Biking up 25% since 2001

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released data from the Federal Highway Administration’s 2009 National Household Travel Survey which shows that both bicycling and walking trips have increased by 25 percent since 2001.  “This report demonstrates what we’ve been saying here at the Department,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Americans want and need safe alternatives to driving. And by making biking and walking safer and more accessible, we’ll be able to provide Americans with more choices and help foster more active, livable communities.”
Read the full report at walkinginfo.org

HAWK crossings added in Phoenix

“To increase pedestrian safety at school crossing locations, the City of Tucson developed a traffic signal called the HAWK (High-intensity Activated crossWalk)…” more from the SRTS website.

These enhanced crossings should be of benefit in safely crossing busy streets by cyclists as well:
HAWK lights to help reduce pedestrian deaths in metro Phoenix

Proposed Phoenix Bike Ped bridge needs your support

The proposed bike/ped bridge 19th Ave & Greenway is in danger of being killed, please plan to attend to support and speak (simulated bridge pictured at right),

ESPECIALLY if you live in Phoenix Council District 3 (Councilman Gates) or use the Cave Creek wash trails. Bicycle projects get done when bicyclists show up and support. (email addresses for Phoenix officials are below).
Message from President Bob Beane;
In April of this year, several of us from the bicycling advocacy community attended a meeting in Phoenix District 3, hosted by Councilman Bill Gates, during which community input was gathered by Gates relative to this project. The project has been previously approved and funding allocated, and it is part of both the regional bike plan and the Gold Circle Trail plan. We spoke to the reasons why we believe the project should go forward, which included the points put in letter form to Joseph Perez (copy below), as well as other expected benefits such as commuter safety, health benefits of recreational users and expected increased property values (based on studies of other pathway/greenway-adjacent areas around the country).

As there was some vocal non-cycling local resident opposition to spending the funds to complete the project and connect the Cave Creek Wash path, which would then run from the AZ Canal path to Union Hills (where there are bike lanes), Councilman Gates has managed to put this project on hold. The project is significantly funded by federal and arts sources, so this is utilizing funds that AZ cyclists have paid in taxes to the federal government, along with local funding. If we don’t complete the project, those funds go back to our government to be used elsewhere ( Phoenix has no guarantee or claim on the money for an alternative project).

What we need from your Phoenix members, customers and other cyclists and pedestrians who either utilize the Cave Creek Wash path (or would like to) and/or wish to have their our fair share of tax dollars spent on alternative transportation and recreational paths, is to send an appropriate e-mail to Bill Gates as well as their respective City Council member and Mayor Phil Gordon, requesting that the project be completed. Please feel free to write your own impassioned argument…or copy/paste the letter below and simply say “I support the completion of this project for the reasons outlined in the letter below.”

Please get the word out and request that our cyclists raise their collective voice in support of this project and our hard fought plans to have a connected network of bike routes throughout the Valley. Thx! Bob Beane

council.district.1@phoenix.gov – Thelda Williams
council.district.2@phoenix.gov – Peggy Neely
council.district.3@phoenix.gov – Bill Gates
council.district.4@phoenix.gov – Tom Simplot
council.district.5@phoenix.gov – Claude Mattox
council.district.6@phoenix.gov – Sal DiCiccio
council.district.7@phoenix.gov – Michael Nowakowski (Vice Mayor)
council.district.8@phoenix.gov – Michael Johnson
mayor.gordon@phoenix.gov – Phil Gordon

Suggested/Draft Communication and talking points:

Re: 19th Avenue Bikeway-Pedestrian Bridge and Multi-use Path
Dear _______________,

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists is the statewide bicycling advocacy and education representing thousands of bicyclists in the Valley and across the state of Arizona . We support the above named project, as designed, for a number of reasons. I’d like to offer just a few of the major points/arguments in favor of this project:

  • This project is sorely needed in order to safely connect a significant alternative mode transportation corridor which is part of the Phoenix Bikeway System. Currently, the Cave Creek Wash path is interrupted at this point for over 1/3 mile.
  • This project is greatly preferred to an at-grade crossing of 19th Avenue , due to safety benefits that it will provide to bicyclists and pedestrians, and is preferred to a below-grade crossing because a below-grade option is subject to flooding and lack of visibility creates more of a personal safety concern.
  • This project will benefit motorists as well as alternative mode users, as construction of an above-grade bridge means that all users can cross this point without interruption. An alternative such as a HAWK crossing on such a busy arterial would cause frequent stoppages of vehicular traffic, and would likely increase frictions between motorists and bicyclists. That is something the bicycling community would like to avoid.
  • A good portion of this project has been funded with Federal assistance. We believe that our community deserves our “fair share” of such funding, and the bicycling/alternative mode transportation community expects to be included in transportation enhancements (on a relatively very small scale) along with motorists. This project has been planned and approved since 2006. We believe it is essential to complete the project and not discard the planning, time and federal funding that the community has invested.

