07.02.09
Posted in Advocacy
by Margherita at 7:44 am
Here’s the link to a report by Smart Growth America on how states have allocated their transportation stimulus funding. While Rhode Island did well in spending 100 percent of its total road allocation to “system preservation;” i.e., taking care of existing roads, it only provided a dismal 7.5 percent to public transportation and non-motorized projects. While that puts us in the top 10 states, it’s pretty pathetic that we didn’t do better.
http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/documents/120days.pdf
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07.01.09
Posted in Advocacy
by Mark Dieterich at 2:04 pm
The RI House passed, what can now best be called an “Unsafe Passing Bill”, this past Saturday. You can read the entire bill (pdf format) online. Apparently, the bill was ammended on the floor of the House before passage, but, as of yet, we have been unable to determine what exactly these changes were.
In general, the bill introduces a fine should a driver of a motor vehicle fail to pass a cyclist without a safe distance, where safe is defined to be:
a distance that is sufficient to prevent contact with the person operating the bicycle if the person were to fall into the driver’s lane of traffic
Of interest though is one particular exception whereby this safe distance rule does not apply:
At a speed not greater than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph);
Apparently, it’s okay to buzz or even hit a cyclist if you are driving under 35mph.
Now that the House bill has been passed, the status is listed as being forwarded to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Since the Senate is in recess, it’s unclear what this means. While it’s still possible to have the Senate act on a bill, even during recess, I believe it is unlikely that this bill will currently become law.
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Posted in Events
by Mark Dieterich at 11:40 am
| July 5, 2009 |
| 1:00 pm | to | 4:00 pm |
It’s time to start telling the rest of the nation what many of us already know… bicycling is probably the most energy efficient mode of transportation available today! This Sunday, July 5th, there is an Energy Independence Day celebration being held in Portsmouth, RI. It would be great if we could have a strong contigent of cyclists show up to support the event. Here are the details from Barry Schiller:
I hope the bicycle community will note the announcement below of “Energy Independence Day” on Sunday July 5 (not July 4) organized by Cool Aquidneck Island, an event being held at the Portsmouth High School, site of the new wind turbine. Though the wind turbine will no doubt be the centerpiece attraction, David Stookey, the event organizer, is well aware that much of our energy imports goes for transportation, we are working on setting up a table with transportation information. There can hardly be a more energy-efficient way to travel than by bicycle, so we want bicycling to be a real part of the event!
Thus I encourage all in the bike community to both come to the event if you can, and to let your contacts know about it by forwarding this e-mail (or an edited version!) I will have the new State Bicycle maps but anyone who has bicycle related handouts suitable for our transportation table, please reply to me so I can get the materials. David has the idea of a scavenger hunt for game for children, such as get answers to questions: Which bus line goes between Newport and the East Bay Bike Path is one of my examples which can be answered by the #60 bus schedules and the state bike maps.
Also, please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions about this please contact Barry Schiller, 353-6536, bschiller@ric.edu
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06.25.09
Posted in Events
by Mark Dieterich at 7:13 am
| June 27, 2009 |
| 10:00 am | to | 4:00 pm |
Looking for a new-to-you bike? The crew over at Recycle-A-Bike is having a yard sale this Saturday, from 10am - 4pm. Here’s the full scoop:
Bike Yard Sale this Saturday, 6/27 10 AM - 4 PM (weather
permitting) at The Steel Yard (27 Sims Ave. - map). Rain date is 7/11,
10 AM - 4 PM.
Used bikes range from $25 - $350
Proceeds benefit Recycle-a-Bike. www.recycleabike.org
So not only can you get yourself a new set of wheels, you can support a great program!
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06.23.09
Posted in Advocacy, Announcements
by Mark Dieterich at 8:45 pm
From Barry Schiller:
The RI General Assembly may be going into its last week but there is still a chance to pass a bill to enhance safety for bicyclists and other roadway users by banning text-messaging while driving.
A bill sponsored by Senator Sue Sosnowski, S204A, to do this has already overwhelmingly passed the State Senate and was sent to the House Corporations Committee which also has a similar bill, H5021, sponsored by Representative Joe McNamara who has often helped us with bike safety bills. Despite support from RIDOT, AAA as well as the bike community, and even in light of the well publicized MBTA text-messaging accident, the House Corporations Committee has not yet acted.
So, if you support this bill, please call the Committee Chair, Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy, at the Corporations Committee, 222-2369 and at least leave a message with the clerk there. As the Speaker has a lot to say about what bills pass, similarly consider calling the Speaker’s Office, 222-2466 where they will take messages. If you know the sponsors or other legislators, ask them to help, this is a common-sense safety measure for all.
You can point out the recent accidents caused by people texting while driving. I have been told that three AAA roadside repairmen have been killed in the past five years by drivers texting while trying to operate an automobile.
If you have a question or suggestion, please call Barry Schiller, 353-6536
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06.17.09
Posted in Programs
by Mark Dieterich at 8:59 pm
Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide an East Bay Bike Train on Monday, June 22nd. Look for us running at our usual time on Monday, June 29th!
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06.16.09
Posted in Events
by Mark Dieterich at 8:48 pm
| June 27, 2009 |
| 12:00 pm | to | 5:00 pm |
On June 27th, from 12pm - 5pm
The Providence Foundation is partnering with 7 different residential properties to showcase downtown Providence as a vibrant, walkable, bike friendly place to live!
[They] are organizing a FREE Downtown Living Tour on Saturday, June 27th, from 12-5, with support from the Downtown Neighborhood Alliance and livedowncity.com. More details are online: www.providencedowntown.com
If you’ve ever thought about moving to downtown Providence, this might be a good way to see what’s available. The person who contacted me with information said they are trying to encourage participants to either walk or bicycle between the various event locations.
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Posted in Events
by Mark Dieterich at 8:25 pm
| September 13, 2009 |
| 10:00 am |
On Sept. 4th, 2007, Frank Cabral was killed while cycling on RI-1. This nearby 25.5 mile safe loop celebrates his life and raises “share the road” awareness.
Fun family event goes on rain or shine. Over 200 participants last year. Pre-registration strongly encouraged. Police stationed at crossings.
When: Sunday, September 13th, 2009, rain or shine.
Start: Matunuck School, Matunuck Beach Road. Ride: 25.5 mile loop ride, not a race, around RI-1.
Inducements: Commemorative tee shirt; drawings among pre-registered riders for cash, gift cards to local businesses, and other prizes. Win up to $200!
Post Ride: Grill catered by Dean Scanlon, Chef/Owner of Pawtuxet’s L’Attitude Restaurant of hamburgers, hot dogs and vegan fare, with bags of chips, bottled water, fruit, power bars and drinks. Party with entertainment.
Pre-registration: $25 before August 25th, strongly encouraged. All proceeds rolled into staging event; remainder, if any, used to promote cycling safety. Send Check & Form: Lori DiBiasio, 90 Sheffield Street, Warwick, RI 02889
More information vist http://www.franksride.com
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06.15.09
Posted in Bike Commuting
by Mark Dieterich at 3:55 pm
I had the misfortune of needing to commute by car a number of times last week. Having forgotten how much I detest sitting in traffic, I again questioned why anyone would choose to do this!
It was a joy to be back on my bike this morning. Officially, I was leading one of the PBC Monday bike trains, so I had an excuse to just ride easy, take some time to enjoy the scenery, take in the waterfowl, observe the goslings, and admire other sights along the way. Suddenly, I came to a realization that over time I had turned my bike commute into something resembling an automotive commute. On a daily basis, my focus had become to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. While I certainly enjoyed riding my bike more than sitting in a car, I had completely forgotten about on of the best parts of bike commuting, the journey!
You can be sure I won’t be speeding along for some time to come. Rather I’m going to sit back, take an extra 10 minutes to commute, and just enjoy myself.
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06.11.09
Posted in Advocacy
by Mark Dieterich at 4:16 pm
At the beginning of the year, the House had two separate bills introduced. One would have banned text messaging while driving (H5021) and the other would have banned non-hands-free mobile phone and/or text messaging (H5022). In both cases, the House Corporations Committee has “recommended measure be held for further study”. In other words, the bills are effectively dead for this legislative session and will need to be reintroduced.
Keep your eyes open out there, people can still legally drive and text for at least another year 
Barry Schiller, who is much more knowledgeable in these matters than I am, added a comment to this post that just because it is held for further study, doesn’t mean it is completely dead. Furthermore, he adds that the Senate version of the bill has already passed and would encourage everyone to contact the House Corporations Committee and ask them to hear either H5021 and/or H5022. You can contact the chair of the House Corporations Committee via email at rep-kennedy@rilin.state.ri.us or phone (401) 377-8818. There is VERY LITTLE TIME left, so if you are interested in seeing this pass call or email now.
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