The Complete Streets Act of 2008

For Immediate Release: March 3, 2008

HARKIN INTRODUCES BILL TO MAKE ROADS SAFE FOR EVERYONE

To reduce accidents, legislation will create ‘Complete Streets’ to keep motorists, transit vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today introduced The Complete Streets Act of 2008, which would work to promote the design of streets that are safe for all of those using the street— including motorists, bus riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians, including people with disabilities. Between 1993 and 2003, nearly 52,000 pedestrians and more than 7,400 bicyclists were killed in road accidents; studies show that the designing streets with pedestrians in mind may reduce pedestrian risk by as much as 28 percent. Harkin was joined in this effort by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE).

“Making our streets bike and pedestrian friendly is a win-win for us all,” said Harkin. “It not only promotes healthier lifestyles, it lowers the amount of traffic congestion that many people deal with every day.”

A recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that providing more travel options, including public transportation, bicycling and walking facilities, is an important element in reducing traffic congestion. The study reported that congestion was responsible for an annual $78.2 billion loss in fuel during traffic jams in 2005, an increase from $57.6 billion in 2000.

Also, as recently as 30 years ago, up to 70 percent of children were walking or riding bikes to school. Currently, the number has dropped to only 10 percent. Parents report that traffic safety is the main reason they do not permit their children to walk or bike to school. This legislation will make our environment more inviting for physical activity, especially for kids.

Harkin’s proposal has been endorsed by: AARP, America Bikes, America Walks, American Council of the Blind, American Planning Association, American Public Transportation Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, League of America Bicyclists, National Center for Bicycling and Walking, Safe Routes to School National Partnership, Smart Growth America, Surface Transportation Policy Partnership, Thunderhead Alliance, and Rails to Trails Conservancy.


Dominic J. Liberatore
Interim Executive Director
The Thunderhead Alliance

"Personnel" Changes

Dear Friends,

Please take a moment to review the Board of Directors List to the left. With deep regret, we had to accept the resignation of Claire Young from the Board. She was an excellent Events Coordinator and worked hard to generate a list of Events for 2008 that I'm sure you will all be excited about. Keep watching for updates.

We are thrilled to welcome David Sloyer to the Board to fill the new vacancy. David comes to us with so much to offer. He leads the Reading Trail Blazers, works at Spokes Bike Shop, and is committed to our cause. His energy, passion, and expertise will serve WalkBikeBerks well. When you have a chance, tell him welcome.

In addition, we are thrilled to announce we have a new secretary: Barbara Rowley. We will work with Barbara to help her feel welcome, but I have a good feeling that she will fit right in. She comes to us with secretarial experience and has already jumped right in. In her first meeting with WalkBikeBerks, she recorded minutes and is working on preparing those for us now. Thank you Barbara, and welcome!

Announcing Our Regular Schedule

Again, the most amazing people attended our meeting. Some new faces mixed with some familiar ones. I am always so impressed with the knowledge and experience that our growing membership brings to WalkBikeBerks. Today, we were able to begin our strategies for the year with our focus on county-wide Event Planning, a Safe Routes To School Campaign, and our Membership Drive. Details will soon be posted and advertised throughout the county, so keep visiting to learn more.

To keep updated on meeting schedules and special events, please go to the Reading Eagle Online
Community Calendar at http://www.readingeagle.com/calendar.aspx. We will also work to advertise regularly with WEEU and BCTV. Make sure to call others to encourage them to attend a meeting and to learn more about WalkBikeBerks.

Monthly Meetings:

Holy Cross Church
329 N. 5th Street
Reading, PA

Board of Directors: 9:00-10:30
Regular Sessions: 10:30-11:30

The Last Saturday of Every Month -- Beginning March 29, 2008.

These will be breakfast sessions with coffee and light refreshments.

See You There.

Rescheduled

Due to Inclement Weather, This Meeting was Postponed.
The New Date: March 1

100 Founding Members -- Unite!
Saturday, March 1

10:00 -- 1:00
Holy Cross Church
329 N. 5th St., Reading
Please RSVP to walkbikeberks@yahoo.com

Committee Strategy Sessions will include:
Fund Raising
Outreach
Events Planning
Safe Routes To School Campaign

We are actively seeking a Secretary for the Board of Directors. Please write to walkbikeberks@yahoo.com if you are interested in volunteering for this position.

Send Me to the Summit

Bikers, Hikers, Off-Road or On?

I will represent you when I meet directly with Congressional Leaders on March 6, 2008 in Washington, DC during the National Bike Summit hosted by the League of American Bicyclists. I will discuss the importance of pedestrian and bicycling policies and funding. The Summit is an opportunity to learn some best practices to help achieve the goals of WBB, to connect with national bicycle and pedestrian movers and shakers, and to meet our nationally elected officials and get their financial and policy support for WalkBikeBerks.

To be able to attend, I need to raise $550.00 by March 4. The money will cover the registration for training and lobbying. I will cover my own travel expenses with the exception of the generous contribution of the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia who can provide me with a place to stay. The only money I am asking for others to donate is the cost of the registration. I hope you will help.

Please send your contribution* to:
WalkBikeBerks
PO Box 6795
Wyomissing, PA 19610
*501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt status is pending approval.

Show Support

Exeter Township
Berks County, Pennsylvania
4975 DeMoss Road
Reading PA 19606
www.exetertownship.com

EXETER TOWNSHIP
Board of Supervisors
Office: 610-779-5660

MEETING AGENDA
FEBRUARY 25, 2008
7:00 P.M.

WALKBIKEBERKS UPDATE

Please come to show me your support and to learn more about the Pedestrian and Bicycle Task Force.

Bikes on BARTA?

Here is a suggestion for a countywide bicycling issue - Bike Racks on Buses. A few years ago PENNDOT asked transit agencies why they did not install bike racks on buses, the most common response was that no one has asked for them. This should not be a hard sell since the majority of surrounding agencies have them (SEPTA in the Phila Metro Area, Red Rose Transit in Lancaster County, LANTA in the Lehigh Valley and Rabbit Transit in York County).

Bike Racks on buses can be paid for with Transit Enhancements, BARTA in the past has used Transit Enhancements to pay for upgraded bus signs. And it has been proven locally that bike racks do have a positive impact on ridership. In 2003 LANTA reported 90 boardings per day or about 2000 trips a month.



You may have seen this article last month in the Reading Eagle with BARTA claiming that ridership is flat despite high gas prices. Not surprising since there is little cost difference for the short commutes that are possible on BARTA, but it is a common theme for the mainstream press. There are other transit issues of course such as BARTA not responding to the explosive growth in the SE part of the county (connecting to SEPTA in Pottstown or running express buses to King of Prussia should be at least on the table).

The bottom line is that it's in BARTA's best interest to forge a good relationship with WalkBikeBerks since quality of service greatly depends on the ability of passengers to walk or bike to their origin and destination.