Thank you for the opportunity to register our support for this project!

Sincerely,

(CAzB Member and/or concerned bicyclist)

Story about the project in the Arizona Republic Advocate fears loss of funding for N. Phoenix pedestrian bridge. Strangely, there is nothing in this story about the bridge being needed to provide continuity for the trail/bikeway.

Please visit the following this site for more detailed information related to the bridge project.

To: Joseph Perez, City of Phoenix, Street Transportation Department
200 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Re: 19th Avenue Bikeway-Pedestrian Bridge and Multi-use Path

Dear Mr. Perez,

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists is the statewide bicycling advocacy and education representing thousands of bicyclists in the Valley and across the state of Arizona. We support the above named project, as designed, for a number of reasons. I’d like to offer just a few of the major points/arguments in favor of this project:

  • This project is sorely needed in order to safely connect a significant alternative mode transportation corridor which is part of the Phoenix Bikeway System. Currently, the Cave Creek Wash path is interrupted at this point for over 1/3 mile.
  • This project is greatly preferred to an at-grade crossing of 19th Avenue, due to safety benefits that it will provide to bicyclists and pedestrians, and is preferred to a below-grade crossing because a below-grade option is subject to flooding and lack of visibility creates more of a personal safety concern.
  • This project will benefit motorists as well as alternative mode users, as construction of an above-grade bridge means that all users can cross this point without interruption. An alternative such as a HAWK crossing on such a busy arterial would cause frequent stoppages of vehicular traffic, and would likely increase frictions between motorists and bicyclists. That is something the bicycling community would like to avoid.
  • A good portion of this project has been funded with Federal assistance. We believe that our community deserves our “fair share” of such funding, and the bicycling/alternative mode transportation community expects to be included in transportation enhancements (on a relatively very small scale) along with motorists. This project has been planned and approved since 2006. We believe it is essential to complete the project and not discard the planning, time and federal funding that the community has invested.

Thank you for the opportunity to register our support for this project!

Sincerely,

Robert A. Beane, President
Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists
PO Box 54488
Phoenix, AZ 85078-4488

Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements in Mesa – Opportunity to Comment

Dobson Road Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements in Mesa – Opportunity to Comment

The Coalition recently received a letter notifying us that the City of Mesa, in association with ADOT and the FHWA, will begin a project in January 2011 to provide accommodation for bicyclists and pedestrians on Dobson Road between Broadway and Main Streets. This project will also improve local non-motorist connectivity to a Metro Light Rail station just to the NE of the project location. The City of Mesa is inviting comment by August 20, 2010 to Johnida Dockens (480-894-5477, jdockens@acstempe.com).
The project will include:

  • Widening of Dobson Road in that area.
  • Creation of five foot width (minimum) bike lanes.
  • Median turn-lanes (which reduce incursions into bike lanes by motorists).
  • Functional and aesthetic improvements (e.g. relocate drainage inlets to facilitate above).

The CAzB apologizes for the short notice (we just received the letter), but is appreciative of Mesa’s attempt to let bicyclists review and comment.
The CAzB does participate in project review of many projects such as this via the Maricopa Association of Governments Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee, and has a role in that process as a non-voting but commenting member of that body. MAG Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee meetings (generally monthly at the MAG offices in Phoenix) are open to the public, and include a period for public comment and questions at the beginning of the meeting.

Bob Beane, President
Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

Right to the Road

Your rights as a cyclist are under constant assault all around the state. Over-zealous law enforcement officers, mis-applying laws, along with sometimes compliant courts can have a chilling effect. [Flagstaff][Tempe][Pima County]

One way you can support efforts to make cycling safer and more enjoyable throughout Arizona is by joining the Coalition. There’s still time to get in on the 2010 Membership Drive, until August 31 anyone joining or renewing will be entered to win.

Help us make our voice in the fight for bicycling rights a little stronger!

Memorial Ride for Safety XIII, Oct 23 2010

The 2010 theme is Riding (Safely) With Friends. Join The CAzB, Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club and other friends for this great ride. The routes are 100K, 35 miles and a new intermediate route (“tbd”) through Carefree and scenic vista’s North in the Tonto National Forest, Pinnacle Peak and up to Sears Kay Ruins. The Start/Finish is near AJ’s market at Pima and Pinnacle Peak Rd. Your entry fee will include a ride map, 2-3 rest stops, and a Bar-B-Que meal at the finish.

