Here’s a slide show of some of our amazing friends and family that turned out for the launch of mybikelaw. Many thanks to PFE Photo for the wonderful photography.
Too often we hear that retrofitting bicycle infrastructure is too difficult. The work is too expensive, the car parking places are too needed, the demand is too small. Baloney. Here is yet another example of New York (where the space is most expensive and parking is at a premium) doing it right.
Ann Groninger – The North Carolina Alternative Transportation Alliance (NCATA) and Charlotte Area Bicycle Alliance (CABA) both support the Uniform Apportionment of Tort Responsibility Act (UATRA). As promised, here is a brief description of the bill and an explanation of what a change in the law can mean to cyclists: UATRA information. Anyone interested in joining us in the effort who has not already signed up with me, please email.
Ann Groninger – About 40 people attended Saturday’s annual CABA meeting, which included a question and answer session with Charlotte’s new mayor, Anthony Foxx. Given Charlotte’s abysmal safety rankings by the Alliance for Biking and Walking 2010 report, the Mayor’s interest and dedication to alternative transportation solutions is encouraging. The group broke into small groups to discuss and set goals for state and local government advocacy, education and safe routes to schools. Thanks to Martin Zimmerman and all who organized and participated in a great meeting!
The national Alliance for Biking and Walking has just released its 2010 Benchmarking Report and the news for South (and North) Carolina is plain awful.
The report shows that while 5% of trips in South Carolina are by bicycle or foot, bicyclists and pedestrians account for 12% of traffic fatalities.
Lack of investment in bicycling and walking could be to blame. According to the report, South Carolina spends just 0.4% of its federal transportation dollars on biking and walking, ranking 47 among states in the nation for investing in biking and walking. This amounts to just $0.44 per person.
According to Palmetto Cycling Coalition’s Director Rachael Kefalos, “this report highlights not only how poorly South Carolina ranks in terms of levels of bicycling and walking, funding for these programs, and overall safety–but it clearly demonstrates that in order to make our streets safe and inviting for all citizens, and to reverse the obesity epidemic looming over South Carolina, state and local officials must make investing in bicycling and walking a long-term priority.”
See the PCC’s summary of the report at: http://pccsc.net/pdfs/graphic%20fact%20sheet.pdf
Check this out, a cartoon from a South Carolina paper hard on the heels of two high-profile fatality cases. Look, I’m all in favor of free speech, but this is just nasty. The cartoon pretends that it is a dead cyclist’s fault for riding on the road! We should all be doing more riding, and this discourages it by blaming victim.
AG: Raleigh is considering bicycle lanes on Hillsborough Street. Is there really a debate about this? With all the students riding their bicycles near North Carolina State University, bike lanes are a must. Write, email or call your city counsel members to let them know what you think. Here is a letter by Lori McDaniel, a nearby resident and business owner:
Dear Council Members:
I understand the issue of bike lanes will be discussed at the Public Works meeting tomorrow, and I am writing to urge you to support Raleigh’s growing cycling population with a positive view toward bike lanes. Studies have been done around the world and across the U.S. in cities like ours that illustrate the many ways a strong cycling culture benefits the community. Please consider the following:
· Cycling is an excellent form of physical activity, with significant health benefits and a means by which to combat our state’s increasing obesity problem.
· Cycling is an economically efficient activity, as it lowers transport costs through reduced fuel expenditure and individual contributions to congestion.
· Cycling enhances the livability and social health of communities.
· By offering an alternative to motorized transport, cycling presents an effective method of reducing transport related greenhouse gas emissions.
· For many, a reasonable cycling distance is 3 to 4 miles, as it takes about a half hour or less to pedal. It is estimated that 10 percent of urban automobile trips can reasonably be shifted to non-motorized transport.
· A short cycling trip can replace a longer car trip. When people shift to active transportation for more trips, they reduce their total vehicle mileage by avoiding discretionary trips.
Especially in an area like Hillsborough Street – with its high student population and densely populated surrounding neighborhoods – incorporating bike lanes is a must. This will reduce congestion, require less parking, provide greater access to local businesses, and ensure the safety of bike and pedestrian commuters.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this important issue.
New mybikelaw.com pro bono case: cyclist shot at by driver in rural South Carolina (“it was only a warning shot” explained the worthless police officer). Stay tuned for the story as it unfolds.
Ann had a great meeting the other day with engineer Daren Marceau. I love seeing science explain what we all already know.
Ann has finally settled into a new office at 225 E. Worthington. Great office and it’s a few blocks further than the old one so it makes sense to ride instead of walk. Much more fun getting here on the bike!
Ann had a wonderful time last night at the Dirt Divas meeting. They are not only a fun group of women but also a very community conscious and involved group. See www.dirtdivas.net. I will be sending in my check soon to join.