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ACTION ALERT: Tell USDOT To Measure Up And Set Goals To Reduce Bicyclist And Pedestrian Fatalities

Written by Boston Biker on Jun 03

From Massbike:

Ghostbike

5,000 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our roads in the U.S. every year.

That represents a full 16% of all roadway fatalities. These deaths are preventable through better design, policies, and implementation. So what is the United States Department of Transportation planning to do to address this issue? Effectively, nothing.

Within its recently-released proposed safety measures, USDOT does not establish any goals, accountability, nor any attempt to reduce fatalities for people who bike and walk for transportation.

According to analysis of the proposed safety measures by the League of American Bicyclists:

The overall safety performance measure lacks vision, accountability, and urgency. There is NO actual target set for reducing the number of people killed on our roads. States are asked to make “significant progress” towards two of four proposed measures, with a margin of error that could see fatality and injury numbers actually increase.

Cities like New York and San Francisco have set aggressive “Vision Zero” goals to reduce pedestrian and bicycle fatalities. Here in Massachusetts, MassBike recently announced a partnership with MassDOT and DPH on a new program to increase bicyclist and pedestrian safety.

Please take just two minutes to let USDOT know that we must have a national goal to reduce biking and walking fatalities by creating a specific non-motorized safety performance measure. Here are two easy options:

Option 1: Utilize the League of American Bicyclists’ Action Center automated form to submit your comments. Click here to get started.

Option 2: You can submit your comments directly to Regulations.gov by clicking here, then clicking on the blue “Comment Here” button atop the right sidebar and following the prompts. In the comment section, copy and paste this message, or modify it if you prefer:

I am writing to endorse the comments submitted to Docket # FHWA-2013-0020 by the League of American Bicyclists.

I believe there should be a specific non-motorized safety performance measure – such a measure is technically feasible and timely given the increasing share of traffic fatalities represented by bicyclists and pedestrians. FHWA’s leadership in establishing such a measure will enable states to collect and analyze critical transportation data that has been needed for decades.

Further, I share the League’s view that the proposed performance measure lacks vision, accountability and urgency. State Departments of Transportation should be held accountable as active partners with the Federal Highway Administration in dramatically reducing the death toll on our nation’s roads.

Thank you for taking action. After you submit your comments, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

 


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MassBike Update

Written by Boston Biker on Apr 22

From Massbike:

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Child Safety Day hosted by Boston Police Department

What do the Northampton Tweed Ride, Jamaica Plain Free Pancake Breakfast, Franklin Bike Rodeo, and over 170 other local bike events around Massachusetts all have in common?

They are all part of Bay State Bike Week, the annual celebration of human-powered transportation across Massachusetts. With temperatures quickly rising, it’s time to polish off that dirty bike you’ve been riding all winter, or dust off the one that’s been idling through the coldest months, and get ready for this year’s festivities.

Every year, bike enthusiasts across Massachusetts plan events in their communities. Events range from bike safety classes for children to rides of silence to commuter breakfasts and beyond. Last year’s festivities even included a tour of Pioneer Valley wineries!

This year’s Bay State Bike Week will be from May 10 through May 18. Visit theBay State Bike Week website to learn about events happening in your local area, how to plan an event, or to add your event to the calendar. Be sure to like Bay State Bike Week on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and keep up to date with the hashtag
#BSBW.
 

Bay State Bike Week is a partnership between MassBike, MassDOT, and MassRIDES, in collaboration with local advocacy leaders, bike shop owners, and anyone else who likes seeing others go by bike.

Click here to view in your web browser

Last Thursday, advocates for better walking and biking came together for the 3rd annual Massachusetts Bike/Walk Summit at the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill. Organized in partnership between MassBike and WalkBoston, the summit was an opportunity for attendees to meet with their elected leaders and talk about about the importance of promoting active transportation around the Commonwealth.
The keynote speaker this year was Department of Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett, who talked about the Mass in Motion program and how expanding opportunities for walking and biking will be necessary for achieving important public health outcomes like reducing obesity and associated chronic diseases and bringing down health care costs.
This year’s topics of discussion with lawmakers were the two safety bills, theVulnerable Road Users Bill and the Bike Lane Protection Bill, the importance of continued funding for Mass in Motion programs, the necessity of gas tax indexing for meeting statewide mode shift goals, and increasing funding for Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure adequate maintenance and staffing of their facilities.
Click here to read the full summary

 

 
Not a MassBike member yet?
Our members make it possible for us to continue the education, infrastructure, and advocacy work we are doing to promote active transportation across Massachusetts.
Join today to support this important work, and you’ll get access to an exciting array of membership benefits statewide.