Registration starts at 7:00 AM Ride at 7:30 (100K) or 8:00 (other routes)
The Safety Ride and the safety message grew out of the tragic cycling accident Winston Benson had approximately 13 years ago and the many more since then in Arizona. The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists is an organization dedicated to educating bicyclists, motorists, and government officials on all issues concerning bicycling, and supporting safe cycling in Arizona. (www.cazbike.org)

Join PMBC and the Coalition (CAzB) for a ride that benefits all AZ bicyclists. Ride goes rain or shine call Bob B 480-861-7750 with any questions.

GABA/ABC/CAzB members pre-registered only ———$25.00
Non-members pre-registered only ——————–$30.00
Day of Registration ———————————- $30.00
Tandem members pre–registered $35.00 Day of ——- $45.00


All cyclists must wear an approved helmet and obey all traffic laws. Ride Smart to Ride Again.

ONLINE Pre-REG HERE
MAIL-IN Pre-REG form HERE

Phoenix Names Bicycling Coordinator

The Coalition looks forward to working with Joe on enhancing the environment for bicyclists throughout the city of Phoenix:

Date: August 3, 2010

From: Wylie Bearup, PE, PhD
Street Transportation Director
Subject: ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW PHOENIX BICYCLE COORDINATOR
Effective August 2, 2010, Joe Perez will serve as the official Bicycle Coordinator for the City of Phoenix. Joe is a Traffic Safety Engineer in the Safety and Neighborhood Section of the Street Transportation Department. About half of his time will be devoted to bicycle facility design and planning, coordination of safety campaigns and events, and other bicycle-related activities citywide.
Joe graduated from the College of Engineering from Arizona State University and has worked in Street Transportation since 2007. He has coordinated “Bike to Work” events and has previously served as the Phoenix Bicycle Coordinator from September 2007 to April 2009. He is an avid bicyclist and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Tempe Bicycle Action Group and is a member of Institute of Transportation Engineers and Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists.
Joe’s office phone number is (602) 534-9529 and his email address is joseph.perez@phoenix.gov.
Addressees:
Kay Diaz, Police Department
Katherine Coles, Planning and Development Services
Mark Glock, Street Transportation Department, DCM
Michael Hammett, Public Information Office
Kini Knudson, Public Transit Department
Rick Naimark, City Manager’s Office
Kathyrn Reichert, Parks and Recreation Department
David Urbinato, Parks and Recreation Department
Tauny Woo, Public Works Department
Phil McNeely, Office of Environmental Programs

[update] Enforcement at Tucson Mountain Park

[UPDATE: click here to read a reply from Priscilla Cornelio, Director Pima County DOT]

The following letter was sent regarding enforcement of traffic safety at Tucson Mountain Park:

Dear Chairman Valadez, Supervisors Elias, Bronson, Carroll, and Day; and Sheriff Dupnik:

The purpose of this letter is to thank Pima County for the excellent work you have been doing in support of bicyclist access and safety throughout the County and to request balanced education and enforcement of drivers and bicyclists to help everyone safely share the road.

We understand that Pima County has recently been requested to increase enforcement related to bicyclists in the Tucson Mountain Park regarding various concerns, including speeding, riding more than two abreast, slowing traffic, and other issues. We understand concerns about the Park safety and we support reasonable education of bicyclists as appropriate.

But, we also understand that according to information presented at the March 10th meeting of the Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee, 98 percent of recorded traffic crashes within Tucson Mountain Park over the past decade were caused by drivers. Only 8 crashes out of a total of 337 in an 11-year period involved bicycles.

It was reported that of the 337 crashes from 1999 through 2009, there were 325 that were the driver’s fault, with a small additional number involving drivers hitting wild animals within the Park. Only two of the crashes out of 337 were the fault of bicyclists. Another crash was due to the mechanical failure of a bicycle, and one was joint-fault of both a driver and a bicyclist.

It was also reported that 52 percent of the driver crashes were due to speeding, with the remainder being primarily due to driver inattention, failure to yield, failure to obey stop signs, and other driver-caused infractions.

We therefore respectfully request that a majority of the education and enforcement in Tucson Mountain Park be focused on those drivers who are the primary cause of traffic crashes, property damage, injuries, and deaths. In addition to enforcement related to speeding drivers, we would also like to specifically request enforcement of the 3-foot safe passing law (ARS 28-735), vehicular harassment of cyclists, and failure to stop or to yield when making turns.

We understand that the Pima County Sheriff’s Office has limited ability to educate and enforce, and that the Sheriff’s Department does an excellent job with traffic safety with limited resources.
Thank you very much for your ongoing concern for safely sharing the roads and for considering the bicyclists’ view of the above factual data. For any further discussion of this matter, we may be contacted at the above address.

Sincerely,

Robert Beane
President, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists