The Green Lane Project.

While Reno might not be applying for these programs yet, it's exciting to see that these projects are being pushed in some of the "leading" bicycle friendly cities. 


Green Lane Project from Bikes Belong on Vimeo.

My understanding is, to be selected as one of the six cities to get funding for this type of project, the city must "have a plan or vision that is supported by elected officials, leading staff, and the community."  I'd say we have the plan (thank you BPAC), the leading staff, and even support in the community.  It looks like what we really need is some elected officials who will step up to the plate....

And just so you don't think Reno could possibly qualify for such a program while competing against larger cities like Chicago and Portland.  The application states it's not just about which city is the leader in bike infrastructure, rather that cities chosen will range from "known leaders" to areas that are "just embarking on making space for bikes."

Who knows....maybe Reno should apply!?

Cities for Cycling....modern bicycle design....there's a guide for that.

If your interested in what the NACTO guide is there's a link at the top of the blog.

The Godfather calls!

The call out has been made at BikeReno this morning. After producing one of the original digital (Google based) bike maps for our area. BikeReno needs our help to update the modern version....since RTC and regional entities have seen fit to grace us with 50 plus miles of expanded bike lanes and facilities! If your interested please read the repost below and get in contact with BikeReno!

P.s. In the land of bicycle blogging this is like getting a "request" from the Godfather! Let's see if we can handle this in the bicycle family and not have to call out the enforcers! See BikeReno if you're not following the reference!

Don Vito Corleone

 

Reno Bike Map Project

December 13, 2011 By: Jeremy Tags: maps

 

Hey everyone, I’m putting out a call for volunteers to work on a mapping project for the Reno/Sparks area.  Basically, I want to compliment the RTC bike map by entering bike lane/path data into Google Map Maker.  This data is used by Google Maps to create bicycle directions.  It’s pretty easy to do (I’ve put a tutorial under Reno Bike Map), and the more people who work on it, the less we have to do individually.  If you’re interested, please send me an email (jeremy@bikereno.net) and we’ll coordinate who’s doing what streets to avoid duplication of effort.
Thanks!

Holy BPAC Batman!

Ok, I didn't post and let you guys know that there was an alternate scheduling of the BPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee) due to the holiday season.  I did think about it, but I figured no one cared.  Man on man was I wrong.  Last nights meeting was basically standing room only and the conversations were dynamic and rather invigorating (as far as I was concerned).

So why all the excitement?  Well, to start with, most of the bloggers that inspired me to get involved in the Reno bike community were there and the conversation amongst the BPAC committee members was on how to make contact with the cycling community (and spread the good word).  So just for reference if you're looking to read about bicycling in Reno you should check out:

Reno Bike Project, Reno-Rambler, Bike Reno, or Bike Carson

The really cool part last night was each of the bloggers (or reps from them) was present last night (with the exception of Bike Carson....it's a long drive).  The discussion was opened to comments from each of the bloggers and the thought of collaboration, repetition of content, and reaching all age ranges of cyclist was hashed through.  Reference was even made to Bike Portland, which is probably one of the more far reaching and successful blogs in the regional bicycle community.  I think the RTC might be realizing that they don't have to do it all.  If they focus on the build it and they will come mentality, the existing local blogs will get the word out.

If this happens to interest you I'll throw you a last minute bone....

Today at 4-7 pm at the Discovery Museum in Reno the RTC will be holding a public workshop on the Regional Transportation Plan update of 2035.  This is an open house where you can put in your two cents on how our infrastructure grows (both bike, ped, and car).  So if you're ready to get involved come join us!

State Bicycle Plan Survey.....fill it out!!!

Below is a total copy and paste from Bike Carson and Muscle Powered that was written by Jeff Moser.  I'm reposting with the hope that a few more people will stumble across it here.  I realize this is totally ironic since Jeff is probably one of 5 people who even knows this blog exists!  But hey, here's to hoping!  Just to reiterate....  All credit for the write up goes to Jeff at Bike Carson.

