WPVI.com: Bicyclist Killed in Limerick Accident
42-year-old Paul O'Donnell was pushing a bicycle in the eastbound lane on Linfield Trappe Road when he was struck and killed by a passing car at around 5:30 Am on Friday.
Linfield Trappe Road is a clear example of an incomplete street . It is a narrow formerly rural road with 11 foot lanes with no sidewalks or shoulders. In 2003 Limerick Township turned back nearly 1/2 million dollars to construct shoulders and bike lanes on major roads in the Township.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Lehigh Valley Bike summit set for Dec. 3
BETHLEHEM -- The Lehigh Valley Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT) is hosting a Bike Summit for Lehigh and Northampton County bicyclists from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, at the D.A.R. House, 114 Eighth Avenue. Bethlehem
For more information contact CAT today or call 610-954-5744
BETHLEHEM -- The Lehigh Valley Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT) is hosting a Bike Summit for Lehigh and Northampton County bicyclists from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, at the D.A.R. House, 114 Eighth Avenue. Bethlehem
For more information contact CAT today or call 610-954-5744
Friday, November 19, 2004
Free the Schuylkill River Park Coalition Urges Fairmount Park to Create a Parallel Running Path
On November 12, Free Schuylkill River Park, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and several members of Philly Runners sent a letter to the Fairmount Park Commission regarding the need for a running path to be incorporated into the future landscaping of the Park. Click on this link to view the text of the letter.
On November 12, Free Schuylkill River Park, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and several members of Philly Runners sent a letter to the Fairmount Park Commission regarding the need for a running path to be incorporated into the future landscaping of the Park. Click on this link to view the text of the letter.
PHILLY'S 'BEHIND CURVE' CALMING SCHOOL ZONES, WHERE WE RESIST, OTHER CITIES HAVE MADE TRAFFIC SAFER:
By MYUNG OAK KIM
As a partial solution to the 90+ school students hit by cars last year the Daily News proposes traffic calming around city schools.
By MYUNG OAK KIM
As a partial solution to the 90+ school students hit by cars last year the Daily News proposes traffic calming around city schools.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Riverfront trail route meets with opposition from Palmyra and Riverton Residents (Burlington County Times)
A scheduled two-hour public-information session at the Delran Municipal Building on Chester Avenue drew about 30 residents and ran longer than expected because most wanted to air concerns about the planned route of the path. The article notes that much of the opposition came from Palmyra and Riverton residents.
Actually I would be hard pressed to call it a trail, 60% of the route will be on-road and in fact the planners moved 90% of the Riverton segment onto River Road bypassing the scenic riverfront (which is clearly marked on the Regional Bike Map). People were opposing things like signs, pavement markings and even pedestrians.
So NJ Bicyclists and other trail supporters need to get organized and show up at these meetings. This seems to be a very small but vocal group of opponents to the trail, but they are ones that are setting the agenda.
A scheduled two-hour public-information session at the Delran Municipal Building on Chester Avenue drew about 30 residents and ran longer than expected because most wanted to air concerns about the planned route of the path. The article notes that much of the opposition came from Palmyra and Riverton residents.
Actually I would be hard pressed to call it a trail, 60% of the route will be on-road and in fact the planners moved 90% of the Riverton segment onto River Road bypassing the scenic riverfront (which is clearly marked on the Regional Bike Map). People were opposing things like signs, pavement markings and even pedestrians.
So NJ Bicyclists and other trail supporters need to get organized and show up at these meetings. This seems to be a very small but vocal group of opponents to the trail, but they are ones that are setting the agenda.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Liberty Bell Trail Feasibility Study Open House
Location: Souderton Borough Hall ( Open House )
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
The Liberty Bell Trail will run between Norristown and Quakertown roughly following the alignment of the Liberty Bell Trolley Line. The purpose of the meeting is to review the proposed alignment, the completion of the feasibility study and the next steps which include trail design, right of way acquisition and finally construction.
Details are available on the Liberty Bell Trail Website
http://www.montcopa.org/parks/LibertyBell.htm
Location: Souderton Borough Hall ( Open House )
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
The Liberty Bell Trail will run between Norristown and Quakertown roughly following the alignment of the Liberty Bell Trolley Line. The purpose of the meeting is to review the proposed alignment, the completion of the feasibility study and the next steps which include trail design, right of way acquisition and finally construction.
Details are available on the Liberty Bell Trail Website
http://www.montcopa.org/parks/LibertyBell.htm
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Rappahannock River Oysters
Hey my friend Ryan Croxton flew from North Carolina then took two trains to attend my wedding only to wind up waiting at my mother-in-laws house for 2 hours. I'll gladly plug your company if you plan on doing the same for my son's christening this Sunday. Try them at the Samson Street Oyster House
Hey my friend Ryan Croxton flew from North Carolina then took two trains to attend my wedding only to wind up waiting at my mother-in-laws house for 2 hours. I'll gladly plug your company if you plan on doing the same for my son's christening this Sunday. Try them at the Samson Street Oyster House
Regional Revitalization Plans refute traffic calming/Embrace the Atlantic City Strategy
The Atlantic City Strategy is build monoliths and freeways at the expense of the residents and integrity of the city. Tear down buildings, widen highways, build auto accessible monoliths near dilapidated downtowns to "Revive" the city. Worse yet these strategies are often sanctioned as "Smart Growth" projects.
Some local examples
1- Anything built in Northeast or Southwest Philadelphia in the past several years, including the new Whitman Square on Roosevelt Blvd where developers turned the old Whitman Chocolate site and turned it into a power center. This should be the death blow for the nearby Roosevelt Mall.
2 - The conversion of PA 291 through Chester from a two lane street to a 4 lane highway. While the East Coast Greenway is going through Chester an article in the Delaware County Times notes that a sea of parking lots and highway ramps are replacing dilapidated homes. Meanwhile SEPTA has responded by closing the Lamokin Street train station and cutting service on certain bus routes.
3 Anything proposed in Lower Bucks County - Apartment complexes generate plenty of pedestrian traffic and crashes on busy streets with no sidewalks. But these conservative communities seem reluctant to try radical solutions such as slowing down traffic. A plan for a mixed use transit village was replaced by a Home Depot in Tullytown. Along Route 413 in Bristol Twp. A Beautification plan turned out be 5 lane highway with sidewalks, Look for a similar "modification" of an excellent plan for Route 13 in Bensalem and Bristol Twp.
4 Lafayette Street Norristown - A quiet two lane street will be replaced by a 4 lane boulevard that will serve as an off-ramp to the PA Turnpike. Crossing the street to access the trail or Norristown Transportation Center will be more difficult. Residents on Lafayette St will have large volume of traffic passing by to access US 202. Schuylkill River Trail will be taken off a RR bridge and the realighnment will require cyclists to climb up a hill.
Planners have to look no further than to look at nearby affluent downtowns. New Hope sports speed humps not highway ramps, Doylestown has brick crossings between the downtown and the train station, Downtown West Chester has bump outs and cafe's.
The Atlantic City Strategy is build monoliths and freeways at the expense of the residents and integrity of the city. Tear down buildings, widen highways, build auto accessible monoliths near dilapidated downtowns to "Revive" the city. Worse yet these strategies are often sanctioned as "Smart Growth" projects.
Some local examples
1- Anything built in Northeast or Southwest Philadelphia in the past several years, including the new Whitman Square on Roosevelt Blvd where developers turned the old Whitman Chocolate site and turned it into a power center. This should be the death blow for the nearby Roosevelt Mall.
2 - The conversion of PA 291 through Chester from a two lane street to a 4 lane highway. While the East Coast Greenway is going through Chester an article in the Delaware County Times notes that a sea of parking lots and highway ramps are replacing dilapidated homes. Meanwhile SEPTA has responded by closing the Lamokin Street train station and cutting service on certain bus routes.
