Local News Covers Walkability in Berks

Too often in communities throughout Berks County -- the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists go unmet. Still -- local, state, and federal policies do require that pedestrians and bicyclists have access to the transportation system.

For example: Sidewalks are a requirement in the Exeter Township Municipal Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). It is important that political candidates understand that walking and biking are not optional -- but necessary components for a healthy, livable community.

Exeter Township supervisor candidates focus on financial issues at forum, By Erin Negley
Reading Eagle
10/23/2009

...
Democrat Anthony R. Distasio and Republican Kenneth A. Smith are running for the six-year seat.... Republican Gary E. Lloyd is running against Distasio to fill... the two year term....

When asked about requiring developers to install sidewalks,
Distasio said they should be required in every development.
Lloyd agreed.
Smith questioned the need for sidewalks everywhere and said he would like to use common sense when making requirements....

If not sidewalks -- then:

• Shared Use Paths?
• Pedestrian bridges?
• Pedestrian crossings?
• Footpaths?
• Pedestrian malls?
• Pedways?
• Stairways?

Support Completion of the Schuylkill River Trail

It is time for Pennsylvania to fill the gaps in the Schuylkill River Trail, for Pennsylvania to have a connected East Coast Greenway connecting to New Jersey and Delaware, and for Camden, New Jersey to become a city of trails, not highways. Between the Complete the Schuylkill River Trail and East Coast Greenway campaigns, a broad network of organizations is asking that supporters of green infrastructure (you!) ask the Governor to support funding these trails. The Coalition has applied for a 36 million dollar grant to complete key sections of the trail network including long segments of trail in neighboring Montgomery and Schuylkill Counties.

Write today to Governor Rendell asking for him to support funding the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware and Schuylkill Counties.

My recommendation to WalkScore.... What's yours?

Allow users to compare Walkability Checklist results (real) to WalkScore potential.
When the Walk Score is calculated, provide an online "real-world' Walkability Checklist for users to calculate their own score. Provide such questions as "Is this route networked with sidewalks, greenways, or walking trails?" The negative responses should subtract from the WalkScore. This allows folks in suburbs or rural regions to compare their walkability potential to their real situation.

Vote on Walk Score improvements
WalkScore just launched WalkScore.org — a new website where you can vote on Walk Score improvements. They're also releasing open source code for Walk Score on this site.

We'll See You

November 7-8, 2009

10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Greater Reading Expo Center

Reading, PA

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS -- WALK WITH CARE!

Be Safe, Be Seen.

• Use bright, reflective clothing, zipper pulls, lighted sneakers, flashlights, and white clothes.
• Always look twice in each direction before stepping onto a street.
• Walk with an adult whenever possible.
• Cross streets at marked crosswalks.
• Look for crossing guards on the way to school.
• Obey pedestrian traffic laws.
• Don't run or "mess around" with friends when walking to / from school.
• Be extra careful when Trick-or-Treating this year.
  ___________________________________________________________
  
  WHY?
  For pedestrians, the deadliest day of the year is January 1st followed by October 31st. The most deadly day of the week is Saturday followed by Friday. The months with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities are October, November, and December. These findings are consistent with previous reports.
  Saturday and Sunday also have a higher probability of fatality in a crash than any other day of the week.
  Autumn is the deadliest season for pedestrians, with two of the highest fatality months being October and November.
  The highest percentage of pedestrian fatalities occurs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by 9 p.m. to midnight. The percentage of pedestrian fatalities between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. is low, but the crash fatality probability is the highest during that time period.
  The number of deaths during a time period is a base for assessing risk control. Between 1997 and 2006, an average of 13 pedestrians died per day in vehicle crashes. By comparison, there were approximately 216 total pedestrian crashes per day and 116 deaths per day in all motor vehicle crashes.
  In the United States, a pedestrian was killed in a vehicle crash every 107 minutes. However, pedestrian crashes and vehicle crash fatalities occurred every 7 minutes and 12 minutes, respectively.
  
  http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/810968.PDF
  

WHAT CAN COMMUNITIES DO TO MAKE A CHANGE?
Safe Routes to School programs enable community leaders, schools and parents across the United States to improve safety and encourage more children to safely walk and bicycle to school. In the process, programs are working to reduce traffic congestion and improve health and the environment, making communities more livable for everyone. Learn more.-


Other General Pedestrian Safety Tips
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Pedestrian/web/general.htm

Waiver creates a public danger (10/15/09)

Want a safer, stronger, healthier neighborhood plan for your community? Write a letter to the Reading Eagle and express your concerns for Complete Streets and Safe Routes to School.

Waiver creates a public danger (10/15/09)

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Support TRAILS in Berks County!

Angelica Creek Greenway
Feasibility Study Public Meeting

Help create a vision

for the Angelica Creek Greenway

The Berks County Conservancy is studying the possibility of a greenway to connect Angelica Park and Nolde Forest along with connections to Shillington Park, Flying Hills and Lock #54.

You are invited to attend an upcoming public meeting.

The Conservancy and their consultant will share results of research and interviews and hear questions from citizens.

Mark your calendar now.

Monday, November 2, 2009

7:00 p.m. Alvernia University

– Shander Room –

Physical Education Building

For more information,

visit www.berks-conservancy.org.