Accident toll rises as gas-shocked commuters opt for bicycles

Notes from this interesting article on MSNBC.com:

“At least five bicyclists have been killed in Chicago alone this year, leading to lawsuits, organized protests demanding safer bike routes and a set of new ordinances requiring drivers to give cyclists at least a 3-foot-wide berth when passing.

“Most of the crashes that we’ve seen are a result of inattentive driving,” said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.

“Cycling advocates point to a host of other longstanding problems that they say are becoming critical now that so many new riders are hitting the streets: too many potholes and poorly maintained streets, too few bicycle lanes, too few places to securely park a bike, too few places to wash up after a long ride to work.”

“I believe in the future that cycling is going to not be just a trend, but a way of life for a lot of people,” said Gene Wells, owner of Fat Tire Cycle in Buckhannon, W.Va., an assessment that was echoed by Rebecca Anderson, advocacy director for Trek Bicycle Corp.

“Millions of people have bicycles hanging in the garage and they’re getting them down and riding them,” Anderson said. “People are looking at the bicycle as more than just a toy.”

Full article here

Building a Bicycle Infrastructure

report from NBC:

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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/25573628#25573628

Investing $10 a person into community health programs could return big dividends

Good article in today’s Duluth News-Tribune.  It’s interesting that they note that some of the most successful programs have the hardest time finding funding.  DATA believes that creating opportuntities that are easily accessible to people - like building trails close to people’s homes so they don’t have to drive and creating bike lanes, paths and better sidewalks - can be the most successful programs.  Like the old adage says, “If you build it, they will come.”  We feel the same way about trails and bike lanes.  Some interesting quotes from the article:

“How much health does $10 a person buy? Invest that every year, and within five years the nation could cut health-care costs by more than $16 billion annually, concludes a new analysis by the nonprofit Trust for America’s Health and a team ofpublic-health research groups.”

““We’ve got to change the mindset from treating sick people to preventing illnesses in the first place, and this report shows that we ought to be more serious about investing up front,” said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.”

“Researchers commended several innovative community health programs, such as a children’s health program in Dallas that has led to healthier eating and increased physical activity among several thousand children; and a bike network in Davis, Calif., that resulted in 25 percent of all travel within the city being on bikes.

However, the researchers found that many such programs lack funding, diminishing their potential for affecting community health. Jeff Levi, executive director of the Trust for America’s Health, said funding is a chronic problem for many preventative health initiatives.”

Full article here

Creating Heart Healthy Communities

From the article:

“Hylton termed set-ups like these ‘‘heart-healthy communities” because they encourage residents to exercise as they move around. Pedestrian-friendly towns can help fight obesity and heart disease.”

“Lower air pollution would also reduce illness and help mitigate the severe weather believed to be associated with global climate change, which he said was ‘‘an issue we have to face.”

“While his vision is undoubtedly idealistic, he insists it is also practical — in fact, more practical than the current dependence on cars and the sprawling development patterns that go with it. Traveling on foot or by bicycle is far more efficient, in terms of space, than driving cars, because far more people or bicycles than cars can travel in limited space at the same time. These forms of transit don’t require a ‘‘sea of asphalt” for storage, either — Hylton estimated that five or six parking spaces exist in America for each car.”

Full article here:  http://www.somdnews.com/stories/07162008/rectop143756_32176.shtml

Bicycle Commuting in Duluth - Dangerous?

This is an interesting thread from Perfect Duluth Day.  It’s a very interesting discussion about the dangers of bicycle commuting in Duluth, many of the safety issues bicyclists and pedestrians deal with and the dynamic between bicyclists and drivers.  Check it out here:  http://www.perfectduluthday.com/2008/03/dear_duluth.html

Treating Stop Signs as Yield Signs in Minnesota?

Stop signs could mean yield in Minnesota

Minnesota Introduces Bill to allow Bicyclists to treat “Stop” as “Yield”

Minnesota state representatives have recently introduced a bill that would permit bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs. When approaching a stop sign, cyclists would be required to slow down enough to be able to stop if necessary.  Bikers would be required to stop if a vehicle is in or approaching the intersection.  But they could proceed through a stop sign without stopping if it would be safe to clear the intersection.  At a red light, bicyclists could also make a right turn, or a left turn onto a one-way street, without stopping.  When there is no vehicle nearby, they could proceed through the intersection after a full stop without waiting for a green light. See the full text of H.F. No. 4245.

This bill was proposed during Bike to Work Week by Minnesota Reps. Phyllis Kahn and Jim Carlson, who are self-identified bicyclists.  The bill is based on current law in Idaho and was introduced to improve bicycle commuting and also addresses the issue that bicycles often don’t activate the pressure plates that trigger traffic signals to change.  The state of Oregon also has a similar law.

