John Gideon, of Ohio’s Consider Biking writes:
Great news this morning. As reported in the New York Times by Matt Richtel, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced yesterday that sometime in September he is convening a “distracted driving summit” whose purpose is to “give safety experts, academics, elected officials, the police and others an opportunity to discuss legal and policy changes.”
It sounds like something that we all should be heavily involved in. A “Traffic Justice” campaign. Or a “Safe Roads” movement (to pick up where the League of American Wheelmen’s (aka LAB‘s) “Good Roads” movement of the late 1800’s left off).
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood linked the drunken driving and distracted driving issues in his statement announcing the meeting. “People in America got fed up with their children and loved ones being killed by drunk drivers,” he said. “And people in America are very tired of the idea that people can text and drive and use cellphones and drive in some states.”
This is a great development. Maybe we’ve reached a “tipping point” in our efforts to create safer roads for bicycling and walking.
Things may indeed be getting better for cyclists, on matters of policy. Secy. LaHood has said outright that, “Cyclists are important users of transportation systems.” So government agency bosses are coming around to our side. What policymakers want though, cannot happen without budgetary support from legislators and their constituents. So more than ever, it’s important to contact your legislators, to urge their support of bike-friendly infrastructure and programs.
On the distracted driving front, Virginia’s texting ban went into effect July 1, 2009, and the US Senate has already introduced a nationwide texting ban.
Regional Bicycle Advisory Committee Recognizes Local Bicycle Advocates
Roanoke, Va., August 3rd, 2009 – The Regional Bicycle Advisory Committee, organized by the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, is excited to announce the first winners of its Bike Hero and Extraordinary Bike Professional awards. The awards, sponsored by RIDE Solutions, honor individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication to improving bicycle accommodations, education, access, and safety in the region. Individuals were nominated throughout this past May’s Bike Month event, and winners were selected by the Bicycle Advisory Committee. The awards and winners are as follows: [continue reading…]
VBF’s Rails With Trails petition has reached an important milestone today, with over 1,000 signatures. Thanks to everyone who has signed so far! If you haven’t signed yet, please read it and consider signing.
Briefly, the petition asks that state-funded rail corridor improvements include bike-ped facilities — rails with trails.
More importantly, get your organization, municipality, or local planning authority to write a letter of support for our rails with trails resolution, as these 33 organizations have done: [continue reading…]
As reported by the Washington Post, the the US Senate has introduced a nationwide ban on texting while driving. States would have to pass their own texting bans, or lose 25% of their annual federal highway funds.
It’s nice to know that Virginia is ahead of the curve with this issue. Virginia’s own texting ban took effect July 1; and today’s Senate bill comes in the wake of a Virginia Tech study showing that commercial truck drivers who texted were 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near miss.
Please read the summary of the texting study, then contact Virginia Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner, and let them know how you feel.
Mark your calendars now for the Heart of Virginia Bike Festival, Sept. 19-20, 2009. The Festival has something for every rider, from a 30 mile family ride to a full English century (100 miles). Starting from Ashland, ride the beautiful countryside of Hanover County, in the footsteps of Patrick Henry, Robert E. Lee and U.S. Grant. Proceeds from the ride benefit the Hanover Habitat for Humanity, and the Hanover Mental Health Assn.
For details, see the RABA home page and click on the link in the Special Upcoming Events section; you can also download a brochure (PDF) and register at Active.com. Register before August 15 to save a few bucks.
VBF will hold our annual meeting at the Heart of Virginia Bike Festival. All VBF members are encouraged to attend! Bring us your feedback, your suggestions, your ideas, and your passion. Details to follow soon.
Get your event featured here by becoming a VBF member.
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