Since there are so many great articles out there concerning bicycling, and there’s only so much we can post on Facebook we felt it prudent to start a Weekly News Roundup and together articles, posts, editorials, in one place. If you’ve read something we missed please link to it in the comments and we’ll add it to the next roundup.
DIY Bike Map movement (Treehugger)
City design plays a part in getting Americans walking (BBC World Service)
Seattle bicyclists see safety in numbers (Seattle Bike Blog)
Tech companies in a race to bike friendliness (Marketplace)
Denton passes bike plan (Bike Denton)
BFA is very excited to celebrate Arlington’s newest bike lane on Norwood Lane, but after seeing tomorrow’s forecast we think it will be more enjoyable for everyone to postpone the ceremony for a day that is less rainy and less cold.
We will reschedule the event as soon as possible. We apologize for the changes, but we’re working to make this a special event.
Please stay tuned for an update on the new scheduled date and rsvp to the facebook event.
Since there are so many great articles out there concerning bicycling, and there’s only so much we can post on Facebook we felt it prudent to start a ‘Weekly News Roundup’ and together articles, posts, editorials, in one place. If you’ve read something we missed, please link to it in the comments and we’ll add it to the next roundup.
Bike advice from a 70 year-old cyclist (NYT)
Gas prices are on the rise in North Texas (Star-Telegram)
Arlington PD catches Bikes Inc. robber suspect (Star-Telegram)
Mass transit in Arlington? (Star-Telegram)
HB 7 – National Transportation Bill coverage (NYC Streetsblog)
The Star Telegram recently wrote an article on the budget surplus from 2011. Apparently the city is in the black $2.7 million dollars. You might say, “Wow, that’s a lot of money. ” Considering the City has an operating budget of $200 million it’s not that much. If you are brave enough to venture into the comments section of the Star-Telegram section you can read the calls for “Return it to the residents” or “What a waste. How can they have a surplus?”
It would be nice to see the surplus money invested back into Arlington. The article says that Councilman Shepard’s Financial Committee is going to discuss with City staff where the money should be allocated. Maybe staff and Council have ideas about where they would like to see the money spent, but that doesn’t mean we can’t chime in. If you think a portion of that money should be used to implement the Hike and Bike System Master Plan, here’s a sample letter you might consider emailing to council and the Transportation Planning Manager in charge of the plan (we’ve included email addresses for simple copy & pasting).
___________________________________________________
To: robert.cluck@arlingtontx.gov; mel.leblanc@arlingtontx.gov; sheri.capehart@arlingtontx.gov; robert.rivera@arlingtontx.gov; kathryn.wilemon@arlingtontx.gov; lana.wolff@arlingtontx.gov; robert.shepard@arlingtontx.gov; jimmy.bennett@arlingtontx.gov
CC: alicia.winkelblech@arlingtontx.gov;
bikefriendlyarlington@gmail.com
Subject: Please use one-time funds to implement the Hike & Bike Plan
Dear Council,
I recently found out about the budgetary windfall of $2.7 million dollars. I would like to recommend the city invest in safer streets and a more resilient transportation system by committing $300,000 to implementing the on-street portion of the Hike & Bike System Master Plan.
I understand that the plan was intended to be implemented over the next 30-40 years but in 30-40 years costs are going to be higher than what they are now.
Something that could be taken care of now, today, and benefit us residents almost immediately, would be the on-street portion of the Hike & Bike System Master Plan. The sum total for implementing the on-street portion of the plan is only estimated at $300,000. It’s a one-time cost that would offer multiple benefits to Arlington residents.
When deliberating the spending of these one-time funds, I would strongly recommend you dedicate a portion of the funds to implementing the approved plan.
Sincerely,
Joan Q Public
123 Bicycle Track
Arlington 760XX
Who is Bike Friendly Arlington? You! Bike Friendly Arlington is a bicycle advocacy group with a diverse membership. We appreciate all of our members—those who attended rides and events, those who rallied together during the Hike & Bike Plan meetings and emailed City Council members, and those who support us on Facebook. You posted “We Support Bike Lanes” signs in your yards and continue to give us friendly honks on the road. You make bicycles feel appreciated in Arlington. We really couldn’t do this without your support. Thank you.
