Mark your calendar for ACCT's 10th Anniversary Event! More Than Car-Talk: Imagining a Less Auto-Dependent Future will be held at City Space from 5pm to 6:30pm and will bring together city, regional, and non-profit leaders to discuss transportation initiatives, plans, and problems.
The first draft of the Northtown Trail Plan is now available and open for comment. Visit www.tjpdc.org/pdf/transportation/NorthtownTrail.pdf to read the plan and learn about plans for this important commuter route. Visit www.tjpdc.org/ to learn more and to send comments to the planning district commission. Be sure to send your comments before November 22!
May 25, 2010
Thank you to everyone who helped make Bike Week a huge success! I hope you enjoyed some of the fun, educational, and forward-thinking events throughout the week. Stay tuned to these alerts and transportationchoice.org f or next steps from the Bike Summit, the results of the Bike Count, and upcoming bike education courses.
Bike Week in the News :
Cyclists Bike through Charlottesville in “Ride of Silence” - May 20 (Newsplex)
Charlottesville Residents Pedal to Work for Bike Week - May 21 (Newsplex)
Bike fans seek safety changes - May 22 (Daily Progress)
In transit news , the new Amtrak service to Lynchburg has exceeded its first year goals in the first 6 months! In Charlottesville, ridership is up 68% from last year. Read the full story here .
Public Hearing on FY11 United Planning and Work Program (UPWP) | Wednesday, May 26th at 4 PM at CitySpace on the downtown mall (100 5th St NE)
The Charlottesville-Albemarle MPO is seeking public comments on the draft FY11 UPWP. The UPWP sets priorities for transportation and planning efforts to be conducted by the MPO. Copies of the draft UPWP can be found on the TJPDC website ( www.tjpdc.org/transportation ) or at the following locations - TJPDC office (401 E. Water Street), local libraries, local government planning offices, and the VDOT Charlottesville Residency.
National Trails Day | Saturday, June 5th at Riverview and Darden Towe Parks
Come celebrate our local trails by plugging into work-parties to make them better or taking a guided tour by foot, wheels, or boat. This year, activities will be combined with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's "Clean the Bay Day". Visit the Rivanna Trails Foundation Website for a schedule of events - http://rivanna.avenue.org/ events.htm . Volunteers from ACCT and Community Bikes will be leading an "All Wheels" tour at 10 AM at Riverview Park!
Sponsored by Rivanna Trails Foundation, Charlottesville Parks and Rec, Albemarle Parks and Rec.
Public Hearing on Places29 | Wednesday, June 9th at 6 PM at Albemarle County Office Building (McIntire Rd)
The Board of Supervisors will take public comment on the Places29 plan. A big showing of public support is needed for all aspects of this innovative plan in order to help move our community beyond "the sprawling status quo". Earlier this month, local business leaders called for the removal of key aspects of the plan, such as grade-separated interchanges. A viable alternative to bypasses, the Places29 plan is designed to alleviate projected traffic congestion on Rt. 29 by creating a better network of parallel roads, bus rapid transit, grade-separated interchanges, and better facilities and access for pedestrians and bicycles. Additional open house opportunities are on the following days:
- Thursday, June 3, Open House at the Senior Center from 5:00-6:30 pm
- Monday, June 7, Open House at the Hollymead Fire Station from 4:30 – 6:30 pm
May 11, 2010
Next week, May 17th to 23rd, is Bike Week in the Charlottesville area, and it's a perfect time to have fun on your bike! ACCT is coordinating a series of community events throughout the week, including the Bike Summit on May 22nd (5 PM, at the CCDC ). In collaboration with Bike Charlottesville , the 2010 Bike Summit will bring area bicyclists together to answer the question, what are the most important projects to make bicycling safer and more convenient in the Charlottesville area? This is the first step in developing an action plan to get a "Silver" Bicycling Friendly Community rating for the Charlottesville area.
Bike Week Schedule of Events
Also This Week - Petrol Free Gypsy Carnival Tour! Thursday, 7 PM | Random Row Books
A bicycle powered music and art tour to inspire peace , social justice, and a healthy planet: http://www.gypsycarnivaltour. org/
Bands include:
Road ID Coupon Opportunity
A Road ID is a simple and convenient way to carry your essential information with you on bike rides without having to bring your wallet. A local cyclist is offering up a coupon code, valid through June 9, for anyone interested in purchasing one. The code is: ThanksSpencer748026
April 23, 2010
Vigil to Honor Matt King
Today at 5 p.m. at the intersection of 4 th St NW and W. Main St., local bicyclists, friends, and city officials will gather to honor the life of Matt King. It will be a time to mourn and to contemplate our shared future on our city's roadways. A group of bicyclists will be riding to the vigil along W. Main St. beforehand.
Walking and Biking Contingent in the Dogwood Parade Tomorrow, the Walking and Biking Contigent will celebrate the joys of human-powered transportation at our city's largest community gathering, the Dogwood Parade. Join us with your your family and friends, and bring your bike, tall bike, little bike, walking shoes, or bare feet. Look for us in the line-up starting at 1030 AM, call 882-1516 to get our exact location, or just join us when you see us!
April 19, 2010
Dear Friends,
This morning a bicyclist was hit and killed at the corner of 4th St NW and W Main St. Details of exactly what happened and who the bicyclist is have not yet been released.
As I bicyclist, car driver, and community member, I am deeply saddened by this tragic accident. The need to raise awareness of the rights and responsibilities of both car drivers and bicyclists has never felt more pressing.
Please join us in a vigil to honor the bicyclist on Friday, April 23, at 5 PM in front of the W Main Restaurant where the accident occurred.
April 16 , 2010
8th Annual Children's Bicycle Rodeo at the Earth Week Eco-Fair
This Sunday, April 18th, 1 to 3 PM @ Lexis Nexis Parking Deck, 701 Water St.
Bring your kids and their bikes for fun, hands-on bike riding activities. A free event for kids ages 6-12 that teaches and promotes safe riding habits and skills. Free bike helmets and prizes for all participants. Sponsored by ACCT, Charlottesville Police Department, Community Bikes, UVA Children's Hospital, Rideshare, C'Ville Bike and Tri. Wholefoods, Integral Yoga Natural Foods.
Biking and Walking Contingent at the Dogwood Parade Saturday, April 24th, 1030 AM
Celebrate spring by walking or riding your favorite bike with us in the parade! Look for us in the line-up on McIntire Rd, or call 882-1516 the day of to find our exact location.
Bike Week 2010 May 17 - 23
A week-long celebration of the "perfect machine"! We're planning a collection of events to include bikes rides, workshops, films, commuter breakfast stations, and bike counts. Contact info@ transportationchoice.org if there is something you'd like to help with or include in the schedule.
Have a great weekend!
March 19, 2010
Tomorrow is the first day of spring, and the beginning of a season filled with events and celebrations! Ease into spring and support efforts of local groups to improve the quality of life and the environment in Charlottesville with a series of fun and inspirational events next week:
Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival, hosted by Wild Virginia Wednesday, March 24, 7 PM @ Vinegar Hill and Thursday, March 25, 7 PM @ Visulite Cinema in Staunton
The Festival brings together a selection of films that tell a story about our planet, our beautiful and precious wildlands, and the people of the communities who love and defend them. They open our eyes and hearts to fantastic experiences in remarkable places. They beckon us towards action, highlight issues, and provide solutions. Admission is $8 each night and advance tickets are available at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports in Charlottesville and Mint Spring Frame Shop in Staunton. For more information, see www.wildvirginia.org or contact David Hannah at dhannah@wildvirginia.org or 434-971-1553.
Kickstand the Second Coming Release Party Friday, March 26, 6 PM @ The Bridge
Kickstand, Charlottesville's bicycle commuter zine, is back with its second edition! Featuring bike personals, road diets for bicyclists, "Name that Bike Rack", a history of critical mass, and much, much more. Come get your copy and celebrate with the crew of ACCT and Community Bikes at the kickoff on March 19th .
The Coalition to Preserve McIntire Park's Fundraiser at C-ville Coffee on Harris Street. Sunday, March 28th, 2 PM
The event is headlined by Dr. Levine & the Dreaded Blues Lady and includes musical performances by three former mayors, including Maurice Cox, the force behind the downtown pedestrian mall and an advocate for the streetcar. The $15 event ($5 children) raises money and awareness about the environmental and historical implications of building another roadway through another pristine area.
