News items represent the views of the original writer or publisher, and not necessarily those of the Missouri Bicycle Federation, Inc.
St. Louis adds 150 new miles of bike trails and on-street routes
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Great Rivers Greenway District recently announced the opening of over 150 new miles of trails and on-street bicycle routes--including the fact that St. Louis is only the third city in the world to convert an elevated railroad trestle to a multi-use trail. The trestle connects to the new McKinley Bridge Bikeway, which creates another great bicycle and pedestrian link across the Mississippi River near downtown St. Louis:
As the cost for a gallon of gasoline continues to soar to historic heights, St. Louis area residents can enjoy more economical transportation options for commuting, shopping and recreational activities, with more than 150 miles of recently completed trails and on-street bicycle lanes.
The most recent developments include nearly tripling the number of dedicated on-street bicycle routes and shared traffic lanes for the Bike St. Louis program from 20 to 77 miles. In addition, the McKinley Bridge Bikeway and Trestle at Branch Street has been completed, making St. Louis only the third city in the world, after the High Line in New York City and the Promenade Plantée in Paris, to convert a historic elevated steel trestle into a linear urban recreation amenity.
Both projects were led by the Great Rivers Greenway District, the public organization developing a unique, 600-mile web of 45 interconnected greenways, parks and trails, known as The River Ring, that will encircle and crisscross the St. Louis region. The River Ring was instrumental in the region’s winning nomination earlier this month (June 6) for the All America City Award, presented by the National Civic League in Tampa.
Widespread support from residents, local government officials, city staff and the regional transit and planning agencies have been instrumental in expanding the network, including The Metro East Park and Recreation District in Illinois.
Elevated Recreation Area is “Crown Jewel”
The “crown jewel” of recent projects is the McKinley Bridge Bikeway and Trestle at Branch Street, which opened June 7. The Trestle, a former rail corridor, has been converted into a 2,400-ft. long by 24-ft. wide paved path that rises from street level at Branch Street to the height of the McKinley Bridge Bikeway. In addition to spectacular views of the Arch and the downtown skyline, it provides a direct connection to the popular 11-mile Riverfront Trail along the Mississippi River shoreline.
The McKinley Bridge Bikeway features a 2,600-ft. long by 14-ft. wide cantilevered lane that is completely separated from vehicular traffic lanes. Offering dramatic views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis, the bikeway is the most unique and distinctive feature of the reconstructed bridge that was reopened for vehicular traffic last November after being closed since 2001. The McKinley Bridge Bikeway is only the second bicycle/pedestrian bridge to open over the Mississippi River in St. Louis, preceded by the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
“In just a few short years, I have seen an important change in residents’ attitudes about bicycle trails and lanes,” said St. Louis City Mayor Francis G. Slay. “What was suspicion and resistance five years ago is now enthusiastic support. A nearby trail is viewed – and, more importantly for our physical fitness, used – as an important amenity for City neighborhoods.”
Bike St. Louis Expands Commuting Options
The Bike St. Louis program is operated by the Great Rivers Greenway District in partnership with the City of St. Louis and a variety of bicyclist advocacy organizations. The goal of the project is to develop a regional network of on-street bicycle lanes that provide safe and direct routes to the area’s major employment, residential, cultural and recreational amenities.
The newest 57 miles of on-street routes are the first major expansion of the Bike St. Louis network since 2005, when the first 20 miles of continuous on-street bicycle routes were dedicated and connected downtown St. Louis to surrounding neighborhoods. Nearly 50 miles of the expanded Bike St. Louis routes are located in the City of St. Louis.
“The Great Rivers Greenway District has demonstrated its commitment to the Bike St. Louis program by making the expansion of routes throughout the region a top priority,” said Joe Torrisi, President of the Missouri Bicycle Federation. “The routes are well-designed to make bicycle commuting as convenient as possible, while choosing streets that are best equipped to accommodate shared lanes.”
Safe Bicycling Posters Promote Awareness
With Bike St. Louis connections to St. Louis’ mass transit system, residents and visitors have many options for multi-modal travel to a variety of destinations. The new routes make it easy for people who choose to bicycle the entire distance to work. For those who prefer to bicycle to a MetroLink train station or MetroBus stop, bicycles can be transported to their final destination at no extra charge. Bicycle carriers are provided on every MetroBus in St. Louis City and County and MetroLink trains have designated cars for bicycles.
Along the entire 77-mile network, customized destination signage has been installed to help bicyclists anticipate distances to approaching mass transit stations, business districts and recreational amenities. In addition, federal transportation funding from the East-West Gateway Council of Governments has been used to initiate a bicycle public awareness campaign featuring a series of posters that have been installed at MetroBus and MetroLink stops. Posters not only promote the health and environmental benefits of bicycling, they also support the “rules of the road” with bicycles and vehicles sharing the road.
More than 30,000 Bike St. Louis maps of the entire route system, as well as important safety and resource information, have been printed and distributed to locations throughout the St. Louis region for residents and visitors.
Expansion of the River Ring and Bike St. Louis
In St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County more than150 miles of trails and on-street bicycle lanes have been completed and expansion of The River Ring continues. In 2008, the Great Rivers Greenway District is constructing approximately 20 miles of trails and future expansion of the Bike St. Louis network is on-going.
With a mission dedicated to building a regional system of greenways, parks and trails, the Great Rivers Greenway District is working with a variety of public, private and non-profit organizations to complete more miles of trails and on-street routes.
“Providing smart and simple transportation options for residents while educating the region on the many benefits of leaving your car at home will be critical as we work with our partners to develop more trails and on-street routes and attract more users,” says David Fisher, Executive Director of Great Rivers Greenway District.
About The Great Rivers Greenway District: The Great Rivers Greenway District is the public organization leading the development of a region-wide system of interconnected greenways, parks and trails, known as the River Ring. The River Ring will join two states and cover an area of 1,216 square miles. The Greenway District was established in November 2000 by the successful passage of the Clean Water, Safe Parks and Community Trails Initiative (Proposition C) in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County, Missouri. For more information about Great Rivers Greenway District, visit www.greatrivers.info.
Trial for driver who killed Larry and Sierra Gaunt set for July 14th
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The trial of the driver who killed Larry & Sierra Gaunt is set for July 14th, 2008, in Independence. Larry & Sierra were killed last August by a driver who was speeding and veered off the road.
This is the information the family sent out. Those who would like to support the Gaunts are welcome to attend the trial or as much of it as you can.
The Gaunt family sent out this statement today:
The trial for the deaths of Larry and Sierra Gaunt is scheduled for July 14, 2008, at the Jackson County Courthouse Annex in Independence, MO. William K. Johnson is charged with involuntary manslaughter for hitting Larry and Sierra with his truck while they training for the MS 150 Bicycle Tour, August 6, 2007, on Raytown Road.
Since Aug. 6, 2007, our family has faced many challenges in dealing with our loss. The trial, when completed, will end one of the most difficult series of events we've endured. We will be relieved to have an end to the criminal part of this ordeal and pray for justice in the senseless loss of two precious people. Hopefully, this trial will bring closure for our family and justice for this horrible loss.
As we met the challenges of our loss we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of compassion and support from the community, in particular, the cycling community, Pleasant Lea Middle School, and Tall Oaks Christian Camp. This support has assisted us through many difficult days. We are grateful for the many dedications and honors presented in the memory of our loved ones. And, we are no less appreciative for every kind words and prayer of which there were so very, very many. It is the grace of God that sustains us.
But what about something similar on a STATE level?
Here it is--and we need to be working to make sure Missouri measures up to the rest of the nation:
A Bicycle Friendly State promotes cycling through legislation, policies, programs, and by creating new places to ride, educating motorists and cyclists, and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation.
The Bicycle Friendly State Program is a two part recognition program that ranks and recognizes states that actively support bicycling. First, states are ranked annually based on their level of bike-friendliness. Secondly, states that wish to apply for a Bicycle Friendly State award designation can receive further recognition and promotion of their efforts as well as feedback, technical assistance, training and further encouragement to improve their bicycling legislation, projects, and programs.
The Bicycle Friendly State Program is generously support by program partners Bikes Belong and Trek Bicycle.
If MoBikeFeds Report Card on Walking and Bicycling in Missouri is any indication, Missouri's grade might not be too high.
But the purpose of these programs is to see exactly where we are and how to compare to other states around the country. Then we can see exactly where our strengths and weaknesses are.
And then we can work to celebrate our strengths and fix our weaknesses.
Seeing how Missouri stacks up to the other 50 states should be a very revealing exercise!
This morning, June 23, the Conference of Mayors passed and adopted a resolution that bicycling should be integrated into the United States’ transportation, climate, energy and health policy initiatives. It got widespread support from the mayors, including more than 25 mayors who signed on to co-sponsors the bill. Chris Koos, the mayor of Normal, Ill., originated the popular resolution. The resolution is similar to the "National Bike Bill", sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2008.
Below is the full text of the resolution adopted by the US Conference of Mayors last weekend. Too bad there are no mayors from Missouri listed as co-sponsors . . .
UPDATE: Mayor Darwin Hindman of Columbia was among the co-sponsors. Mayor Hindman was also elected to the U.S. Council of Mayors Advisory Board where, he says, "I intend to influence the organization to move up active living, including bicycling of course, on priority."
ENSURING BICYCLING IS INTEGRATED INTO NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION, CLIMATE, ENERGY AND HEALTH POLICY INITIATIVES
WHEREAS, bicycling can provide multiple and cross-cutting benefits in U.S policy initiatives that seek to address transportation needs, limit climate change and energy consumption and improve public health; and
WHEREAS, we now live in a nation with 300 million people, and that number is expected to grow to 365 million by 2030 and to 420 million by 2050 with the vast majority of that growth occurring in congested urban areas where there are significant limitations on accommodating increased motor vehicle travel; and
WHEREAS, since 1980, the number of miles Americans drive has grown three times faster than the U.S. population; and
WHEREAS, a national transportation system that invests in and is conducive to bicycling reduces traffic congestion in our most heavily congested urban areas while promoting an overall improved quality of life that is valuable for the Nation; As example: More than 200 cities throughout the U.S., representing more than 35 million people have committed to implementing bicycle friendly action plans to make their communities more bicycle friendly; and
WHEREAS, the greatest potential for increased bicycle usage is in our major urban areas where 40 percent of trips are two miles or less and 28 percent are less than one mile; and
WHEREAS, surveys show that a majority of people want to ride more but are dissuaded by concern over traffic danger and other barriers, and case studies have shown that when those barriers to bicycling are removed, people start riding; and
WHEREAS, a national network of interconnected urban and rural bikeways can provide valuable community benefits, including low or no-cost recreation and alternative transportation options for people of all ages and abilities; and
WHEREAS, the transportation sector contributes one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and passenger automobiles and light trucks alone contribute 21 percent; and
WHEREAS, Ten percent of global oil production goes solely toward fueling America’s cars and trucks and the U.S. could save 462 millions of gallons of gasoline a year by increasing cycling from one percent to one and a half percent of all trips; and
WHEREAS, bicycle commuters annually save on average $1,825 in auto-related costs, reduce their carbon emissions by 128 pounds, conserve 145 gallons of gasoline, and avoid 50 hours of gridlock traffic; and
WHEREAS, over 800 of our Nation's Mayors have signed onto the Climate Protection Agreement of the United States Conference of Mayors urging the Federal Government to enact policies and programs to meet or exceed a greenhouse gas emission reduction target of a seven percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and
WHEREAS, two years ago the Conference of Mayors unanimously endorsed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, whereby a key component is to implement climate-friendly land-use policies and invest in public transportation and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Center for Disease Control estimates that if all physically inactive Americans became active, we would save $77 billion in annual medical costs; and
WHEREAS, the United States is challenged by an obesity epidemic in which 65 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese, and 13 percent of children and adolescents are overweight, due in large part to a lack of regular activity; and WHEREAS, the percentage of U.S. children who walk or bike to school has dropped by 70 percent since 1969 such that only 15 percent of students were walking or biking to school in 2001 while the rate of childhood obesity has tripled in recent years; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors believes that achieving increased levels of bicycling is in the national interest; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages the development and implementation of a coordinated national bicycling strategy aimed to increase safe bicycle use as a mode of transportation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages the development of federal transportation, environmental and public health policies that recognize increased and safe bicycle usage for transportation is in the national interest and that we further urge Congress in the next federal transportation reauthorization to establish policies and funding mechanisms that will aim to Reduce the number of motor vehicle miles traveled (VMT); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages improving safety conditions for bicyclists and Collect transportation and safety data needed to monitor progress; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages providing incentives for state and local governments to adopt and implement Complete Street policies designed to accommodate all users; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that even absent federal incentives, Governors and state-level leadership should embrace Complete Streets policies that acknowledge the contributions of bicycles as a means to reduce vehicle miles by integrating bicycle use into standard street design; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors calls on all Mayors that sign onto the Climate Protection Agreement to develop and implement action plans to incorporate bicycling programs and policies as a key component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages every mayor to strive to make their city a Bicycle Friendly Community.
Co-sponsors:
1. John Marchione, Redmond, WA 2. Marty Blum, Santa Barbara, CA 3. R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis, MN 4. Jim Brainard, Carmel, Indiana 5. Al Larson, Schaumberg, IL 6. Ron Littlefield, Chattanooga, TN 7. Joe Riley, Charleston, SC 8. John Hickenlooper, Denver, CO 9. Elaine N. Walker, Bowling Green, KY 10. Jerry Abramson, Louisville, KY 11. Peter Lewis, Auburn, WA 12. Richard Kaplan, Lauderhill, FL 13. Kevin Foy, Chapel Hill, NC 14. Richard Moccia, Norwalk, CT 15. Christopher Cabaldon, West Sacramento, CA 16. John Robert Smith, Meridian, MS 17. William Wynn, Austin, TX 18. Bill Mischler, Pinellas Park, FL 19. Elizabeth Kautz, Burnsville, MN 20. Christopher Coleman, St. Paul, MN 21. Ron Tussing, Billings, MT 22. James Cavanaugh, Goodyear, Arizona 23. Ken Flatto, Fairfield, CT 24. Bill Bogaard, Pasadena, CA 25. David Pope, Oak Park, IL 26. Darwin Hindman, Columbia, MO
(some more co-sponsors may have been added at the last minute.)
[Bicyclist Jim] Collins has noticed a change in Joplin with regard to the status of bicyclists.
“I bike every day,” he said. “I try to get in 20 to 30 miles a day. I still drive, but you can get around town on a bike fairly easy. It’s really improving quite a bit. We have some streets now with bike lanes, such as Zora and Maiden Lane.” . . .
The thoroughfares most used by Joplin motorists — Range Line Road, Seventh Street and 32nd Street — are routes that bicyclists avoid. The traffic is too heavy and moves too fast.
They prefer the openness and slower pace of traffic on Langston Hughes-Broadway, 15th Street, and Wall and Joplin avenues. They also favor the city’s newer routes with designated lanes for bicycles. . . .
Joplin does not require bicycle racks with new construction. But the city is aware of the security issue.
“We’re putting more racks downtown specifically,” said Troy Bolander, Joplin’s city planner. “They will be part of the downtown redevelopment and the extension of bicycle trails to the downtown area.” . . .
Sharing the road with bicyclists has not been an issue in Joplin, said Cpl. Ryan West, head of the Joplin Police Department’s officer-bicycle program.