Statewide Bicycle Plan Survey

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Jeff Moser

The Nevada Department of Transportation is developing a Statewide Bicycle Plan for the state highway system in Nevada. The project is focusing on policies, programs, legislation and infrastructure that increase safe bicycling in rural communities in Nevada. The intent of this survey is to learn more about people’s preferences for bicycling in Nevada. Your input is critical to the success of this plan. The following survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and they are accepting responses until Tuesday December 6th.

The link to the online survey is here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NevadaStatewideBicyclePlan

Here is the  PDF Version of the Flyer if you’d like to share it.
Don’t forget to complete the survey by Tuesday, December 6th, 2011!

Driving is so much easier!

This has been around since the BP oil spill, but it's good to post it every once in a while just in case we begin to forget.





Created by Mark Fiore.  See more at http://www.markfiore.com

If you like to ride....sign this!!

From the League of American Bicyclists:

Please head here to sign.
http://www.bikeleague.org/petition

			Bike League Blog Read our Blog. Join the League Get great benefits. Cycling in Your Area Find local resources. Social Networking Want to Learn More? Enter your email to subscribe to our E-newsletter
Tell the Senate that bikes have a right to the road The draft of the Senate's transportation authorization bill, S. 1813 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, includes language that would introduce a mandatory sidepath law on roads in our National Parks and other Federal lands. It requires cyclists on Federal lands to use a path or trail, instead of roads, if the speed limit is over 30 MPH and a trail exists within 100 yards, regardless of its condition or utility of the path. The provision sets a terrible precedent. Passing it would send the wrong message to transportation agencies that these policies are acceptable. Laws like this have been taken off the books in states over the past 30 years. This takes us in the wrong direction. For more information, read Andy Clarke's blog post. The League is working on many other aspects of the transportation reauthorization bill. This petition relates specifically to the mandatory sidepath law, which we felt deserved special attention. Stay tuned for news and action alerts related to this and other aspects of this critical legislation. Please join us in telling the Senate that the mandatory sidepath law is a bad idea - Dear Senators, We ask you to remove the mandatory sidepath language (Section § 203 (d)) from the transportation authorization bill, S. 1813 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. The law unfairly and unreasonably restricts cycling at a time when we should be encouraging bicycling for transportation, health, recreation, air quality and a host of other reasons.		4615 Signatures Merrill Smith Helena, AL “Is it really that difficult to consider alternative transportation methods when roads are upgraded? I also second the earlier comment, "I will not vote for any senator that votes for this bill!"” Craig Yoas Grand Haven, MI “I've experienced first hand the lack of awareness of and concern for cyclists' rights displayed by our National Parks' rangers. This legislation is a huge mistake on many levels and I'm worried about the precedent it would set - a giant step backwards for cyclists!” Nancy Redpath Davis, CA “Road bikes are vehicles and should be on the road.” David Green Acton, MA “I would love to have National Parks closed to private motor vehicles. Many wildlife are killed each year by the automobile. It would be safer if only tour vehicles, park employees and overnight campers were allowed to drive in the park. I have found it nearly impossible to bicycle on roads in Yellowstone because the shoulders are not wide enough and visitors are speeding and not paying attention to the road. Shuttle buses like in Zion Park should be a model for national parks the world over. ” Daniel Conway Somerville, MA “I pay my taxes, and want to cycle on the roads. Kill the bill requiring mandatory side paths.” John Siegenthaler Holland Patent, NY “I manage to share the road with motorized vehicles all over the country. I do not think it is a positive to take my rights to the road away. Bicycles are accepted forms of transportation and limiting our access to roads is unfair and uninformed. I pay taxes on these roads and I am not ready to give up my rights. I also vote in every election. ” Chris Gallagher Vacaville, CA “While I personally prefer side paths, creating mandatory use is not something that I support. This law would feed problems in areas where there are no bike paths. What's next? Passing a law that bikers need to ride on sidewalks as well? While I personally will most likely be on paths, that is my choice. Please don't force it upon those who prefer the road or force it upon me when the paths are in disrepair.” Rachael Kenney Golden, Co “Please remember my tax dollars pay for the roads too. I VOTE ” Greg FLECK Proctor, Mn “The precedent that has been set on the George Washington parkway has already resulted in one motorist using their vehicle to attack a group of cyclist. This should not be allowed to become the norm. Cycling is a form of transportation thus it cannot be allowed to be diverted to discontinuous, poorly designed and maintained paths with limited hours of access. ” Peter Henry Alexandria, VA

1st Steet's new look and bicycle warfare begins!