Residents of Easthampton and surrounding communities in the Pioneer Valley will have to seek alternate routes if they are planning to travel along the Manhan Rail Trail corridor this spring and summer. MassBike’s Pioneer Valley Chapter(MassBike PV) reported the closure on Facebook yesterday.

The closure is due to construction related to the Pioneer Mills Project, and portions of the trail will be closed through June. MassBike PV has provided a helpful map of the construction area and suggested detours. The Manhan Rail Trail has a total length of 6 miles within Easthampton and continues for several miles into Northampton where it connects with a system of trails in that city.

Follow MassBike PV on Facebook for regular updates. Do you have any updates about this project to report? Please let us know at [email protected].

Click here to view in your web browser

Which bike tour takes you along scenic routes through quaint Central Massachusetts towns, including stops at swimming holes, homemade ice cream stands, and even a Trappist beer brewery, and let’s you pedal along at your own pace while chatting with the new friends you just made at breakfast? The Mass BikePike Tour does, of course!
Now in it’s seventh year, this tour, designed to appeal to riders with a range of experience and abilities, proudly calls itself “The Friendliest Ride in the East”. This year’s tour will take place August 7 – 10.
The tour starts in Shirley, and riders will explore the apple country, visit the 18th century utopia of Harvard, savor the all-day breakfast at old-fashioned classic dinerin Oxford, and try to pick which town green is the most beautiful – it’s a tough call! Along with the beautiful scenery, riders can look forward to the climb to the top ofPurgatory Chasm. Beer-lovers will enjoy the chance to ride by the monastery that is the first and only certified Trappist Beer brewery in the United States!
Each evening features a pre-dinner “social hour”, a nightly campfire/stargazing, and optional field trips to local attractions. The Mass BikePike Tour is affordably priced and all proceeds benefit MassBike. The tour is fully supported with cues, arrows, sag vehicles, rest stops and staff.
 
Spaces go quickly, so sign up now to reserve your space! The tour also offers volunteer spots to offset the cost of signing up. For more information, please visitwww.massbikepike.org.
Click here to view in your web browser

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers make up a huge part of our success, so we want to make volunteering with us even better. Anyone who volunteers ten hours of their time will automatically earn a MassBike membership. TUESDAY, MAY 13: MassBike Volunteer Night

5:30 – 8:00 PM | MassBike Office | 171 Milk St, Suite 33 | Boston, MA 02109

Join us for free pizza and cold beer (generously provided by Harpoon) at our monthly volunteer night. This is your opportunity to help your state-wide bicycle advocacy group while having a good time and meeting great people. Space is limited, so please RSVP if you’d like to join us.

 

Volunteers help MassBike send out our monthly membership renewal reminders, prepare membership packets, and help out with other activities.
Be sure to RSVP for Volunteer Night with [email protected]!

FRIDAY, MAY 16 & SATURDAY, MAY 17: Radio 92.9 Earth Fest

Multiple Shifts | DCR Hatch Shell | Storrow Drive | Boston, MA 02116

MassBike will once again be providing free bike valet parking at Radio 92.9 Earth Fest on Saturday, May 17. Volunteers will help bike valet with bike valet setup on Friday evening and Saturday morning, and with running bike valet during the event. Multiple shifts will be available and details will be announced shortly.

 

Bike Video

First day of spring cycling

This little video shows snippet of everyday life in one of our favorite cycling countries, the Netherlands, where roughly 20% of all trips are made by bicycle.
Can you picture what Massachusetts might look like with 20% of all trips made by bicycle?

SATURDAY, APRIL 26


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Help Kids Get Get Healthy: Call Your Congress Critter Today

Written by Boston Biker on Apr 10

From MassBike:

Mass in Motion is an important program that works with partners across Massachusetts to fight obesity in children and adults by increasing opportunities for walking and biking and access to healthy food. The program is crucial for bicycling across our commonwealth, and is a significant source of funding for MassBike’s Bikeable Communities Program. Right now, the continuance of this vital program is in question due to federal budget cuts, and our partners are working hard to secure state funding for the Mass in Motion.

State Representative Gailanne Cariddi of North Adams has filed an amendment to the state budget that would provide dedicated state funding for Mass in Motion, providing enough funding to maintain current investments. Representatives have until tomorrow afternoon (Friday, April 11) to sign on as co-sponsors. In order to be successful, we need to have lots of Reps, especially those from Mass in Motion communities, sign on in support.

What can you do to help secure state funding for Mass in Motion?

Please call your State Representative immediately and ask her or him to co-sponsor Rep. Cariddi’s amendment to restore funding for Mass in Motion. A fact sheet about the amendment is here that you can share with your Rep. A list of all the Representatives from Mass in Motion communities is here, and includes their email, phone number, and social media handles.  

Not sure who your State Representative is? Visit this page to find out.

Once you’ve called your representative, please take a moment to email us and let us know you have. You can simply reply to the email to do so, or email[email protected].

Thank you for your support in this effort. By taking action, you are helping to ensure that our communities have the resources to continue healthy transportation and active living programs that are making a real impact across our commonwealth.

 


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MassBike Update

Written by Boston Biker on Mar 13

Got this in the email, lots of stuff going on over at MassBike!

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MassBike Goes To Washington
Next week, the MassBike team heads to Washington, DC to join bicycle advocates from across the country at the National Bike Summit!

 

We look forward to joining our fellow advocates in educating our elected leaders about the latest issues and asking for more funding for bike transportation.

 

Boston Speaks Up For Protected Bike Lanes

Photo: Jon Ramos / Southie Bikes

At a crowded meeting Wednesday night at Boston City Hall, attendees packed into Room 801 to review the 25% design plans for the Connect Historic Boston bike trail and share their thoughts on the project.

One after another, citizens came up to the microphone to voice their support for the proposed network of cycle tracks around downtown Boston and the North End. A common theme expressed by many speakers was how this project would not just serve those who already ride bikes, but inspire new people to try riding.

MassBike Executive Director David Watson spoke in favor of the project, saying, “Some people doubted Hubway when it was first launched, but it has quickly become part of the city’s fabric faster than anyone imaged. So too will this project become a part of the fabric of Boston.”

He added that, while he is generally in favor of the current design, he wanted to see particular attention paid to the intersection treatment and signal timing, and more consideration given to how commuter cyclists will enter and exit the cycle track on Causeway Street.

You can review detailed plans and meeting minutes from past public meetings on the project here.

Path And Complete Streets Funding Moves

Forward In MA Senate

The Massachusetts Senate took an important step toward increasing funding for bicycle and pedestrian paths and other infrastructure this week. The transportation bond bill was reported out of the Senate bonding committee, and is now in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. It is scheduled for a vote by the full Senate next week, where it is expected to pass. MassBike led advocacy efforts that protected $377,255,000 for bicycle and pedestrians paths, and also played a significant role in ensuring $50 million for a Complete Streets certification and incentive program. The bill also provides for an additional $23 million in funding for other bike-related projects.

We thank the members of the Senate bonding committee, including Chairman Brian Joyce (D – Milton) and Senator Ken Donnelly (D – Arlington), for helping to ensure this funding has remained in the bill.

Read more…

 

Save The Date: Massachusetts Bike/Walk Summit 2014

Mark your calendars! MassBike and WalkBoston are pleased to invite you to join bicycle and pedestrian advocates from across the Commonwealth at the 3rd Annual Bike/Walk Summit on April 3rd from 10 AM – 1 PM at the State House. Our speaker will be Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett from the Department of Public Health.

Please register here if you are planning to attend. The Bike/Walk Summit is free and open to the public. This year’s summit will focus on the work of Mass in Motion and advancing the Vulnerable Road Users and Bike Lane Protection Bill.

Read more about the Bike/Walk Summit…


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Vote For MassBike!

Written by Boston Biker on Feb 04

From MassBike:

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Dear MassBikers,

 

We are so excited we just had to share this with you! MassBike is honored to be nominated for the People’s Choice Advocacy Award, presented by the Alliance for Biking & Walking and Bicycling Magazine. Think of this as the Oscars of bicycle advocacy — and we need your help to win! The award will be presented at the National Bike Summit on March 3, 2014.
 
Will you take just one minute to vote for us?
 

MassBike is your only statewide bicycle advocacy organization, working towards better biking across the Bay State since 1977. Our nomination recognizes the successful completion of the first full year of our Bikeable Communities Program in 2013. We’ve trekked around the Commonwealth to work in 37 communities on projects ranging from Complete Streets trainings to bikeability assessments to advisory committees to GIS mapping — and more!


If we win, the recognition will help MassBike leverage additional support to bring Bikeable Communities Program to more locations across Massachusetts.

 

Please spread the word to your networks by forwarding this email, posting on Facebook, tweeting, or using any other channels you have. If you use Twitter, be sure to mention @MassBike in your tweet, and we’ll give you a shout out.

 
Thank you very much!

 

Sincerely,

Nathaniel Fink
Communications and Outreach Manager

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The Word On The Street

  • RSS Here is what people are saying

    • Where bicycles are prohibited in Massachusetts August 16, 2023
      TweetThe main issue you will confront if you get into a dispute with police over bicycle prohibitions is whether the prohibition is supported by law. Often it is not. Example: the ramp from Commonwealth Avenue to Route 128 northbound and … Continue reading →
      jsallen
    • Where bicycles are prohibited in Massachusetts August 16, 2023
      TweetThe main issue you will confront if you get into a dispute with police over bicycle prohibitions is whether the prohibition is supported by law. Often it is not. Example: the ramp from Commonwealth Avenue to Route 128 northbound and … Continue reading →
      jsallen
    • It’s Finally Happening! 5th Annual Hot Cocoa Ride Feb 12! February 8, 2022
      ... Continue reading →
      commonwheels
    • It’s Finally Happening! 5th Annual Hot Cocoa Ride Feb 12! February 8, 2022
      ... Continue reading →
      commonwheels
    • Hello world! June 9, 2021
      Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing! Continue reading →
      thecommunityspoke
    • Run The Jewels Lead Free Pewter Hand Carved And Cast Pin Set January 3, 2021
      Made these lovely RTJ fist and gun pin set. Hand carved in wax, and then cast in lead free pewter.  Because these are made by hand you can do fun things like add an extra small pin so that they sit just so (also means they have “customized” brass back plates to accommodate the extra […]
      Boston Biker
    • My Work In The Wild: Feather Head Badge With Chris King Headset January 3, 2021
      One of my customers sent me this amazing picture of my feather badge installed on their (awesome!) bike.   Check out Manofmultnomah (here and here), apparently Chris King took some interest in it as well.  Want one of your own?  Buy it here, or here... Continue reading →
      Boston Biker
    • Boston’s Invitation to Improve Biking in Boston: Draw on Some Maps! December 14, 2020
      TweetSometimes, the best way to gather ideas and feedback is to let people draw on some maps. Last night, at the Bike Network Open House, pedallovers unveiled a draft for their upcoming plans for a more connected biking network infrastructure … Continue reading →
      greg
    • Boston’s Invitation to Improve Biking in Boston: Draw on Some Maps! December 14, 2020
      TweetSometimes, the best way to gather ideas and feedback is to let people draw on some maps. Last night, at the Bike Network Open House, pedallovers unveiled a draft for their upcoming plans for a more connected biking network infrastructure … Continue reading →
      greg
    • Boston’s Invitation to Improve Biking in Boston: Draw on Some Maps! December 14, 2020
      TweetSometimes, the best way to gather ideas and feedback is to let people draw on some maps. Last night, at the Bike Network Open House, pedallovers unveiled a draft for their upcoming plans for a more connected biking network infrastructure … Continue reading →
      greg