Category: News

was “Uncategorized”. All blog posts should have this category

ABC member killed on organized ride in Florida

Sad, tragic news from ABC:
Bob King, a long-time member of ABC, was killed last Wednesday, March 30th, after being struck from behind by a fast-moving pick-up truck. Bob was on a week-long Bike Florida Spring Tour. The driver, a young man, was said to be distracted using his cell phone when his vehicle drifted into the marked shoulder where Bob had been cycling. We are all saddened and shocked by the passing of Bob! He had many friends in the club. He always seemed to be smiling!


Bob’s funeral will be this Saturday, April 9, at the Shadow Mountain Mortuary (2350 East Greenway Road in Phoenix) at 11 AM. Shadow Mountain Mortuary is just east of Cave Creek Road on Greenway. Visitation will be Saturday before the funeral service from 9 AM -11 AM. There will be a reception following the service at the Best Western on Northern and 16th St.
A burial service will be held Monday at 10:30 AM at the National Cemetery on Cave Creek Road.

This is a blog about Bob by BikeFlorida the saftey ride Bob was participating in.

There is a forum page at Bob King memory book. Please visit this forum and write your condolences, comments, memories. Pictures can also be posted there and are encouraged. If you are not currently an ABC member you can read this page and email any information you would like to post to azbikeclub@gmail.com.

The board is starting a memorial project and will now be connected to the Ghostbikes.org. We plan to have a ghostbike for Bob in phoenix and maybe a second in Florida. The memorial page is Memorial Page . If you would like to work with on the Ghost bike for Bob send us an email and we will keep you in the loop.

News articles about the incident here and here.
Here is a very thoughtful article from commuteorlando.com about Bob’s death and inattention / distracted driving.

Livable Communities Coalition day at AZ Transit Assn Conference

The Livable Communities Coalition, of which CAzBike is a participant, is teaming up with the AZ Transit Association (AzTA) and ADOT for participation in their April Conference. We can attend one day for a reduced rate of $100. More info on the program for April 12 and how to register.

ADOT 5-Year Program available online for review and comment

With limited funding and a need to identify the state’s top transportation priorities, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input on the Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, a work plan outlining highway, transit and aeronautic projects from 2012 to 2016.
Transportation is funded by ALL OF US, so let our voice be heard!

Visit www.azdot.gov/Headlines/index_031111.asp to review and comment on the Tentative Program, along with information about how to read the program document, and a special video message from ADOT Director John Halikowski.
ADOT needs your voice, Arizona, and thanks you for participating. Please provide your comments by June 3.
Three public hearings also are scheduled to help community members comment before the program is finalized:

9 a.m., Friday, March 18 in Sahuarita
Town of Sahuarita Council Chambers
375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Sahuarita, Ariz. 85629

9 a.m., Friday, April 15 in Phoenix
Arizona Department of Transportation Auditorium
206 S. 17th Avenue
Phoenix, Ariz. 85007

9 a.m., Friday, May 20 in Flagstaff
City of Flagstaff Council Chambers
211 W. Aspen Ave.
Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments before adopting the final Five-Year Program, which is expected to occur as part of its June 17 meeting. Transportation affects all of us. Don’t miss these opportunities to share your views

Sedona Fat Tire Festival: April 23, 24

Hosted by the Verde Valley Cyclist’s Coalition. There are many types of bicycling to be experienced here, one of the most beautiful places in the country.
This grassroots event is focused on Mountain Biking. Many trails are found just off the city streets. The trail system here is world class, deserving care and thoughtful development, as many long time residents and many visitors experience daily. This is an event for the community to say in celebration that Mountain Biking belongs here. You need at least three days to get an idea of what Sedona offers in riding. Meet local and visiting riders to learn about bikes, places to ride, and the many types of riding opportunities found here. Meet the local riding club and riders who are passionate about what we do here. Chat with the US Forest Service about the future of MTB riding locally…. get all the details…

ADOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is now Active Transportation

[update: as of 2021, azbikeped.org is now activetransportation.az.gov ]

Be sure to check out the web pages of the ADOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, azbikeped.org . It contains an extensive array of information about bicycling (and walking, of course) in Arizona. Laws, tips, touring, maps, educational materials for young and old — it’s all there. Bicyclist advocates can find load of info in the Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan section including grant information, implementation plans.

[ update: As of 2021, Bicycling Street Smarts is now longer available from the ADOT website, but can be viewed in its entirety via this link at archive.org ] Special mention should be made of the pamphlet Arizona Bicycling Street Smarts — which explains both the laws and how to ride. It is in such great demand that supplies of the printed version, sometimes available at bikes shops, and libraries, etc. can be hard to find, but is always available on the website in its entirety.

 

Operation Lifesaver – The Rail Industry Public Safety Program

We strive for safety while cycling, but there is another area of safety that is important to the general public in general and cyclists in particular. That is safety in and around trains. I have been including a portion of the Operation Lifesaver program into each of the Traffic Skills 101 classes for a few years now. I am also a member of the Board of the AZ organization.

AZOL is conducting a presenter class on Tuesday, March 8 in downtown Phoenix. I hope you will consider enrolling. The class is from 7:30AM to 5PM at the AZ Corporation Commission offices, 220 N Central Ave. After the class, your commitment will be four presentations per year, the first of which is a proof your learning. There are a few other benefits as well. Please send me an email and I will get you connected.

Gene

Hit and Run alert: Silver Kia w/missing mirror

Be on the lookout for a Silver Kia, probably with a missing mirror. From the video the mirror that is missing appears to be the driver’s-side. The vehicle was involved in a collision with a cyclist in Central Phoenix near 29th Place and Oak Street. The collision occurred Friday (i think, the report is short on details).

News report from ABC15.

The Phoenix Police response, according to the story, seems lackluster and inappropriate. The Coalition will continue to monitor this situation and will be in touch with the department as soon as possible.