In the wake of the Distracted Driving Summit comes this excellent video report from SoCal Connected, clearly demonstrating the danger of cell phone use while driving. They even compared it to driving drunk — with surprising results.
Distracted drivers are an increasing threat to cyclists and pedestrians. VBF supports further restrictions on cell phone use, such as a hands-free requirement like California’s. (Texting is already banned in Virginia.) Resistance from cell phone companies is to be expected, but the biggest political hurdle may be legislators themselves, who aren’t willing to give up their own cell phones.
The much-ballyhooed Bikestation DC opens tomorrow, Friday October 2, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30am, in conjunction with the League of American Bicyclists. (Please RSVP to Steve Mathis at ((877) 572-2453.) Bikestation DC is at 50 Massachusetts Ave., appropriately at Union Station.
The concept, location, and design of Bikestation DC have generated a lot of discussion and press attention. Examiner.com has a great page of links to media highlights. This is a great addition to our nation’s capital — for the city itself, and as a nationwide example of how things can be done. Bikestation has been operating successfully in other cities for over a decade.
We’re not in the business of promoting “stuff,” but anything that removes barriers to bicycling like this does is well worth mentioning. DaHon’s new Pango helmet folds to half the volume of a typical bike helmet, to stow easily inside a messenger bag, backpack, pannier, or briefcase. The “what do I do with my helmet” question has now been answered, for many people at least. No word yet on safety ratings, availability, or price.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has announced $373M in grant money to be awarded to 30 to 40 communities throughout the US, to reduce obesity and tobacco use. This is an excellent opportunity for Virginia communities to secure funding for major bike-ped projects and programs.
The Alliance for Biking and Walking has done an excellent job providing information about this new grant program, Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW). We encourage you to visit their website to read all about it, and to download their list of sample bike-ped activities (PDF) that fit within the parameters of the program.
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