3 Anything proposed in Lower Bucks County - Apartment complexes generate plenty of pedestrian traffic and crashes on busy streets with no sidewalks. But these conservative communities seem reluctant to try radical solutions such as slowing down traffic. A plan for a mixed use transit village was replaced by a Home Depot in Tullytown. Along Route 413 in Bristol Twp. A Beautification plan turned out be 5 lane highway with sidewalks, Look for a similar "modification" of an excellent plan for Route 13 in Bensalem and Bristol Twp.
4 Lafayette Street Norristown - A quiet two lane street will be replaced by a 4 lane boulevard that will serve as an off-ramp to the PA Turnpike. Crossing the street to access the trail or Norristown Transportation Center will be more difficult. Residents on Lafayette St will have large volume of traffic passing by to access US 202. Schuylkill River Trail will be taken off a RR bridge and the realighnment will require cyclists to climb up a hill.
Planners have to look no further than to look at nearby affluent downtowns. New Hope sports speed humps not highway ramps, Doylestown has brick crossings between the downtown and the train station, Downtown West Chester has bump outs and cafe's.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Safe Routes to School Presentation
Safe Routes to School is a great program, but it is difficult sometimes to explain what Safe Routes to Schools means. The Bicycle Coalition has created a presentation to inform citizens, parents, school and municipal officials SR2S. Included in the program are Included in the presentation are Pennsylvania specific links to funding resources such as PENNDOT's Safe Routes to School program for construction and PANA's mini grants for education.
Safe Routes to School is a great program, but it is difficult sometimes to explain what Safe Routes to Schools means. The Bicycle Coalition has created a presentation to inform citizens, parents, school and municipal officials SR2S. Included in the program are Included in the presentation are Pennsylvania specific links to funding resources such as PENNDOT's Safe Routes to School program for construction and PANA's mini grants for education.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
SEPTA Bike on Bus Changes
Nov. 21 and 22 SEPTA will be issuing new schedules for some of its suburban routes. Several routes will be added to the bike accessible network.
Most importantly
Perkiomen Trail Access
91 Norristown TC to Graterford (Saturdays only) At Graterford Road in Graterford
93 Norristown to Pottstown – At Main near 3rd (Wawa)
These routes cross the Perkiomen Trail so you can now officially take the train to Norristown then take a bus to the Perkiomen Trail and ride back into the city.
Just west of Pottstown is the unpaved and partially completed Thun Trail which combined with local roads will get you to the outskirts of Reading. Map
92 Exton Square to West Chester – Finally bike on bus service to West Chester via the R5 at Exton
109 – Chester to 69th St the most frequent service along Baltimore Pike and Chester Rd Corridors (every15 to 20 minutes).
– Chester – Elwyn to Penn State Delco R2 or R3 connection that will take you close to Tyler Arboretum and Ridley Creek SP.
130 - Franklin Mills to Newtown, R3 connection at Langhorne route ends at Bucks County College directly adjacent to the Tyler State Park Paths
204 – Paoli Train Station to Lionville – This route takes you out to the rhuburbs, Eagleview you can ride to the Struble Trail from here via Eagleview Rd.
These routes will also be bike accessible
117, 118, 128, 314, 131
Nov. 21 and 22 SEPTA will be issuing new schedules for some of its suburban routes. Several routes will be added to the bike accessible network.
Most importantly
Perkiomen Trail Access
91 Norristown TC to Graterford (Saturdays only) At Graterford Road in Graterford
93 Norristown to Pottstown – At Main near 3rd (Wawa)
These routes cross the Perkiomen Trail so you can now officially take the train to Norristown then take a bus to the Perkiomen Trail and ride back into the city.
Just west of Pottstown is the unpaved and partially completed Thun Trail which combined with local roads will get you to the outskirts of Reading. Map
92 Exton Square to West Chester – Finally bike on bus service to West Chester via the R5 at Exton
109 – Chester to 69th St the most frequent service along Baltimore Pike and Chester Rd Corridors (every15 to 20 minutes).
– Chester – Elwyn to Penn State Delco R2 or R3 connection that will take you close to Tyler Arboretum and Ridley Creek SP.
130 - Franklin Mills to Newtown, R3 connection at Langhorne route ends at Bucks County College directly adjacent to the Tyler State Park Paths
204 – Paoli Train Station to Lionville – This route takes you out to the rhuburbs, Eagleview you can ride to the Struble Trail from here via Eagleview Rd.
These routes will also be bike accessible
117, 118, 128, 314, 131
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Trail Updates
Cobbs Creek Bikeway - This project is under construction, some paving has already taken place.
Delaware River Heritage Trail - Preliminary Engineering is nearly complete, final design to begin sometime in 2005. See the D&R canal for details about the northernmost segment.
Delaware and Raritan Canal:Bordentown to Trenton - Trail will use the Riverline RR Bridge over Crosswicks Creek. Final design has been complete for over two years and this project is ready for construction. However the NJ Parks and Forests construction budget has been zeroed out for the past two years. Construction will begin in 2005 if money is allocated.
Liberty Bell Trail - A feasibility study is nearly complete with a trail alignment agreed upon. More details will be forthcoming with an Open House
Location: Souderton Borough Hall
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Radnor Trail - Trail is paved and scheduled to officially open later this month. However we have reports that the trail is already being used. Links to new trail photos.
Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail - This trail will run from the Forbidden Drive trailhead on Northwestern Ave in Chestnut Hill to Fort Washington State Park. The first segment along Northwestern Ave will be going under construction in April. Tentatively the rest of the path is scheduled to go under construction in the fall of 2005 with completion expected around the end of the year. This is subject to change, as these timelines often fall back however it should be noted that the County kept its word on the construction timeline of the Perkiomen Trail so keep your fingers crossed.
Cobbs Creek Bikeway - This project is under construction, some paving has already taken place.
Delaware River Heritage Trail - Preliminary Engineering is nearly complete, final design to begin sometime in 2005. See the D&R canal for details about the northernmost segment.
Delaware and Raritan Canal:Bordentown to Trenton - Trail will use the Riverline RR Bridge over Crosswicks Creek. Final design has been complete for over two years and this project is ready for construction. However the NJ Parks and Forests construction budget has been zeroed out for the past two years. Construction will begin in 2005 if money is allocated.
Liberty Bell Trail - A feasibility study is nearly complete with a trail alignment agreed upon. More details will be forthcoming with an Open House
Location: Souderton Borough Hall
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Radnor Trail - Trail is paved and scheduled to officially open later this month. However we have reports that the trail is already being used. Links to new trail photos.
Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail - This trail will run from the Forbidden Drive trailhead on Northwestern Ave in Chestnut Hill to Fort Washington State Park. The first segment along Northwestern Ave will be going under construction in April. Tentatively the rest of the path is scheduled to go under construction in the fall of 2005 with completion expected around the end of the year. This is subject to change, as these timelines often fall back however it should be noted that the County kept its word on the construction timeline of the Perkiomen Trail so keep your fingers crossed.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Monday, November 01, 2004
Action Alert - Support Tax Benefit for Bicycle Commuters
From the League of American Bicyclists:
The League urges New Jersey cyclists to contact their Assemblymen and Assemblywomen to ask them to co-sponsor Bill A-3441, which would give bike commuters a tax break. Introduced last week to the New Jersey Legislature by Assemblyman David W. Wolfe (R—NJ District 10), Bill A-3441 would allow a deduction against New Jersey gross income of $0.10 per mile biked by a taxpayer between the taxpayer's place of residence and place of employment. The taxpayer would be required to maintain and submit records of the dates of commuting and the miles traveled.
According to Assemblyman Wolfe, the Assistant Republican Leader, “This deduction will provide an incentive to encourage bicycle commuting and reduce the large number of short, single occupancy vehicle trips that many New Jerseyans engage in to get to and from work. This deduction provides a potential means to increase the numbers of bicycle commuters in the State, which would help reduce the number of trips made by automobile. Forty percent of all automobile trips in the nation are made within two miles of the home and 50% of the working population commutes five miles or less to work.”
The Bill cites the many benefits of bicycling, calling cycling, “an excellent activity to help reverse the alarming rise in obesity rates.” It points out that, “bike commuting saves money on gas, parking and wear on the public transportation infrastructure.” It also says that, “Half of all Americans (99.0 million people) believe that cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans are the primary cause of air pollution in their communities and 65% (135.4
million) are concerned about the level of traffic congestion on the roads in their communities.”
Visit http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/bills0001.asp for the full text of Bill A-3441 and let your Assemblymen and Assemblywomen know you support the Act
From the League of American Bicyclists:
The League urges New Jersey cyclists to contact their Assemblymen and Assemblywomen to ask them to co-sponsor Bill A-3441, which would give bike commuters a tax break. Introduced last week to the New Jersey Legislature by Assemblyman David W. Wolfe (R—NJ District 10), Bill A-3441 would allow a deduction against New Jersey gross income of $0.10 per mile biked by a taxpayer between the taxpayer's place of residence and place of employment. The taxpayer would be required to maintain and submit records of the dates of commuting and the miles traveled.
According to Assemblyman Wolfe, the Assistant Republican Leader, “This deduction will provide an incentive to encourage bicycle commuting and reduce the large number of short, single occupancy vehicle trips that many New Jerseyans engage in to get to and from work. This deduction provides a potential means to increase the numbers of bicycle commuters in the State, which would help reduce the number of trips made by automobile. Forty percent of all automobile trips in the nation are made within two miles of the home and 50% of the working population commutes five miles or less to work.”
The Bill cites the many benefits of bicycling, calling cycling, “an excellent activity to help reverse the alarming rise in obesity rates.” It points out that, “bike commuting saves money on gas, parking and wear on the public transportation infrastructure.” It also says that, “Half of all Americans (99.0 million people) believe that cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans are the primary cause of air pollution in their communities and 65% (135.4
million) are concerned about the level of traffic congestion on the roads in their communities.”
Visit http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/bills0001.asp for the full text of Bill A-3441 and let your Assemblymen and Assemblywomen know you support the Act
TRENTON ROUTE 29 WATERFRONT BOULEVARD STUDY
Public Open House
Tuesday, November 9, 2004
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The purpose of this Public Open House is to discuss converting Route 29 into an Urban Boulevard from Warren Street to Sullivan Way. The Open House will be held at the West State Street Campus of the Trenton High School (Formerly Arthur Holland Middle School), 1001 West State Street on Tuesday, November 9, 2004 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Route 29 Waterfront Boulevard Study
The Department of Transportation is conducting the Route 29 Waterfront Boulevard Study to evaluate the feasibility of converting the Route 29 Freeway into an urban style Boulevard to:
• Improve access to the Delaware River Waterfront and provide open space along the Delaware River
• Improve safety by introducing traffic calming features in the corridor.
• Promote economic development and downtown revitalization
Representatives from New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and the project team are seeking input from members of the community. The information provided will help define the long-term goals and objectives of the project and assist in developing a project that is sensitive to the needs of the community.
Project Background
The City of Trenton is currently preparing a Master Plan for the Downtown Capital District to promote economic development and improving access to the Delaware River.
In addition, Route 29 has experienced numerous accidents involving both vehicles and pedestrians. The NJDOT is currently implementing a separate safety project to address these immediate needs.
Project Status
The Route 29 Waterfront Boulevard Study was initiated in July 2004 and is presently in the data collection and project definition Phase. This phase of the project will conclude in early 2005.
Public Open House
Tuesday, November 9, 2004
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The purpose of this Public Open House is to discuss converting Route 29 into an Urban Boulevard from Warren Street to Sullivan Way. The Open House will be held at the West State Street Campus of the Trenton High School (Formerly Arthur Holland Middle School), 1001 West State Street on Tuesday, November 9, 2004 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Route 29 Waterfront Boulevard Study
The Department of Transportation is conducting the Route 29 Waterfront Boulevard Study to evaluate the feasibility of converting the Route 29 Freeway into an urban style Boulevard to:
• Improve access to the Delaware River Waterfront and provide open space along the Delaware River
• Improve safety by introducing traffic calming features in the corridor.
• Promote economic development and downtown revitalization
Representatives from New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and the project team are seeking input from members of the community. The information provided will help define the long-term goals and objectives of the project and assist in developing a project that is sensitive to the needs of the community.
Project Background
The City of Trenton is currently preparing a Master Plan for the Downtown Capital District to promote economic development and improving access to the Delaware River.
In addition, Route 29 has experienced numerous accidents involving both vehicles and pedestrians. The NJDOT is currently implementing a separate safety project to address these immediate needs.
Project Status
The Route 29 Waterfront Boulevard Study was initiated in July 2004 and is presently in the data collection and project definition Phase. This phase of the project will conclude in early 2005.
Pep Grant to Neshaminy School District will allow to enhance bike education program (phillyBurbs.com):
The Neshaminy School District recently won $241,390 to improve and expand its physical education program, making students more active in the effort to fight obesity.
Charles Schmidt, League Cycling Instructor and lead teacher for health and physical education in Neshaminy has led the largest bicycle education program in the Philadelphia Suburbs. The grant awarded by the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) will enable the district to expand his landmark program.
The Neshaminy School District recently won $241,390 to improve and expand its physical education program, making students more active in the effort to fight obesity.
Charles Schmidt, League Cycling Instructor and lead teacher for health and physical education in Neshaminy has led the largest bicycle education program in the Philadelphia Suburbs. The grant awarded by the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) will enable the district to expand his landmark program.
Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors: "Food for Thought
Healthy and Sustainable Community Design Options
Here is a great program seminar the Municipal Officials need to attend
Course Description
As a municipal official, you can play an important role in improving the health and quality of life of your community's residents. Building healthy and sustainable communities provides numerous personal, community and municipal benefits. For example, healthy land-use choices could help to decrease the burden of many health concerns of residents such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, pedestrian injuries, and health disparities. Such planning would also produce a number of benefits to municipalities, including increases in economic vitality, natural resource protection, recreation, advanced public safety, and reduced municipal expenditures in the areas of road construction and maintenance, stormwater management, police and ambulance services.
development.
Course Outline
The impact of land-use and transportation choices
Healthy community design features
Implementation tools
Overcoming barriers
Community partners
Role of local government
Who Should Attend?
Appointed and elected officials, county planning directors, metropolitan planning organization and rural planning organization staff, land use planners, engineers, surveyors, planning commission members of local Environmental Advisory Councils and other municipal employees involved in community planning.
Registration Fee is $25 see website for online registration
December 15, 2004
(Wed. afternoon)
CHESTER COUNTY
Holiday Inn West Chester
943 South High Street
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 692-1900
Healthy and Sustainable Community Design Options
Here is a great program seminar the Municipal Officials need to attend
Course Description
As a municipal official, you can play an important role in improving the health and quality of life of your community's residents. Building healthy and sustainable communities provides numerous personal, community and municipal benefits. For example, healthy land-use choices could help to decrease the burden of many health concerns of residents such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, pedestrian injuries, and health disparities. Such planning would also produce a number of benefits to municipalities, including increases in economic vitality, natural resource protection, recreation, advanced public safety, and reduced municipal expenditures in the areas of road construction and maintenance, stormwater management, police and ambulance services.
development.
Course Outline
The impact of land-use and transportation choices
Healthy community design features
Implementation tools
Overcoming barriers
Community partners
Role of local government
Who Should Attend?
Appointed and elected officials, county planning directors, metropolitan planning organization and rural planning organization staff, land use planners, engineers, surveyors, planning commission members of local Environmental Advisory Councils and other municipal employees involved in community planning.
Registration Fee is $25 see website for online registration
December 15, 2004
(Wed. afternoon)
CHESTER COUNTY
Holiday Inn West Chester
943 South High Street
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 692-1900
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