It will be interesting to see how this bill will be supported by bicycle and transportation groups.  It appears that the law may provide several benefits to bicycle commuters.  On the other hand, would cyclists push beyond the letter of the law and blow through stop signs with nary a yield?  We’re interested to see what you all think of this law.  Would you support and advocate for the passage of this law?   

Proposed Bike Route Might Have Saved a Life

Could an on-street bike path have saved the life of a man in Illinois?  Members of his family and a Wheaton Park District Planner think so.  They’re petitioning to make safety improvements at an intersection where the man was tragically struck and killed by a motorist.  In Duluth, we hope that we can begin making improvements to our bicycle and pedestrian transportation routes so we can avoid such a tragedy.  DATA’s Bike/Walk Duluth Committee is working towards this goal.

The full article is here: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1013946,6_1_NA19_RIGDON_S1.article

Trail Conditions in Duluth Area Poor

Trail conditions in Duluth have deteriorated with all of the recent rain and are now very wet and muddy in many places.  Mountain bike trails in Hartley have many mudholes and should be avoided.  The Guardrail Trail has dry stretches but many muddy spots and rutting from mountain bike tires is occurring.  The Root Canal is very muddy and is living up to its name with water flowing down the trail (like a canal).  The Superior Hiking Trail in Hartley for hikers is generally in pretty good condition.  However, other locations on the Superior Hiking Trail through Duluth are very wet and muddy.  Please use these trails with care.  Avoid if too wet.

If you know of any other trails in poor condition or trails that are in good shape right now in the Duluth area, please leave your comments.

Protecting Green Corridors in Tacoma

Tacoma is embarking on a plan to protect green habitat corridors within the city, some of which will provide bicycle and pedestrian pathways.

“…put corridor together with open space or habitat and you have the latest trend in a movement to connect city dwellers with the outdoors.”

“The proposed corridors would link Tacoma’s waterfront to the parks, streams, ravines and other vacant, vegetated lands that conservation advocates say make the city livable.”

Full article here:  http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/387022.html

National Trails Day Events Planned for June 7

From the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department:

Trail User Groups Unite in Celebrating National Trail Day Saturday,

June 7th 8:00 AM -12:00 PM at Hartley Trail

Saturday, June 7th, in observation of Duluth’s National Trail Day celebration, cross country skiers, mountain bikers, hikers, runners and out door enthusiasts will come together for the purpose of improving the Hartley Trail.

The Hartley trail system is widely utilized year round by local residents and tourists, and is need of repair. Join the National Trails Day Hartley Trail Volunteer Work Crew beginning at 8:00 AM. No experience necessary, all ages welcome, bring a lunch and plenty of fluids, dress for the weather. Please meet at the Hartley Nature Center parking lot located at 3001 Woodland Avenue .

Other National Trails Day events throughout the region:

The Superior Hiking Trail Association and the Lake County Demonstration Forest Committee will hold two hikes at 10 a.m. Saturday on a new section of the Superior Hiking Trail northwest of Two Harbors. One is a 6.2-mile hike, the other a chance to find geocaches in the Demonstration Forest. No preregistration necessary. Meet at trailhead parking lot for the Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest north of Two Harbors. Directions: At Minnesota Highway 61 milepost 26, turn north onto Lake County Road 2 and go three miles. Turn left (west) onto County Road 12 for 2½ miles. Turn right (north) on Holm Road for one-half mile, then turn left (northwest) on Drummond Grade for 2½ miles to parking lot on right

The Superior Hiking Trail Association seeks volunteers to help replace an existing bridge on the trail at Indian Camp Creek north of Lutsen. Volunteers will haul lumber in, take out the old bridge and build the new bridge. You must pre-register for the bridge-building project by calling or e-mailing the SHTA office by Thursday . Call 834-2700 or e-mail hike@shta.org. Meet at 9 a.m. at the snowmobile trail parking lot along Minnesota Highway 61 near milepost 99. At milepost 99, watch for brown snowmobile sign on right and turn left into snowmobile parking lot.

 

 

Skyline Trail Route Scouting

Duluth Area Trails Alliance members recently scouted and GPS’s the proposed Skyline Trail route above Duluth.  This segment of trail is a critical connection that will connect Enger Park to Chester Park, provide a ridgetop linkage for the Superior Hiking Trail, a shared use trail connection through a developed area of the city, easier access to trails for downtown and hillside residents and provide some spectacular views.  The GPS track confirmed that much of the route is on public land.  This is the first step in the process that will require confirming land ownership, contacting owners of land the trail will cross, laying out the route, getting approval, receiving public input and then eventually result in developing and maintaining a new trail.  It’s a lengthy process but one that will certainly be worth it to provide the public a beautiful new trail and easier access to trails in a heavily developed part of the city.  Anyone with interest in helping with the trail development process, please contact DATA.

