BikeBridge Cycling Association

BikeShorts | vol 3 no 1

BikeBridge — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:14:33 +0000

BikeBridge Cycling Association

BikeShorts Bulletin – February 2012

TMP Policy Workshop

On January 16, BikeBridge attended by invitation, a half-day workshop aimed at developing policy for the City’s new Transportation Master Pan (TMP). Three members of our Board participated with lots of good discussion around the needs of cyclists and other “under-utilized” forms of transportation. One interesting stat from City research is that there are about as many trips by bike and on foot as there are by public transit. Of course neither are yet anywhere close to the number of trips made by motor vehicles. We have asked workshop organizers to pass along any policy drafts specific to Cycling Transportation for review and feedback — we have not heard back as yet. There are indications that draft TMP policy will be available for public review at an open-house sometime in April. Watch for more on this.

Wanted: BikeBridge Website Manager

If you have an interest in website design and content management, BikeBridge is looking for a volunteer or volunteers to manager our existing website or even take a look at developing something new. Email contact@bikebridge.ca if you have an interest and include your experiences with managing and/or developing websites.

Wanted: BikeShorts Editor and Writers

BikeBridge is looking for member volunteers for BikeShorts: this email publication sent out periodically to subscribers on our mailing list. We would like someone interested in collecting, reviewing, and editing submissions for inclusion in BikeShorts (from the Board and other interested submitters) and preparing the publication for distribution. We are also interested in volunteers interested in writing for BikeShorts: articles, news items and thoughts on cycling. Email contact@bikebridge.ca with your interest.

Wanted: Mailing List Manager

BikeBridge is looking for a member interested in managing our mailing list — yes, the one you are on as a subscriber to BikeShorts. We are currently using the free version of MailChimp, an internet service for maintaining email lists and sending out publications. Email contact@bikebridge.ca with you interest.

Moonlight Run

BikeBridge has again agreed to provide some logistics for the Annual Moonlight Run March 10, 2012. We are providing venue door count services as well as a BikeBridge display. If you are interested in helping out with the display booth (chat with cyclists and potential members) please email vicepres@bikebridge.ca

Backbones

BikeBridge has been working on an idea we are calling a Cycling Backbone Route (CBR) network. It is our hope that such a network would provide a planning basis for where (and how) the City focuses on cycling infrastructure developments. The CBR network would allow cyclists to ride year-round from and to any part of the city within a bike-prioritized, uninterrupted framework. Essentially, cyclists could use existing roads and trails to reach a backbone route and then the connected network to reach other sections of our city. For a more detail description of the CBR network checkout the BikeBridge website.

Valley Backbone - One such route would better link west (University) and south (downtown) Lethbridge. The essential part of this route could be a high-speed, reduced-grade bikeway traversing the river valley — reducing the physical (fitness) barrier the valley presents to many cyclists. BikeBridge believes the valley is a significant barrier to cycling throughout our city because it sustains the mind-set that our community is not very bike-able, not cycling-friendly. Recently, BikeBridge sat down with some other users (walkers, runners) to talk a bit about the issues and some innovative possibilities for crossing the valley. You will be hearing a lot more on this very soon.

The BikeBridge 3rd Annual AGM

The BikeBridge Annual General Meeting is tentatively set for April 21 at the Lethbridge Public Library (Downtown). BikeBridge members will receive an “official” notification by email as soon as the date, time and agenda are completed.

To own a bike ….. is to possess two wheels of fortune

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Cycling Backbone Route Networks

BikeBridge — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:57:09 +0000

A CBR is infrastructure and other supporting structures and systems that give priority to city-wide travel by bicycle.

Backbone routes broadly connect all sections of the city to each other: West-East (including the river valley), North-South (including Crows Nest Trail/Rail corridor), Lethbridge College to Downtown, access to South East warehouse retailing, access to and throughout Industrial Parks, access to downtown, access to University, access to West Lethbridge retail centre. The Backbone functions like a transit route in that the cyclist accesses the nearest route by utilizing existing and unspecified roadways, pathway, etc.

The CBR network allows cyclists to traverse the city quickly, directly, safely, using moderate to low energy, year round.

A CBR primarily utilizes existing roadways, augmented by dedicated bikeways where needed to maintain connectivity (satisfy standards). In order of priority, the CBR is applied using the following infrastructure and supporting systems:

1. Secondary and residential streets as Bicycle Boulevards

2. Arterial roadways as designated bike lanes

3. Dedicated Bikeways

1. Bicycle Boulevards

A bicycle boulevard is a low speed street which has been optimized for bicycle traffic. Bicycle boulevards discourage cut-through motor vehicle traffic but allow local motor vehicle traffic. They are designed to give priority to cyclists as through-going traffic. They are intended to improve cyclist comfort and/or safety.

* discouragement of non-local motor vehicle traffic;

* low speed limits;

* low motor vehicle traffic volumes;

* free-flow travel for bikes by assigning the right-of-way to the bicycle boulevard at intersections wherever possible;

* traffic control to help bicycles cross major arterial roads; and

* a distinctive look and/or ambiance such that cyclists become aware of the existence of the bike boulevard and motorists are alerted that the street is a priority route for bicyclists.

Bicycle boulevards use a variety of traffic calming elements to achieve a safe environment. For instance, diverters with bicycle cut-outs at mid-block allow motorists to enter the block in order to park or otherwise access a property, and allow cyclists to continue to the next block as well, but do not allow motorists to continue.

Bicycle boulevards often have higher road surface standards than other residential streets, and encourage riders to use the full lane, encouraging parity between bicycles and motor vehicles.

Bicycle boulevards have a snow removal (winter maintenance) and cleaning priority.

2. Designated Bike Lane

Bike lanes should only be required where routes cannot be provided using bicycle boulevards (given overall standards of safety and directness). Dedicated bike lanes are specifically markers areas on existing arterial and collector roadways for use only by cyclists (except where it is necessary for access purposes by other transportation users). Bike lanes include on street standardized lane marked areas that are maintained for all season use and include considerable signage, left turn cycling boxes and traffic signal activation.

Bike lanes have a snow removal (winter maintenance) and cleaning priority.

3. Dedicated Bikeways

Dedicated bikeways should only be required where a route cannot be provided using a bike boulevards of bike lanes (given overall standards of safety, directness and fitness).

A dedicated bikeway is essentially a two way physically separated (by distance or structures) bicycle freeway maximizing speed and minimizing intersection with other transportation users and minimizing physical requirements (grades). Bikeways are not “multi-use” facilities and may therefore required provision of separated facilities for pedestrians.

Bikeways could utilize exiting roadways using physical separation of cars from bikes using: planters, motor vehicle parking, and medians.

Bikeways have a snow removal (winter maintenance) and cleaning priority.

Benchmarking Report (2012)

BikeBridge — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:10:06 +0000

(US) Alliance for Biking and Walking Releases 2012 Benchmarking Report

The Alliance for Biking and Walking has released its comprehensive report on cycling and walking infastructure, funding, and safety for 2012. The report shows that increasing bicycling and walking are goals that are clearly in the public interest.

Where bicycling and walking levels are higher, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes levels are lower. Higher levels of bicycling and walking also coincide with increased bicycle and pedestrian safety and higher levels of physical activity. Increasing bicycling and walking can help solve many serious problems.

As this report indicates, many states and cities are making progress toward promoting safe access for bicyclists and pedestrians, but much more remains to be done.

Highlights

Bicycling and Walking Levels

12% of all trips are by bicycle (1.0%) or foot (10.5%).
From 2000 to 2009, the number of commuters who bicycle to work increased by 57%.
In 2009, 40% of trips in the United States were shorter than 2 miles, yet Americans use their cars for 87% of trips 1 to 2 miles. Twenty-seven percent of trips are shorter than 1 mile, yet 62% of trips up to 1 mile long are by car. Residents of the largest U.S. cities are 1.7 times more likely to walk or bicycle to work than the national average

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

14% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. are bicyclists (1.8%) or pedestrians (11.7%).
In the 51 largest U.S. cities, 12.7% of trips are by foot and 1.1% are by bicycle, yet 26.9% of traffic fatalities are pedestrians and 3.1% are bicyclists. Seniors are the most vulnerable bicyclists and pedestrians. Adults over 65 make up 10% of walking trips, yet comprise 19% of pedestrian fatalities and make up 6% of bicycling trips, yet account for and 10% of bicyclist fatalities.

Public Health Benefits

 Bicycling and walking levels fell 66% between 1960 and 2009, while obesity levels increased by 156%.
Between 1966 and 2009, the number of children who bicycled or walked to school fell 75%, while the percentage of obese children rose 276%.
 In general, states with the highest levels of bicycling and walking have the lowest levels of obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), and diabetes and have the greatest percentage of adults who meet the recommended 30-plus minutes per day of physical activity.

Economic Benefits 

Bicycling and walking projects create 11-14 jobs per $1 million spent, compared to just 7 jobs created per $1 million spent on highway projects. Cost benefit analyses show that up to $11.80 in benefits can be gained for every $1 invested in bicycling and walking.

2012 Benchmarking Report

BikeShorts eNews | Vol 2 No 4 August 2011

BikeBridge — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:54:40 +0000

BikeShorts Vol 2 No 4 August 2011

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a periodic emailout from BikeBridge Cycling Association Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

Dragon Boat Festival | Bike Parking Valet Service | June 25,26

BikeBridge’s first venture into providing a Bicycle Valet Service for Lethbridge bicycle users was an outstanding success. We took in 47 bikes on Saturday and 24 on Sunday (less favorable weather). There were many positive comments from valet users, potential users and the curious (someday users). BikeBridge extends a huge thank you to all the members who worked hard to make this “experiment” a success, and a special thanks to those serving as valet attendants. [more]

Word on the Street | Bike Parking Valet Service | Sept 25

The next BikeBridge Bike Parking Valet event will be at the Word on the Street Festival on Sunday, September 25 hosted by the Lethbridge Public Library. The festival is designed to be a playful, all-ages, spill-out-into-the-street community event with something for everyone to see, hear, do, and of course, eat! If you are interested in volunteering to work the BikeBridge Valet tent for an hour or so (Sunday Sept 25): email contact@bikebridge.ca

6,000 Bike Trips Made Every Day In Lethbridge?

Well, probably not. But if Lethbridge were on par (10%) with Vancouver, with its 60,000 trips by bike a day, that is roughly the number we might expect. That would also mean we would have 350 bicycle commuters (the equivalent of 6-7 full transit buses), 40 lane-kilometres of bike routes, and 30 traffic signals with cyclist push buttons… [more]

City of Lethbridge | Scenic Drive Multi-Use Trail

As reported in April, BikeBridge had recommended to the City that they not proceed with the cycling infrastructure projects planned for 2011. BikeBridge suggests instead that the City re-focus all available Bike Lane and Pathway capital funding resources toward the ultimate creation of a Lethbridge Bicycle Transportation Backbone Route System. BikeBridge has since been advised that, with the exception of the construction of a multi-use trail along Scenic Drive (4th Street S to 1st Ave S) the City will not proceed with the projects planned for 2011. BikeBridge is discouraged that the City apparently remains determined to move ahead with this Scenic Drive project, another roadside multi-use recreational trail, rather than applying funding toward development of primarily on-street bicycle transportation route facilities. [more]

7 Avenue South as a possible Backbone Route

As noted above, based on experiences in other communities, transportation by bicycle would be enhanced and grow with the development of a route structure that allows citizens to confidently use a bicycle for travel throughout the city. One such potential east-west connector might be 7 Avenue South (from 5 Street through to the eastern city limits–and perhaps beyond). We would like to know what you think about 7 Avenue S as a bike route–what would need to be added, changed, or upgraded to make it a great route for bicycles. Follow the Google Mapping and take the ride from 5th ST all the way through McAllister Crossing ending at the Jail Road and 44 ST S. Email your comments to contact@bikebridge.ca

Downtown (PRATS) Report | June 2011

BikeBridge was recently included as a stakeholder to provide the perspective of the bicycle transportation user in a Downtown Public Realm and Transportation Study (PRATS). On behalf of BikeBridge, member Jeff Walker attended the charrette sessions. We would like to extend Jeff a huge thank you for taking a big part of his week to inspire other attendees on the merits of cycling and the needs of cyclists. Thanks Jeff. Please read his review and check out the resulting public presentation. There is to be a follow up (City) Public Open House in September–more information when available.

New Cotton BikeBridge T-Shirts

BikeBridge now offers to order: cotton BikeBridge t-shirts for just $16 (including GST). The shirts have an embroidered BikeBridge logo on the upper left front. The shirts are available in either black or white, they are a unisex fit, and can be ordered in sizes S to XXL. To place your order send an email to stuff@bikebridge.ca and include your name and email; and the number of shirts, sizes and colors of each. BikeBridge will confirm your order by invoicing you by email through PayPal before we place your order at LOGOS Lethbridge. A reminder that BikeBridge members can also have the logo embroidered on other items of their choice–drop in to LOGOS at 322 6 ST downtown.

Destination Saturday: Free Coffee Downtown

BikeBridge and The Round Street Cafe want Lethbridge cyclists to make downtown a regular part of their Saturday. So on Saturday, why not take a ride downtown–maybe for breakfast? And while you’re there, stop by the Round Street Cafe, mention you have ridden downtown, and get a cup of coffee at no charge. Round Street Cafe is locate in downtown Lethbridge at 427 5 ST S with Saturday hours from 9 am to 5pm. Thanks Bonnie! [more]

Invite a friend to join BikeBridge

One BikeBridge goal for 2011-12 is to double our membership. Membership is important, not just because if reflects a personal commitment to cycling as a means of transportation, but because it announces to the community that there is a real and growing force of transportation cyclists to be considered. So if each member encourages just one other Lethbridge citizen to join, this will be one goal easily met. They do not have to be cyclist to be a member of BikeBridge–just the desire to see more transportation options for Lethbridge. [more]

2nd Annual Super’s Cycle Ride | Waterton Park | October 1

Ride along a vehicle-free Red Rock Parkway! The road will be closed to all vehicle traffic and you can ride as far as your interest takes you – just a short distance or all the way to Red Rock Canyon and back (30 km round-trip). There will be snack stations, a support vehicle, and lots of encouragement along the way. After the ride, join us at Pass Creek for a centennial celebration BBQ. This is a family event. Helmets are mandatory for anyone under 18, and highly recommended for everyone else. We encourage children to come with a legal guardian. Due to limited parking at Pass Creek, consider parking at Driftwood Beach and riding to Pass Creek.

[calendar] Watch for more on this and a possible ride to Waterton soon.

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Downtown PRATS Report

BikeBridge — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:59:37 +0000

As part of a Public Realm and Transportation Study for Downtown Lethbridge (PRATS) the City of Lethbridge held a series of Charrettes Design Sessions where stakeholders came together to explorer ideas for some designated study areas specifically and downtown generally.

BikeBridge was included as a stakeholder to provide the perspective of the bicycle transportation user in Downtown Lethbridge. On behalf of BikeBridge, member Jeffery Walker attended the sessions. Here is his review: (also follow the link to the public presentation resulting from the design sessions)

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Charrettes Design Sessions

June 13 through the 16 — Galt Museum

by: Jeffery Walker

As I took my seat on the first day of the PRATS design sessions, it seemed as though cyclists were not very high on the priority list. While the original plan was to expand the sidewalks and create a more pedestrian friendly environment; cyclists were once again left to run the gauntlet between the street and the angle parking.

However, as the days went on it became quite apparent that the cyclist friendly room had other ideas in mind.

Throughout the sessions, stakeholders were split into teams and asked to provide their feedback on the designs and what ideas they thought were most important moving forward. It was amazing to see was how cycling in the downtown core was a priority for so many of the stakeholders.

Over the next few days the PRATS team tweaked and refined their ideas, and as I watched the final presentation it was clear what influence cyclists had on the designs.

What started out as almost an afterthought for cyclists had now evolved into a proper solution in the form of a “multi-modal” section of the now expanded sidewalk. The idea being that cyclists would have a dedicated section of the sidewalk that they could use along side pedestrians, and give them much better access to the downtown core.

I must say how impressed I am by the amount of support for cyclists in the city, and by how enthusiastically the PRATS teams embraced the ideas and concerns.

I look forward to attending the public open house in September.

PRATS Public Presentation

Spinning private interest

BikeBridge — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:00:23 +0000

Anti-cycling populists appeal to frustrated commuters.*

Dateline: Tuesday, July 26, 2011

by Ish Theilheimer

A sign of how sensitive are these political times is the angry controversy that has erupted in cities across Canada about bike lanes. Toronto’s populist mayor Rob Ford got elected spouting vicious anti-bike rhetoric, claiming that he would put an end to the “war on cars,” and that “Cyclists are a pain in the ass to motorists.”

As congestion increases on roads and highways, it is easy for frustrated motorists to blame cyclists for their problems. It’s especially easy to point at the rather small group of cyclists who break the rules by riding on sidewalks, going the wrong way on one-way streets, and so on.

Nothing is more in the public interest than the encouragement of cycling.

Read the article at StraightGoods.ca

*with the permission of the author

Destination Saturday: Free Coffee Downtown

BikeBridge — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:44:52 +0000

**BikeBridge and The Round Street Cafe want Lethbridge cyclists to make downtown and Round Street (5th) a regular part of their Saturday.**

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Every Saturday, Beginning Saturday July 23, stop by the Round Street Cafe, mention you have ridden downtown, and get a cup of coffee at no charge.

Round Street Cafe is locate in downtown Lethbridge at 427 5 Street South

Saturday hours are 9am – 5pm

Dragon Boat Bike Valet Service Huge Success

BikeBridge — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:14:08 +0000

Our first venture into providing a Bicycle Valet Service for Lethbridge bicycle users has been an outstanding success. We took in 47 bikes on Saturday and 24 on Sunday (less favorable weather). There were may positive comments from valet users, potential users and the curious (some day users).

A huge thank you to all the BikeBridge members that worked hard to make this “experiment” a success, and a special thanks to those serving as valet attendants.

Also, from the Board and all members of BikeBridge; thank you Lon at Ascent Cycle, Paul at McLellan Fencing and Erin and Shawn at Runners Soul for assisting us with logistics in our first valet parking endeavor.

Watch for more details and information on our next Bicycle Valet Service event: Lethbridge Word On The Street Festival, September 25.

PRATS | Downtown Lethbridge – Bicycle Users’ Considerations

BikeBridge — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:00:36 +0000

The City Community Planning Department is undertaking PRATS**, a Public Realm and Transportation Study for Downtown Lethbridge to assist in the fulfillment of the Heart of Our City Master Plan vision.

As part of the study, BikeBridge is being included as a stakeholder to provide the perspective of the bicycle transportation user in Downtown Lethbridge.

Charrettes Design Sessions From June 13 through the 16, the City is holding a charrette design session where stakeholders will come together to explorer ideas for the study area and downtown. BikeBridge will have a representative in attendance.

June 7, BikeBridge submitted a “PRATS Downtown Bicycle User Considerations” paper as a guide for consideration of bicycle transportation use downtown generally and the for charrette design process. The Paper can be viewed as a PDF on Google Docs.

Please refer back to this website posting periodically for updates and information on the PRATS process: developments as well as noted concerns.

The BikeBridge Board encourages your ideas and comments, please feel free to add those as comments to this post.

* * *

** PRATS will outline short to medium term (10-20 years) strategies encompassing improvements to the public realm components including: the transportation network, streetscapes, open spaces, gateways & public art, pedestrian and cycling connections, public transit, and public parking. Recommendation will be expected to effectively address both current and future developments in downtown Lethbirdge.

Currently the Study Areas:

The current study area is along 5th ST S from 5th AVE to 1 AVE, and includes 2 AVE S from Scenic Drive to 5 ST, 3 AVE S from 4 ST to 5 ST and a section of 3 AVE from 7 ST to 8 ST

“McAllister” Crossing Reopened

BikeBridge — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:35:06 +0000

For all the cyclists accustomed to using the “shortcut” across the CP Rail tracks from Exhibition Park (South of Mountain Minerals), you likely became aware that the opening in the fence has been closed and locked for some time now.

BikeBridge has just been advised that the gate has now been reopened by Mountain Minerals to allow cyclists to cross (you must lift the chain).

Please note that Mr. Bob Bennett, General Manager of HCA Mountain Minerals (Lethbridge) Limited, cautions that anyone crossing the rail line must do so at their own risk. Stop, Look & Listen.

BikeBridge would like to thank Tim McAllister and Greg Travis for all the effort and work they have gone through contacting not only Mountain Minerals, but also the Lethbridge Exhibition Park (who have also indicated they are okay with using the shortcut).

This shortcut crossing has long been a good link for cyclists to travel to and from east Lethbridge and points further east without having to travel the Crowsnest Trail or 43rd Street. BikeBridge would like to see this crossing further “legitimized” and improved by making it part of a complete West to East Bicycle Transportation Backbone route that would allow cyclists to travel to and from 5th Street South (connection to downtown and West Lethbridge), along the length of 7 Avenue South, North Parkside Drive and through to the “Old Coaldale Road” area and points east. Check back soon for more news and ideas on approaching the City to make this the first quality full bicycle favoured route in Lethbridge.