Have a great weekend!
March 11, 2010
Nationwide call-in for bicycling and walking TODAY!
Last week, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced a groundbreaking new bill to support bicycling and walking: the Active Community Transportation Act (H.R.4722). It creates a $2 billion competitive grant program to help communities like Charlottesville build bicycling and walking networks. For the first time, multi-year funding to build active transportation systems would be available, just as it is for transit and roads.
Today in Washington, more than 700 advocates for bicycling and walking are meeting with their representatives as part of the National Bike Summit, and among other things are urging them to support H.R. 4722. Thousands of people around the country are leveraging their efforts by also making calls to their representatives to support this important bill.
J oin the effort today by calling Congressman Perriello - (202) 225-4711 - a nd asking him to co-sponsor H.R. 4722, the Active Community Transportation Act. Some great talking points from the Alliance for Bicycling and Walking:
- Bicycling and walking are part of the solution. Half of all trips in the United States are three miles or less, yet the majority of these short trips are made by car. Shifting more of these short trips to biking and walking would not only reduce congestion, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and our dependence on oil, but will also improve physical activity, safety, and livability.
- Investing in bicycling and walking infrastructure works. Commuting by bicycle has increased 43 percent since 2000 – and by 69 percent in designated Bicycle Friendly Communities that have invested in infrastructure improvements.
- Please co-sponsor the Active Community Transportation Act (H.R.4722).
Different representative? Visit http:// capwiz.com/lab/dbq/officials/ to find yours.
February 12, 2010
It's late Friday afternoon on a holiday weekend and most of you are happily away from your computers by now, but hopefully this will catch a few of you by tomorrow. One last push could help HB1048 pass the House of Delegates, which would be a huge legal milestone for VA cyclists by increasing the passing distance for autos to 3-ft and prohibiting tailgating.
Right now things are tight. On Wednesday, HB1048 was reported out of Subcommittee on a 5-2 vote, and then yesterday it was reported out of the full Transportation Committee by a much narrower 11-10 victory.
The discussion on Wednesday seemed pretty nasty at times - http://hamptonroads.com/ 2010/02/house-panel-moves- bicycle-safety-measure .
While Rep Toscano expressed initial reservations with the legal ramifications of this bill, after a couple weeks of hearing our comments in support of it, his "yeah" vote helped keep this bill alive.
Now it is on to the full House floor either tomorrow or Monday, and things are expected to be very close .
If you live in the Charlottesville area and have only contacted your own representative so far, either Toscano or Bell, go ahead and let the other one know how you feel on this bill as well. This is the BEST time to exercise your voice in support of bicycling.
Please take a few minutes to email a rep!
Delegate Dave Toscano , Phone: (804) 698 -1057, Email: DelDToscano@ house.virginia.gov
Delegate Rob Bell, Phone: ( 804) 698-1058, Email: DelRBell@ house.virginia.gov Visit http://www.vabike.org/ for excellent information on the bill and continuing coverage.
ON ANOTHER NOTE , thank you to everyone who commented on US Bicycle Route 76 realignment . As the snow started falling early Tuesday evening, a small group met in the Parks & Rec conference room to look at everyone's comments and figure out a route would make the most people the most happy. Take a look at the realignment proposal and post any final comments or email them to info@transportationchoice.org . In a week or two, we'll share the proposal with the Adventure Cycling Association to get their feedback. Then we'll be ready to prepare an application to AASHTO to make the change and get those wonderful signs up in time for the wave of summer bicycle tourists!
Watch the streets for cherubic cyclists this Valentine's weekend! A few Bake 'N Bike orders may still be available, call 882-1516 to inquire about one for your loved one! $15 for 10 chocolate scones, a handmade card, and bicycle delivery. Proceeds to Community Bikes and Books Behind Bars .
February 4, 2010
Do you want to help make Charlottesville a better place for bicycling and walking? This month, there are a bunch of great ways to get involved! Spread the word and plug in yourself:
Local Cyclist’s Input Needed on US Bicycle Route 76!