Making Better Use of Existing Space - The 9th Ave. Separated Bike Lane

For the time being, it will be imperative for us to make better use of the existing space we have when considering improvements to our bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.  While it will be essential that we also advocate for new bike and pedestrian paths and bike lanes and ensure that bike and pedestrian facilities are always a part of street rebuilding plans, for now, making better use of the space we have will be crucial.

This short video details something that can be done fairly easily to retrofit our existing streets and transportation routes.  Please take a moment to view this short video.  It also has some fun music to go along with it.  Enjoy!

Bike to Work Day - Friday May 16th

Bike to Work Day is scheduled for Friday May 16th.

Events include:

Morning Event – 7am to 9am - will include refreshments, free bike safety inspections, demonstration on how to use the bike racks on the DTA buses and other various bike-related info.

DTA – free rides on buses for bicyclists that day.

YMCA – free use of Y facilities (showers & bike storage) for bicyclists that day.

Group Bike Ride – bike leaders will lead a wagon train of bicyclists to the morning commuter event.  (we still need to identify group leaders, with the idea to have the group leaders begin around 6:30am in various locations in the region and head to the Minnesota Power Plaza, picking up other bicyclists along the way.

Areas to begin:

1. Lakeside/Lester Park

2. Duluth Heights

3. West Duluth

4. Superior

5. Other locations

Endion Land Use and Transportation Plan

The Endion Land Use and Transportation Plan is now available for viewing.  The plan recommends creating a network of marked bicycle lanes and routes.  Bicycle lanes are also recommended for London Road.  From the plan: 

“General Recommendation A:

Create a Network of Marked Bicycle Lanes and Routes

Bicycle lanes could be incorporated into the redesign of London Road between10th and 26th  Avenue East, but connections into the East Hillside would be necessary to create a system of bicycle lanes and routes. Therefore, it is recommended that such a network be established as streets and avenues are converted to two-way traffic within the study area of this plan; consider 12th  and 14th Avenue East; 1st, 2nd and 3rd  St in forming the backbone of that network of bicycle lanes. Stripe and mark bicycle lanes 5-6 feet in width, and create a network of safe bicycle routes that head into and out of downtown, establishing viable commuter routes for bicyclists. Include bicycle considerations when undertaking any changes to the transportation network within this study area.”

Our job now is to ensure that the bicycle and pedestrian recomendations become reality.  Reviewing the plan and making recommendations for improvement and making sure that the routes are interconnected will be critical.  View the full plan here:

http://dsmic.org/documentstore/Plans%20and%20Studies%20(Corridor)/EndionNeighborhoodTransportationPlan/Endion%20FINAL%20PLAN.pdf

Bike-Walk Duluth Committee Rocking!

Would a fleet of bicycles for City of Duluth employees to use for local City business increase the number of bike racks in Duluth?  Would more bicycle and pedestrian related facilities lead to more children biking or walking to school?  These are just a couple of the many, many scenarios that the Bike-Walk Duluth Committee is exploring as we continue to pore through the many indicators that will help us identify which actions will be the most successful and make the greatest influence on bicycle and walking opportunities in Duluth.  The DATA Bike-Walk Duluth Committee held its third strategic planning meeting last night and the fruits of those labors are beginning to be seen.  As the planning process continues, we’ll give you a few updates and soon we’ll have some very targeted and comprehensive results and direction.  Stay tuned!

Safety Issues Keep Children From Walking, Biking to School Study Finds

A study released by the University of Michigan suggests that less than 13 percent of U.S. children walked or biked to school in 2004, compared to more than 50 percent in 1969, largely because of safety concerns, United Press International reports. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Southwest Region University Transportation Center in College Station, Texas, researchers combined Geographic Information System data with a survey of 186 parents of children in grades five through eight. When deciding if children should walk or bike to school, the researchers found that parents were most concerned with the speed and volume of traffic on routes to school, the potential for crime and weather issues. To further explore the influence of these factors on parents’ perceptions of safety, researchers conducted lab-based simulation studies focusing on six different pedestrian environments. They found that parents favor a “separation or buffer between traffic and the sidewalk” and are most likely to allow children to walk to school when the buffer is at least eight feet wide and if the buffer area is lined with trees. In light of the findings, the researchers suggest that planners “rethink how to place bike lanes in school walk zones.” Based in part on these findings, the researchers plan to conduct a similar study in Detroit to examine how the confluence of social and physical environments influences the likelihood that children will walk or bike to school (UPI, 3/27/08; University of Michigan release, 3/28/08).

A Bicycle Elevator for Duluth!?!

Like riding your bike to work but that one really steep hill on the way home always stops you in your tracks?  Don’t ride as much because of that ornery little hill?  Check out this cool little bicycle elevator in Trondheim, Norway.  Take that hill!  Check it out: