Saturday, January 17, 2009
Safe Routes to School Newsletter
Please visit http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/mediacenter/6621/205694to view the SRTS National Partnership’s January 2009 E-newsletter.List of E-News Stories:1. 2nd Safe Routes to School Conference Call for Proposals2. 2009 National Bike Summit, March 10-12 in Washington, DC3. SRTSNP Welcomes Our Newest National Partners4. Federal Update - Stimulus Bill, Transportation, Climate, and School Siting5. President-Elect Obama Selects Ray LaHood for Transportation Secretary6. New CDC Report Shows Prevalence of Childhood Bike/Ped Injuries7. Safe Routes to School State Network Project Update8. Colorado SRTS Receives Thirty-Nine Applications in 4th Application Cycle9. Maine’s SRTS Program Expanding10. SRTS News Throughout the CountryBest,Brooke DriesseProgram AssociateSafe Routes to School National Partnership
Streetfilms -- thanks for sharing
We just wanted to remind you that you all are welcome to view Streetfilms at any time. To date, there are almost 200 Streetfilms to choose from, shot in more than two dozen cities, treating all kinds of concepts. They might be useful to illustrate livable streets to neighbors, government officials, business people, or fellow non-profits. You can view all Streetfilms videos at http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/category/streetfilms/ .
Clarence Eckerson, leader of the Streetfilms team, suggested these:
DAYLIGHTING: http://www.streetfilms.org/[…]/
ANIMATED RAISED CROSSWALK: http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/raised-crosswalk/
DIAGONAL CROSSWALKS: http://www.streetfilms.org/[…]/
CICLOVIA, BOGOTA: http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/ciclovia/
TRANSPORTATION ETHICS: http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/transportation-ethics/
BIKE CORRALS IN PORTLAND: http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/portland-bike-parking/
Clarence Eckerson, leader of the Streetfilms team, suggested these:
DAYLIGHTING: http://www.streetfilms.org/[…]/
ANIMATED RAISED CROSSWALK: http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/raised-crosswalk/
DIAGONAL CROSSWALKS: http://www.streetfilms.org/[…]/
CICLOVIA, BOGOTA: http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/ciclovia/
TRANSPORTATION ETHICS: http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/transportation-ethics/
BIKE CORRALS IN PORTLAND: http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/portland-bike-parking/
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Bicycle Commuter Vouchers
Finally - the details we've all been waiting for!
Find this post on the Philadelphia Bicycle News blog: (Thanks BCGP!)
Here is the program in a nutshell from the CommuterCheck.com website:
"We offer the Commuter Check for Bicycling voucher which makes participation a breeze. Your employer will first need to choose to offer the benefit (pre-tax deduction or an employer subsidy). Once you sign up with your employer to get the benefit, take the voucher you receive to any dedicated bicycle shop or bicycle parking or storage location to redeem your value. If your purchase is greater than the amount of the voucher you have, you can use multiple vouchers or add value with another credit/debit card."
There is an contact form for the Human Resources person at your workplace: http://accorservicesusa.web101.hubspot.com/cc-for-bicycling-employer.
You can also have them call 1-800-531-2828
Accor Services USA (ASUSA) has added some additional guidelines for the program.
1. The voucher will be available for customers nationwide beginning in March, exclusively through www.commutercheck.com.
2. The maximum value will be $20; vouchers will be valid for 13 months.
3. These vouchers will be able to be used for the purchase of bicycles, bicycle accessories, maintenance, and storage. Bicycle accessories include pumps, locks, racks, lights, and safety gear but do not include clothing and food products such as energy bars.
4. The bike shop or service provider must be registered with ASUSA to accept the vouchers. The League of American Bicyclists and the National Bicycle Dealers Association are working on outreach to the shops.
For more information about the Commuter Benefit program visit the League of American Bicyclists website.
Find this post on the Philadelphia Bicycle News blog: (Thanks BCGP!)
Here is the program in a nutshell from the CommuterCheck.com website:
"We offer the Commuter Check for Bicycling voucher which makes participation a breeze. Your employer will first need to choose to offer the benefit (pre-tax deduction or an employer subsidy). Once you sign up with your employer to get the benefit, take the voucher you receive to any dedicated bicycle shop or bicycle parking or storage location to redeem your value. If your purchase is greater than the amount of the voucher you have, you can use multiple vouchers or add value with another credit/debit card."
There is an contact form for the Human Resources person at your workplace: http://accorservicesusa.web101.hubspot.com/cc-for-bicycling-employer.
You can also have them call 1-800-531-2828
Accor Services USA (ASUSA) has added some additional guidelines for the program.
1. The voucher will be available for customers nationwide beginning in March, exclusively through www.commutercheck.com.
2. The maximum value will be $20; vouchers will be valid for 13 months.
3. These vouchers will be able to be used for the purchase of bicycles, bicycle accessories, maintenance, and storage. Bicycle accessories include pumps, locks, racks, lights, and safety gear but do not include clothing and food products such as energy bars.
4. The bike shop or service provider must be registered with ASUSA to accept the vouchers. The League of American Bicyclists and the National Bicycle Dealers Association are working on outreach to the shops.
For more information about the Commuter Benefit program visit the League of American Bicyclists website.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Ride Your Bike To Work
The U.S. News and World Report suggests riding your bike to work as one of "50 Ways to Improve Your Life" in its December 18th issue.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/50-ways-to-improve-your-life/2008/12/18/ride-your-bike-to-work.html
As you celebrate the closing of 2008 and look forward to all of the possibilities of 2009 -- set this new year's resolution: Join WalkBikeBerks for Bike to Work 2009!
We need 'employees' from every profession -- yes, that means you. We'll make sure to help you improve your life -- by improving walking and bicycling in Berks County. But....we can't do it without you.
I look forward to seeing you January 10 at 8:00 a.m. at the Holy Cross Church in Reading, PA to begin planning Bike To Work. Our regular meeting begins at 9:00 -- and we are always happy to see new faces and make new friends. National Bike to Work events are held in May -- and you can learn more now by visiting: http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/50-ways-to-improve-your-life/2008/12/18/ride-your-bike-to-work.html
As you celebrate the closing of 2008 and look forward to all of the possibilities of 2009 -- set this new year's resolution: Join WalkBikeBerks for Bike to Work 2009!
We need 'employees' from every profession -- yes, that means you. We'll make sure to help you improve your life -- by improving walking and bicycling in Berks County. But....we can't do it without you.
I look forward to seeing you January 10 at 8:00 a.m. at the Holy Cross Church in Reading, PA to begin planning Bike To Work. Our regular meeting begins at 9:00 -- and we are always happy to see new faces and make new friends. National Bike to Work events are held in May -- and you can learn more now by visiting: http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Winter Cyclist
http://www.flickr.com/photos/voidoid21/298894294/
A wintry chill is in the atmosphere,
As from the heaving lake the storm wind blows;
And weak-kneed brethren of the cycle fear
That brings the riding season to close.
Jack Frost assails us with his wicked thrusts;
Our polka-dotted mufflers are on guard
And many a good wheel in the basement rusts
Which should be speeding down the boulevard.
And shall we join the patient, suffering throng,
Which crowds the rumbling street cars to the door?
Which kicks against the service loud and long,
But keeps on riding as it did before?
Nay! Perish such a thought. On every street
The hardy wheelman has the right of way;
No ancient female comes to claims his seat;
No cable breaks, no lumbering teams delay.
Our hearts beat high, our life-blood dancing flows,
Though ice-flakes sparkle in the biting air;
While street-car heaters, every patron knows,
Are but a vain delusion and a snare.
The steed that bore us through the woods aglow
With sunshine, where the morning glories creep,
Will bear us safely through the mud-streaked snow
Until it lies at least five inches deep.
PETER GRANT
Monday, December 29, 2008
PennDOT Smart Transportation
Renee Sigel, Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Pennsylvania Division Administrator, speaks on Smart Transportation
ACCOMODATE ALL MODES OF TRAVEL: Watch this slideshow to see solutions that accomodate bicyclists, pedestrians, mass transit, historic and land preservation, and traffic flow:
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Reading Eagle Supports Us, Won't You?
More than a year ago, the Reading Eagle provided us this written 'endorsement' of the work we hope to accomplish in Berks County. We've been working hard to make the ideas highlighted below a reality, and we think we've made some significant gains in only our first year. Mount Penn has held two successful Walk to School events with our help -- and the funds we received as partners in a Safe Routes to School Academy Grant. Exeter Township Pedestrian and Bicycle Task Force has submitted a Smart Transportation / Pennsylvania Communities Transportation Initiative (PCTI) application with the goal of writing a Township-wide Greenway and Transportation Plan. We have also been supporting the work of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, the Berks County Planning Commission and the RiverPlace Corporation. We are working with Emily Weidner to complete a Bicycle Friendly Community Application for Reading. We would love to have you join us and let us work with you to make your community a nicer place to live. Let us know how we can help you.
Editorials : Fostering better use of roads a good idea
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Fostering better use of roads a good idea
The Issue: A Berks County group is formed to find ways to make streets and highways more inviting to hikers and bikers.
Our Opinion: In this time of expanding waistlines, encouraging any kind of physical activity is commendable.
If the goal of a recently formed group called Walk Bike Berks becomes a reality, area roadways will become multipurpose transportation corridors accommodating not only motorized vehicles, but also bicyclists and pedestrians. The concept is certainly worthy of serious consideration. As gasoline prices rise and waistlines expand, encouraging people to use human-powered modes of transportation is an excellent idea. Michele Barrett, an Exeter Township resident and founder of Walk Bike Berks, said the group is studying ways in which Berks County’s streets and highways can be made more inviting to those who would like to use them for hiking and biking. Barrett said the group plans to promote building sidewalks and adding bicycle lanes to roads and crosswalks. The group has formed an alliance with two national groups — Complete the Streets and the National Center for Safe Routes to School — that are promoting similar issues across the country. Complete the Streets was begun by a diverse collection of organizations including the AARP, the American Council of the Blind, the National Parks Conservation Association and Paralyzed Veterans of America. According to its Web site, Complete the Streets encourages local and state governments to design roadways and re-configure existing ones in order to make them more pedestrian friendly. Last year, through the efforts of Complete the Streets, Chicago issued a policy mandating that transportation projects should accommodate all users of public rights of way, even the most vulnerable, such as the elderly and the disabled. The National Center for Safe Routes to School, created by Congress in 2005, involves a network of more than 300 organizations and promotes exactly what its name implies — making it safer for children to walk or bike to school. The center’s aim, according to its Web site, is to increase the number of students walking and biking to school as a way to fight obesity among children. These days most students are driven by the parents, ride a school bus or drive themselves to school. But that wasn’t always the case. According to the National Household Travel Survey, in 1969 approximately 50 percent of students either walked or rode bicycles to school. Over the next 30 years that figure had dropped to 15 percent. When Congress created the Safe Routes to School center, lawmakers also provided it with $612 million to fund projects across the country. In Bay City, Texas, the center was instrumental in providing a $233,000 grant to establish a three-mile-long trail connecting four schools. In Huntingdon, Tenn., the town and the Huntingdon Special School District were given $250,000 to construct and improve sidewalks, including a bridge over a creek, to connect a primary school with a middle school. In Takoma Park, Md., a $150,000 grant from the Safe Routes to School was used to hold workshops on safe cycling and construct sidewalks around the town’s four public schools and one private school. As for Walk Bike Berks, Barrett has expressed the hope that the group will be able to make a difference in the lives of county residents. “I just want to love the town I live in,” she said. “I want to walk out the front door and feel connected to my community. I do think that people feel more tied to their community if they can freely move about.” That makes sense.
Editorials : Fostering better use of roads a good idea
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Fostering better use of roads a good idea
The Issue: A Berks County group is formed to find ways to make streets and highways more inviting to hikers and bikers.
Our Opinion: In this time of expanding waistlines, encouraging any kind of physical activity is commendable.
If the goal of a recently formed group called Walk Bike Berks becomes a reality, area roadways will become multipurpose transportation corridors accommodating not only motorized vehicles, but also bicyclists and pedestrians. The concept is certainly worthy of serious consideration. As gasoline prices rise and waistlines expand, encouraging people to use human-powered modes of transportation is an excellent idea. Michele Barrett, an Exeter Township resident and founder of Walk Bike Berks, said the group is studying ways in which Berks County’s streets and highways can be made more inviting to those who would like to use them for hiking and biking. Barrett said the group plans to promote building sidewalks and adding bicycle lanes to roads and crosswalks. The group has formed an alliance with two national groups — Complete the Streets and the National Center for Safe Routes to School — that are promoting similar issues across the country. Complete the Streets was begun by a diverse collection of organizations including the AARP, the American Council of the Blind, the National Parks Conservation Association and Paralyzed Veterans of America. According to its Web site, Complete the Streets encourages local and state governments to design roadways and re-configure existing ones in order to make them more pedestrian friendly. Last year, through the efforts of Complete the Streets, Chicago issued a policy mandating that transportation projects should accommodate all users of public rights of way, even the most vulnerable, such as the elderly and the disabled. The National Center for Safe Routes to School, created by Congress in 2005, involves a network of more than 300 organizations and promotes exactly what its name implies — making it safer for children to walk or bike to school. The center’s aim, according to its Web site, is to increase the number of students walking and biking to school as a way to fight obesity among children. These days most students are driven by the parents, ride a school bus or drive themselves to school. But that wasn’t always the case. According to the National Household Travel Survey, in 1969 approximately 50 percent of students either walked or rode bicycles to school. Over the next 30 years that figure had dropped to 15 percent. When Congress created the Safe Routes to School center, lawmakers also provided it with $612 million to fund projects across the country. In Bay City, Texas, the center was instrumental in providing a $233,000 grant to establish a three-mile-long trail connecting four schools. In Huntingdon, Tenn., the town and the Huntingdon Special School District were given $250,000 to construct and improve sidewalks, including a bridge over a creek, to connect a primary school with a middle school. In Takoma Park, Md., a $150,000 grant from the Safe Routes to School was used to hold workshops on safe cycling and construct sidewalks around the town’s four public schools and one private school. As for Walk Bike Berks, Barrett has expressed the hope that the group will be able to make a difference in the lives of county residents. “I just want to love the town I live in,” she said. “I want to walk out the front door and feel connected to my community. I do think that people feel more tied to their community if they can freely move about.” That makes sense.
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