What have we done for you lately?
This year, we not only helped pass the Arlington Hike & Bike Master Plan, but we also
- Offered family-friendly rides on Sundays during the Fall and Spring
- Organized pub roll rides for our 21+ members to support local businesses in the downtown and surrounding areas
- Gained local business support for the Hike & Bike System Master Plan and donations to print yellow supporter t-shirts, and distributed them at the Arlington City Council hearings
- Produced and distributed “We Support Bike Lanes” yard signs to residents
- Rallied and organized members for each Hike and Bike Plan Town Hall Meetings and City Council hearing and spoke publicly about the benefits of the plan
- Participated in community events such as the Arlington Fourth of July Parade and National Trails Day
- Celebrated the Hike and Bike Plan’s approval on August 2, 2011
- Partnered with The Bicycle Betties of Fort Worth and the Danielle LeBlanc Foundation to hold a benefit ride to raise over $700 for the SafeHaven of Tarrant County Women’s Shelter
- Tabled at EcoFest, where we raffled off light sets, distributed bike safety information, and gained valuable information about our presence in the community
Rebuilding Bike Friendly. We admit we’ve taken a little break, but it’s time get back down to business. We’ve decided to restructure the organization to fulfill the growing demands of the community, to help implement the Hike and Bike Plan, and to get more riders on the road. We are reorganizing ourselves into a Board of Directors to increase our efficiency and effectiveness.
Community involvement. We’re reaching out to the community to increase ridership and to help promote BFA’s vision and mission. We’re actively recruiting ride leaders, program directors (who will organize specific programs or events), and volunteers for bicycle safety programs. If you are interested in volunteering as a program director, a ride leader, or an event volunteer, please email us: bikefriendlyarlington@gmail.com.
Open Board Meeting. We want BFA members to see how we operate behind the scenes. We will hold a one-time open Board Meeting on October 17th, 2011 at 6:00pm at the Engineering Research Building (500 UTA Blvd.) Room 470. During the Board Meeting we will decide on BFA’s mission and vision, vote on Board Member policies and procedures, and elect Board Members.
Board of Directors. There will be 7 positions within BFA’s Board of Directors, Executive Director/Chair, Ride Event Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer, Media Manager, Webmaster, and Advocacy Outreach Coordinator.
Call for Action. We’re seeking a qualified individual in the Arlington community to serve on the board. If you’re interested in becoming a BFA Board Member, please fill out a Board of Director’s application (PDF/DOC) and send it to bikefriendlyarlington@gmail.com. Application deadline is November 1st, 2011, and the appointment will be made based on the selection and vote of the Board Members. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend the Oct. 17th Board Meeting.
BFA Board Members are expected to:
- Meet once a month at an agreed upon time/place to plan events and programs
- Understand and promote BFA’s mission
- Participate in resource development and fundraising
- Assist in membership development and ride leader recruitment
- Advocate on behalf of BFA
- Participate in and/or promote programs and events
- Help educate the community about bicycle safety & infrastructure
- Be friendly to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists
BFA Board Members must:
- Follow bicycle rules and regulations outlined by the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551
- Pass the League of American Bicyclists Traffic Skills 101 class within 6 months of appointment
- Attend 75% of all board meetings (are allowed to miss 3 meetings/year with notice)
- Be at meetings on time, or no more than 15 minutes late
Where is BFA now? We’ve launched a small advocacy campaign distributing spoke cards with the “Rules of the Road” to bicyclists on UTA’s campus. We look forward to organizing rides and events alongside businesses, community members, and DFW bicycle advocacy and cycling organizations.
Ride on!