Have you noticed that each summer brings a steady stream of cyclists cruising down W. Main St. with bulging panniers and gear stacked high on their rear rack? Have you ever wondered where they are going? Chances are many of them are headed across America on the US Bicycle Route 76/TransAmerica. Every year, growing numbers of cyclists travel this amazing route which ultimately connects Virginia to Oregon, and crosses through the heart of our city.
ACCT and the City of Charlottesville are working together to celebrate this unique local attraction by updating the route and getting signs to mark its path. We are looking for your input so we can make a solid recommendation to VDOT and the national organizations who oversee the route in time for the summer cycling season. Visit our blog for details on the route and submitting comments.
We will be holding a meeting to discuss everyone’s comments next Tuesday, 2/9/10, at 430 PM in the City Hall Annex, Parks & Rec Conference Room. I hope to see you there!
Kickstand No. 2 Taking Submissions from Bicycle Lovers
"Kickstand is a zine written about bicycles by the people who love them. It's not a repair zine, or a how-to, but one-page stories of adoration for bikes." - Microcosm Publishing, Bloomington, IN, on Kickstand
Last year’s Kickstand was a hit both locally and beyond. The Kickstand crew of Community Bikes, ACCT and friends is kickin' together some fabulous plans for their new bike zine, Kickstand No. 2. Would you like to be a part of it?
we need:
bike stories
commuter thoughts
poems
pictures
sketches
inspirational bike projects, etc
Please send all submissions to Patrick C:
ptack.costello (@) gmail (dot) com
By Feb. 15th
Bake n' Bike is Back! Valentine's 2010, Feb. 12th, 13th and Feb. 14th
This Valentine’s Day, place an order for 1/2 dozen, chocolate chip, heartshaped scones for yourself, a friend or your sweetie. Make someones day by having one of our "cherubic cyclists" bring them fresh baked goods for a good cause!
All proceeds will go to support Community Bikes and Books Behind Bars. ($15 donation requested-- comes with a homemade card)
To place your order, please call 434-882-1516 or e-mail hopeful1@excite.com (Bi ke delivery possible in the city of C'Ville, or pick up at the Quest Bookshop on W. Main St.)
Volunteer to help shovel snow!
After multiple snowstorms, many of us (the city included!) are getting the hang of shoveling pedestrian walkways. But for the elderly, disabled, and others, shoveling can be very difficult or impossible. To help make sure our sidewalks are clear for pedestrians, the city is looking to coordinate volunteers to help shovel private walkways for folks who can't. If you need help shoveling or are willing to volunteer your energy for those who do, register here to be put on a list that will be kept for future storms.
See you in the streets!
_______________________________________________________________
There are two important bills being considered in the VA General Assembly tomorrow that could improve the streets and trails for local bicyclists. You can help get them passed with a simple phone call or email to your representatives:
SB 566 &
HB 1048 -
Following too closely & 3-foot passing - These two bills aim to improve roadway conditions for bicyclists by 1) disallowing motor vehicles from following bicycles too closely, and 2) increasing the passing distance for bicycles from 2 feet to 3 feet. Currently 14 states have a "3 foot law". Both of these bills will be looked at in committee over the next week:
- Tomorrow, Thurs. 1/28, 2 PM | Senate Transportation Committee will look at SB 566
- Next Weds, 2/3, 7 AM | House Transportation Subcommittee #2 will look at HB 1048
SB 546 -
Railroad rights-of-way; may be used for recreational purposes, etc. - This bill could make it easier to build "rails-with-trails" networks by explicitly exempting railway landowners from liability associated with recreational uses (with exceptions for gross negligence). The potential for "rails-with-trails" in the Charlottesville area is huge, and this could help local trails planners and organizations in getting them built.
- This passed the Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee today, and will be up for a vote tomorrow. I don't know what time, so get your comments to your Senator as soon as you can!
If you live in Charlottesville, your representatives are (you can look up your representatives at
http://conview.state.va.us/
whosmy.nsf/main?openform):
Both Deeds and Toscano are on their respective Transportation committees, so your input on these bills and transportation issues in general is valuable. They recommend including your full name, address, and phone number when contacting.
The Virginia Bicycling Federation has been covering the action on these and many other important bicycling-related bills in Richmond this month. Go to
http://www.vabike.org/ for legislative updates and more.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Vince
295-6554, vince@transportationchoice.org
