Rendell's Office
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Phone: (717) 787-2500
Fax: (717) 772-8284
E-mail the Governor's Office

Access denied: gaining a disabled person’s perspective



From Transportation For America
Sidewalks without entry ramps, doors that open outward or are too narrow…these are simple design and infrastructure failures that pose constant obstacles for the disabled. Check out this eye-opening photo collection of poorly designed public spaces…

Monday, August 23, 2010

BCTV TONIGHT: 7:00 PM -- WALK TO SCHOOL

I would very much LOVE to hear you call in and ask questions and add to our discussion on Why Safe Routes to School Matter. Please watch the live show tonight at 7:00 PM on your computer by going to http://www.bctv.org/bctv/watch_live/wl_bctv/

WalkBikeBerkson Berks County Television (BCTV)
TONIGHT: 7:00 PM -- WALK TO SCHOOL
LIVE or on Archives at www.BCTV.org

We invite you to call-in during the live program: 610-378-0426

Replays on: Wednesday @ 1:00 PM, Thursday @ 10:00 PM, Friday @ 9:00 AM

Create awareness of need for improved access for individuals using non-motorized forms of transportation.

Produced and Hosted by:Bob Hospidor


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Friday, August 20, 2010

Schuylkill River Heritage Area & Alvernia Partner for Trail Improvements

If you were riding the SRT today between Brentwood and Old Wyomissing Rd you would have noticed a lot of college freshmen working on the trail. Alvernia University has partnered with the Schuylkill River Heritage Area for their students to complete their community service acts by improving the SRT.

SRHA Trails Project Manager Robert Folwell along with students from Alvernia were trimming away hedges that had overgrown into the trail while other SRHA staff were improving the trail surface.

This work is ongoing so be on the look out for more trail maintenance. While you're walking or riding by them be sure to thank them for their volunteer efforts. Even better, volunteer yourself with the SRHA for their quarterly volunteer days. About 4 or 5 times throughout the year the SHRA enlists the help of volunteers on Saturdays to help maintain different sections of the trail.

The next volunteer day should be coming up the end of September. Check back here for updates or checkout the SRHA website for more information HERE.



Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Shoofly Classic!

In Berks County, we just love Shoofly!
Get your bikes and gear ready for August 29th.
20, 40, & 60 Mile Ride Options!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

T-Shirts Are Here! Order Yours Today!


Our new T-shirts are comfortable and FREE with a 2010 membership when you join or renew today. Use the paypal button at the botton of this post.

A green footprint with the question: How Big Is Your Footprint? on the front of our NEW WalkBikeBerks T-Shirts. Emily is wearing lady's pink. Men's and children's shirts are light gray with green screen printing.






Yes, I want to create complete streets and safe routes to school




Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Talk to Elected Leaders about Your Transportation Concerns

Town meeting Thursday in Exeter
State Representative Dave Kessler will hold a town meeting at 7 p.m. this Thursday, Aug. 12 at the Exeter Township Building, 4975 DeMoss Road, Reading.
Dates and locations for future town meetings are available from his offices or on his website.
Whether or not you are able to attend a town meeting, you are always welcome to contact your state representatives if you have a state-related concern or question.

Ideas to mention:
Encourage PennDOT to release 2010 Safe Routes to School Federal Funding to build safer access for children to walk and bike to school. PennDOT has been allocated $6 million from the federal government for SRTS, but they are choosing not to use it. There is an increasing need for these projects around the state. These funds could potentially fund 12 projects; PennDOT’s decision means that 12 schools that want to help kids walk and bike to school won’t have the opportunity.

House Bill 2070 -- Distracted Driver Bill -- An Act amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for Commonwealth portion of fines, etc.; defining "interactive wireless communication device"; prohibiting use of interactive wireless communication device; and further providing for duty of driver in construction and maintenance areas or on highway safety corridors, for duty of driver in emergency response areas, for accident report forms, for department to compile, tabulate and analyze accident reports and for applicability and uniformity of title.

House Bill 1110 -- An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for driving on right side of roadway, for overtaking vehicle on the left, for no-passing zones, for driving on roadways laned for traffic, for required position and method of turning and for minimum speed regulation.

Senate Bill 776 -- An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for driving on right side of roadway, for overtaking vehicle on the left, for no-passing zones, for driving on roadways laned for traffic, for required position and method of turning and for minimum speed regulation.

State Complete Streets Policy -- hundreds of communities, counties, and states across the nation are passing Complete Streets policies which means that streets and roadways are designed and operated to be safe and accessible for pedestrians, transit riders, bicyclists, and drivers -- all users, regardless of age or ability. See the example of the MN Complete Streets Coalition.


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