Man, work has been kicking my butt this week.  Tons of bikey stuff is going on though so a quick post is a must.  First up the good news.  More bike lanes in Reno!!  First street is the latest recipient of the road diet treatment and I must say she is looking good!

Nice wide bike lanes all the way!

Even a pedestrian bump out to allow for easier crossings.

Ok, now some scary news.  The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee just released the draft of the transportation reauthorization bill.  To jog your memory, this is the bill that Rand Paul and many other Republicans wanted to strip all bicycle, pedestrian, and "enhancement" dollar out of.  Fortunately, each of their efforts to do so was soundly defeated!  However, the bipartisan committee has seen fit to release a bill where all the funding for bikes, pedestrians, and enhancements has NO dedicated funding source.  The language leaves all the good types of projects in the bill, just no money!

So to reiterate....  The bill would also no longer provide dedicated funding to key pots of money like Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and the Recreational Trails Program.  In 2010, those three programs got a total of $1.146 billion dollars. (Note that all those programs would still be eligible for funding, they just wouldn't have a guaranteed source.)

Oh, and for the record the bikey funding is less than 1 percent of the total budget in this bill....the largest portion is already for dedicated "vehicle" projects.  So basically this is a total anti-Robin Hood type scenario.  It's a rob from the poor and give to the rich move.  So if you have any questions about who the bad guys are, this analogy should do it for you!

There are other egregious portions of the bill as well like this:

"(d) BICYCLE SAFETY.—The Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency shall prohibit the use of bicycles on each federally owned road that has a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or greater and an adjacent paved path for use by bicycles within 100 yards of the road."

Basically, stripping cyclist the right to the road if their happens to be a path and the speed limit is over 30 mph.  The league of American bicyclists and many others are already working to get this language removed form the bill so at least we have advocates on our side!  However, if you care about riding your bicycle on touring routes you should think about writing your senators and congressional representative.

Rand Paul fails to steal bicycle funding!!

Taken from the League of American Bicyclists:

Written by: Darren Flusche

Senator Paul’s Anti-Bike Amendment Fails — 60 Senators voted against it

Thanks to all of you who contacted your Senators, Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment that would have diverted Transportation Enhancement funds to bridge repairs, was soundly defeated. Transportation Enhancements are a key source of funding for bicycling and walking infrastructure. The amendment would not have made a significant impact on the state of repair of bridges, but would have drastically impacted active transportation investments. Sixty Senators voted against the measure.

While Sen. Paul once again railed against “squirrel sanctuaries,” as a possible use of Enhancement funds, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) pointed out that Paul’s amendment would actually hinder bridge repair in certain instances. “The amendment prevents a bridge from being fixed if it is a historic bridge,” Boxer said. “There are thousands of those in this country, including the Brooklyn Bridge.”

Rand Paul - A key example of why you should care about bike advocacy!!

Senator Rand Paul's anti-bike amendment failed by a vote of 38 to 60.

This was the third time in two months that the Senate has voted to protect Transportation Enhancements. As long as the attacks keep coming, we’ll keep fighting them. Thank you to the thousands of people who sent action alerts to your Senators. We need to keep reminding them that these are popular, critical, and beneficial transportation projects. So far, they’re hearing us. Now is a good time to thank them.

Here is how the Senators voted (courtesy of www.Senate.gov, hat-tip Eric Rogers):

YEAs —38
Ayotte (R-NH) Barrasso (R-WY) Blunt (R-MO) Boozman (R-AR) Chambliss (R-GA) Coats (R-IN) Coburn (R-OK) Corker (R-TN) Cornyn (R-TX) Crapo (R-ID) DeMint (R-SC) Enzi (R-WY) Graham (R-SC)	Grassley (R-IA) Hatch (R-UT) Heller (R-NV) Hoeven (R-ND) Hutchison (R-TX) Isakson (R-GA) Johanns (R-NE) Johnson (R-WI) Kyl (R-AZ) Lee (R-UT) Lugar (R-IN) McConnell (R-KY) Moran (R-KS)	Murkowski (R-AK) Paul (R-KY) Portman (R-OH) Risch (R-ID) Roberts (R-KS) Rubio (R-FL) Sessions (R-AL) Shelby (R-AL) Thune (R-SD) Toomey (R-PA) Vitter (R-LA) Wicker (R-MS)

NAYs —60
Akaka (D-HI) Alexander (R-TN) Baucus (D-MT) Begich (D-AK) Bennet (D-CO) Bingaman (D-NM) Blumenthal (D-CT) Boxer (D-CA) Brown (D-OH) Brown (R-MA) Cantwell (D-WA) Cardin (D-MD) Carper (D-DE) Casey (D-PA) Cochran (R-MS) Collins (R-ME) Conrad (D-ND) Coons (D-DE) Durbin (D-IL) Feinstein (D-CA)	Franken (D-MN) Gillibrand (D-NY) Hagan (D-NC) Harkin (D-IA) Inhofe (R-OK) Inouye (D-HI) Johnson (D-SD) Kerry (D-MA) Kirk (R-IL) Klobuchar (D-MN) Kohl (D-WI) Landrieu (D-LA) Lautenberg (D-NJ) Leahy (D-VT) Levin (D-MI) Lieberman (ID-CT) Manchin (D-WV) McCaskill (D-MO) Menendez (D-NJ) Merkley (D-OR)	Mikulski (D-MD) Murray (D-WA) Nelson (D-FL) Nelson (D-NE) Pryor (D-AR) Reed (D-RI) Reid (D-NV) Rockefeller (D-WV) Sanders (I-VT) Schumer (D-NY) Shaheen (D-NH) Snowe (R-ME) Stabenow (D-MI) Tester (D-MT) Udall (D-CO) Udall (D-NM) Warner (D-VA) Webb (D-VA) Whitehouse (D-RI) Wyden (D-OR)

Not Voting – 2
Burr (R-NC)	McCain (R-AZ)

BPAC meeting tonight!

Just a reminder for anyone interested in bike advocacy.  The Reno Bicycle / Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting is tonight at 6:30 pm at 600 Sutro Street in the conference room.  Hear the latest updates and plans for bicycling in our community. 

Want to make your city better for bicycling....there's a guide for that!

http://nacto.org/cities-for-cycling/design-guide/

Update: GM pulls controversial ad!!

From the LA Times:

GM pulls advertisement that offended cyclists

October 12, 2011 |  8:33 am

 

General Motors Co. is killing an advertisement aimed at college students after receiving complaints that it makes fun of people who use bicycles for transportation.
That ad has a headline stating, “reality sucks” and depicts a nerdy looking guy wearing a helmet and riding a bicycle being passed by a cute young woman in the passenger seat of a car. It then goes on to say, “Stop pedaling … start driving” and provides information about discount pricing for GM products such as the new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic subcompact sedan and the giant GMC Sierra 1500 truck.
The ad ran in a variety of college newspapers and was turned into a poster that was displayed campuses, according to the automaker.
The advertisement was widely panned on a variety of cycling blogs and in complaints to the company.
“The content of the ad was developed with college students and was meant to be a bit cheeky and humorous and not meant to offend anybody,” said Tom Henderson, a GM spokesman.
“We have gotten feedback and we are listening and there are changes underway.  They will be taking the bicycle ad out of the rotation…. We respect bikers and many of us here are cyclists,” he said.
This follows a higher-profile reversal made last month concerning GM’s OnStar vehicle communication service.
In that case, GM reversed course and said it will change how it will handle former OnStar customers once they opt out of the service.
The automaker said it will change its proposed “Terms and Conditions” policy and will not –- as it had intended -- keep a data connection to customers’ vehicles after the OnStar service is canceled.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said OnStar's policy represented an invasion of privacy and he threatened a federal investigation.

I Suck!!! Yep, and I'm going to continue to do so.

I saw this yesterday on Bike Portland and Bike Carson has a write up on it as well this morning, but even as a new and inept bicycle blogger I'd be remiss if I didn't get my two cents in.

So yesterday I went to the GM site and found an email link.  Now normally I don't dive in and start shooting out emails when I'm kind of mad.  Well, I guess mad isn't the right word....I was just in kind of shocked disbelief.  I probably should have counted to 10, reviewed the email and deleted it, but I didn't so here's what I sent and the response I got back late yesterday.


My email:

This advertising campaign is really not in good taste. For a mode of transportation that is government subsidized to tell those of us who like to ride bicycles and walk we're losers is unbelievable. Be sure to forward this to someone getting a million dollar bonus at GM this year! 

GM response:

Hello RidinginReno,

We apologize that our College Discount advertising campaign has offended you in any way. Campaigns and slogans are designed to excite and entice eligible GM College Discount participants to purchase a GM Vehicle and are not intended to offend anyone. We will forward your complaint to our marketing team.

Sincerely,

GM College Discount

Ah, totally forgot.  The League of American Bicyclists also has a great write up here.... and they include the email address if you want to get your very own response from GM.   As you can see, even if you write them a note with a sarcastic ending they are still very polite when they respond.  I recommend trying it.  It will probably make a difference if they hear from a few other "sucky" bicyclists!

BPAC Meeting.

I have been meaning to start attending Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meetings for more than 6 months, and I finally made it to my first one last night.  I know, I know...what took so long?  Well, life in general, laziness, my fantastically busy social schedule, additional stupid excuses to infinity.   Anyhow, since I am now part of the Regional Transportation Group I figured I better really start attending.  Somewhere in my head I have the idea that it will be good to know the intricacies of BPAC to help with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and be sure to give it as much bicycle input as it can handle.  I'm probably living in my own little world on how this is all related, but either way I made the decision to get involved this year, so here it is.

The meeting was actually really good.  It was well organized, informative, and moderated so that the group didn't get too far off topic.  I won't go into mind numbing detail but among the things discussed were:

Discussion on our new Bronze Bicycle Friendly status
-and where to hang the fancy signs for a ribbon cutting
Updates for the Regional bike map
A presentation on a new study corridor (Mill St. and Terminal Way) for complete streets
-on the totally ridiculous side...they're currently doing bike counts so I made sure to ride it this morning!
Review of a list of projects (and other study corridors) for all of 2011 and 2012
-and there are way more than you think (I'll find a link shortly)!!
Discussion on the Plumas bike lane (now delayed by Reno City Council) due to on street parking concerns
Discussion of not becoming to bike-centric and remembering to work on Pedestrian projects
Discussion on Slurry sealing and how they deal with bike lanes.
-it's actually a separate "grade" of seal so it's smoother
-and the gentleman (sorry missed his name) who runs the program seems on the ball!

All in all, it seems like a really good group of folks who are on topic and continuing the push to make Reno and Sparks even more bicycle friendly!

Busy bike week/weekend ahead!

This a reminder post that we have a busy bike week ahead of use.  If your interested in advocacy and having a say in all the great changes that are sweeping across Reno and Sparks in terms of bicycle infrastructure improvements please come down to this months Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Committee meeting.  It's this Wednesday (tomorrow) at 600 Sutro St. in the RTC planning conference room at 6:30 pm.  One of the topics of discussion is going to be a study of the 4th St. corridor from Keystone Ave. in Reno to Prater Way in Sparks.  I believe their looking at a complete streets design that will improve walking and biking facilities and give us a great new direct route from Reno to Sparks.  Come on down and give your two cents!

4th St. Study Area

If advocacy isn't your thing, then perhaps you'll join us for a casual group ride to celebrate the passing of the "Sweet 3 ft law".  As of October 1st any vehicle passing a cyclist must give at least 3 ft of clearance between their vehicle and the bicycle.  While your results may vary even with the law in effect, it also adds more serious penalties to any vehicle that does cause injury to a cyclist or pedestrian in the future.  Regardless of the total effect, it's great legislation and a step in the right direction to make our roads more friendly for all users.

From the Reno Bike Project site:

3 Sweet Feet Group Ride

When: October 1, Meet at 9:30am to mix and mingle. Ride leaves at 10:30am for Sparks City Hall.
Where: Meet at Reno City Hall Plaza (downtown Reno)
What: 3 Sweet Feet 8 mile round trip Group Ride to celebrate the passage of three laws that support cyclists on the road! YAY!

• Bill AB328 increases penalties for a motorist who causes a pedestrian or bicyclist injury
• SB248 requires motorists to allow at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist from behind. 3 Sweet Feet!
• Starting October 1 using handheld cell phones while driving is illegal! This law will make it safer for everyone on the road!

It is important for cyclists and motorists to know there will now be harsher penalties for motorists who endanger cyclists and pedestrians on the road.

• Family Friendly! Bring the kids!
• Helmets encouraged! Protect your head!
• Ride difficulty: Easy! Come along!
• Expected fun to be had? LOTS and LOTS! Maximum fun! Bring your friends! Bring a date! Bring your grandma!

Who: The Nevada Bicycle Coalition and the Reno Bike Project are partnering to guide this ride.

Ride leaves from Reno City Hall Plaza, meets at Sparks City Hall, and loops back to Reno! 8 miles of fun!

Finally, don't forget on Sunday at high noon the Gonads and Strife Poker ride is an event not to be missed!  If you stick around for the whole event and you have a decent poker face (ok, poker hand) you can win a brand new cruiser from New Belgium Brewing!

A slice of Portland is coming to Reno!

I just found this post over on bikereno.net (one of the sites that prompted me to start my blog) about a great event headed for Reno on Tuesday, September 6th.

 

From "The Dinner & Bikes Tour" website:

Here’s a good idea of what you can expect at one of our tour events:

Dinner and Bikes is an evening of gourmet vegan food and bicycle inspiration. Our goal is to create an interactive, engaging event that brings together people with diverse interests and catalyzes new thinking and action around food and transportation
The evening will start around 7pm (on most nights) and last until 9pm, leaving plenty of time for questions, as well as audience discussion about local issues in bicycle transportation.
You’ll fill up your plate, find a seat, and enjoy new and amazing flavor combinations while touring vegan chef Joshua Ploeg describes the meal and ingredients and, if we’re lucky, tell one of his traveling stories.
Then we get to the bicycles. Elly Blue provides an interactive primer on the economics of bicycle transportation, complete with inspiring photos and jaw-dropping statistics. Then Joe Biel will take the stage with a different selection each night of his very-short films that explore different aspects of Portland, Oregon’s bicycle activism and culture.
You’ll also be able to peruse our mobile book and zine shop, featuring transportation and food related titles.

I missed Bikestravaganza when it came to town last year and I'm definitely not missing this one!  

The details:
Tuesday, Sept 6, 7-9pm
Bibo Coffee Co
945 Record St
$7 to $20 sliding scale
Feel free to RSVP here.



Hope to see you there.

$4.5 million federal grant to build bike paths at Lake Tahoe

This news just in (totally copied from an RGJ post):

CARSON CITY (AP) — The Tahoe Transportation District has received a $4.5 million federal grant that will be used for two bikeway projects at Lake Tahoe.

One project is to develop a 3.2 mile segment between Stateline and Round Hill on the south shore. The stretch is part of an eventual 43-mile route along U.S. 50.

The other project is along Highway 28 between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park.

The Federal Highway Administration invited states to apply for federal grants in June and received more than 1,800 applications totaling nearly $13 billion, 30 times the available funding.