Bike Friendly Arlington invites you to Ecofest at Founder’s Plaza on Saturday, September 17th from 10am-10pm! Come out for the day with your family and friends to learn about organizations and businesses supporting environmental causes in the Arlington community and stay through the evening to enjoy two great free shows at Levitt Pavilion!
Bike Friendly Arlington will have a table at the event from 10am to 6pm with kid’s activities, a raffle to win prizes, and educational materials about bicycle safety. BFA is proud to be a part of the Arlington community of do-gooders. Please come show your support and help Arlington grow into a lovable and livable bike friendly city.
If you are interested in volunteering to help us at our table, please email us at bikefriendlyarlington@gmail.com.
Stay up to date on upcoming events with our Event Calendar or like us on Facebook!
Come out to City Hall today at 6:30 pm to watch City Council take their second vote on the Arlington Hike and Bike System Master Plan! See the facebook event.
Wear your yellow support shirt!
And join us early at 5:30 at Old School Pizza and Suds (603 W. Abram) for a short ride to City Hall!
See you then!
Last night the City of Arlington Council Chambers were overflowing. Almost 100 people spoke – over 300 were in attendance. It was a long meeting with lots of amazing and inspiring speeches in support, and (as usual) plenty of misinformation, attacks, and ludicrous conspiracy theories in opposition.
Last Night’s Outcome
Council voted to approve the plan 5-4, with Robert Shephard, Sheri Capehart, Jimmy Bennett, Lana Wolff, and Kathryn Wilemon voting for the plan. Mayor Cluck and Council Members Patrick, Rivera, and LeBlanc voted against the plan.
The plan is not yet approved!
Arlington requires a second reading for all ordinances. It is entirely possible that some council members may change their vote the second time around. It’s rare, but it does happen occasionally.
Second Vote
So, when’s this second reading? It should be Tuesday, August 2nd, but Mayor Cluck mentioned that they could push it back if they felt they needed more time to discuss and debate the plan. As we hear more about this process we will post up here. Also: there should not be another public hearing – just a vote by council.
Vacation Time
It’s important to note that City Council is now on vacation, until the August 2nd meeting. While they shouldn’t be totally cut off from the world during the time, we should still be respectful that they are on a break and realize they’ve likely heard all our arguments. So, for now, thank our yes votes and mention how you look forward to their second vote of approval. As we get a better read on the situation closer to the second reading we may find a need for elaborating on why their vote was wonderful or why the no-votes should consider changing their vote.
[Easy copy-and-paste yes-votes email addresses: sheri.capehart@arlingtontx.gov; kathryn.wilemon@arlingtontx.gov; lana.wolff@arlingtontx.gov; robert.shepard@arlingtontx.gov; jimmy.bennett@arlingtontx.gov]
Star-Telegram photo by Richard W. Rodriguez
The Compromise
The plan council voted on last night was Option C. Robert Shephard proposed moving a few chapters to the Appendix to make them act more as recommendations and less as mandates. He also proposed not prohibiting parking in a bike lane. Sheri Capehart added back some bike facilities: numbers 9, 18, and 22 from our suggestions, as well as two bike lanes connecting to TCC on Southeast Parkway and Mansfield Webb Road. Hopefully the city will publish a new map soon so we can view the complete proposed plan.
Maybe this plan is not our optimal plan, but it’s a step in the right direction. As we are able to implement these facilities our opposition will be able to see the benefits they bring and will hopefully be open to more in the future. But for now, this is one step forward towards better freedom of transportation in Arlington.
Tread Carefully
The opposition is not going to let their guard down – any and all behavior will be scrutinized by the opposition, including the failure to obey traffic laws.
A Million Thank Yous to our Supporters!
Y’all were awesome last night and you have been wonderful throughout this long ordeal. The support from the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, UT Arlington, the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, and the Arlington Convention & Visitor’s Bureau was incredible. We also want to thank our friends at Fort Worthology and all over the Metroplex. We especially appreciate our “yellow shirt” sponsors: Acme Bike Co., Mellow Mushroom, Tanstaafl Pub, Potager Cafe, Old School Pizza & Suds, Cody Rocamontes Memorial Skatepark, and Legacy Merch! You rock!
Press on the Web
For more on the plan, see these numerous posts:
Arlington Alive : Jim’s Bike Blog : BikeDFW : Nate Kogan : WFAA : Fort Worthology : Star Telegram : The Shorthorn
And remember, it’s not over yet! Continue to stay positive and up to date!
It’s finally happening – the City of Arlington City Council Public Hearing for the Hike and Bike System Master Plan will be held:
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
6:30 pm
Arlington City Hall
101 W. Abram Street
Things to know about the meeting:
- wear yellow. Bring your Hike and Bike Plan support shirt if you have one. We will have more to hand out.
- fill out a card when before you enter council chambers, mark it in support, and mark whether you wish to speak.
- the total amount of time supporters will be allowed to speak is 20 minutes (same for those opposed). Each speaker should get 2 minutes to speak at the most. If you are comfortable speaking, are a business owner, or represent an organization, please do speak.
- since the speaking time is limited, you do not need to speak. The visual of having as many supporters as possible in the room will make a huge impact, so come out and bring your friends!
Also:
- stay respectful. These meetings can get pretty heated, so take a deep breath and remember to stay calm, only speak when permitted, and be sure to thank Council for their time.
- the limited speaking time means this will likely be a shorter meeting, so please try to show up as close to on time as possible. Council chambers will be open well before the meeting so feel free to show up early. The public hearing is the first regular item on the agenda, so it should be underway by 7:00.
- we are having a short Ride to City Hall for the meeting. If you’d like to join, meet us at Old School Pizza and Suds (603 West Abram Street) at 5:30. We will leave by 5:50 to ensure plenty of time to lock our bikes, get shirts, and sign-in for the meeting.
- if you haven’t written council yet, now is the time.
- Council will be voting on Option C. If you think we need more than what Option C provides, let Council know!
- for more history on the plan, see this post.
Bike Friendly Arlington recently emailed City Council asking them to “Close the Gap” of Plan “C” and add back primary lanes and connections from the well researched and developed, original plan. Below is the e-mail. Help us get these changes realized. Write to City Council asking them to make Plan “C” a safer, better connected, more accessible plan:
| Dear Council,
It has been many months, many meetings, and many e-mails since the Hike & Bike Plan was first conceived. While the consultant, staff, steering committee, and general public spent months developing a comprehensive, well-connected plan, naysayers have spent an equal amount of time tearing it down, with misinformation, conspiracy theories and outright lies. And now we are less than a week away from the first public reading. Bike Friendly Arlington would like to thank you for the time spent in consideration of the plan, but in the same breath we would ask that certain on-street elements be put back in to make on-street riding safer and allow for more connectivity. Our rational for adding back to Plan “C” is guided by: Safety – given the choice, bike lanes should be placed in favored of bike routes where possible. Bike lanes have a proven track record for increasing safety. While they may just be stripes of paint on the ground, striping creates a defined space for bicyclist that motorists and make bicycle travel more predictable. Connectivity – the plan is a snapshot of a full build out. If this is going to be the guide for street design, it needs to be as robust as possible. There is no sense in creating a plan that is disjointed. Residents should be able to get where they are going by the most direct route possible. Gaps in the connectivity will make bicycle travel between different parts of the city less likely. Access – As is, Plan “C” is a stripped down Plan “A.” Plan C includes numerous cases where former planned bike lanes (removed in Plan B) were added back in Plan C, but as bike routes, even though there is ample pavement width to accommodate them as bike lanes. While bike routes may serve an experienced rider that feels comfortable riding with traffic already, they do little to encourage the novice rider to take to the streets. If the bike routes are passed in lieu of bike lanes, and bike routes implemented accordingly, safety and accessibility will only marginally increase.
Explanations
City Council, please add back these important elements that provide additional connectivity to the system and provide additional safety and comfort for all users. We thank you for your time and your service to our community. Bike Friendly Arlington |
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