“We have had very few incidents of conflict between motorists and bicyclists,” he said. “Bicyclists are using public roadways, and they have to abide by the same traffic laws as motorists.
Since about 1980, miles driven in the U.S. has increased at an amazingly steady rate of about 3% per year--until 2006, when miles driven rose by under 1%, then held steady through about November 2007.
Since November 2007, miles driven has taken a sharp nosedive.
In the North-Central region, which includes Missouri, miles driven is down by 2.1% for April 2008 compared with April 2007.
In Missouri, miles driven was down 6.1% in March 2008 compared with March a year earlier and down 3.1% in April 2008 compared with April a year earlier.
All this has important ramifications for Missouri's transportation policy--all of which is based on the assumption that people will continue to drive more and more miels, regardless of the cost of fuel, and will not under any circumstances choose other transportation options.
For instance, MoDOT's Long-Range Transportation Plan is built on the assumption of ever-increasing miles traveled (see page 7) and includes this statement, which data already showed to be false even as it was written: "History shows that even when fuel prices rise dramatically, Missourians are generally unwilling or unable to turn to other modes of transportation, continuing to drive their personal vehicles and to purchase fuel to do so" (page 18).
Individual projects around the state are also planned around the assumptions that Missourians will drive at an ever-increasing rate and will never choose to use transit, walk, or bicycle, even if those options are presented.
The result is that projects are currently being built to handle a traffic volume that will never be reached unless gasoline prices return to prices below $2/gallon, and Complete Streets elements--which will accomodate the significant fraction of the population that will choose to walk, bicycle, and use transit at current and future fuel prices--are being omitted because officials feel they will not be used.
With the change in driver behavior happening now, now is the time to change our transportation policies to accommodate the very real needs of Missourians.
It will take only a few percentage points drop in miles driven to double, triple, or even quadruple the amount of trips Missourians take by walking, bicycling, and transit--because Missourians still need to get to work, school, shopping, recreation, and all their other destinations. They are simply looking for a healthier and more economical way of doing so.
GetAbout Columbia--federal nonmotorized pilot project now moving forward on many fronts
The news from Columbia's Nonmotorized Pilot Project--now dubbed getabout Columbia--has been coming so fast and furious this spring it is hard to keep up.
The good news is this: People in Columbia and throughout the state--perhaps not familiar with the requirements and time table needed to get a brand new, major federally funded project off the ground and moving--have been asking, "When are they actually going to do something with all that nonmotorized pilot project funding?!"
Well, they are doing something now--and the pace will only pick up from now forward.
Share the Road specialty license plate in Missouri dealt a setback
MoBikeFed has been working for over a year towards creating a special "Share the Road with Bicyclists" license plate in Missouri.
We have gathered signatures from over 2000 citizens interested in purchasing the plates, held a design competition, and were prepared to apply for the plates by the annual deadline of June 30th, 2008.
Corresponding with the Missouri Department of Revenue about the application this week, we discovered that Missouri's specialized license plate program has been completely suspended due to a federal court ruling [PDF file] earlier this spring.
According to DOR officials, the court ruling will require the Missouri legislature to pass legislation fixing the issues the federal court addressed before any more applications for specialized license plates can be accepted.
This was all a surprise to us--we have been corresponding with DOR officials as late as this spring about the design particulars for the plates. But apparently the ruling came down in late January and it took some time to work out the ramifications for future specialty plate applications.
Since the legislative session for 2008 is already over, that means that it will be 2009 at earliest before applications for any new specialty license plates can be submitted.
As always, when working with any issue dealing with the legislative process (specialty license plates must be approved by the legislature), progress is measure not in days or months, but in years. As with any item on MoBikeFed's Legislative Platform, we take the long-range view and will continue to work with the legislature for as many years as needed to reach our objective.
Recent bicycling incidents in Kansas City area lead to concern
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A streak of collisions and incidents across the Kansas City area, including four bicycle injuries within the space of a week, have caused concern throughout the metro area.
Among the concerns is the response of officers from the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department to an incident that involved two cyclists who were bumped and then involved in an altercation with an driver. The cyclists felt that the officers were not as responsive to their concerns as they should have been--though in the end the officers did cite the driver.
Kansas City area bicycle and pedestrian groups, including the Missouri Bicycle Federation, have been involved in the Kansas City Share the Road Task Force. The Task Force has been very effective in creating cooperation between cities, agencies, and bicycle/pedestrian groups. Members of the Task Force have been able to create positive relationships with law enforcement officials and are now following up through these pre-established contacts to be sure the proper protocol was followed in all of the incidents, and that law enforcement officers around the metro area are properly educated about how best to handle these types of incidents.
It’s all over Internet discussion groups. There’ve been plenty of e-mails and phone calls to City Hall.
And at a Brookside coffee shop Friday morning, representatives of area bike clubs discussed how the Longview Lake incident and recent accidents demonstrate a need for more consideration between cyclists, motorists and pedestrians. I was invited, as a fellow cyclist, to sit in.
“What it is about is transportation choice for everybody,” said Laurie Chipman, a graphic designer who helps organize the annual tribute to dead cyclists, the Ride of Silence.
“With the economy the way it is, we’re going to see more people riding (bikes),” she said.
Indeed, we are seeing that. And not just the recreational cyclists in their skin-tight spandex. With gas prices soaring, there has been an uptick in the number of people walking and biking for trips to the store and work.
The upshot in a city like ours where the car is king? Safety concerns and opportunities for friction.
If things work out, Missouri’s cross-state hiking-biking path will reach the Kansas City area three years from now, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. That’s figuring in time to schmooze adjoining landowners and to plan and build a trail alongside the former Rock Island tracks between Windsor and Pleasant Hill.
Finally.
It looked as if it would never happen. But the way was cleared, as you’ll recall, by last year’s settlement in the Taum Sauk dam disaster lawsuit.
Next biggest deal: Missouri lawmakers approved funding, despite fears they’d find another way to blow the $18 million set aside for trail development.
MoBikeFed has kept in contact with DNR officials throughout the legislative session, and they indicate that they feel they can solve all potential problems--trail design, property rights issues, road and stream crossings, and all the rest--within the $18 million budget that is alloted for the project and within the project 3-year time frame.
The trail from Windsor to Pleasant Hill will be a trails with rails project, with the trail being placed alongside the existing railroad track so that the railroad can (potentially) be reactivated at some future time.
As Hendricks outlines in the article, the approach of the trail to the Kansas City metro area has put local efforts to connect to the trailhead in Pleasant Hill into overdrive.
So soon after the trail reaches Pleasant Hill--which should be some time in 2011 if DNR's timeline holds--we may see connections made to nearby communities like Lee's Summit, Kansas City, and even Johnson County Kansas.
In addition, bicycle/pedestrian crossings of the Missouri River in Kansas City are underway and at least one crossing should be online by 2011.
This opens the potential to create the trail connection from the Katy Trail through the Kansas City area to St. Joseph, Omaha, Lincoln, and beyond--as envisioned in the Quad States Trail vision.
Increasing the size of Missouri's statewide trail network--eventually reaching within 2 miles of over 2 million Missouri residents--is one of the goals in MoBikeFed's Vision of Active Transportation in Missouri. Creating the Katy Trail link to the Kansas City metro area is one of the most important connections needed to make that goal a reality.
The Bicycle Friendly Communities program is an important part of MoBikeFed's Vision of Active Transportation in Missouri.
Since about 1980, miles driven in the U.S. has increased at an amazingly steady rate of about 3% per year--until 2006, when miles driven rose by under 1%, then held steady through about November 2007.
MoBikeFed has been working for over a year towards creating a special "Share the Road with Bicyclists" license plate in Missouri..gif)
The KCStar's Mike Hendricks wrote: